45 32 1900 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f072b433e515fb4da33ab4a2a59b3092.pdf 59ab19b15d9742b03809930cd501a1cb PDF Text Text 46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 2 February 2008 Rescue at Sea USNS Arctic CIVMARS Help Save 7 Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the USNS Arctic recently helped rescue seven foreign mariners who had been drifting in a raft for two days in the central Arabian Gulf. From left, one of the USNS Arctic’s MH-60S helicopters safely lifts one of the stranded mariners; the USNS Arctic sails through rough seas, as pictured from aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Harry S Truman; and some of the survivors are welcomed aboard ship. Page 2. (U.S. Navy Photos) H o s p i t a l S h i p U S N S C o m fo r t Returns After Successful Mission Seafarers Deliver More MRAPs For U.S. Troops SIU members continued their mission as part of America’s fourth arm of defense when the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pililaau recently delivered the largest load of life-saving “MRAP” vehicles to date to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. One of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles is pictured driving up the Pililaau’s stern ramp in Charleston, S.C. Page 8. SIU CIVMARS aboard the USNS Comfort last year helped complete a successful fourth-month humanitarian mission that saw the hospital ship deliver much-needed care in Latin America and the Caribbean. Above, OS Bobby D’Angelo power washes the vessel’s deck. More photos and a recap of the mission appear on page 24. Byrd Joins Gov’t Services Fleet List of TWIC Enrollment Centers Page 3 Page 4 Tax Tips Pages 12-13 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 2 President’s Report U.S. Shipbuilding Remains Vital Every industry sees its share of ups and downs, and American commercial shipbuilding is no exception. As we move further into the New Year, I’m happy to note that things are on an upswing at several domestic yards. Challenges always remain, but the tanker construction programs in Philadelphia and San Diego, along with ATBs being delivered from other yards, clearly are positive developments for our industry and our nation. It seems to me the value in maintaining a strong commercial shipbuilding capability is, at the very Michael Sacco least, good common sense. Doing so maintains family-wage jobs and protects U.S. national and economic security by helping prevent too much reliance on other countries. The rationale in some ways is the same as what we know to be true of the U.S. Merchant Marine: As a nation, we simply cannot afford to be without the reliable manpower or the industrial capabilities found in the maritime industry – particularly in the post-9/11 world. Naturally, this belief isn’t confined to the commercial side. Since our country’s earliest days, naval power has been a key part of a strong defense strategy. We’ve heard the idea summarized time and time again. “America is a maritime nation.” “America is an island nation.” However it’s expressed, the bottom line is the same: Important strategic interests will be put at risk if U.S. naval power is allowed to fall below a certain level. Undoubtedly with that in mind, years ago, Congress and the Reagan administration undertook a buildup for the U.S. Navy. By 1987, the fleet reached slightly more than 560 vessels. In that year alone, 17 replacement vessels were built. But ever since then, the annual build rate has declined sharply. For instance, in 2006, only four new vessels were built. Not surprisingly, the U.S. Navy has fallen below 300 vessels. Unless some corrective action is taken soon, the United States fleet will soon fall below 200 vessels. As Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.), a former secretary of the Navy and Marine officer, put it last month, “Simply stated, we are decommissioning Navy ships faster than we are building them. It’s imperative that we reverse this steady slide in shipbuilding.” The decline of the U.S. Navy is not happening in a vacuum. Again to cite just one example for comparison’s sake, China has been investing heavily in its naval fleet. In certain areas, most notably submarines, it already has overtaken the U.S. The technological advantage that the U.S. once enjoyed is steadily shrinking, too. For years, the SIU – often working through the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department – has fought this trend. In addition to the obvious strategic benefits, increased naval construction in U.S. shipyards generates hundreds of thousands middle-class jobs for American workers. These jobs in turn generate badly needed tax revenues and benefits that some U.S. workers would not otherwise enjoy. There is a core of lawmakers in both the House and Senate who recognize the danger of allowing the U.S. Navy to fall below a certain fleet level. A “Sense of the Congress” resolution was introduced in the 109th Congress calling for a 375-vessel naval fleet. Also in the 109th Congress, the Chief of Naval Operations unveiled a plan to stabilize the fleet at a 313-vessel level. Last year in the first session of the 110th Congress, the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee took the lead on this matter. It issued a report stressing that U.S. shipbuilding is “desperately in need of stability.” The subcommittee concluded that the only way to achieve that is by increasing production. While Congress failed to make headway on many funding bills last year, one that it did pass (H.R. 3222), approved $16 billion for the procurement of nine naval vessels. That is five above the administration’s original budget request. The additional ships include an amphibious transport dock ship, three combat force logistics ships and enough money to begin work on a second attack class submarine. This is an important step in the right direction, and I applaud Congress for increasing the build rate. It’s a movement that must continue in the years ahead, because maintaining both a viable naval and commercial shipbuilding capacity clearly is in the best interests of our great nation. Volume 70, Number 2 February 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. 2 Seafarers LOG The USNS Arctic’s two MH-60S helicopters deploy for the rescue mission. CIVMARS Rescue UAE Mariners SIU CIVMARS aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T AOE 8) helped rescue seven United Arab Emirates mariners adrift in a raft for two days in the central Arabian Gulf. The rescue took place Dec. 23. While conducting replenishment at sea with the Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), the Arctic received a bridge-to-bridge radio call from the British-flagged cargo vessel MV British Courage requesting assistance rescuing the stranded mariners, who were floating approximately three miles ahead of the Truman. The ships performed an emergency breakaway, and the Arctic dispatched two MH-60S helicopters to the scene. The Arctic put one rescue swimmer in the water who recovered the four Pakistanis and three Indian mariners. The helicopter crews took the mariners to the Truman for medical treatment, food and water. All were in good condition. The mariners had been transporting cargo from Dubai when their boat sailed into rough seas and broke its keel. When the vessel started taking on too much water to remain afloat, the mariners abandoned ship into a life raft where they remained for two days before the rescue. Members Show Strong Interest In New Seafarers 401(k) Plan Membership response to the new Seafarers 401(k) Plan has been plentiful and positive, according to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “We have received encouraging feedback from eligible members and we are optimistic that a large cross-section of the membership will participate in the Seafarers 401(k) Plan and enjoy all the benefits it offers,” Bowen noted. Based on initial feedback, the Seafarers Plans in conjunction with the SIU team of financial advisors at Smith Barney put together a summary of some of the most frequently asked questions about the new plan, as follows: What is the contribution limit for 2008? The contribution limit for 2008 is $15,500 (or $20,500 if you are 50 or older). You may make your contributions as traditional pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions or a combination of both. However, the total amount of contributions (pre-tax + Roth) can not exceed the dollar limits referenced in this paragraph. What is the difference between a traditional 401(k) contribution and a Roth 401(k) contribution? A traditional 401(k) contribution reduces your current income for tax purposes (“pre-tax”). Your contributions and investment earnings grow tax deferred. In the future, when you receive distributions from the Plan, those distributions will be taxable as ordinary income. A Roth contribution does not reduce your current income for tax purposes (“after-tax”). Your contributions and investment earnings grow tax deferred. In the future, when you receive “qualified” distributions from the Plan (meaning you are at least 59 ½ years old and commenced Roth 401(k) participation at least 5 years earlier), your distributions will be received free of federal income tax. If you think your tax bracket in retirement may be higher than your tax bracket while you’re working, you may be a good candidate to make Roth 401(k) contributions. Who is eligible for the Plan and what is the process for enrolling in the Plan? You are eligible to participate if you are working under the standard freightship or standard tanker agreements as well as many other SIU contracts. (Please check with your port agent to see if your company participates.) As contracts are renegotiated in 2008, additional SIU members will become eligible to participate. Everyone who is eligible should have received an enrollment kit. The kit includes a DVD introducing the Seafarers 401(k) Plan, which we encourage everyone to watch. Also in the kit are the enrollment forms. There are three simple forms you must complete. ■ Enrollment Form - This form asks for your personal information such as name, address and date of birth. This is also the form where you specify the percentage of your pay you wish to contribute pre-tax, and / or the percentage you wish to make as an after-tax Roth contribution. Please note that any time you change employers, you must complete a new enrollment form. ■ Investment Election Form - You may put together your own portfolio by picking a combination of funds from the 20 available investment options. Or, you may simply choose from one of four risk-based model portfolios (conservative, moderate, moderate aggressive or aggressive). ■ Beneficiary Election Form - Note that if you are married and wish to designate someone other than your spouse as beneficiary, your spouse must consent in writing, and that consent must be notarized. Once you have completed and signed these forms, please return them to your ship’s captain. The captain will then forward the forms to your employer’s HR department for further processing. Also please note that the aforementioned forms (and other information) are available in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section of the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. How can I get additional investment guidance and/or financial planning assistance? Call Smith Barney at 800-421-5127. Larry Goldstock, vice president and financial planning specialist at Smith Barney, described the Seafarers 401(k) Plan as “a potentially great way to accumulate a portion of the personal savings that may be needed to fund a financially secure retirement. Our approach to investing is based on our time-tested way of doing business. We offer our clients intelligent counsel based on our research, intellect and hard work. It’s an approach that has helped our clients work toward their financial goals since Smith Barney was established over a century ago.” February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 3 4th ‘Lewis and Clark’ Ship Delivered to MSC USNS Byrd to Join Gov’t Services Fleet The U.S. Military Sealift Command last month accepted delivery of the dry/cargo ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd in San Diego. The ship, to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, was built by General Dynamics NASSCO. The USNS Byrd, designated T-AKE 4, is the fourth in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships which deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups, allowing them to stay at sea for extended periods of time. MSC took delivery of the vessel on Jan. 8. The agency noted that the T-AKEs will replace some of the older vessels in the Kilauea and Sirius classes, respectively. The former are ammunition ships while the latter are combat stores vessels. MSC further reported that the USNS Byrd was scheduled for a short “shakedown cruise” in late January, during which crew members were to test “a range of shipboard operations including a mock ammunition transfer that will use shipboard cranes to lift dummy ordnance onto Byrd’s deck from barges. This is the first such test ever done aboard a TAKE.” The 689-foot USNS Byrd is expected to deploy on its first operational mission this summer. The first ship of the class, the USNS Lewis and Clark, recently completed a deployment in the Persian Gulf. The USNS Lewis and Clark was replaced in theater by the second ship of the class, the USNS Sacagawea. NTSB: 1st-Tripper Was on Watch When Majestic Boat Grounded The Associated Press has reported that the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report on the May 14, 2007 grounding of Majestic America Line’s sternwheeler riverboat, the Empress of the North, off the coast of Alaska shows there was a new employee – who had received no training aboard the vessel and was unfamiliar with the waters being traversed – on watch at the time the ship hit a submerged portion of a charted rock. The ship grounded 25 miles southwest of Juneau when it was on its second day of a seven-day cruise, forcing the evacuation of 206 passengers. After the grounding, the vessel apparently drifted into the vicinity of Hanus Reef. Some passengers had minor injuries. While the NTSB preliminary report drew no conclusions, it cited that Marino Cattiotti was assigned a four-hour watch from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. because another navigator fell ill. According to the AP, Cattiotti told NTSB investigators that he recently graduated from the California Maritime Academy and was unfamiliar with the waters, received no training on that ship and had not participated in any drills aboard the vessel. The AP reported that the NTSB interviewed six instructors of Cattiotti’s where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation. The instructors reportedly told the NTSB they believe “in general, placing a recent graduate of the school with no watch experience outside of a training environment, at night, in pilotage waters, in an unfamiliar vessel, without additional preparation and/or supervision, was imprudent.” It could be months before the NTSB releases a full final report, but it has made available a few more details about the grounding when it stated that the crew was apparently trying to complete a turn, and failed, when the ship “raked across a rocky shoal.” The NTSB is expected to report later as to why the event occurred. According to Seattle Times, the Majestic America Line ship has run into trouble since its launch in 2003. Here are the details the paper cites: — Oct. 22, 2003: Hits a navigation lock at the Ice Harbor dam on the Snake River near Pasco. The lock was closed to all traffic for two days and remained closed to recreational boats for about five weeks, when it was repaired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. — Nov. 27, 2003: Develops steering problems on the Columbia River near The Dalles, Ore., and runs aground. A passenger and two crew members suffer minor injuries. The ship works free on its own power and ties up at a barge dock. — Feb. 25, 2006: Fails a sanitation test by inspectors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Mid-March, 2006: 26 passengers and seven crew members get sick with vomiting and diarrhea during a five-day Columbia River cruise. — March 24, 2006: Runs aground on a sandbar near Washougal, Wash., as it tries to avoid a barge. Nearly 200 passengers are evacuated. Crews pump 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the vessel to make it easier to refloat, and two tug boats free it. — May 14, 2007: Begins taking on water after it runs aground off the Alaska coast, forcing the evacuation of more than 200 passengers before it is able to move again with a Coast Guard escort. February 2008 The USNS Byrd is designed to support U.S. Navy missions. NASSCO Starts Construction on 2nd Tanker for U.S. Shipping Partners Construction on the second ship in a new class of Seafarers-contracted product carriers (PC-1) began Jan. 22 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The double-hulled vessel is being built for U.S. Shipping Partners and is scheduled to be delivered in early 2009. It is one of nine such tankers scheduled to be constructed at NASSCO. The build program itself includes options for five additional ships. Each PC-1 ship will be 600 feet long, displace about 49,000 deadweight tons and have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels. The ships are based on a design of DSEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering of Okpo, Korea. As reported earlier in the LOG, NASSCO began construction of the first tanker in the series in August. U.S. Shipping Partners previously announced that the ship will be named Golden State, the state nickname of California. General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,600 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. In addition to the PC-1 program, the San Diego shipyard has contracts to build nine T-AKE class dry cargo-ammunition ships for the U.S. Navy (vessels that will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division), and an agreement to build up to five additional ships. U.S. Shipping Partners’ current fleet includes the ITF Baltimore, ITB Groton, ITB Jacksonville, ITB Mobile, ITB New York, ITB Philadelphia, SS Chemical Pioneer, MV Houston, MV Charleston, MV Sea Venture and ATB Freeport. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Reports Continued Progress For SIU-Contracted Tanker Program In early January, steel cutting began on the next tanker being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (Hull 011). The first three vessels in the initial series of 12 double-hulled, environmentally friendly tankers were delivered last year, and start of production on Hull 011 brings the number of ships currently under construction at the yard to four. The ship is scheduled for completion in 2009. According to the shipyard, consistent with the build method for all vessels in the Veteran class series, the first steel plates cut for this ship will The Overseas Houston is the first in a series of SIUcontracted tankers being built in Philadelphia. The vessel is one of three such ships already in operation. be used in construction of the engine room of the 46,000 deadweight ton (dwt) product tanker. Upon completion, the initial 12 tankers will be owned by Aker American Shipping and bareboat chartered to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc (OSG). As previously reported, Aker American Shipping in late November announced it has entered into an “option agreement” with the shipyard to build up to 13 more product tankers at a total contract value of $1.3 billion. With this agreement, Aker American Shipping stated that the company aims to expand its fleet from 12 to 25 state-of-the-art vessels. APL Balboa Re-Flagging Means More SIU Jobs SIU mariners will soon crew the APL Balboa, a containership that is being reflagged into APL Maritime Ltd.’s U.S.-registered fleet. The Balboa has been operating in APL Maritime’s international fleet under Singapore registery but will now fly the U.S. flag. The 397-foot ship is scheduled to operate in a commercial feeder service in the Arabian Gulf. The re-flagging of the Balboa represents new U.S. tonnage and U.S. jobs available to SIU members. The move follows 2007 trends of adding new tonnage under the U.S. flag by companies such as APL Maritime and Maersk. Seafarers LOG 3 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 4 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 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 will be repeated (in various forms) in upcoming issues 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. 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 regularly appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Regular updates are anticipated. Seafarers are advised that although preenrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov ENROLLMENT TSA states that applicants must apply at a TWIC enrollment center and that TSA will be expanding the number of centers and also providing mobile enrollment centers. The enrollment process consists of the following components: optional pre-enrollment, in-person enrollment, security threat assessment and notification of the results, and issuance of the TWIC to the applicant. Applicants may pre-enroll online to enter all of the biographic information required for the threat assessment and make an appointment at the enrollment center to complete the process (although appointments are not required). Then, applicants must visit the enrollment center where they will pay the enrollment fee, complete a TWIC Application Disclosure Form, provide biographic information and a complete set of fingerprints, and sit for a digital photograph. The applicant must bring identity verification documents to enrollment and in the case of aliens, immigration documents that verify their immigration status, so that the documents can be scanned into the electronic enrollment record. What documentation is required? Applicants must provide the appropriate TWIC Enrollment Centers The following is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-January, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address:http://www.tsa.gov/what_we _do/layers/twic/twic_faqs.shtm When visiting that link, scroll down for the current list of enrollment centers. 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 many more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. To open a copy of the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan” – in PDF format – go to: http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule_1_11_08.pdf Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 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 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 4 Seafarers LOG 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 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Georgia Power Plant McManus 1 Crispen Island Drive Brunswick, GA 31523 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, HI 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois 8741 South Greenwood Dixon Building Chicago, IL 60619-7061 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 111 W. Washington Street Suite 346 East Peoria, IL 61611-2532 documents in order to verify their identity. A complete list of such documents was published in the January LOG and is available at www.tsa.gov/twic. A valid merchant mariner document meets the requirement. COSTS AND PAYMENT The fee for a TWIC will be $132.50 and it is valid for five years. Workers with current, comparable background checks may pay a reduced fee of $105.25. If workers are eligible to pay the lower price, their TWIC will expire 5 years from the date of the comparable credential. The cost of a replacement TWIC, if the original is lost, stolen or damaged is $60. What are the methods of payment? Payment must be made with credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), money order, or certified/cashier’s check. Checks should be made payable to Lockheed Martin. An additional option has been provided through the use of company purchased pre-paid debit cards. For companies choosing to use the prepaid option, the website is http://www.twiccard.com. In all cases, payment will be made at the enrollment center at the beginning of the enrollment process. What is the fee for a replacement card? The card replacement fee (for lost, stolen, or damaged TWICs) is $60. SECURITY ASSESSMENT What does this assessment consist of? The assessment includes checks against criminal history records, terrorist watch lists, and immigration status. If no adverse information is disclosed, TSA typically completes a security threat assessment in less than ten days. However, processing time increases for an applicant with a criminal history or other disqualifying information, and is further lengthened if the applicant initiates an appeal or waiver. This security threat assessment is the same for those applying for, transferring, or renewing a HAZMAT endorsement (HME) on their state-issued commercial drivers licenses (CDL). WAIVERS AND APPEALS Is there going to be an appeals and waivers process? Yes. Applicants who are denied a TWIC will be notified of the reason for denial and instructed on how to apply for an appeal or waiver. All applicants have the opportunity to appeal a disqualification, and may apply to TSA for a waiver if disqualified for certain crimes, or if they are aliens in Temporary Protected Status. Applicants who seek a waiver and are denied may seek review by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 New Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 076061345 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 James Drive East Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 213 W. Main Street Suite 204C Salisbury, MD 21801-4871 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 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 2680 Grand Island Boulevard Suite 1 Grand Island, NY 14072 North Carolina Suite 102 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403-4761 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway A Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 916 River Street Ontonagon, MI 49953-1622 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Minnesota 34 13th Avenue, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413-1002 Oregon 621 SW Morrison Street Portland, OR 97205 2161 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114-1300 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 3214 2nd Avenue East International Falls, MN 566498955 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue, Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 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 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 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 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303-2271 February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 5 Legislation Establishes Marine Highway Program On Dec. 19, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which contains provisions establishing a formal marine highway program within the federal government. Under the new law, marine highway or “short sea” transportation refers to the carriage by vessel of cargo in containers, loaded on the vessel by cranes or by means of wheeled technology. Of particular significance to the SIU and the rest of the maritime community are provisions contained in the bill promoting short sea shipping initiatives as an instrument to alleviate landbased cargo and passenger transport congestion. Specifically, the Department of Transportation is charged with the development of a short sea transportation program and the designation of selected projects to document the potential advantages of utilizing marine highway alternatives. Such projects would include the use of short sea shipping routes to accommodate federally owned or generated cargo movements and programs to further cooperation between local, state, regional and federal transportation entities to foster marine highway operations. Additionally, operators would be able to access the Capital Construction Fund for financing the construction of vessels to be deployed in contiguous short sea shipping ventures. The union believes that the outlook for marine highway or short sea shipping is very positive and deserves the attention of the maritime and environmental communities. According to a governmentissued news release, a report on the marine highway transportation program must be submitted to Congress within one year. “It will include a description of the activities conducted under the program, and any recommendations for further legislative or administrative action that are considered appropriate.” U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton, testifying last year before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, pointed out, “By 2020, every major U.S. container port is expected to double the volume of cargo it must process, with East Coast ports tripling in volume and some West Coast ports quadrupling in volume. The United States is expected to import 30 million containers in 2010 and 40 million in 2020. The domestic tonnage of freight carried by all U.S. systems will increase by 67 percent, while international trade is expected to at least double. Presently, this domestic freight is carried almost exclusively by road or rail – coastal shipping handles only two percent of our domestic freight, even though coastal counties hold more than half of the nation’s population…. “Clearly, the nation’s marine highway can help mitigate this congestion,” he continued. “The world’s waterways are an infinite system, and our marine highways have infinite capacity. Unlike rail and roads, there are no fixed infrastructure costs to develop transportation routes, and ships can carry more cargo per dollar than any other method of transport. The full scope of America’s marine highway – a system that includes not only our coastal waters, but our inland waterway system and the Great Lakes – is enormous and if properly utilized and integrated, can help us expand our way out of the crises before us.” Sean Connaughton U.S. Maritime Administrator Administration Report ITF Week of Action a Success Efforts Bring Results for Crews in India, Sri Lanka Cites Vital Role of U.S. Merchant Marine In a report examining many aspects of the nation’s marine transportation system, the United States Maritime Administration (MarAd) strongly credits the U.S. Merchant Marine as an integral part of national security. The agency published the 47page report in late 2007. It is titled, “The Maritime Administration and the U.S. Marine Transportation System: A Vision for the 21st Century.” Besides recognizing mariners for their historic reliability and present-day importance, the report looks at maritime and the economy; the nation’s port system and marine highways; public-private partnerships in the industry; workforce development; environmental issues; the Ready Reserve Force; and successful laws and programs including cargo preference, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), and more. Where mariners are concerned, the agency notes, “The U.S. Merchant Marine has been an integral part of America’s defense establishment since the founding of the nation…. Since then, time and again the men, women and vessels of the merchant marine have supported America’s armed forces in periods of war and national emergency. Thousands of American mariners have died, been wounded or taken prisoner during those conflicts…. “Those who would do great harm to the United States, its people and interests pose a real danger. Safeguarding freedom and security involves a global commitment. The U.S. Merchant Marine has had and will continue to take a leading February 2008 role in that struggle in times of peace as well as war and national emergency.” The report goes on to point out that U.S. national defense has relied heavily on the U.S. commercial sector for more than two centuries, and continues doing so today. “This includes using ships as naval auxiliaries, vessels to transport military personnel and supplies and trained seafarers for naval service. “...The United States simply cannot respond to conflicts or emergencies overseas without sealift. It is figuratively and literally a lifeline to U.S. armed forces and their missions.” ---MarAd Report, 2007 For the maritime transportation system today, defense mobilization still equates to having a strong industrial base as well as sufficient U.S. commercial ships and civilian crews available to meet defense sealift requirements…. The United States simply cannot respond to conflicts or emergencies overseas without sealift. It is figuratively and literally a lifeline to U.S. armed forces and their missions. This is being proven once again during the current Global War on Terrorism…. “It is also essential that the active commercial U.S.-flag fleet and its intermodal systems are available to serve the United States’ military and economic needs.” The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in early January took a week-long action against the so-called flagof-convenience (FOC) system in Indian and Sri Lankan ports. During the successful week of action, more than 100 inspections were carried out on board FOC vessels, also known as runaway-flag ships. The inspections were instrumental in yielding concrete results including the securing of more than $1 million in back pay claims and signing new ITF agreements, which help ensure fair wages and working conditions for mariners. The federation’s efforts weren’t confined to a single week. After the mobilization’s scheduled conclusion, the ITF team in Chennai stayed on board the Panamanianflagged Global Flora in an attempt to persuade its Japanese owners to sign an ITF agreement with the Japanese Seafarers’ Union (JSU). Members of the dockers union in Chennai are also standing firm in the face of the managers’ delaying tactics; they are determined to secure the Filipino seafarers on board a respectable wage. The action continued at press time for the LOG. In Mumbai, the ITF inspector on board the Maltese-flagged, Norwegian-owned and Korean-managed Samho Jewelry discovered that the Croatian, Russian, Polish and Burmese crew members were being paid less than the minimum ITF wage rates. However, following the action, the owner agreed to sign an ITF agreement with the Korean Seafarers’ Union; the agreement will cover not only mariners on board the Samho Jewelry, but also those on another of its vessels, the Samho Heron. Prospects of an ITF agreement for mariners on the Panamanian-flagged Rabbana also seem bright, the federation reported. Inspections of the Panamanian-flagged, Sri Lankan-owned Windsor Ruby, which also took place in Mumbai, revealed that crew members were being paid much less than stipulated by the ITF agreement that the owners had signed. The Sri Lankan mariners had been afraid to speak out, but the ITF inspectors’ prompt action led to an agreement by the owner to settle their back pay claim for two months’ wages, amounting to around $24,000. Mahendra Sharma, deputy regional secretary of the ITF Asia Pacific regional office, said the week of action “was a resounding success and we are very happy with the out- comes. Apart from signing new agreements and claiming back pay wages, action by ITF inspectors has led to the signing of ITF agreements by unions in the beneficial ownership countries. Certainly credit is due for this to dockers’ and seafarers’ unions in India and Sri Lanka.” 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 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 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.” The federation further notes that while the political component of the FOC campaign “has not so far succeeded in preventing a constant growth in ships using FOC registers, the industrial campaign has succeeded in enforcing decent minimum wages and conditions on board nearly 5,000 FOC ships. In addition, the ITF has become the standardbearer for exploited and mistreated seafarers, irrespective of nationality or trade union membership, throughout the world. Every year millions of dollars are recovered by the ITF and its affiliated unions in back pay and in compensation for death or injury on behalf of seafarers who have nowhere else to turn.” Compliance with ITF-recognized agreements is monitored by a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors in ports throughout the world. The contracts themselves stem from policies developed by ITF maritime affiliates over many years. Those policies seek to establish minimum acceptable standards applicable to seafarers serving on FOC vessels. Seafarers LOG 5 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 6 Deck department members (left to right) OS Philip Forman, OS Anthony Clemons, AB Miles Janecka, AB Christopher Johnson and Bosun Adrian Jones Pictured from left to right are QMED Antuan Barnes, QMED Jim Barker, Electrician Ralph Garner and Wiper George Lavender. The USNS Pomeroy arrives at Gwangyang, South Korea. USNS Pomeroy is MSC’s ‘New Kid on the Block’ in Pacific Captain Commends Crew for Hard Work, Safe Operations Editor’s note: USNS Pomeroy Captain Mike F. Finnigan wrote the following story and submitted the accompanying photos. The vessel, operated by Maersk Line Limited, is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship, abbreviated as LMSR. The USNS Pomeroy has just started its new deployment with the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three in the Guam/Saipan operations area. At the start of the deployment the Pomeroy completed its load-out in Charleston, S.C., and made stops in Busan and Gwangyang, South Korea in addition to Sasebo, Japan. The USNS Pomeroy completed one lift for MSC and the United States Marine Corps by repositioning cargo from Gwangyang to Okinawa at the start of the new deployment. We are the new kids on the block and we are looking forward to joining the rest of the MPSRON 3 Squadron, who have been on station for many years. The squadron is made up of 10 vessels total: the MV PFC James Anderson Jr., MV 1ST LT Alex Bonnyman, MV MAJ Bernard F. Fisher, MV CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr., SS Cape Jacob, USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus, USNS 1ST LT Harry L. Martin, SS MAJ Stephen W. Pless, USNS PFC Ralph E. Pomeroy, and VADM K.R. Wheeler. The crew of the USNS Pomeroy had the chance to meet the commodore of MPSRON 3, Captain Ulysses O. Zalamea, and the staff of MPSRON 3 while in Korea. This was a great opportunity for the commodore to come aboard and meet the crew on a routine workday. I want to thank the crew for their hard work getting the vessel ready for deployment. The vessel also just completed its U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection and ABS Annual Inspections while in Korea. The AMO officers and the SIU mariners and the MPSRON 3 staff take pride in their job each and every day to make sure the vessel is “mission ready.” You can see a direct result of all the training the crew attends at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center and the AMO Star Center by the condition of the vessel. I would like to relay to all the training instructors that all their hard work and training efforts do pay off, and the crew AB King Scott shares many of the skills they learned from you all each day. The vessel also works with a strong safety culture instilled in each crew member. Maersk Line Limited’s “Safety Boot Camp” program with the SIU and Continued on next page Storekeeper Chris Maye Steward department members SA Paul Patrick, SA Paul San Nicholas, SA Simplicia Twohie, Chief Steward Milton Sivells, SA Jacqueline Sivells and SA Recuerdo Inciong. 6 Seafarers LOG The USNS Pomeroy approaches the docks in Gwangyang, South Korea. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 7 Cargo is loaded in Gwangyang. OS Anthony Clemons, AB Oliver Daily, QMED James Barker, Bosun Adrian Jones. QMED Antuan Barnes (left), Electrician Ralph Garner QMED James Barker takes a meal break. OS Philip Forman (Left) and AB Miles Janecka prep lifeboats for U.S. Coast Guard inspection. AB William Fielding (left) and a member of Securewest Security try to stay warm. Pomeroy Begins Deployment in Guam Continued from Page 6 the AMO gives the crew a chance to talk directly with senior management of Maersk Line Limited and to understand their goals toward safe operating procedures for the crew and the environment. Chief Mate William McClusky, 1st Asst. Engineer Kevin Murphy, Bosun Adrian Jones, Storekeeper Chris Maye and Chief Steward Milton Sivells along with their departments stepped up to help out with the cargo lift. With the additional 30 Super Cargo aboard the crew stayed busy with 73 (people) aboard. The ability of the vessel to help support Military Sealift Command on a short-notice cargo lift shows the determination of the crew to keep the vessel mission ready at all times. The USNS Pomeroy was on a Persian Gulf run to Kuwait for the last few years and knows that the vessel can be called upon or called forward at any time. The USNS Pomeroy crew enjoyed the stay in Korea. There is a large amount of history between the USNS Pomeroy and the Korean Peninsula. Ralph Pomeroy is a Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War. His Medal Of Honor Citation can be found at www.msc.navy.mil The USNS Pomeroy keeps information aboard the ship about the Korean War history and a copy of the last letter that Ralph Pomeroy sent to his family dated 14 October 1952, the day before he was killed in action, along with various pictures. Pomeroy was killed while defending his company from North Korean forces. Fighting off charge after charge and mortar attack, PFC Pomeroy died after the battle turned to hand-tohand combat. Chief Steward Milton Sivells and SA Simplicia Twohie help throw a barbeque for U.S. Marines aboard the USNS Pomeroy. Chief Cook Toni Johnson helps dish up Thanksgiving dinner. February 2008 The SIU-crewed LMSR loads a military vehicle in Gwangyang for repositioning. Seafarers LOG 7 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 8 SIU-Crewed USNS Pililaau Completes Largest Delivery of Life-Saving MRAPs Seafarers continued their mission as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense when the SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau recently delivered the largest load of life-saving “MRAP” vehicles to date to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Pililaau in mid-December loaded more than 200 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles in Charleston, S.C. and then safely transported them. Previously, other SIU-crewed ships including the Alliance New York and the SS Great Land delivered other cargoes of MRAPs to U.S. troops overseas. MRAPs are designed to protect occupants against armor-piercing roadside bombs. “Our ultimate mission is always to support the war fighter, and we take that very seriously,” said Navy Captain George Galyo, commander of MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic, and operational commander for the recent Pililaau load. “We are going to ensure that this vital equipment is under way on time in the most efficient manner possible.” The agency described the 950-foot Pililaau – a roll-on/roll-off ship – as “ideally suited” to carry the heavily armored vehicles. The vessel has 380,000 square feet of cargo capacity – accessible by ramps between each deck that allow the MRAPs to be driven aboard. “Pililaau was designed for just such a task,” said Tom D’Agostino, director of ship operations at the Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic office in Charleston. “In one load, the Pililaau can carry what could take a month to deliver by air. Pililaau helps us put these critically needed vehicles in the war fighters’ hands at the right place, at the right time, for the right price.” 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 Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-theart 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 20 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Engine Department Course Spotlight by acquiring their rating Fireman, Oiler and is the entry point for and Watertender transitioning military (FOWT) veterans. The U.S. Coast Guard-approved Fireman, Oiler and Watertender (FOWT) program prepares candidates to earn both the Fireman/WT and Oiler rating endorsements as well as STCW certification as a Rating Forming Part of the Engineering Watch. This course completes the unlicensed apprenticeship program for engineering students These two images show the new mineresistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles inside and out. SIU-crewed ships recently delivered several cargoes of MRAPs for American troops overseas. The Department of Defense, U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps developed the “humvees on steroids” to better shield military personnel in Iraq from today’s maiming weaponry such as improvised exploding devices and mines. According to the Army, the vehicles have raised, V-shaped underbellies that deflect the force of improvised explosive devices and other blasts from below better than other vehicles in use. (U.S. Navy Photos) 8 This eight-week program consists of three course modules: Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (four weeks), Basic Motor Plant Operations (two weeks), and Basic Steam Plant Operations (two weeks). The program makes extensive use of computerized simulators. Students are assessed via written examinations with a primary emphasis on practical marine engineering plant operations while in a support role, as well as a practical demonstration of job-related skills. Students are required to perform those tasks associated with the performance of their job duties as a watchstander, including routine maintenance performed while on watch. Honoring Newly Retired Captain Unlicensed Apprentice Baum Earns Diploma SIU Captain William F. Carter (seated in photo) retired from Express Marine, Inc. in early November. He received a Chelsea ship’s clock with a brass plate expressing the company’s gratitude for his many years of service. Dick Walling (left), owner of Express Marine, presented the clock to Brother Carter, who for the last five years commanded the tug Consort, operating in the northeast. Christopher L. Baum (second from left), a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class No. 693, recently earned his high school diploma through the program run by the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Presenting him with the diploma and congratulating him at the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and VP Contracts George Tricker. Seafarers LOG February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 9 Human resources personnel from Maersk Line Limited were among the special guests who attended the December 21 Christmas luncheon in the port of Norfolk, Va. Pictured above (from left) are Robert Lambourne, dispatcher; Jeff Londonsky, port captain; and HR Director Dennis Houghton (fourth from left). Joining them are Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (third from left) and SIU VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram. Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny welcomes Ed Hanvey to the holiday festivities in the port of Norfolk. Hanvey is vice president of labor relations for Maersk Line Limited. Holidays With Seafarers Officials, Members, VIPs Gather for Christmas Luncheon at Port of Norfolk Maurice Cokes (left), SIU Government Services representative, poses with STOS Cliff Page prior to the start of the Christmas luncheon. VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram, center, chats with Recertified Bosun Tony Maben (left) and ABG Donald Hood prior to the start of the luncheon. GUDE Harold Langley (above) and Sam Glickman (below) partake of the main course while other SIU members and guests make their way through the serving line (photo below at left). Langley sails aboard the USNS Regulus while Glickman is a longtime friend and neighbor to employees at the port of Norfolk. Compliments to the Chef A great time was had by all who attended the annual Christmas luncheon at the port of Norfolk. In photo above (from left), ABGs John Carr and Dino Marchions and CME Butch Vane (right) are all smiles after consuming a delicious meal complete with all of the trimmings. With them is Marchions’ mother, Dorothy (third from left). In photo at right, SA Michelle Woodley poses with VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram. February 2008 The Christmas luncheon was a huge success thanks largely to the efforts of SB Army Joe Leake who took the lead in catering the event. Leake serves as steward baker aboard the SIU-crewed Maersk Rhode Island. Seafarers LOG 9 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 10 Holidays With Seafarers Port of Jacksonville Hosts Annual Thanksgiving/Christmas Event More than 300 people—SIU members, their families, retirees and guests—turned out for the Nov. 17 Thanksgiving/Christmas luncheon at the Port of Jacksonville, Fla. In photo above, guests make their way through the serving line which boasted a wide variety of food items. Chief Steward May Sims (photo at far right) was one of several SIU members who volunteered their time and skills in preparing food for the event. Port of Jacksonville maintenance man Tommy Vain (left) makes his selections from the serving line while GUDE Wade Johnson and his family (above) take a pause from their meal. Enjoying one anothers’ company as well as a great meal (photo at right, from left) are ABs Curtis Dunlap, Damon Anderson, Janaro Jackson and Roosevelt Clark. A wonderful time was had by everyone in these four photos (starting at lower left) who participated in the Thanksgiving/Christmas event at the Port of Jacksonville. Shown in the photos (clockwise, left to right) are QMEDS Rene Vazquez and Jose Vazquez; Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter, Jacksonville Executive Assistant Karen Shuford and Carmen Troche. In the next photo are Laura, Kathleen, Pam and Donna from the union doctor’s office. In photo above, 3rd Cook Jamie Cayonte (left) entertains her friends. Pensioner George Vorise and his daughter Deme Vorise share a joyous moment (photo at right) prior to their meal. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 11 Holidays With Seafarers Annual Christmas Dinner Attracts Huge Turnout at Port of Houston More than 125 Seafarers, retirees and members of their families on Dec. 20 converged on the union hall in the Port of Houston for the annual Christmas dinner. In photo at left, Houston Patrolman Mike Russo and Pedro Castillo comply with a guest’s entree selections on the serving line. Prior to assembling and opening up the serving line Stewards Randy Stephens, Castillo and Fernando Guity were hard at work in the union hall’s galley area (photo at right) whipping up dishes. The trio, each member a specialist in their own right, relied on their collective experiences and expertise to craft an exceptional menu. The serving lines were filled with enthusiastic guests. In photo at left, Bosun John Cain lends his assistance in order to speed the serving process along. More Photos from the Port of Jacksonville Thanksgiving/Christmas Event Enjoying the food and good company at the Jacksonville event (clockwise from photo at left) are Chief Cook Tracey Newsome, AB Curtis Dunlap, OMU Nat Lapp and their friend; (above) AB Matt Arnold and his daughter, AB Jay Thomas and Recertified Steward Theodore Quammie; Wilmer Leiter and his friend; Jacksonville Patrolman Ashley Johnson and (photo at immediate right) Pensioner Leon Butler (center) and his wife, Elizabeth, and Karen Shuford, port of Jacksonville executive secretary. In addition to those pictured on this page and Page 10, a large contingent of guests from Coastal Maritime and Crowley also attended. February 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 12 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007? Following are some of the changes that will take effect in 2007, along with changes that remain in effect from 2006 from the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the 2005 Energy Tax Incentive Act, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, and other tax law changes. While the vast majority of taxpayers can file as usual, about 13.5 million taxpayers who file any of five tax forms affected by recent tax law changes related to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will have to wait until Feb. 11, 2008, to file their returns. The affected forms are: Form 8863 (Education Credits), Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits), Schedule 2 of the Form 1040A (Child and Dependent Care Expenses for Form 1040A filers), Form 8396 (Mortgage interest credit) and Form 8859 (District of Columbia First Time Home Buyer Credit). Standard Mileage Rates - The 2007 rate for business use of your vehicle is 48.5 cents a mile. The 2007 rate for use of your vehicle to get medical care or to move is 20 cents a mile. The 2007 rate for charitable services is 14 cents a mile. Exemption - The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,300 in 2006 to $3,400 in 2007. You lose all or part of the benefit of your exemptions if your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount. The amount at which the phase-out begins depends on your filing status. For 2007, the phase-out begins at: $234,600 for married people filing jointly and qualified widow(er) with dependent children, $195,500 for a head of household, $156,400 for single taxpayers; and $117,300 for married persons filing separately. Direct deposit of refunds - If you choose direct deposit of your refund, you may be able to split the refund into two or three accounts. Kiddie Tax - The limit on the so-called kiddie tax remains unchanged at $850 in 2007, but the cutoff age was raised from 14 to 18, effective in 2006. This means children under age 18 will pay no income tax on the first $850 of unearned income, such as capital gains or interest from a savings account, and will be taxed at their own rate (most likely 10%) on the next $850 (5% for long-term capital gains). Unearned income over $1,700 is taxed at the parents’ rate. Children 18 and older continue to pay tax at their own rate. For tax year 2008, the kiddie tax will apply not only to children under the age of 18 at the close of the tax year but to any children who continue to qualify to be claimed as a dependent and who are not contributing more than 50 % of their own support. Tax Credit for Hybrid Vehicles - In 2007, a credit is available for hybrid vehicles. The credit has two components—one based on the vehicle’s fuel economy and the other based on the estimated lifetime fuel savings. But you have to act fast. This credit will be phased out once the combined total of qualifying vehicles exceeds 60,000—regardless of model—sold after 2005 by the manufacturer for use in the US. Charitable Contributions - Beginning August 17, 2006, any donations of clothing and household items won’t be deductible unless the donated items are in good used or better condition. This means that the IRS may deny a deduction for any item that has minimal monetary value. However, this rule does not apply to a contribution of any single item for which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed and for which you include a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 with your tax return. Beginning in 2007, you may no longer deduct contributions made in cash or by check unless you can produce a bank record or a receipt, letter, or other written communication from the charitable organization. This should include the organization’s name and address, the date and location of the gift, and a description of property. This requirement applies to all “cash” contributions, regardless of the amount of the donation. Earned Income Credit (EIC) - The EIC is a credit for certain people who work. The credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. You may be able to take the EIC if: A child lived with you and you earned less than $37,783 ($39,783 if married filing jointly), or A child did not live with you and you earned less than $12,590 ($14,590 if married filing jointly). The maximum investment income you can have and still get the credit has increased to $2,900. Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child - In 2005, to simplify the tax law, the definition of a ‘qualified child’ changed for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elects Head of Household status, or takes the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendent of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student, or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than onehalf of his/her own support for the year. Foster Child - New rules apply to determine who is a foster child and when a foster child can be used to claim certain benefits. To claim a foster child as a qualifying child for any tax benefits, the child must be placed with a taxpayer by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree or other 12 Seafarers LOG order of any court of competent jurisdiction. A foster child no longer qualifies a taxpayer to use qualifying widow(er) filing status. Tuition and Fees Deductions - Taxpayers who choose to claim the tuition and fees deduction must fill out and attach new Form 8917. The resulting deduction is reported on Form 1040 Line 34 or Form 1040A Line 19. Note that many who qualify for the tuition and fees deduction may reap greater tax savings by instead claiming the Hope credit or the lifetime learning credit for a particular student. Residential and Non-Business Energy Efficient Property Credit - Credits are available on Form 5695 for any of the following improvements to your main home located in the United States in 2007 if they are new and meet certain requirements for energy efficiency. Examples include insulation material and metal roofs with pigmented coatings to reduce heat gain or loss, exterior windows and doors, and certain electric heat pump water heaters, electric heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, central air conditioners, and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters. Six-Month Automatic Extensions - Individuals will be able to file Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension of time to file. Also, almost all states have indicated they are following the IRS’s lead. Donations of Automobiles - There is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. Combat Pay - Some military personnel receiving combat pay get larger tax credits because of two law changes. The new law counts excludable combat pay as income when figuring the Child Tax Credit and gives the taxpayer the option of counting or ignoring combat pay when figuring the Earned Income Tax Credit. Counting combat pay as income when calculating these credits does not change the exclusion of combat pay from taxable income. Sales Tax Deduction - Taxpayers who itemize deductions will have a choice of claiming a state and local tax deduction for either sales or income taxes on their 2007 return. The IRS will provide optional tables for use in determining the deduction amount, relieving taxpayers of the need to save receipts throughout the year. Sales taxes paid on motor vehicles and boats may be added to the table amount, but only up to the amount paid at the general sales tax rate. Taxpayers will check a box on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, to indicate whether their deduction is for sales or income taxes. Mortgage Insurance Premiums May Be Deductible Many homeowners are paying mortgage insurance premiums which are now deductible as part of the mortgage interest deduction. This deduction begins at the start of 2007 and expires at the end of 2010. Mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Rural Housing Administration, and private mortgage insurance companies all qualify for the deduction. Debt Forgiveness - Taxpayers can exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on their principal residence. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return. This provision applies to debt forgiven in 2007, 2008 or 2009. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure qualifies for this relief. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) - is a parallel tax calculation method. Unlike the regular tax computation, the AMT disregards certain deductions, adds in certain income, and has a higher exemption amount. For 2007, the AMT exemption amount increased slightly: $44,350 for single filers, $66,250 for married people filing jointly and for qualifying widows or widowers, and $33,125 for married people filing separately. By comparison, the 2006 exemption amount for single filers was $42,500. The AMT exemption amounts are scheduled to decrease in 2008. Starting in 2007, taxpayers may receive a refundable credit for any used prior year minimum tax credit that has been carried forward from year 2003 or earlier. Additionally, new laws allow taxpayers to use most refundable personal credits to offset AMT liability. These include the dependent care, HOPE and Lifetime Learning education credits and the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer’s credit. Taxpayers should get out any carryover worksheets they have or AMT tax forms from earlier years in order to prepare their 2007 returns. TAX TIPS FOR As the LOG went to press, Congress was working on other tax law changes which may im return. Also, you may be mailing your return to a different address this year because the lope with your tax package, please use it. Otherwise, see Where HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. Itemized deductions and tax credits. Medical and dental payment records. Real estate and personal property tax receipts. Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 titled “Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals” is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800-2729829 or 1-888-729-1040 or visit web sites www.officialpayments.com or www.pay1040.com. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 74b, 74c and 74d on their Form 1040. Line 74b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 74c indicates the type of account, and line 74d is the taxpayer’s account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, visit the IRS web site at: www.irs.gov. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption— for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,400 per person. In 2007, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. A child cannot claim an exemption on his or her return or qualify for a higher education credit if the child’s parents claim a dependency exemption for their child. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual’s benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2007, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards, personal loans and tax deficiencies. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Club Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Deductions Subject to 2 Percent of Adjusted Gross Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee’s administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, unreimbursed employee expenses, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting Work-Related Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman’s work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union’s designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of workrelated clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute auto- STANDARD DEDUCTION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,050 for a married person or “spouse” or $1,300 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,400. Filing Status Standard Deduction Single . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,350 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,700 Married filing separate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,350 Head of household . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,850 February 2008 mob dard al co of t stan mile adde mile info oper inclu licen ciati I or th ing shou keep expe relat emp D Wh port the the outs the gene $58 com inclu if di they any T (Joh whe a fu rate whe the as a $3 a rate area exte dedu L 2007 ited $15 inco ing E able avai have adju tax have eligi tion ages prov inco fyin max Taxp $12 $42 inco qual cred $37 child the inco refu Taxp sche for t D Num Soc Indi depe thei Adm Adm usua rece C ers w a U paye tion are e amo child whe com filer �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 13 R MARINERS may impact your 2007 income taxes. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your e the IRS has changed the filing location for several areas. If you received an enveWhere Do You File? on the back cover of the instructions. mobile expenses—either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 48.5 cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only workrelated expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When Traveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $52 per day in the continental U.S. and $58 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $45. In some locations it is $58, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one’s work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. There has been a tax court case (Johnson v. Comm. 115 TC210[2000]) where a merchant seaman was denied a full deduction for the full M & IE rates. The court ruled that in situations where meals are provided at no cost, the incidental expense rate allowable as an itemized deduction is limited to $3 a day (in the continental U.S.) and rates ranging from $1 to $53 in other areas. In lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 2007, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $156,400 of federal adjusted gross income (or $78,200 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 2007, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer’s income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $12,590 and no qualifying children— $428 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $33,241 and with 1 qualifying child—$2,853 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $37,783 and with 2 or more qualifying children—$4,716 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EIC to see if they are eligible for the credit. Dependent’s Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may get a SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive a SSN. Child Tax Credit: In 2007, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $1,000 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or February 2008 $55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the “HOPE” credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,650 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after Jan. 1, 2007, taxpayers can take the “Lifetime Learning Credit,” that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student’s expenses. These credits are subject to income limitations. The phase-out of the credits begins for single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $47,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $57,000. For joint filers, the phase-out range is $94,000 to $114,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2007, the Lifetime Learning Credit will be $2,000. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: Education IRAs - Taxpayers can contribute up to $2,000 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary’s postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit is claimed. Traditional IRAs- The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2007 is $4,000. If a taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2007, the most that can be contributed will be $5,000. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range increased to $52,000-$62,000 for single, head of household, and $83,000-$103,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2006 are excluded from modified AGI. Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $4,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $99,000 and $114,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $156,000 and $166,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. Penalty-Free IRA Distributions - The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax penalty also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does not apply to distributions for an individual’s disability, medical care, or to a beneficiary after death of the individual. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank check or money order. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person’s last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2006, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: Jones Act settlements for lost wages. Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. Canceled debts State income tax refunds Rents Repayments Royalties Unemployment benefits Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. Endowments. Original Issue Discount. Distributions from selfemployed plans. Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. Lump-sum distributions. Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). Accumulation distributions from trusts. Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). Earned income from sources outside the United States. Director’s fees. Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. Embezzled or other illegal income. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: Benefits from government welfare programs. Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs. Maintenance and Cure. Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans’ Administration. Child support. Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. Dividends on veterans’ life insurance. Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death. Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayerrelated services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan. extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6month extension if, no later than April 16, 2007, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayer(s) have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Num ber), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er) and the Refund amount. (It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return.) WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11) ] provides that “no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year—was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. WHERE TO GET INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under “United States Government, Internal Revenue Service.” Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your 2005 refund, send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Seafarers LOG 13 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 14 Sailing with the SIU At Sea Aboard the Horizon Anchorage The photos appearing on this page were taken aboard the H/L Anchorage during a voyage which took place late last fall. Steward Baker Amanda Suncin cleans up a grill in Anchorage’s galley. AB Basil “Red” Stolen stands a wheel watch. ABs Jon Washburn and Shawn Strand paint side of H/L Anchorage’s house while at sea. QMED John Day (right), who also is the Anchorage’s engine delegate assists DEU Abdullah Ali in completing some documents. Chief Cook Pat Durnin prepares an entree for the dinner meal. SA Rene Caballero is hard at work in the galley of the H/L Anchorage. 14 Seafarers LOG February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Welcome Ashore DECEMBER 16, 2007 — JANUARY 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Newly retired Seafarers Sal Ciciulla (top photo, center) and Stanley “Butch” Vane (below, left) recently picked up their first pension checks. Congratulating Ciciulla (who sailed as a recertified bosun) at the hall in Jacksonville, Fla. are SIU Assistant VP Contracts Archie Ware and Karen Shuford, executive assistant. Presenting a check to Vane (a crane maintenance electrician for 29 years) at the hall in Norfolk, Va. is Port Agent Georg Kenny. 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 March & April 2008 Membership Meetings Piney Point ...........Monday: March 3, April 7 Algonac ................Friday: March 7, April 11 Baltimore..............Thursday: March 6, April 10 Boston ..................Friday: March 7, April 11 Guam ....................Thursday: March 20, April 24 Honolulu...............Friday: March 14, April 18 Houston ................Monday: March 10, April 14 Totals Jacksonville ..........Thursday: March 6, April 10 Joliet .....................Thursday: March 13, April 17 DECK DEPARTMENT 2 0 1 3 5 1 3 8 1 1 1 2 5 4 2 0 1 0 4 1 2 2 2 8 1 3 29 30 0 7 7 24 10 20 7 1 6 2 14 13 2 3 5 4 3 5 22 14 3 5 6 18 15 13 4 11 7 6 26 11 0 0 1 1 1 1 4 7 0 0 1 2 3 3 0 0 2 0 4 4 0 0 6 2 0 1 16 21 0 3 1 16 7 10 3 0 3 2 10 18 3 0 8 19 2 15 77 54 3 24 31 93 26 40 7 0 18 2 59 61 7 3 10 20 9 9 43 40 4 18 14 45 29 24 5 7 16 10 47 37 3 2 1 6 6 2 5 7 1 4 4 4 5 4 3 0 0 0 6 5 280 246 46 188 183 34 119 542 397 68 0 0 3 14 0 10 13 15 1 9 4 13 6 8 2 2 6 0 16 8 3 1 6 3 4 2 1 22 1 4 2 14 18 10 1 1 2 3 16 13 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 4 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 3 5 2 10 11 18 1 6 5 9 7 5 2 1 2 0 11 9 3 0 3 2 1 4 8 16 1 2 1 7 15 8 5 1 4 3 11 6 0 1 0 2 0 2 3 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 5 3 0 3 3 9 1 2 0 3 5 2 3 0 5 1 4 7 0 0 6 16 1 17 27 24 0 13 13 33 13 17 6 2 9 1 21 16 3 3 5 10 5 3 10 31 2 8 4 16 16 11 1 2 5 5 30 18 0 0 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 0 3 4 2 0 0 0 2 4 7 130 127 21 107 101 18 56 235 188 34 1 0 2 4 1 7 17 15 0 3 3 23 7 21 2 1 2 1 11 18 2 0 0 7 0 2 8 7 0 4 1 8 13 3 3 0 2 1 2 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 139 70 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Mobile ..................Wednesday: March 12, April 16 New Orleans.........Tuesday: March 11, April 15 New York .............Tuesday: March 4, April 8 Norfolk .................Thursday: March 6, April 10 Oakland ................Thursday: March 13, April 17 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: March 5, April 9 Port Everglades ....Thursday: March 13, April 17 San Juan ...............Thursday: March 6, April 10 STEWARD 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 St. Louis ...............Friday: March 14, April 18 Totals Tacoma .................Friday: March 21, April 25 Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 2 8 7 6 7 26 25 2 6 8 28 20 15 3 12 10 8 34 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 Trip Reliefs 0 1 4 15 0 5 36 31 2 13 18 43 16 25 6 0 9 2 23 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 1 4 1 7 15 14 0 1 0 6 10 14 1 4 1 1 10 13 0 1 0 8 2 1 6 5 0 0 4 4 7 2 3 0 1 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 3 0 1 4 9 0 2 1 5 4 4 0 1 0 1 7 9 1 0 4 9 2 12 35 27 0 7 14 45 15 41 5 2 3 1 28 43 2 1 0 9 1 10 11 14 0 6 6 10 21 5 1 1 3 1 9 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 103 51 6 53 294 121 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 1 3 7 2 4 0 0 1 0 3 1 1 4 1 3 5 2 20 20 0 6 3 21 14 14 0 3 1 1 11 12 1 0 1 3 0 8 6 8 1 1 3 11 6 7 0 21 0 1 7 8 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 14 14 0 5 2 15 9 8 0 6 1 1 8 13 0 0 0 1 0 3 7 3 0 0 1 1 4 4 0 28 0 0 7 3 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 4 10 3 0 2 5 13 2 7 0 0 1 0 8 2 4 4 1 9 7 10 33 38 0 10 9 53 28 23 1 8 3 3 23 19 4 0 1 11 2 18 14 25 1 3 7 24 30 13 1 27 1 1 14 14 29 142 93 10 99 62 0 58 286 211 578 585 168 408 434 120 228 1,129 992 331 Wilmington.............Monday: March 17, April 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. February 2008 *“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. Seafarers LOG 15 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM 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 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 Page 16 Two Seafarers Memorialized During Shipboard Ceremonies Two Seafarers were commemorated by their respective shipmates last year during ceremonies aboard the Horizon Producer and Horizon Hawaii. On Oct. 24, mariners on the Producer paid their respects to the late Unlicensed Apprentice Earl R. Wood Jr., who died of natural causes a day earlier at age 35. The crew mustered on the stern, where Bill Boyce, the ship’s master, led a ceremony that included bringing the American flag to half-mast followed by an opening prayer, the reading of Psalm 93, an additional prayer, the “sentence of committal,” a moment of reflection and the sounding of the ship’s whistle for 20 seconds. The vessel was off the west coast of India. On Dec. 1, with the Hawaii en route from Jacksonville, Fla. to San Juan, Puerto Rico (approximately 39 miles north of Abaco Island, Bahamas), Capt. David D. DeCastro led a service for the late deck department SIU retiree James Millard Cheshire, who passed away Oct. 13 at age 84. Following the ceremony, Brother Cheshire’s ashes were committed to the sea in accordance with his wishes. Shipmates memorialize Earl R. Wood Jr. during a ceremony aboard the Horizon Producer. 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 Mariners aboard the Horizon Hawaii honor James Millard Cheshire and, in accordance with the late Seafarer’s wishes, commit his ashes to the sea (photo at left). PICS-FROM-THE-PAST NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION 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 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mrs. Aaron Higham of Kemah, Texas submitted these photos of her husband, Chief Steward A.J. Higham (right in both photos). The top photo shows Higham and two of his mates aboard a Bloomfield ship during the 40s. In photo at right, Higham poses with the late SIU President Paul Hall. The two were great friends, Mrs. Higham said. 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. 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. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 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 JOSE ANDICOECHEA, 64, joined the SIU in 1971. Brother Andicoechea was born in Spain. During his seafaring career he primarily sailed aboard vessels operated by A&S Transportation including the Dina Marie. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Andicoechea calls North Arlington, N.J. home. LARRY BROOKS, 65, was born in Utah. Brother Brooks became an SIU member in 1971. He initially shipped in the steward department on the Santa Magdalena. In 2000 and 2001, Brother Brooks attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. Brother Brooks is a resident of Sacramento, Calif. VICENTE CUEVA JR., 66, embarked on his seafaring profession in 1995. Brother Cueva’s maiden voyage was on the Independence. The engine department member was born in the Philippines. Brother Cueva upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in 2000 and 2001. His concluding journey was aboard the Buenos Aires. Brother Cueva lives in Roselle Park, N.J. DAVID CUNNINGHAM, 56, first went to sea in 1978 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Cunningham originally sailed aboard the Santa Magdalena. He visited the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Cunningham was born in Massachusetts and worked in the steward department. His final excursion was on the Horizon Producer. Brother Cunningham makes his home in Sacramento, Calif. ERNEST DOOMS, 59, joined the SIU ranks in 1966. Brother Dooms initially shipped aboard the Sabine as a member of the February 2008 steward department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Brother Dooms is an Alabama native. His concluding journey was on the Florida. Brother Dooms resides in Houston. ANASTASIOS DRAGAZIS, 65, first donned the SIU colors in 1970. Brother Dragazis’ maiden voyage was aboard the Fairland. He was born in Greece and sailed in the deck department. Brother Dragazis last shipped on the Adventurer. In 1971 and 1984, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center to enhance his skills. Brother Dragazis calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home. CHARLES DUCHARME, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1998 in Norfolk, Va. Brother Ducharme’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the USNS Gordon. He was born in Massachusetts. Brother Ducharme shipped in both the steward and deck departments. His most recent expedition was on the USNS Watson. Brother Ducharme is a resident of Morehead City, N.C. DAVID GORDIUS, 60, became a Seafarer in 1980. Brother Gordius was originally employed aboard the St. Louis. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Gordius upgraded on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school. His last journey was on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Gordius lives in Sea Level, N.C. AGUILIO LLORENTE, 75, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. Brother Llorente initially worked in the inland division aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. The Cuban- born mariner enhanced his skills often at the union-affiliated school. He sailed in the deck and engine departments. Brother Llorente’s concluding trip to sea was on the El Morro. He makes his home in Tampa. Fla. FRITZ MCDUFFIE, 55, embarked on his seafaring career in 1970 while in the port of New York. Brother McDuffie’s maiden voyage was aboard the Arizpa. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Piney Point training center. Brother McDuffie was born in Alabama. His last ship was the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. Brother McDuffie resides in Madisonville, Texas. STANLEY VANE, 49, hails from Baltimore, Md. Brother Vane joined the SIU ranks in 1978 while on one of his many trips to the Piney Point school. The engine department member originally sailed on the Monticello. His final excursion was aboard the Portsmouth. Brother Vane makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. ADOLPHUS YOUNG, 73, first donned the SIU colors in 1976. Brother Young initially shipped on a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel as a member of the steward department. He was born in Texas and attended classes on three occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Young most recently worked aboard the Paul Buck. He calls Oakland, Calif., home. INLAND LARRY BOUDOIN, 60, was born in Mississippi. Boatman Boudoin started sailing with the Seafarers in 1984 on a National Marine Service vessel. Boatman Boudoin enhanced his seafaring abilities in 1967 and 1997 at the Piney Point School. He last worked on a vessel operated by Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Boudoin settled in Harrisonburg, La. RONALD CENTANNI, 62, joined the union in 1997 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Centanni primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. He upgraded numerous times at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1965 At a joint demonstration in San Juan, the SIU strongly protested attempts by the government and certain industry leaders on the island to allow foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto Rico trade. The SIU warned that the introduction of foreign-flag shipping into the island trade could result in the unemployment of 20,000 seamen. In response to the demonstration, Adm. John Harllee, chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, promised a “confident, determined and aggressive effort” to aid in the solving of the Puerto Rico freight rates controversy. He said that such a solution should be found without having to resort to the use of foreign-flag vessels in Puerto Rican trade. Centanni shipped in the deck department. He continues to live in his native state of Louisiana. RICHARD DONLEVY, 67, became an SIU member in 1972. Boatman Donlevy’s earliest trip to sea was with Inter Cities Navigation Corporation. In 2001 he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Boatman Donlevy was born in Wisconsin. He most recently sailed aboard a Maritrans Operating Company vessel. Boatman Donlevy is a resident of Sun City Center, Fla. GREAT LAKES GERALD TIMM, 65, launched his seafaring profession in 1978 while in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Timm is a Michigan native. He first shipped on the Lewis G. Harriman as a member of the engine department. Brother Timm’s final journey was aboard the E.M. Ford. He lives in Hillman, Mich. sary to operate the vessels at maximum safety and efficiency levels, the vocational staff at the unionaffiliated Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point has developed a comprehensive LNG/LPG course of study. 1993 Marked by state-of-the-art equipment, spacious design and opportunities for more individual instruction, the new steward department lab at the Paul Hall Center opened. The lab, which represents the continuing effort to fine-tune the SIU’s shipboard feeding programs, covers 5,300 square feet and features a dining room, an amphitheater-like demonstration room, a classroom and an eight-station lab. This Month In SIU History 1974 Seafarers will crew up the SIUcontracted liquid natural gas carrier Kentown—making it the first time SIU members will be manning one of those high-technology vessels. Orders for an additional 20 LNGs are expected to be placed within the next five years. To provide the SIU crew members who will be manning these ships with the technical knowledge neces- 2000 By overwhelming majorities, SIU members and members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) approved a referendum to proceed with merging the two unions. SIU members approved the resolution with 86 percent voting in favor of full merger talks to bring NMU into the SIU. In a similar action, 93 percent of NMU members voting approved the same resolution. SIU members said they approve full merger because they see such unification as strengthening all concerned. Seafarers LOG 17 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RANULFO ALVAREZ Pensioner Ranulfo Alvarez, 84, died Aug. 23. Brother Alvarez joined the union in 1959 while in the port of Baltimore. His first trip to sea was aboard the Mankato Victory. Brother Alvarez sailed as a member of both the engine and deck departments. He was born in Argentina. Brother Alvarez’s final voyage was with Tyco’s Long Lines. He retired in 1987 and lived in Dundalk, Md. FRANCISCO ARAL Brother Francisco Aral, 61, passed away July 4. He started shipping with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1989 initially from the port of San Francisco. Brother Aral was born in the Philippines and worked in the steward department. His most recent excursion was aboard the Mahimahi. Brother Aral made his home in Wilmington, Calif. JAMES CARTER JR. Pensioner James Carter, 83, died Aug. 17. Brother Carter became an SIU member in 1953. He originally sailed on a Seatrade Corporation vessel in the steward department. Brother Carter was an Alabama native. His concluding journey was aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Brother Carter began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1990. He was a resident of Mobile, Ala. JOHN CHERMESINO Pensioner John Chermesino, 78, passed away July 14. Brother Chermesino embarked on his seafaring career in 1952. He initially sailed on the tanker Four Lakes. Brother Chermesino was born in Boston. His last ship was the Falcon Champion. Brother Chermesino went on pension in 1990. He called Suffolk, Mass., home. JIMMIE DUFORE Pensioner Jimmie Dufore, 70, died July 7. Brother Dufore launched his SIU profession in 1961. He was born in Louisiana and worked in the deck department. Brother Dufore first went to sea aboard the Trent; his last ship was the Ultrasea. He became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Summit, Miss. ISSAC FLETCHER Pensioner Issac Fletcher, 79, passed away Aug. 26. Brother Fletcher joined the SIU ranks in 1966. His maiden voyage was on the 18 Seafarers LOG American Victory. Brother Fletcher was born in Kentucky. The steward department member most recently sailed aboard the Marilyn. Brother Fletcher began his retirement in 1994 and settled in Wilmer, Ala. THEODORE GRAHAM Pensioner Theodore Graham, 84, died July 28. Brother Graham started sailing with the union in 1979 while in the port of Seattle. He shipped primarily with American Ship Management. His initial trip to sea was on the President Wilson. Brother Graham was born in Houston and worked in the steward department. He retired in 1987 and lived in Seattle. WILLIAM HATCHEL Pensioner William Hatchel, 69, passed away Aug. 3. Brother Hatchel, who was born in Starks, La., began his SIU profession in 1961. His first voyage was aboard the Michael where he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Hatchel’s last excursion was on the Horizon Tacoma. He became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Hatchel was a resident of Merryville, La. RAYMOND ITEN Pensioner Raymond Iten, 83, died July 2. Brother Iten joined the MC&S in 1972 while in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member sailed with American Ship Management Company during his seafaring career. Brother Iten’s first vessel was the President Madison; his last was the President Adams. He was born in Lake Stevens, Wash. Brother Iten went on pension in 1988 and called Kent, Wash., home. GARLAND JACKSON Pensioner Garland Jackson, 79, passed away Aug. 23. Brother Jackson was born in Texas. He initiated his seafaring profession in 1961. Brother Jackson originally sailed aboard the Cleveland as a member of the steward department. His final journey was on the Ewa. Brother Jackson retired in 1989 and resided in San Jose, Calif. ROLAN LAGAAC Brother Rolan Lagaac, 29, died Aug. 19. He first donned the SIU colors in 2005. Brother Lagaac shipped aboard the Pride of America. He worked as a member of the engine department. Brother Lagaac was born in the Philippines but made his home in Sugarland, Texas. KENNETH LINAH Pensioner Kenneth Linah, 68, passed away Aug. 24. Brother Linah embarked on his seafaring career in 1969. His maiden voyage was on the Avenger. Brother Linah was a New York native and sailed in engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he shipped aboard the Quality. Brother Linah lived in Kathleen, Fla. Brother Dan Manthei, 50, died Aug. 9. He joined the SIU ranks in 1990. Brother Manthei initially sailed on the Cape Edmont. The engine department member was born in Wisconsin. Brother Manthei’s most recent expedition was aboard the Maersk Nevada. He settled in Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers in 1946. The deck department member originally sailed with Colonial Steamship Company. Brother Smith was born in Texas. His final trip to sea was on the Manhattan. Brother Smith lived Poynot, Texas. JERRY MCLEAN HERBERT THROWER Pensioner Jerry McLean, 65, passed away July 7. Brother McLean started shipping with the Seafarers in 1962. His earliest trip to sea was on the Del Sud. Brother McLean was last employed aboard the Overseas New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department. Brother McLean resided in his native state of Tennessee. He became a pensioner in 1998. Pensioner Herbert Thrower, 63, passed away July 28. Brother Thrower initiated his SIU career in 1966 while in the port of New York. His first ship was the Montpelier Victory; his last was the Elizabeth. Brother Thrower was a member of the deck department. He was born in Alabama but made his home in Chesapeake, Va. Brother Thrower began his retirement in 2001. DAN MANTHEI JAMES MORGAN Pensioner James Morgan, 80, died Aug. 12. Brother Morgan was born in Louisiana. He began his SIU profession in 1947 while in the port of New York. Brother Morgan mainly sailed in the steward department on vessels operated by CSX Lines. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. Brother Morgan was a resident of New Orleans. FRANK O’KOORIAN Pensioner Frank O’Koorian, 83, passed away Aug. 11. Brother O’Koorian joined the union in 1951. He originally sailed with Sprague Steamship Company. Brother O’Koorian was born in New Jersey and shipped in the steward department. His final trip to sea was on the Tamara Guilden. Brother O’Koorian went on pension in 1982 and continued to make his home in his native state. GREGORY RICE Brother Gregory Rice, 51, died Aug. 9. He became an SIU member in 1981. Brother Rice’s maiden voyage was aboard the Button Guinnett. He was born in Inglewood, Calif. Brother Rice most recently sailed on the Capt. Steven L. Bennett. He settled in Honolulu. WAN SALIM Brother Wan Salim, 54, passed away July 24. Born in Indonesia, Brother Salim first donned the SIU colors in 1999 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He initially shipped aboard the USNS Petersburg. Brother Salim worked in the deck department. His concluding journey was aboard the Jean Anne. Brother Salim called Buena Park, Calif., home. WILLIAM SMITH Pensioner William Smith, 84, died Aug. 10. Brother Smith joined the FAIA TUILEFANO Pensioner Faia Tuilefano, 75, died July 10. Brother Tuilefano started sailing with the union in 1972 from the port of San Francisco. He shipped primarily with American Ship Management as a member of the steward department. Brother Tuilefano was born in American Samoa. In 1993, he retired and settled in Daly City, Calif. INLAND ROBERT MACHLINSKI Pensioner Robert Machlinski, 73, passed away June 1. Boatman Machlinski launched his seafaring profession in 1956 in the port of Baltimore, Md. While employed with the SIU he sailed in the deck department, mostly on McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessels. Boatman Machlinski was a resident of his native state of Maryland. MURPHY MARTIN Pensioner Murphy Martin, 80, died Aug. 1. Born in Raceland, La., Boatman Martin joined the Seafarers in 1962. A member of the engine department, he spent his entire career working aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman Martin began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988 and resided in Bridge City, La. LEON PULLEY Pensioner Leon Pulley, 68, died July 27. Born in Philadelphia, Boatman Pulley joined the union in 1964. He originally worked with P.F. Martin Co., in the deck department. Boatman Pulley’s concluding expedition was on the American Mariner. He went on pension in 2004 and resided in Oregon. PAUL STANLEY Boatman Paul Stanley, 76, died Aug. 21. A native of Louisiana, he donned the SIU colors in 1958 and sailed in both the Deep Sea and Inland Divisions. Boatman Stanley shipped in the deck department and initially sailed aboard the CSX operated Fairchild. He was last employed on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Boatman Stanley made his home in Sacramento. GREAT LAKES ALI SALEH Pensioner Ali Saleh, 82, passed away July 15. Brother Saleh embarked on his SIU career in 1960 while in the port of Detroit, Mich. The engine department member was born in Yemen. Before his retirement in 1990, Brother Saleh shipped aboard the H. Lee White. He called Radaa, Albaida 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 Afanador, Juan Aponte, Miguel Bottge, Edward Brown, Lee Cruz, Antone Eglecias, Iluminada Este, Clifton Field, Warner Fontinelli, Franklin Gordon, Shermon Hagan, Ben Hernandez, Juan Hyde, Davis Kelly, Victor Lopez, Edward Madar, Paul Mahoney, Charles Malveira, Joseph Mangham, Jack Manley, Edward Matos, Ramon Mejia, Augustine Melnick, Frank Moring, William Neu, James Norman, Alex Picazo, Paul Pitcox, Harvey Ponder, George Ramos, Rafael Reed, Simmie Reese, Karl Reyes, Severo Richardson, Samuel Robertson, Harold Sanders, James Schultz, Adolfo Serrano, Ismael Snyder, Francis Solis, Vincente Sullivan, William Toro, Ramon Torres, Tomas Ventura, Louis Viera, Genaro Vigee, Wallace Ware, Jack Warycha, Theodore Webb, Austin Webster, Andrew, Jr. Woodall, George Woodson, Ocie Zuegg, Joseph Age 91 63 79 78 86 93 92 86 83 82 81 83 87 89 84 86 87 76 79 93 93 83 89 80 79 70 81 74 64 83 94 76 75 81 90 79 75 82 78 72 91 90 85 89 88 77 75 85 83 59 81 83 80 DOD June 14 June 15 June 17 June 9 June 24 June 1 June 29 June 3 June 14 June 13 June 8 May 17 April 8 June 28 May 4 April 14 May 22 May 18 June 3 April 9 May 23 June 10 May 15 June 9 April 17 June 7 April 12 April 12 April 28 May 7 April 19 May 16 April 6 April 29 June 15 April 9 May 15 April 17 May 15 June 14 May 16 June 1 May 7 May 7 May 14 April 23 June 19 April 27 April 8 June 1 April 10 June 20 April 13 SIU Headquarters and all SIU Hiring Halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 18 for the observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal Business hours will resume the following day. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 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. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 28 – Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Daniel Herrera, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Engine Delegate Marcus A. Pittman. Chairman reminded crew members that new eligibility rules become effective Jan. 1, along with the new 401(k) plan. Secretary stated all departments were doing an excellent job and that the ship looks great; keep up the good work. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to change retirement plan qualifications. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. GREAT LAND (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 18 – Chairman Francis C. Adams, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill Jr., Deck Delegate Ferdinand Lugo, Steward Delegate Mike A. Bubaker. Chairman thanked all SIU crew members for a safe trip and for working well together. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school. No beefs; disputed OT reported in the deck department. President’s report from the Seafarers LOG was read and posted. Next port: Houston. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Nov. 25 – Chairman Eric J. Perez, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Keith I. Bitran, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefant, Steward Delegate Richard Jones. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla., on Nov. 30. Union officials will be coming aboard, so have union books and dues payments ready. He congratulated crew on passing Coast Guard and ABS inspections. Secretary expressed gratitude to the deck department for their help on the BBQ. He wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Vote of thanks was given to Chief Cook Jones for great meals, especially Thanksgiving dinner. Educational director urged members to check out what the Piney Point school offers. He also reminded them to keep track of all documents and when they expire. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members sent out a special holiday greeting to Brother Carlos Sanchez, beloved cook and steward. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Port Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Nov. 28 – Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Timothy L. Smith, Engine Delegate Willy P. Smith. Chairman reported payoff would take place upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash., on Nov. 28; patrolman will also be present to take care of any beefs. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading and training offered in Piney Point. He also suggested they contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). No disputed OT; beefs reported in the deck department. Steward department was thanked for keeping ship clean and for a great Thanksgiving dinner. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HOUSTON (USS Transport), Nov. 25 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Engine Delegate Jeffery Fields. Chairman stated he was very pleased with crew and the amount of work that was accomplished during voyage. Secretary thanked Seafarers for their efforts in keeping laundry room and lounge clean. Educational director informed crew members that TWIC information was available in the Seafarers LOG and on the SIU web site. Members were also encouraged to keep track of document expiration dates. Deck delegate thanked deck gang for turning in overtime sheets in a timely manner. Steward delegate reminded mariners that clean linen is available upon request. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read letter from headquarters going over the importance of shipboard meetings. Copies of TWIC information received from Ft. Lauderdale patrolman were passed out. Crew discussed possibility of getting a TV for crew messhall for watching safety videos instead of members trying to pack into crew lounge. It was also reported that a dryer had been ordered for crew laundry and some showers needed to be caulked. Steward department was thanked for a great holiday menu. Next port: Richmond, Calif. ENERGY ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Lines), Dec. 26 – Chairman Egidio J. Ferreira, Secretary Francisco L. Delgado, Educational Director Jonathan C. Wagner, Steward Delegate Fernando F. Lopes. Chairman read president’s report from the Seafarers LOG. He stressed the need to work together as one union, not against each other. “We are all SIU now – there is no more NMU and SIU.” Educational director advised mariners to enhance seafaring abilities whenever possible at the SIU-affiliated school. No disputed OT; beefs reported in the deck department. Crew thanked steward department for a wonderful Christmas spread. Members expressed the need for new mattresses, pillows and linens. Next ports: Brayton Port, Mass., and Baltimore, Md. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), Dec. 13 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Dave D. Higdon, Deck Delegate Justin S. Beal, Engine Delegate Robert J. Haggerty, Engine Delegate Johnny Carson. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and reminded everyone departing vessel to leave rooms clean for next mariner. Secretary reported that new juice machine had been installed in the pantry. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center so they could qualify for better jobs aboard vessels. Treasurer noted $4,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs; disputed OT ...and the Sealand Charger This snapshot was taken aboard the Sealand Charger in early December in Wilmington, Calif. Seafarers sailing aboard the vessel at that time included Bosun Salvadore Lagare, ABs Dennis Hurley, Jose Tagle and William Foley, Deck Maintenances Philemon Quitoriano and Rodolfo Antonio, Chief Electrician Randy Clark, QMED Rickey Pettaway, Wiper H. Asumari, Chief Steward Raymond Garcia, Chief Cook Curtis William and GSU Saleh Saleh. February 2008 Sailing Aboard the Sealand Atlantic The three photos above were taken aboard the Sealand Atlantic during a voyage in November. Pictured in the top photo (from left) are DEU John Cooper, AB Corey Stanton and AB Mike Borders. Pictured directly above are (left photo) AB Carey Hatch and Bosun John Grosskurth. reported in deck department. ABG Tim Fogg reminded everyone to contribute to SPAD, especially during an election year. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 23 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Travis R. Jefferson, Educational Director Greg Alvarez, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash., on Dec. 28. Secretary discussed TWIC information and reminded mariners they had until September 25, 2008 to get one. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point to better one’s skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for excellent BBQ and food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Crowley Lines), Dec. 9 – Chairman Willie M. Marsh Jr., Secretary James H. Narcisse, Educational Director Quincy Wilson, Deck Delegate Wilfred H. Luckie, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles, Steward Delegate Jessie Jones. Chairman thanked crew for a safe trip. Educational director talked about TWIC card. He urged mariners to read the 5, check the SIU web site or see patrolman for more information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. AB Celso Castro was commended for his actions that helped maintain safety aboard the vessel. Next port: Houston. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 7 – Chairman William M. Richards Jr., Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Engine Delegate David Terry Jr. Chairman reported a smooth, safe voyage. Secretary thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean. He also reminded everyone that the pre-hiring physical given by the company is good for a year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were advised to read the Seafarers LOG to stay abreast of the latest information on TWIC. Seafarers departing vessel were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. USNS YANO (American Overseas Marine), Dec. 9 – Chairman John A. Mendez, Secretary Lauren J. Oram, Educational Director Jon I. Hemba. Chairman discussed the union’s position promoting use of American crews on LNG ships. Educational director urged mariners to check expiration dates on z-cards and passports and apply for TWIC cards. Treasurer reported $1,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members talked about concerns with medical benefits. Request was made for internet access. Thanks to galley gang for great food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., and Philadelphia, Pa. 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. E-mailed items may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org Seafarers LOG 19 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 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. New Year’s Resolution: Buy American On Thanksgiving Day, after feasting on that old bird with all the trimmings, I got to thinking of all the things that we as Americans can be thankful for. Unfortunately, there are concerns, too. Think of the recent Christmas season when all those foreign-made lights were burning here in the United States and our citizens were opening foreign-made presents that were bought at all the malls throughout America. To me, that represents the loss of jobs which will never return to America. There are very few blue-collar workers left in our country. They are no-collar workers because they’ve lost their shirt to cheap foreign labor. Brothers and sisters, the solution is to just stop buying those foreign products. The children in America are the only future that America has. Why buy defective toys for them made in China? Think about it. Retiree Edwin S. Harris St. Petersburg, Florida Thanks to Port Agent On behalf of the crew and myself, we would like to thank SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox for promptly addressing a critical issue on the MV Jean Anne. The rapid response by the union continues to show the members the true embodiment of what a union should be. That is, an organization to protect workers and our rights. Again, thanks for “standing up” with us and for us. Steward/Baker Samuel Sinclair Aboard the MV Jean Anne Sharing WWII Memories During the latter part of World War II, I was serving as an oiler on the Liberty ship SS Russell A. Alger in Belgium. Shortly after lunch one day, some of the gun crew were attending to duties in the vicinity of the 20 MMs on the flying bridge. A plane appeared from the west, flying low and strafing. Our gun crew immediately manned the 20s and shot down the plane, which turned out to be a Messerschmitt 109. All the ships in the area manned all guns. At this time, a plane appeared from the east at high altitude and diving at the ships. A terrific barrage went up and the plane was shot down. However, it turned out to be a British Spitfire! No one claimed the Spitfire, although the nottoo-bright pilot was not hurt. Before the day was done, our stack was painted with a GUNNER logo, swastika and ME 109. I’m not saying the eagle was large, but if we had shot down another plane, we would have needed another stack! Two of our crew members thought our stack would bring retaliation against us, but pride overcame sheepishness, and our stack remained as the gun crew had designed it. Eli Rantanes Clinton, Ohio (The writer sailed at various times with the MFOW, MEBA and AMO) Tribute to ‘Uncle Richard’ And to all U.S. Mariners I would like to share a letter I received from our nephew, Bill Woodcock, a former Marine. It is a “Tribute to Uncle Richard,” but it could apply to all merchant mariners who have done much to keep our country safe and free – with little recognition for their efforts. “Uncle Richard” is James Richard Boone, an SIU retiree who passed away Nov. 17, 2007. You probably called him by his first name: Jim, Jimmy or Boonie, but his family called him Richard. We all miss him very much. Mrs. Betty Boone Parkville, Maryland Editor’s note: The tribute written by Mr. Woodcock follows. Brother Boone first shipped in 1945, at age 16 – he had dropped out of school to join the war effort. He was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., where he also earned his GED. A member of the engine department, he came ashore in 1984 due to health issues. My Tribute to Uncle Richard I was 19 years old and was fortunate to be introduced to the Brockmeyer/Boone family. This was due to my beautiful wife, Kathleen, and again I was blessed to become part of such good people. My best memory is more of a personal story. I find this event highly ironic. It is a good demonstration of Richard as a person. He had always “watched my back,” but this time he really was there for me and many other Marines. It was 1969. I was in Danang, Vietnam. We were responsible for the security of Danang Air Base and the bomb dump which housed all our bombs – mainly 500 lb. and 2,000 lb. bombs. Unfortunately, someone started a fire in this bomb dump. Danang Air Base was always a major target for the NVA and Viet Cong. The air base housed A-4s, F4s, A-6A Intruders, OV-10s, and spy-photo planes. The Marble Mountain helo base also was in this area. We lost every one of our bombs. They exploded for days. There was shrapnel flying all over the Danang area for miles. Shockwaves were visible in the sky, which look like ocean waves. Everyone had to stay outside – any type of enclosure would start your ears bleeding. We had a lot of “walking wounded.” The Danang area and airbase were evacuated with the exception of a few outfits. My outfit was one of the Marine outfits to stay to hold down the fort. The 2,000 lb. bombs would build up a slow cloud of black smoke for approximately 15 minutes and then they would explode like an atomic bomb. The grounds would shake for minutes. We were being overrun in several directions. Without our bombs for aircraft, we were in serious trouble. The enemy had overrun Freedom Hill, which was only a couple miles from the airbase. A U.S. Merchant Marine ship pulled into the Danang Harbor, which looked like the Fourth of July because of the bombs exploding. This ship was loaded with new bombs, which were unloaded and taken directly to the waiting fighter/bomb aircraft. We caught the enemy in the open and took care of business. Without this merchant marine ship and Uncle Richard in the harbor, there would have been many more names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Without the bombs, we would have been completely overrun. Thank you, Uncle Richard and your fellow U.S. Merchant Mariners from me and many other Marines! I would venture to say we have many Americans who have never heard of the merchant marine, much less what they contribute. I admire these men, including Uncle Richard. If you do not believe in faith and/or a guardian angel, this is a living testimony to a man we all love. Newly Retired Port Agent Offers more Credit, Thanks I would like to add a few thoughts to my retirement article that appeared in the January edition of the LOG. In particular, I emphasize my special admiration for SIU President Mike Sacco and the late SIU Executive Vice President Joey Sacco, as they reversed the death spiral that the American shipping industry was plagued with at the time they were selected and elected as president and executive VP. There could not have been a more critical moment for them to apply their skill and contacts and to market their vision of the solution. Without any doubt, this transformed the economic health and safety of the nation. They certainly saved my family’s future. I also still value the guidance received by the Brooklyn headquarters officials of the 1960s, especially the mentoring by George Ripoll. George was always devoted to perfection and is a unique person of great intensity. I appreciated the various roles that came my way. I’ll miss working at the craft and miss the dedicated people of Mike Sacco’s capable team – a group which certainly includes Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Dave has done a terrific job for the SIU affiliates and members, as well as the leadership among the world’s transportation unions. He has reinforced the solidarity that the SIU has worldwide and can pick up the phone at any moment and get things done immediately, almost anywhere in the world. We have really great people in the SIU and I am so very proud of them and our members and our contracted companies. We have a winning team, as Mike likes to say, and all of you make me feel so very proud to have been associated with you. Edd Morris Piney Point, Maryland 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 March 3 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2007 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 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 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. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Course Welding The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the first 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. Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 3 April 14 May 26 March 28 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 18 March 31 May 12 February 29 April 11 May 23 Radar March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) April 21, June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman March 3 April 28 March 14 May 9 May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Bosun Recertification Course Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) March 3 March 28 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 24 May 19 April 18 June 13 FOWT February 25 April 21 June 16 March 21 May 16 July 11 Marine Electrician March 3 March 17 March 31 March 21 April 4 May 23 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Machinist UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ Date of Completion March 3 April 7 May 5 June 2 March 21 April 25 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) March 10 May 5 June 30 March 21 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting March 17 April 14 June 16 March 21 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW February 25 March 24 April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 February 29 March 28 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) February 18 March 31 May 19 June 23 February 22 April 4 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider March 24 May 19 March 28 May 23 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) March 24 (must have basic firefighting) June 2 April 4 June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes most recently began February 4. Steward Recertification Course March 17 August 18 April 7 September 8 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. 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 ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ 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: ________________________ 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 ________________________________________________ February 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. 2/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:58 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Welding – Six boatmen from Crowley Maritime completed the welding class Dec. 7. Those completing the class (above, in no particular order) were Joseph Korpalski, Jordan Rapp, Nicholas Piccinich, Ryan Hayes, John Harvey and Wes Farley. Buzzy Andrews, left, was the class instructor. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Classes 696 and 697 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were: Jose Alcaide, George Box, Jacqueline Calhoun, Aaron Chiusano, Brooke English, Sean Fitzgerald, Jason Fountaine, Gordon Glover, Gabriel Izquierdo-Arais, Jahmal Jones, Ryan Kinser, Cory Leonard, Eddie Major Jr., Reynaldo Maldonado, Roderick McClary, Denise Mendoza, Christopher Mercado, Patrick Milton, Steven Myrick, Leslie Pratts, Steven Pyle, Scott Rosseel, Frank Smith, Anthony Snoeyenbos, William Walker, Christopher White and Jacob Zitnick. (Note: Not all are pictured.) AB – Nine mariners on Dec. 7 received certificates for their completion of the AB course. Completing the class (above, in no specific order) were Awal Syiafullah, David Weeks, Peter Dudoit III, Hussein Mohsen, Ryan McElroy, Brian Awde, Jason Devine, Clarence Lee Jr., and Christopher Hunnings. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is standing at far left. Tankerman Assistant – Eighteen mariners on Dec. 7 graduated from the tankerman assistant course. Those completing the course (above, in no specific order) were John Favero, Ronald Wilson, Quentin Scott, Marian Martin, Noland Earl, John O’Shaughnessy, Adrian Schubert, Shastri Mullahoo, Fontanos Ellison, Omar Aswad, Dan Marcus, Simon Jason, Louis Holder Jr., Rupert Henry, Roberto Avila, Robinson Eromosele, Papa Yankeh and Dario Dizon. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is at far right. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations – The following individuals (above, in no specific order) on Nov. 30 completed the basic auxiliary plant operations course: Montree Nakwichet, Daniel Coffey, Forfirio Amaya, Azad Davani, Andrew Cooper, David Newsome, Zachary Miano, Sean Keaton, Deandre Whitley, Ruben Haynes, Donnetta McLee, Shawn Pantschyschak, Riley LaBlanc, Cheryl Gutkowski, Kenneth Bricker, Bryan Clark, Edwin Arroyo, David Turley, Tashara Newton, Terry Taylor, Omar Izquierdo, Jon Larrinaga, Casey Shannon, Henry Sheppard and Leroy Sierra. (Note: Not all graduates, or their instructor, John Wiegman Jr. are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG Welding – These Crowley boatmen graduated from the welding fundamentals course Dec. 14. Members of the class (above, in no specific order) were Paul Hart Jr., Scott Smith, David Christinzio, Samuel Birth and Bill Murray. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is second from the left. Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – On Dec. 21, the following individuals (above, in no specific order) graduated from the advanced refer container maintenance course: Calvin Beal, Herman Castro and Donald Christian. Beal, left, is a new member of the Paul Hall Center’s vocational staff. Jay Henderson, second from left, was the class instructor. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:58 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW – SIU, STCW – NCL, Dec. 7: William Adams, Eric Arellano, Nicole Backus, John Dec. 14: Damian Allen, Gerald Beaubien, Fontanos Ellison, Robinson Eromosele, John Favero, William Goeltz, Zachariah Greenwood, Martin Hochstafl, Jeffrey Lalande, Charles Lamb, Edward Leonard, Dan Marcus, John O’Shaughnessy, Charles Richardson, Steve Schwedland, Thomas Tucker, Ronald Vandercook, Edward Villanda, Ronald Wilson and Papa Yankeh. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW – NCL, Dec. 7: Melissa Oliver, Laura Post, Lauren Reese, Susan Regdos, Alfredo Resto Camacho, Elizabeth Rishmawy, Antonio Rivera, Carlos Rizo, Jose Rosa Solis, David Roy, Dalmo Santos Jr., Jose Seda Rodriguez, Jennifer Slade, Scott Smathers, Ashley Speller, Maxim Staroselsky, Erika Suarez Cuadrado, Theodore Talbot Jr., Orlando Torres, Shawn Watkins-Hall, Amanda White, Damian Wilkerson, Steven Winters, Steven Wintersteen and Orlando Zelayandia Jr. STCW – NCL, Dec. 7: Jeffrey Daymont, Carlos Deliz Quintana, Shane Denbo, Drew DeVine, Amada Dizon, Timothy Eng, David Fernandez, Gloria Hatcher Steele, Galvin Huss, Sherina Jefferson, Reginald Jenkins Jr., Racheal Knight, Daniel Lee, Vincent Liberto, Fabrice Lopez, Nicholas Madsen, Angelica Maldonado Castro, Juan Maisonet Santana, Philip McCoy Jr., Tahir Merchoud, Monte Moss, Thomas Mullen, Sean Myers and Tracey Naulty. (Note: Not all graduates are pictured.) Balicki, Isaiah Barbour, Lorelei Barger, Kathleen Bennett, Emily Beyers, Rakesh Bhai, Timothy Boettcher, Jeffrey Boscoe, Benita Bradford, Jon Brandstaetter, William Brown Jr., Nicholas Brunette, Jeffery Buresch, Amber Calderilla, Margaret Carlson, Santiago Canales Castaneda, Cassandra Clark, Jamie Clarke, Michael Coleman, Vega Concepcion and Kevin Dao. BST/STCW – Completing the BST class Dec. 15 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii (above, in no particular order) were: Taylor Stibbard, Catherine Foy, Sarah Zirkle, Loretta Darnell, Ladonna Gray, Courtney Gentile, Jennifer Aberle, Zachary Hansen, Quinn Niesing, Jesse Baxley, Jeanette Baxley, Jeremy Straley, Jessica Straley, Michael Casacci, Daniel Lyles, Mark Schustrin, Brandon Weiss and Brandon Gaylord. BST/STCW – These individuals completed the BST class Dec. 15 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii. They are (in no specific order) Jose Laguidano, Arnold Marquez, Jason Leonardo, Jerome Barrera, Arnel Garcia, Jesus Boncoy, Sammy Sarmiento, Manny Lising, Errol Evardone, Noel Miones, Jeron Osorio, Romarioa Esguerre, Michael Acosta, Roy Soque, Michael Tolentino, Bryan Deutsch, Arnold Umaii and Epie Benitez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Computer Class Graduates Earn Certificates Posing with Instructor Rick Prucha (left in photos at left, right in photo at right and center in photo at far right) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Displaying their certificates of achievement, from left, are Sandra Garcia, Ernest Frank III, and Tereza Padelopoulou. February 2008 Seafarers LOG 23 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:58 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 2 February 2008 SIU Holiday Photos Seafarers Hosted Events For Members, Retirees and Guests During the Holidays — Pages 9 -11 Seafarers Provide Comfort and Joy Before Holidays Goodwill Abounds Throughout Hospital Ship’s 4-Month Humanitarian Mission CIVMARS spent four months before the end of 2007 aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort providing humanitarian assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean. Crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, the Comfort departed from Norfolk, Va., on June 15 and returned to its home in Baltimore, Md., on October 19. The Comfort’s crew of CIVMARS, uniformed and civilian medical personnel, and operations and support workers teamed up to provide medical assistance and relief to more than 98,000 people in 12 countries. According to MSC, as part of the Comfort’s goodwill and humanitarian mission, crew members helped make it possible for the medical personnel to provide “extensive” care including performance of more than 1,000 surgeries, issuance of 24,000 pairs of eyeglasses and 32,000 immunizations, and distribution of 122,000 pharmaceuticals – all in parts of the world that truly need the assistance. Crew members also reached out by refurbishing hospitals, providing new playground equipment, repairing plumbing in bathrooms and patching up more than 20 schools and medical facilities. They also found time to make balloon animals for sick kids in hospitals. Electronic Technician Alan Horowitz Bosun Gerald Butch (photo at left) displays a life ring he painted, while Engine Utility Michael Forner (above) takes readings in engine room. Supply Clerk Lucio Salvador Cook-Baker Stanley Drew mans the serving line for Navy personnel. Unlicensed Junior Engineer Sean Larouche reads the Seafarers LOG. A banner thanks Comfort crew members for the recent mission. � 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 February 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CIVMARS RESCUE UAE MARINERS MEMBERS SHOW STRONG INTEREST IN NEW SEAFARERS 401(K) PLAN 4TH ‘LEWIS AND CLARK’ SHIP DELIVERED TO MSC NASSCO STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON 2ND TANKER FOR U.S. SHIPPING PARTNERS NTSB: 1ST-TRIPPER WAS ON WATCH WHEN MAJESTIC BOAT GROUNDED AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD REPORTS CONTINUED PROGRESS FOR SIU-CONTRACTED TANKER PROGRAM APL BALBOA RE-FLAGGING MEANS MORE SIU JOBS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHES MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM ITF WEEK OF ACTION A SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION REPORT CITES VITAL ROLE OF U.S. MERCHANT MARINE SIU-CREWED USNS PILILAAU COMPLETES LARGEST DELIVERY OF LIFE-SAVING MRAPS TWO SEAFARERS MEMORIALIZED DURING SHIPBOARD CEREMONIES SEAFARERS PROVIDE COMFORT AND JOY BEFORE HOLIDAYS 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 02/01/2008 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. 2 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/dff8b41c901f530a1b80185ecaceac7e.pdf 63ec953b65fc878655b88a73fde0c5aa PDF Text Text 46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:30 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 MSP Gains Newer Tonnage As SIU Fleet Grows by 2 Alliance Norfolk, Alliance St. Louis Raise America’s Stars and Stripes The SIU-contracted fleet recently grew by two ships as Maersk Line, Limited added the Alliance St. Louis (above, left) and Alliance Norfolk (above, right) to its group of vessels enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Two other SIUcontracted Maersk ships (the Maersk Nebraska and Maersk Nevada) rotated out of the MSP fleet, but they remain in the company’s commercial service and still are crewed by Seafarers. The Alliance Norfolk and Alliance St. Louis are car carriers. At left, the Norwegian flag is taken down from the Alliance St. Louis and replaced by the Stars and Stripes while the vessel was in Baltimore. Page 3. Always Ready to Deliver Seafarers Continue Embracing Role as Nation’s ‘Fourth Arm of Defense’ Delivering the goods for U.S. troops wherever and whenever needed remains a vital part of the jobs performed by SIU members. So say Seafarers themselves, including Recertified Bosun Rick James (right in photo below) and AB Mrimri Farah, pictured in late January aboard the Cape Washington. Seafarers aboard the USNS Mendonca (left) and Cape Wrath also recently discussed their commitment to supporting our troops. Pages 10-11. Union Membership Increases PHC Distance Learning Page 2 Page 6 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:33 AM Page 2 Union Membership Increases President’s Report Protecting Workers’ Freedom Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, but the recently released numbers on union membership in the U.S. are encouraging. The labor movement made big gains in 2007, attracting more than 300,000 new members. As reported elsewhere on this page, that’s the biggest increase going all the way back to 1979. All things considered, I think this is great news not just for unions but for all working families. The growth also is a tribute both to the value of union representation and the resilience of workers and organizers taking part in the campaigns. Michael Sacco It’s easy to see the advantages of joining a union. As Seafarers know, union members have a real voice in the workplace. They have the protection of a collective bargaining agreement. Year after year, government data shows that union members are far more likely to earn more money and have better benefits than unrepresented workers. Meanwhile, private studies consistently show that most people across the country support unions. They also reflect the fact that the majority of unrepresented workers say they would join a union if presented with the opportunity. Unfortunately, in far too many cases, workers don’t really get a fair shot at exercising their right to join a union. That’s why the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated) has pushed so hard for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – legislation that would restore fairness to the National Labor Relations Board process. The spin from anti-worker factions is that the EFCA somehow would deprive employees of their rights when it came time to vote on whether or not to join a union. Brothers and sisters, talk about a smokescreen. The truth is that in most modern-day organizing campaigns, workers – and unions – already are fighting an uphill battle all the way. Not because unions don’t have a lot to offer, but rather because the employers pull out all the stops to keep the union out, often including breaking the law. This isn’t news to anyone who’s been involved in a tough campaign in recent years, but it may surprise others. Companies routinely harass and intimidate pro-union workers during the weeks leading up to a vote. In many documented cases, pro-union workers are unjustly fired. Businesses often spend more to hire union-busting attorneys to cloud the real issues and confuse workers about unions than it would take to pay a fair wage with good benefits. Even if a majority of workers votes for representation, some companies stall and stall during negotiations for a first contract, while at the same time still attempting to disregard the workers’ choice by getting rid of the union. How can they get away with those actions? The enforcement of certain labor laws protecting workers in organizing drives is weak or nonexistent. Appeals processes take too long. Even for the most enthusiastic union advocate, it can be a very tough fight. I think it’s un-American to treat workers that way. Employees deserve the chance to freely exercise their right to join (or not join) a union. The law already says so, but reality says something different. The SIU remains committed along with our fellow unions throughout the AFL-CIO in supporting the Employee Free Choice Act. There is solid backing for the legislation in both houses of Congress. There is legitimate hope that this bill will become law. When it does, the yearly report on union membership will be even better than the current one. And that’ll be good news not just for unions, but for all workers. Middle-class families are finding it harder and harder to maintain their living standards, much less get ahead. Workers’ wages are stagnating or falling. Economic inequality in this country is rising to alarming levels. And health insurance and retirement security are increasingly beyond the reach of middle-class families. Our country cannot afford to continue on this course. At the same time, every day more people are coming to understand that the ability of workers to form and join unions is what laid the foundation for the explosive growth of the American middle class in the post-World War II period. Every day, more people appreciate the role of collective bargaining in promoting broadly shared economic growth and prosperity, higher wages, better jobs, better and more extensive health care coverage, retirement security, and dignity and respect for workers on the job. Volume 70, Number 3 March 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. 2 Seafarers LOG Union membership in the United States increased by 311,000 to 15.7 million in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – marking the largest single-year increase in union membership since 1979. Overall union density increased slightly from 12.0 percent to 12.1 percent last year, reversing a trend of decline in recent years. “Today’s numbers show working people are pushing to form and join unions in order to improve their lives, despite record levels of resistance from employers,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said when the government data became available in late January. “They know that a union card is the single best ticket into the middle class, especially in today’s economy.” Private sector union membership grew by 133,000 and density grew to 7.5 percent in 2007, the first time private sector density grew since 1979. In construction alone, more than 96,000 members were added last year, bumping union density in that industry to 13.9 percent from 13.0 percent in 2006. The largest increase in union membership was in health services, where unions added 142,000 members, a 0.9 percent increase in density from 2006 to 7.9 percent. Union membership among women grew again in 2007, continuing a trend in recent years. More than 201,000 women joined unions in 2007, nearly twice the number of men. Women now account for 44 percent of all union members, a new high. The advantages of having a union on the job were clear in 2007, according to the labor federation. Last year, median weekly pay for union members was $863 while those who were not represented by unions had median weekly earnings of $663. “Our unions have been working hard over the last 10 years to build their strategic capacity to help workers join unions, even in this hostile legal environment where workers’ right to organize has been all but eliminated,” Sweeney added. “The fact that our unions have been able to grow despite a slowing economy and a decline in the public sector is a good sign. As we’ve built political support and held elected officials who oppose workers’ rights accountable, more working people have been able to exercise their choice to join unions.” There have been a number of important victories for workers who wanted a union on the job. Those victories include 40,000 childcare workers in Michigan joining the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the United Auto Workers (UAW). More than 40,000 communications workers joined the Communications Workers of America in the last two years, including more than 20,000 at Cingular (now AT&T Wireless). Last year, 50,000 childcare workers in New York joined AFSCME and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). In addition, 6,000 casino dealers in New Jersey and Connecticut joined the UAW and 3,000 administrative staff from Rutgers University joined the AFT and Communications Workers of America. The manufacturing sector continues to be hard hit due to an overall decline caused in part by trade deals like NAFTA that have shipped millions of American jobs overseas. Manufacturing employment dropped by 287,000 and union membership dropped by 93,000. Union density in manufacturing declined from 11.7 percent to 11.3 percent. The growth in union membership comes at a time when workers say they want and need unions more than ever. More than half of all workers – 60 million – say they would join a union tomorrow if given the chance, according to independent research by Peter Hart Research Associates. “It’s no accident that the vast majority of workers who formed unions last year did so outside the broken National Labor Relations Board process,” Sweeney said. “All workers deserve a free and fair chance to form a union. It’s time for Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act to reform our nation’s broken labor laws and help rebuild our ailing middle class.” Under NLRB Direction, Majestic Posts Non-Interference Notice In an agreement sanctioned by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Majestic America Line in late 2007 was compelled to post a notice to employees aboard the formerly SIU-contracted passenger riverboat American Queen promising that the company wouldn’t interfere with crew members’ rights to choose union representation. In other words, under a government-supervised settlement, the company said it would follow the law. Majestic also agreed to reinstate a former employee who had been unjustly fired because of pro-union activities. The NLRB signed off on the agreement Nov. 7, 2007. It read in part, “The Charged Party will post immediately in conspicuous places in and about its vessel, including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted, and maintain for 60 consecutive days from the date of the posting, copies of the attached Notice (and versions in other languages as deemed appropriate by the Regional Director) made a part hereof, said notices to be signed by a responsible official of the Charged Party and the date of actual posting to be shown thereon.” The bulk of the notice itself read as follows. The name of a Majestic employee whom the union assisted in safeguarding his workplace rights appeared in the original notice but is omitted here as a courtesy: NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES - FEDERAL LAW GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO: ■ Form, join or assist a union; ■ Choose representatives to bargain with us on your behalf; ■ Act together with other employees for your benefit and protection; ■ Choose not to engage in any of these protected activities. (Editor’s note: The company agreed to the following items, which appear in the notice.) WE WILL NOT interfere with, restrain or coerce you in regards to the exercise of these rights, more specifically WE WILL NOT discharge or otherwise discriminate against you for supporting or engaging in activities on behalf of the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO (Union) or any other labor organization. WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce you in the exercise of your rights as guaranteed by Section 7 of the Act. WE WILL offer full re-employment to [name of employee] in his former position without prejudice to his seniority or any other rights previously enjoyed. WE WILL pay [name of employee] wages and other benefits he may have lost because we discharged him. WE WILL, within 14 days from the date of the Settlement Agreement, remove from our files any reference to the discharge of [name of employee] in March 2007, and WE WILL within three days of the removal, notify [name] in writing that this has been done and that WE WILL not use the discharge against him in any way. March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:34 AM Page 3 The Alliance Norfolk (above) and sister ship Alliance St. Louis signify more jobs for the SIU and greater RO/RO capability available to the U.S. Department of Defense. Seafarers Crew Up 2 New Maersk Ships RO/ROs Alliance Norfolk, Alliance St. Louis Join MSP Fleet Call it a win-win development. The SIU recently added two vessels to its fleet, while the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) gained newer tonnage. Beginning in late January, Seafarers crewed up the car carriers Alliance Norfolk (in New York) and Alliance St. Louis (in Baltimore). Both vessels now are operated by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. The ships initially had sailed for Hoegh Autoliners under the Norwegian flag, but now sail under the Stars and Stripes. The Alliance Norfolk (built in 2007) and Alliance St. Louis (2005) are basically identical, each measuring approximately 650 long with a beam of about 104 feet. They were constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). They replaced the containerships Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska (both built in 1985) in the MSP fleet, but those vessels remain in the company’s commercial service, normally transporting grain. Ed Hanley, Maersk Line, Limited vice president of labor relations, commended SIU members for “displaying outstanding professionalism and teamwork during the reflaggings. Their dedication to duty and ‘can do’ attitude overcame the many obstacles associated with taking over new vessels, which allowed for a smooth integration under the U.S. flag. The company and U.S. Coast Guard officials on site were impressed with the readiness of the crew and their emphasis on safety and security.” The U.S. Maritime Administration describes the Maritime Security Program as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag, and U.S.crewed liner fleet in international trade that is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency.” The MSP was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The program helps maintain a pool of well-trained American seafarers who are available to crew the ships of both the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift fleet as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war. Bipartisan support from Congress as well as the administrations of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton crafted and guided the original legislation to its ultimate passage in 1996. That measure provided funding for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels over a 10-year period. In return, the companies participating in the program made sure their intermodal facilities were available to the U.S. armed forces in time of war or national emergency. Because the MSP proved its value during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, efforts were launched in 2002 to extend and expand the MSP before its expiration in 2005. A year later, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed legislation to enhance the MSP with 10 more years and 13 more vessels. During those grassroots efforts to secure a new MSP, a report by the highly respected National Defense Transportation Association stated that the United States military would be that the MSP has become a pillar of the nation’s strategic sealift and global response capability, providing mariners, vessels and intermodal systems to support the military in such missions as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Alliance St. Louis reflagged under the Stars and Stripes Feb. 4 in Baltimore. Chief Cook Vincent Chavez prepares a meal aboard the Alliance St. Louis. Some of the folks on hand for the reflagging of the Alliance St. Louis included (not in order) AB Celestino Daluz, Oiler Eli Young, AB Joseph Ayeo, Oiler Andy Iliscupidez, DMAC Malachi Tannis, Outgoing Bosun Richardo C. Ballelos Jr., Incoming Bosun Roy Tyler, Steward Rudolph Daniels, Maersk General Manager Carol Berger, Maersk General Manager James Denoncourt and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. March 2008 unable to deploy and sustain its forces worldwide without using privately owned, U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. The study by the Maritime Policy Working Group of the NDTA’s Military Sealift Committee demonstrated Crew members safely and busily continue readying the Alliance St. Louis for its first official voyage under the American flag. Seafarers LOG 3 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:31 PM Page 4 Defense Bill Provision Signals CIVMAR Win Mariners Retain Rights as Saga Concludes SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (second from right) represents the union during a recent ceremony honoring the Horizon Falcon. Also pictured at the ceremony are (from left) Capt. Eric Wallischeck of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Wally Becker, senior vessel superintendent at Horizon Lines; and Capt. Tim Brown, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. Wallischeck is presenting the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. SIU-Crewed Horizon Falcon Honored For ‘Brave Actions’ in 2007 Rescue In recognition of their efforts during an at-sea res- ed the vessel through rough seas filled with floating cue that took place last year, crew members and offi- logs to attempt to locate and rescue survivors. A cers from the Seafarers-contracted Horizon Falcon lifeboat with four mariners aboard was dispatched were honored Jan. 26 at a luncheon hosted by the U.S. despite high winds and 24-foot swells. One Chinese Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. survivor was pulled from the water, but as the lifeboat SIU members sailing aboard the Horizon Falcon was being recovered by the Horizon Falcon, a large during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Steven swell nearly swamped the craft while damaging its Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, John Dacuag, motor. The lifeboat was ordered abandoned, but its Jennifer Souci, Stanley Parker, Jack Kem, Earl crew and the survivor climbed to safety up the conSparkes and Jerry Gonzaga, Electrician Ursel tainership’s 40-foot pilot ladder. Barber, QMEDs Husain Ali and Gustavo Osorio, A second Chinese seaman was spotted in the water Recertified Steward Philip Lau and SA Milagros near the containership. AB Dacuag harnessed himself Clark. to the pilot ladder and, using a grappling hook, The captain and crew received the American snagged and rescued the man. Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy for their skillThe Horizon Falcon, by now joined by a Navy P3 ful action in rescuing two mariners from stormy seas. Orion aircraft and another merchant ship, continued “Captain Tom McDorr and the crew of Horizon the search for survivors, but no others were located. Falcon, owned by Horizon Lines, Inc., displayed The containership was eventually directed to resume superior seamanship its voyage. The rescued last year when they Chinese seamen were saved the lives of two delivered to Yantian, Chinese sailors whose where representatives vessel sank in the North of the Chinese governPacific,” the academy ment expressed their noted when announcing thanks to the captain the award. and crew of the On July 12, 2007, the Horizon ship. containership Horizon “The determined Falcon was en route efforts and the profesfrom Guam to Yantian, sional and brave China when it received actions of the captain The Horizon Falcon a message from the U.S. and crew of Horizon Coast Guard to divert Falcon, under most difcourse and come to the aid of a vessel, the bulk carri- ficult conditions, undoubtedly prevented the further er Hai Tong No. 7 carrying a cargo of logs. loss of human life in the sinking of Hai Tong No. 7,” The storm surge of Typhoon Man-Yi had caused the academy noted. the Hai Tong No. 7’s cargo to shift. The vessel The trophy itself, an ornate sterling silver cup, is on foundered and its Chinese crew had already been in permanent display at the American Merchant Marine the water for two days before any ship reached the Museum on the academy’s Long Island campus. scene. Recipients are presented with a plaque representing The Horizon Falcon arrived first. McDorr navigat- the trophy. Following a successful four-year effort by dozens of unions and supporters, members of the SIU Government Services Division are among the workers buoyed by the late-January signing of a Defense bill that includes provisions protecting their rights to union representation. The legislation signed by President Bush exempts blue-collar Defense Department employees from the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) and also calls for certain protections for workers who operate under the NSPS. CIVMARS and other bluecollar DOD workers will keep their collective bargaining rights as well as retain rights to appeal major disciplinary actions. The same holds true for privately employed civilian mariners sailing aboard U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Maritime Administration vessels (though it wasn’t certain those mariners eventually would have ended up in the NSPS). “There are not many wins in our history bigger than this “. . . I am proud that I one,” said John Gage, presi- fought against the National dent of the American Security Personnel System in Federation of Government 2003, and that I was part of Employees. The NSPS applies to the leadership of the House approximately 110,000 Armed Services Committee in Defense employees who 2007 that wrote the language aren’t covered by collective to restore the rights of so bargaining agreements. many Americans.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrom---U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie bie noted, “After four years of lawsuits and back and forth federal court decisions, Congress has finally restored the basic rights of hard-working government employees to bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of their work, and to have in place an independent appeals process to handle disciplinary actions. The new law exempts bluecollar Defense employees from the NSPS, and ensures that employees who are in the NSPS and perform at satisfactory levels receive annual raises and locality adjustments and have an opportunity to earn performance-based raises and bonuses. “This language in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, now Public Law 110-181, affirms the existence of the social contract between employer and employee; affirms the value and dignity of an honest day’s work; and affirms this nation’s core belief in fundamental justice. I am proud that I fought against the National Security Personnel System in 2003, and that I was part of the leadership of the House Armed Services Committee in 2007 that wrote the language to restore the rights of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie so many Americans.” Coast Guard Says No Injuries, No Pollution In McCarthy Mishap No injuries and no pollution were very good words to hear from the U.S. Coast Guard about the stern submergence of the M/V Walter J. McCarthy Jr. in Superior, Wis., on January 14. The 1,000-foot McCarthy struck a submerged object while backing into winter dockage when the object punctured the stern, causing flooding in the engine rooms. The vessel’s stern settled to the bottom at 20 feet of water, covering the ship’s four diesel engines. According to the Coast Guard, the 4 Seafarers LOG crew closed the two engine rooms’ watertight doors and evacuated the flooding areas. That same week, workers pumped water from the ship’s ballast tanks that brought the ship’s stern up in the water, leaving five feet of water in the engine rooms. Workers then installed a coffer dam over the hole in the ship’s bottom, and oil and water were pumped into trucks on the dock to be taken away and treated. According to American Steamship Company, both engine rooms have been steam cleaned at press time and engines are being evaluated for repairs. The company also stated that the holes are sealed, which helps ensure there will be no pollution and that repairs can be made inside while also alleviating the need for drydock. Company officials said repairs could take months, especially given the freezing temperatures at the site. “It’s a very unfortunate event, but things like this happen. When vessels make dock, this is the most hazardous part of their journey,” Adolph Ojard, the executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, told an NBC television affiliate in Duluth. Lt. Aaron Gross, Coast Guard chief of port operations for the Marine Safety Unit in Duluth, told reporters the object that punctured the McCarthy’s hull could have been ice or a concrete piling. The McCarthy transports coal from Superior to Detroit Edison’s St. Claire and Monroe, Mich., power plants. March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 5 TWIC Hearing Reveals Mixed Results Enrollment Continues for Federally Mandated Credential Displaying posters that are part of the joint effort are (from left) ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, ISF Secretary Natalie Shaw, ISF/ICS Secretary General Tony Mason and ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary Jon Whitlow. The photo was taken Feb. 1 at a news conference in London. International Groups Announce Joint Effort to Protect Mariners The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have joined forces in a new initiative to help protect seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The three organizations, which represent maritime employers and trade unions worldwide, announced Feb. 1 in London that they have united to support and promote the IMO and ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers In The Event Of A Maritime Accident. As part of the campaign the three organizations are distributing posters (supported by web sites and leaflets) worldwide to show seafarers how the guidelines can help protect them. They are also encouraging their members - national shipowners’ associations belonging to the ISF and ICS, and seafarers’ unions affiliated to the ITF - to approach their governments in order to promote the guidelines and to monitor how effectively they are being implemented. ISF/ICS Secretary General Tony Mason explained, “As responsible employers, we believe its is very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the fair treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are indeed implemented in practice by governments. Seafarers must be treated with dignity and respect, and given access to independent legal representation in situations where they may be interviewed or held following an accident at sea.” ITF General Secretary David Cockroft remarked, “The knee-jerk scapegoating of seafarers following accidents at sea is a growing concern to us all. In recent years the response of too many national authorities has been to reach for the handcuffs first and find out what actually happened last. “Incidents like these prove how vital the guidelines are. I’m proud to say that the ITF and ISF in their capacity as ILO ‘social partners,’ with support from ICS and other industry organizations, helped to develop these guidelines, which were the product of tripartite negotiations with governments prior to their agreement by IMO and ILO.” Speaking at a press conference to launch the joint effort, the two men displayed the “Maritime Accidents. Seafarers – Be Aware!” posters that the organizations are distributing for use on ships, in seafarers’ missions and in other locations around the world. These can also be downloaded from either www.marisec.org/fairtreatment or www.itfglobal.org/fairtreatment, where the IMO/ILO Guidelines also appear in full. Meanwhile the three organizations sent a letter to the secretary-general of the IMO and the director-general of the ILO that reads in part, “As you are both well aware, the treatment by national authorities of seafarers unfortunate enough to be involved in maritime casualties or pollution incidents is an extremely important issue for the shipping industry, especially in the light of recent high profile cases around the world, where masters and crews have been detained by investigating authorities, apparently without adherence to proper due legal process. It was, of course, such incidents that led to the adoption by governments of the IMO/ILO Fair Treatment Guidelines, in order to address the key responsibilities of detaining states as well as those of the vessel’s flag state and the seafarers’ country of residence. “It is therefore very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are implemented by governments, and we are now actively promoting the IMO/ILO Guidelines throughout the industry…. We are sure that IMO and ILO will welcome this campaign by the industry’s social partners and our objective of ensuring that these important IMO/ILO Guidelines are indeed implemented in practice.” The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on Jan. 23 conducted a review hearing on enrollment progress of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. During the hearing, committee chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) pointed out that as of January 11, 49 of 147 planned TWIC enrollment centers had been opened and that approximately 109,000 preenrollments had been initiated. Additionally, almost 50,000 enrollments had been completed and roughly 12,000 TWIC cards had been distributed to workers in the maritime community. Rep. Cummings and chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), whose committee oversees Cummings’, expressed concerns about the process. “For example,” explained Rep. Cummings, “TSA [Transportation Security Administration] originally estimated that 750,000 individuals in the maritime community would enroll in the TWIC program but now estimates that at least one million individuals will need TWIC cards.” Rep. Cummings also commented that extensive wait times have been experienced by some who are picking up and activating their TWIC cards. He did mention that the contracted company running the program, Lockheed Martin, allows individuals to make appointments to pick up cards and to complete the enrollment process. Rep. Oberstar stated, “I am concerned about mariners who live in remote areas will have to drive hundreds of miles – twice – once to apply for a TWIC card and again to pick it up.” “According to reports from the first 90 days of TWIC enrollment,” said Rep. Cummings, “workers enrolling in the program have experienced severe deficiencies in customer service, ranging from dysfunctional computers and loss of worker data to delays of up to five hours. One station expected to serve over 30,000 people was staffed with only one employee, while another station closed for the day when its printer ran out of toner. “Additionally, while a deadline for enrollment has been established for mariners, the Coast Guard has yet to announce the dates when ports must begin using the credentials. There has also been no clearly established outline distinguishing which maritime vessels must install the machine to read the TWIC cards or set deadlines for land facilities to install the readers,” Rep. Cummings continued. It is unclear whether Lockheed Martin will be able to deliver reliably functioning TWIC readers to all designated locations by the Sept. 25, 2008 TWIC enrollment deadline for mariners. Rep. Oberstar said, “Until TWIC Elijah Cummings card reader technology is available and the rule is pro- Chairman, House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime mulgated, the TWIC will be Transportation used as a flash pass. Although this offers some layer of security, the card is not worker is less than 11 minutes. Concerning the TWIC card serving the intended service.” During the testimony stage readers, Fanguy stated that the of the hearing, representatives TSA has begun a pilot test profrom the Coast Guard, TSA, gram to determine the effecLockheed Martin and the tiveness of the readers and the Maryland Department of biometric data embedded on Transportation addressed some TWIC cards. During his testimony, Coast of these concerns and provided more insight into TWIC Guard Director of Inspections and Compliance Rear Admiral progress. John Porcari, Maryland’s Brian Salerno underscored the secretary of transportation, progress made on TWIC that noted, “There have been some Fanguy mentioned. Admiral instances of enrollees having to Salerno emphasized the Coast make multiple visits to the Guard’s efforts in soliciting Baltimore enrollment site comments from various parts of because of TSA computers the industry and agency offices. Focusing on the TWIC cards being down and because of information previously submit- and the readers, the admiral ted for enrollment being lost on said, “The Coast Guard is in the TSA servers. Slow enrollment process of procuring handheld can be attributed to any number biometric readers which will of issues: cost of the card; pay- enable verification of identity ment arrangements by public and validity of credentials durand private institutions; and ing our vessel and facility reluctance of individuals inspections and spot checks. because of concerns about dis- We are also on track to develop qualifying background crite- the system necessary to allow newly hired employees to work ria.” TSA’s TWIC Program while they await issuance of Director Maurine Fanguy said TWIC.” A major concern in the that enrollment centers have opened on schedule. She industry and Congress is a declared that the average TWIC surge in enrollments that can enrollment time for a port occur as the Sept. 25, 2008 TWIC deadline approaches. Lockheed Martin Transportation and Security Solutions business unit President Judith Marks addressed the concern of the committee with the company’s plan. “We will focus first and foremost on use of mobile enrollment work stations that can be taken directly to stakeholder facilities. This provides an additional level of convenience for the individual workers … by minimizing lines at fixed facilities and easing the burden on major employers. In addition to use of mobile units, we have developed a national surge plan that will allow for U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (second from left), chairman of the House rapid expansion of capacity at Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is pictured during a any of the 147 port locations.” hearing. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 5 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:36 AM Page 6 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 state-of-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) 9940010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 17 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Steward Department Course Spotlight Galley Operations -The course consists of two 2-week modules (totaling four weeks). Each module is 35 hours with additional time participating in the school’s galley operations. This course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center unlicensed apprentice program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA. A student at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., glances at the Paul Hall Center’s initial online course offerings. PHC Offers Online Courses A long-planned program to benefit employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies is coming to a computer near you. The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is offering web-based “distance learning” for mariners. The program comes after a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board and is currently in its infancy but initially offers online courses for: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection; and Shipboard Water Sanitation. Internet-based online training provides mariners the opportunity to receive recommended or required professional training while serving at sea aboard a vessel, while ashore at home, or during any other time when they are away from the ship. All that is required is a personal computer, or laptop with internet capability. The training is designed to be self-paced. The courses are kept as brief as possible so that they can be completed within one or two sittings. A reasonable deadline has been estab- lished for overall course completion. “Distance learning is the wave of the future because it is convenient for students,” explained Paul Hall Center instructor Dale Rausch. He mentioned that those taking the courses can start coursework, walk away and resume use later. These initial courses are designed by Paul Hall Center instructors and tailored to address the annual refresher training of vessel safety management systems and prepare students for resident coursework at the center. The center is approaching operators for suggestions on other online courses to make available. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application found on page 17 of this issue of the LOG 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, so be sure to write your e-mail address on the form in the space provided. In addition, be sure to include the word “online” when listing the course(s) you desire on the application. SIU-affiliated School Earns County’s ‘Gold Star’ Center Gains Recognition for Superior Compliance to Food Safety Standards The St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department recently praised the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education because of the school’s “superior compliance to food safety standards among food establishments” in the county. The school received a certificate as part of a new program launched by the county to spotlight excellence in food service. “Gold Star” certificates were presented to the Paul Hall Center and to other facilities “who met the challenge of achieving superior standards for the 2007 calendar year,” according to the department. Based on data from the county, it’s clear that the certificates were awarded only to those facilities that truly demonstrate excellence. Approximately 50 food establishments received the recognition – which equates to only about 12 percent of the more than 400 places that were eligible. Located in Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center offers entry training and numerous upgrading classes for merchant mariners. While vocational training is the school’s main focus, food service also is vitally important on a campus which typically houses hundreds of students at any given time, not to mention the instructors and staff. In fact, in some cases the training and food service are intertwined – several of the schools curriculums cover steward department functions. “This award reflects the hard work of 6 Seafarers LOG the trainees involved in daily sanitation classes and practices throughout their first month at the school,” noted Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski. “Of course, it also reflects well on our steward department upgraders. The chief cook program, for instance, is a practical application of these sanitation principles.” Hetmanski added, “In the bigger picture, it’s important to note that Paul Hall Center students transfer the food sanitation principles to the ships as they go to sea.” Daryl Calvano, Environmental Health Division director at the health department, commented, “The Gold Star program recognizes the conscientious efforts of food establishments, and alerts the public to restaurants that have demonstrated exceptional attention to public health safety and sanitation. We are really pleased by the leadership of these establishments who stepped up and met the standards during the inspection period. These establishments deserve to be recognized as having achieved the ‘high honor roll’ for sanitation.” Alan Shick, food program supervisor for the county, said the program came about as a direct result of public interest. “Public inquiries about our inspection work in food services have become much more numerous in the past few years,” he stated. “Both the food establishment and the public win when high standards are achieved, rewarded and made known.” The requirements to earn the Gold Star include no critical violations and no “temperature violations” cited during an inspection. All violations noted by an inspector must be corrected with 30 days (verified by follow-up inspection), and there must be no confirmed unsafe food handling complaints. At least one food service worker must have completed a recognized and approved food service sanitation and safety class with the last two years. Steward department courses available at the Paul Hall Center include galley operations, certified chief cook, advanced galley operations, certified chief steward and steward recertification. Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski (center) displays the school’s award following a presentation by (left) Dr. William B. Icenhower, St. Mary’s County (Md.) health officer, and Daryl Calvano, director of the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services Division. March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 7 Vessel Master, Crew Praise Efforts of SIU Steward Recertified Steward Hugh E. “Bucky” Wildermuth epitomizes the true meaning of what it is to be a good shipmate, according to those with whom he sails. Not only does he perform all of his assigned tasks in a safe and timely fashion, he also goes above and beyond the call of duty in the process they point out. Wildermuth consistently has demonstrated this brand of dedication since he donned the SIU colors back in 1991. And, not surprisingly, his extra efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Wildermuth has been the recipient of accolades from his fellow unlicensed crew members, officers whom he has sailed under for the past decade as well as company officials who operate the vessels on which he has worked. The Indiana-born steward’s positive actions really hit the mark in early January however when he parlayed them into being nominated to receive a cash award. Wildermuth currently sails aboard the Maersk Virginia, one of four SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) Panamax G-Class vessels which are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program providing liner service between the U.S. East Coast and ports in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. During a voyage late last year, the Virginia’s oven went on the blink while underway and was of no use to Wildermuth or his fellow steward department shipmates. “On most ships, this would mean deep-fried or boiled food [for the crew] until the oven was repaired,” wrote Shaun Hughes, master of the Virginia, in correspondence to MLL officials about Wildermuth’s dedication. “…Bucky has taken up the slack by using the barbecue to prepare an assortment of foods like roasts, turkey, enchiladas, lasagna, biscuits, cookies and many other items. This sometimes means standing outside in cold wind to get a meal prepared. Not usual for a ship’s steward.” Apparently, the elements were no match for Wildermuth’s sense of devotion to duty and responsibility to his fellow crew members. Not only did he prepare meals under less than ideal conditions, he also made Christmas extra special for his shipmates. “On Christmas morning, every crew member had a stocking on his door filled with candies, gloves, socks and other items which Bucky has shopped for in port on his own time,” Captain Hughes wrote. The captain also pointed out that Wildermuth regularly prepares favorite meals as well as birthday cakes for his shipmates. On every trip to sea aboard the Virginia, “Bucky strips and Recertified Steward Hugh E. Wildermuth, left, chats with Chief Cook Richard Worobey aboard the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia. The vessel recently tied up in the Port of New York. waxes the decks and ladders in the accommodation during the middle of the night, so as not to be a disruption,” Captain Hughes said. “He does it out of pride in his work.” Captain Hughes said he could go on and on about the praises Wildermuth has received for his hard work and dedication, but he feared he might fail to mention some since they are so numerous. “To those of us who work with him, he simply represents what a good shipmate is and what quality is al about,” the captain concluded. Seafarers Rally With South Jersey Health Care Nurses SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, second from right in bottom right photo; Port of Philadelphia Patrolman Robert Wisler, left in same same photo; Port of Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, seventh from right in same photo behind woman wearing dark shirt, and Port of New York Patrolman Joe Baselice, not pictured, joined rankand-file Seafarers Nov. 14 who stood in solidarity with the Registered Nurses of South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) during a rally. Some 50 Seafarers turned out for the event, which organizers billed as an effort to draw attention to the unfair fashion in which the SJH registered nurses had been treated by company administrators and the board of directors during the quest to obtain their first ever labor contract. That effort started nearly two years ago on July 26, 2006 when the group voted for union representation. As it turned out, the rally achieved its purpose and then some. During the proceedings, it was announced that the nurses’ negotiators some 23 hours earlier had reached a tentative agreement for the health care professionals’ first labor accord. The nurses are affiliated with the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, AFT/AFL-CIO. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 7 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 8 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 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 will be repeated in upcoming issues 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 con- TWIC Enrollment Centers This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-February, 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 many more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 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 13201 San Pablo Ave., Suite 300 Richmond, CA 94806 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 8 Seafarers LOG tact 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 regularly 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-3478942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Georgia Power Plant McManus 1 Crispen Island Drive Brunswick, GA 31523 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street, Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois 8741 South Greenwood Dixon Building Chicago, IL 60619-7061 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 111 W. Washington Street, Suite 346 East Peoria, IL 61611-2532 Indiana 200 Russell Stree 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 James Drive East, Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 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/TWIC WebApp/ 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. Maine 235 Oxford Street Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 213 W. Main Street Suite 204C Salisbury, MD 21801-4871 3195 Old Washington Road Suite 2106 Waldorf, Md. 20602-3201 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 916 River Street Ontonagon, MI 49953-1622 800 East Ellis Road, Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 Minnesota 34 13th Avenue, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413-1002 2161 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114-1300 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 3214 2nd Avenue East International Falls, MN 56649-8955 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 New Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 ■ 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 card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street, Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 2680 Grand Island Boulevard Suite 1 Grand Island, NY 14072 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 North Carolina 5704 Oleander Drive Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28403-4761 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway A 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 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon 621 SW Morrison Street Portland, OR 97205 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 701 North Point Drive, Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 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 Virginia 814 Greenbrier Circle, Suite F Chesapeake, VA 23320 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 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 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303-2271 March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 8:06 AM Page 9 Welcome Ashore in Ft. Lauderdale Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January 16, 2007 — February 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Picking up their first pension checks, respectively, at the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. are newly retired Seafarers Recertified Bosun Carmine Bova (top photo, left, with Port Agent Kenny Moore) and Oiler Pedro Gago (bottom photo, left, with Safety Director Kevin Marchand). 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 Personal Pedro V. Ramos and David K. Seeman Please contact Robert H. Mulligan by phone at (781) 331-0691 or (617) 460-1547, or by email at bob.mulligan@comcast.net Totals April & May 2008 Piney Point ...........Monday: April 7, May 5 Algonac ................Friday: April 11, May 9 Baltimore..............Thursday: April 10, May 8 Boston ..................Friday: April 11, May 9 Guam ....................Thursday: April 24, May 22 Honolulu...............Friday: April 18, May 16 Houston ................Monday: April 14, May 12 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: April 10, May 8 Joliet .....................Thursday: April 17, May 15 Totals Mobile ..................Wednesday: April 16, May 14 New Orleans.........Tuesday: April 15, May 13 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 1 2 4 2 2 6 4 0 2 1 5 7 3 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 4 9 1 6 37 18 2 8 15 35 10 14 3 0 5 2 34 25 0 2 1 4 2 2 17 13 5 3 9 11 12 11 2 7 3 1 16 11 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 4 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 3 3 0 1 19 9 0 0 2 16 4 7 0 0 1 0 21 11 3 0 7 19 1 14 73 51 1 24 26 87 24 42 4 1 17 1 53 59 8 10 8 27 10 16 48 41 1 18 14 56 27 18 3 6 19 9 47 45 3 2 3 8 6 3 5 7 1 4 5 7 10 6 3 0 1 0 3 7 254 238 49 228 132 17 98 507 431 84 0 0 3 4 1 4 13 14 0 6 8 19 13 11 3 1 1 1 14 12 1 4 4 10 1 2 14 15 0 5 4 9 8 4 1 1 4 3 13 10 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 5 2 7 18 13 0 6 10 14 6 10 2 0 0 0 8 7 0 1 3 4 3 1 5 14 0 2 3 7 4 6 0 0 2 2 11 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 10 0 1 1 6 1 3 0 0 1 1 7 7 0 0 8 13 0 11 18 22 0 10 12 35 14 16 6 3 10 2 24 18 2 6 6 16 3 3 14 29 2 10 2 19 15 7 2 3 6 5 22 17 0 0 1 3 2 1 4 2 0 1 0 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 4 3 128 113 19 110 76 10 44 222 189 31 1 0 0 5 2 12 22 18 0 9 5 23 8 20 1 3 3 0 20 25 0 0 2 10 5 5 10 9 0 2 3 9 7 5 0 1 2 0 8 8 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 177 86 10 New York .............Tuesday: April 8, May 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: April 10, May 8 Oakland ................Thursday: April 17, May 15 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: April 9, May 7 Port Everglades ....Thursday: April 17, May 15 San Juan ...............Thursday: April 10, May 8 St. Louis ...............Friday: April 18, May 16 Tacoma .................Friday: April 25, May 23 Wilmington.............Monday: April 21, May 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. March 2008 ENGINE DEPARTMENT STEWARD 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 Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 10 2 19 3 11 25 19 3 10 13 26 14 10 2 7 9 3 25 24 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 2 0 6 10 1 8 37 22 0 11 11 39 13 18 1 1 8 2 35 29 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 1 0 2 6 1 9 16 16 0 3 12 20 5 20 4 1 1 0 12 26 1 0 1 7 1 2 8 6 0 2 5 4 10 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 5 8 0 2 5 8 1 10 1 0 1 0 5 12 1 0 1 7 3 16 38 27 0 10 5 38 14 39 2 4 4 1 33 37 1 0 1 11 4 8 11 16 0 3 5 12 14 6 1 1 3 1 11 14 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 155 53 6 62 280 123 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 0 0 5 3 5 0 0 1 4 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 5 3 3 1 5 2 6 22 14 1 4 6 28 5 15 1 6 4 1 17 13 4 0 0 11 4 6 2 7 0 2 2 5 12 14 1 27 3 2 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 2 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 12 9 0 2 5 11 2 10 0 8 1 2 5 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 1 7 4 0 18 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 6 0 1 3 10 2 6 0 0 0 0 8 7 6 7 2 8 4 9 38 36 1 11 4 55 29 22 1 5 5 1 29 25 6 0 1 16 6 13 9 16 1 3 5 23 30 21 1 34 3 2 15 13 34 157 112 21 80 45 0 56 298 218 593 594 190 514 341 78 204 1,065 1,041 349 Seafarers LOG 9 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:34 PM Page 10 SEAFA Answer Nation’s Call for M SIU members who have sailed on missions supporting U.S. and allied forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom stand ready to mobilize again whenever their nation calls. That message surfaced time after time during casual shipboard interviews that took place in late January aboard three Seafarers-contracted vessels in Baltimore (the Cape Washington, Cape Wrath and USNS Mendonca). Members stated that in their respective experiences aboard ship, individual opinions about the war in Iraq are as varied as what one probably would find in most other workplaces. To a man, however, they emphasized that there is nothing short of unanimous commitment to delivering the goods – on time, efficiently, wherever and whenever needed. Recertified Bosun David James has made a dozen trips to the Middle East aboard SIU-crewed military support ships since OIF began, including one voyage that spanned more than six months. “We know we’re America’s fourth arm of defense,” James stated. “SIU members are here to support the troops, period. As mariners, I think we all understand that we’re vital to national security.” He and other Seafarers mentioned that there are some obvious things that distinguish the OIF/OEF missions from a regular cargo run. They include the materiel itself, the multiple checkpoints heading into port and the military security teams that normally board the ships at some point along the way. “SIU members are here to support the troops.” --- Bosun David James Shipboard discussions are different, too. “The war is always a topic when you’re headed to Iraq, and the conversation gets more in-depth as you take on the security team and get closer,” said Recertified Steward Bob Mensching. Recertified Bosun Rick James said that even while vessels such as the Washington, Wrath and Mendonca remain in reduced operating status between activations, mariners talk about possible upcoming duties. “At our safety meetings, it’s a daily topic – availability, the war, our readiness,” he said. “Each person has different political views, but we all know we’re a vital part of supporting the armed forces. We look forward to bringing the troops home when the job is done.” Electrician Eric Mentzer pointed out that there is plenty of interaction between the crew and the security teams on many voyages. “A lot of people on the ships become friends with them,” he said. “The last two teams in particular were really cool guys. They’ve got families at home just like we do.” “Everybody gets to know each other. These are tight quarters,” said QMED George Murphy. QMED Bob Oppel has made four voyages in support of the current military operations, with the first two lasting a combined nine months. “The first couple of trips, everyone was gung ho,” he recalled. “Since then it has seemed more routine, although everyone’s just as focused on doing their job. It’s a more serious atmosphere (than a commercial run) and definitely a little different.” AB Mrimri Farah described the delivery of materiel to U.S. troops abroad as “very important,” and added that he is proud to have helped transport humvees and other cargo “that were badly needed at the time. Our guys in Iraq were very happy to see those.” Pictured are QM Mentzer The Seafarers-crewed Cape Washington Recertifie USNS M QMED George Murphy Cape Washington Chief Steward McKinley Jones Cape Wrath A sign aboard the Cape Wrath reflects the consistently safe jobs performed by SIU members and officers. GUDE Rose Winer Cape Wrath Seafarers help keep the Cape Washingt engine room running smoothly. The Cape Wrath, seen from the Cape Washington’s stern ramp 10 Seafarers LOG March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:34 PM Page 11 FARERS or Military Support Missions Pictured from left to right on the Cape Washington are QMED George Murphy, Electrician Eric Mentzer and GUDE Michael Alghafeili. Recertified Steward Bob Mensching USNS Mendonca Storekeeper Ted Hilles USNS Mendonca OS William Thomas USNS Mendonca Recertified Bosun David James USNS Mendonca Electrician Eric Mentzer Cape Washington QMED Bob Oppel Cape Wrath e Cape Washington’s oothly. AB Al Barnett Cape Wrath March 2008 AB William Howell USNS Mendonca Recertified Bosun Rick James, AB Mrimri Farah Cape Washington Seafarers LOG 11 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:35 PM Page 12 Seafarer Went Toe-to-Toe with Legendary Sugar Ray Robinson DATELINE: CINCINNATI, OHIO, MARCH 29, 1955 (SIU Wire Service) – A young able seaman, Johnny Lombardo, stood toe-to-toe with the former middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson, losing a 10-round split decision to the exchamp. Trading punch after punch against some of the quickest hands known to boxing, the young Seafarer clearly had the crowd on his side due to his impressive turnout against the ex-champ who was in the middle of a career comeback. Looking like a block of stone with fists of iron, Lombardo stepped into the ring against Robinson with one knockout of contender Joe Rindone and a thrashing of Garth Panther already to his credit. Despite a flurry of rights and lefts staggering Robinson, the judges handed down the split decision. The verdict was greeted with booing by the fans at the Cincinnati Gardens mainly because Lombardo put up such a terrific fight against the former champion. Even sportswriters from around the nation think Lombardo was robbed. Meet Fighter and AB Johnny Lombardo While the above news flash is a rewrite of newspaper articles of the time, the event and story of SIU Retiree Seafarer Johnny Lombardo (middle) is pictured during the pre-fight weigh-in with Sugar Ray Robinson (right). Johnny Lombardo are true. He’s known to his friends as a soft-hearted but hard-nosed kind of guy. According to Lombardo, while boxing was a passion, the sea was his love. Like most kids during the Depression, he lived in a poor family. His mother being the sole source of income, young Johnny took a job in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Then, a tragic event took place that would shape his life forever. “I was so angry about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I joined the Navy when I was 15,” said Lombardo. World War II began his 15-month combat tour. It was in the Navy where he got his certification as a ship’s machine gunner. “I loved that job so much, I slept at the base of my 20mm gun when I could,” he laughed. Lombardo’s sleeping SIU member Johnny Lombardo (right) squared off with Sugar Ray Robinson. arrangements paid off in the made a name for himself in the ring standing strong early morning of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. against some big boxing names at the time such as “I didn’t have too far to run when they called the ship Rocky Castellani, Phil “Wildcat” Kim and others. to battle stations. All hell broke loose as a Nazi Junkers At age 26, he got his big shot. “Sugar Ray Robinson JU-88 strafed the deck. As the plane circled the ship, I was trying to regain his title and my name came up as his spun around as it was bearing down on me and let loose opponent. When my manager told me, I said, ‘I’m going on him,” Lombardo recalled. He said that everything to beat this guy but I know the judges are going to steal happened so quickly he didn’t know if he was the only the fight from me,’” exclaimed Lombardo. “This was my one to fire on the plane. “The whole ship got credit for big shot and I thought it was a good way for a poor boy downing the plane, but I know I got a piece if him.” When asked how he felt during the heated battle, he said, to make a name for himself.” Then came fight night. “When the first round started, “I was too young to be scared!” As the ship was decorated for the battle, the Navy dis- Robinson starting talking to me. He said things like, ‘Why don’t you lay down and we’ll just get this over covered Lombardo’s real age. The Navy shortly diswith? What was I doing wasting my time in the ring?’ charged him. Well, I hauled off and hit him in the jaw! Undaunted, Lombardo quickly took action. “I joined “During the fight we each almost knocked each other the Army!” he said. “I still wanted to fight, but the Army out,” said Lombardo. “But, to tell you the truth, he was sent me to Italy where the war was pretty much over.” so fast, I didn’t see his punches! He wasn’t washed up Lombardo still had the fighting spirit when the Army like everyone was saying. But, I did get my shot.” shipped him home. “We had boxing matches on board A few months later, Lombardo hung up his gloves. “I during that long cross-Atlantic trip. A buddy of mine, always loved the sea. So I quit boxing, went to the New Sonny Wayman, convinced me to box and they gave me York port agent’s office and signed on to be a seafarer. I the biggest, toughest, best boxer on the ship and I worked mainly on tankers, but would have done anything knocked him out in the third round,” Lombardo rememto be at sea.” bered. When, they got home, Wayman got Lombardo a The 79-year-old Lombardo is retired in Las Vegas and few matches and his boxing career started to move. is still full of energy. “I’d sign on for sea duty today if Lombardo didn’t consider himself a great boxer. “I they’d take me,” he said. “Our union brothers are the think I was ranked 40th before I fought Sugar Ray greatest people in the world.” Robinson,” said Lombardo. But, Lombardo had already 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 12 Seafarers LOG 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. March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:38 AM Page 13 Seafarers International Union Directory Welcome Ashore Michael Sacco, President 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. 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 DEEP SEA 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 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 March 2008 CIFUENTES GAGO Brother Cifuentes Gago, 63, joined the SIU in 1970. He initially sailed on the Amerigo as a member of the engine department. Brother Gago was born in Zamora, Spain. He attended classes on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gago’s final voyage was aboard the Motivator. He makes his home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. RICHARD HECKMAN Brother Richard Heckman, 65, became a Seafarer in 1959. His earliest trip to sea was on the Navigator. Brother Heckman shipped in the engine department. He last worked aboard the Guayama. Brother Heckman is a resident of Rio Grande, P.R. with Berg Towing Company. He enhanced his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Carter was most recently employed on an Express Marine Inc. vessel. He makes his home in Smyrna, Del. ALEX GOLDEN Boatman Alex Golden, 63, first went to sea in 1973 with Allied Towing. Boatman Golden was born in North Carolina and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard a Steuart Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Golden settled in Harkers Island, N.C. THOMAS HUMPHRY Brother Joseph Jenkins Jr., 67, donned the SIU colors in 1987. His maiden voyage was on the USNS Wilkes where he sailed as a member of the engine department. In 2000 and 2002, Brother Jenkins took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he went to sea aboard the PFC Dewayne Williams. Brother Jenkins calls Lake Stevens, Wash. home. Boatman Thomas Humphry, 68, started working with the SIU in 1972 from the port of San Francisco. In 2000, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Boatman Humphry began his career sailing in the deep sea division aboard a States Steamship Company vessel. He primarily shipped as a member of the steward department on a Crowley Towing & Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Humphry is a resident of Compton, Calif. JAMES T. MARTIN JAMES S. MARTIN Brother James T. Martin, 57, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1972. The deck department member upgraded numerous times at the Piney Point school. Brother Martin was born in Pennsylvania. His first ship was the Sea Carol; his last was the USNS Petersburg. Brother Martin lives in Bacliff, Texas. Boatman James S. Martin, 52, joined the union in 1975 while attending classes in Piney Point, JOSEPH JENKINS JR. WILLIAM PAYNE Brother William Payne, 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1990 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He originally shipped on the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Payne was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Payne resides in Jacksonville, Fla. INLAND WILLIAM CARTER Boatman William Carter, 66, is a North Carolina native. He became an SIU member in 1966. Boatman Carter initially sailed Md. He enhanced his seafaring abilities frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Martin was born in California and worked in the engine department. His final trip to sea was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. DWIGHT PIERCE Boatman Dwight Pierce, 62, launched his seafaring profession in 1972. He was employed with Dixie Carriers for the duration of his career. Boatman Pierce calls Collinsville, Miss. home. 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. LAWRENCE CHAPMAN Brother Lawrence Chapman, 63, joined the NMU ranks in 1968 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Ocean Evelyn as a member of the steward department. Brother Chapman was born in Mobile, Ala. He most recently worked aboard the Cape Knox. JAMES DILLON Brother James Dillon, 63, donned Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 SIU members in New York threw a celebration for five fellow SIU members who returned home after being held prisoner by Nazi Germany. All of the repatriated brothers had stories of privation and hardships to tell. Three of them, Ralph Piehet, William Weaver and Rufus Stough, were torpedoed on the Sturgis in February 1943. The other two, Paul Petro and John F. Monteverde, were sunk on the SS Honomu on July 5, 1942. All were prisoners since their capture, living on German subs, prison ships and in German prison camps. his NMU colors in 1967 while in the port of New Orleans. He initially shipped on the Texaco Montana. Brother Dillon was born in Tylertown, Miss. His final voyage was aboard the Philadelphia Express. Brother Dillon sailed in the steward department. WAYNE LOBO Brother Wayne Lobo, 64, was born in New Bedford, Mass. He became an NMU member in 1984. Brother Lobo worked in the engine department. Both his first and last voyages were on board the Authority. JAMES STANFORD Brother James Stanford, 55, began sailing with the NMU in 1978. He originally worked on the David D. Irwin. Brother Stanford was a member of the steward department. He is a native of Galveston, Texas. Brother Stanford’s last ship was the Chelsea. cials. The settlement amounted to some $1,500 in extra pay to be split among the crewmembers involved. 1963 The SIU-manned Floridian became the first American merchant ship fired on by Cuban MIG jets about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets circled the ship for 20 minutes before firing. The attack came in the same waters between Cuba and Florida where MIGs attacked an American shrimp boat earlier in the year. This Month In SIU History 1958 The return of representatives on Robin Line ships is producing dividends in overtime payments for SIU members aboard the vessels. SIU patrolmen who covered the payoff of the Robin Kirk in New York secured payment of 764 hours of disputed overtime for the crew, under the SIU contract, following a six-hour beef session with company offi- 1991 Calling the sealift industry “the bedrock of America’s defense transportation system,” the head of the U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force General Hansford T. Johnson, gave high praise to the men and women crewing the U.S.-flag ships that carried soldiers, tanks, ammunition and other military materiel to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, during a Maritime Trades Department meeting. “America’s maritime industry is the lifeline for America’s armed forces serving in Southeast Asia,” he said. Seafarers LOG 13 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 8:36 AM Page 14 Final Departures DEEP SEA BENJAMIN BUCK Pensioner Benjamin Buck, 79, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Buck became a union member in 1951, initially sailing from the port of Baltimore aboard the Santore. He was born in Mayesville, S.C. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Buck’s final excursion was on CSX Lines’ Seattle. He retired in 1984 and made his home in Bedford, Pa. EDUVIGIS DEJESUS Pensioner Eduvigis DeJesus, 88, died Oct. 10. Brother DeJesus joined the SIU in 1951 while in the port of Philadelphia. He was first employed aboard the Emilia as a member of the engine department. Brother DeJesus was born in Fajardo, P.R. His last trip to sea was on the Houston. Brother DeJesus started collecting his pension in 1975 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. KELLEY GRAHAM Pensioner Kelley Graham, 68, passed away Sept. 19. Brother Graham embarked on his seafaring career in 1964. The engine department member originally shipped on the Topa Topa. Brother Graham was born in Odessa, Texas. His last voyage was on the Liberty Star. Brother Graham went on pension in 2001 and called Livingston, Texas, home. ROGER LINASAN union in 1974. His first voyage was on CSX Lines’ Jacksonville. Brother Martin was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and shipped as a member of the engine department. His final trip was aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Martin became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Hazlet, N.J. AURELIO MARTINEZ Pensioner Aurelio Martinez, 86, passed away Sept. 4. Brother Martinez was born in Florida. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1952. Brother Martinez was first employed with A.H. Bull Steamship Company. The steward department member’s last voyage was on the Cove Ranger. Brother Martinez was a resident of Cambridge, Md., and retired in 1981. ANIBAL MATOS Brother Anibal Matos, 50, died Oct. 19. He joined the SIU ranks in 1979 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Matos was born in San Juan, P.R., and shipped in the deck department. His last journey was aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Matos continued to live in Puerto Rico. TEDDY MCDUFFIE Pensioner Teddy McDuffie, 63, passed away Sept. 12. Brother McDuffie became a union member in 1965. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Fairwind. Brother McDuffie was born in Alabama and shipped in the deck department. He went on pension in 1990 and called Mobile, Ala., home. MICHAEL MCERLEAN Brother Michael McErlean, 33, died Sept. 17. He donned the SIU colors in 2000 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother McErlean initially sailed on the USNS Dahl. The deck department member was born in Dayton, Ohio. Brother McErlean most recently worked aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He was a resident of Leonardtown, Md. Brother Roger Linasan, 59, died Oct. 17. He began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1970 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Linasan was a native of the Philippines and he worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Manulani. Brother Linasan lived in Las Vegas, Nev. Pensioner William Miles, 80, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Miles joined the MC&S in 1953 while in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Kennedy; his last was the Lurline. Brother Miles shipped in the steward department. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1992 and continued to reside in his native state of Georgia. LEON LOHMAN LUIS MIRANDA Pensioner Leon Lohman, 67, passed away Sept. 13. Brother Lohman donned the SIU colors in 1977 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Manhattan; his last the Aquarius. Brother Lohman was born in Louisiana. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Lohman began receiving his pension in 2005 and resided in Violet, La. Pensioner Luis Miranda, 95, died Sept. 23. Brother Miranda was born in Ponce, P.R. He joined the SIU in 1942. Brother Miranda originally worked on a vessel operated by Waterman Steamship Corporation as a member of the deck department. He retired in 1978 and settled in Miami, Fla. ROBERT MARTIN Pensioner Robert Martin, 56, died Oct. 22. Brother Martin joined the 14 Seafarers LOG WILLIAM MILES GEORGE O’BERRY ALBERT WESTBROOK BRYAN FERNIZ Pensioner George O’Berry, 79, passed away Sept. 25. Brother O’Berry embarked on his seafaring career in 1946. His first voyage was aboard the De Soto. Brother O’Berry was born in Florida and sailed in the steward department. His final trip to sea was on the Del Valle. Brother O’Berry became a pensioner in 1983. He was a resident of Philadelphia, Miss. Pensioner Albert Westbrook, 82, died Oct. 5. Brother Westbrook began shipping with the union in 1966, initially from the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Los Angeles; his last was the Horizon Trader. Brother Westbrook was a Texas native and sailed as a member of the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1996 and resided in San Francisco. Boatman Bryan Ferniz, 46, passed away Oct. 2. The Louisiana-born mariner became an SIU member in 1981. During his seafaring career, Boatman Ferniz sailed on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Savage Company. He was a resident of New Orleans. MICHAEL OKUTANI Pensioner Michael Okutani, 87, died Oct. 24. Brother Okutani joined the union in 1953 while in the port of San Francisco. During his seafaring career, he sailed aboard vessels operated by American Ship Management to include the President Taft and the Chief Gadao. Brother Okutani worked in the steward department. He was born in Hawaii but called Newberg, Ore., home. Brother Okutani went on pension in 1985. OLE POULSEN Pensioner Ole Poulsen, 74, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Poulsen joined the union in 1961. His maiden voyage was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel. Brother Poulsen was a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed on the Tacoma. Brother Poulsen made his home in Seattle and began receiving his pension in 1997. JACK WINLEY Pensioner Jack Winley, 78, passed away Sept. 24. Brother Winley launched his seafaring career in 1947. The Michiganborn mariner’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel Chemist. Brother Winley worked in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Ultra Max. Brother Winley went on pension in 1984 and settled in Myrtle Beach, S.C. JOHN WOLFE Pensioner John Wolfe, 55, died Oct. 10. Brother Wolfe donned the SIU colors in 1968. He originally shipped in the deck department of the Steel Artisan. Brother Wolfe was born in Elizabeth, N.J. He most recently sailed on the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Wolfe retired in 2007 and continued to live in his native state. INLAND JOHN TOBIN LORENZO BEVERLY Pensioner John Tobin, 89, died Oct. 27. Brother Tobin became an SIU member in 1952. His first voyage was aboard the Sea Georgia. Brother Tobin was born in Surry, N.C., and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was on the Boston. Brother Tobin retired in 1981 and lived in Mount Airy, N.C. Pensioner Lorenzo Beverly, 79, passed away Sept. 20. Boatman Beverly was born in Florida. The steward department member joined the union in 1972. Boatman Beverly was initially employed aboard a Transit Oil Corporation vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he sailed with Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Beverly called Norfolk, Va., home. DAVID VAN NATTER Brother David Van Natter, 56, passed away Aug. 2. He joined the SIU ranks in 1967 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Van Natter, who was born in Virginia, initially sailed on a Rye Marine Corporation vessel. He worked in the engine department. Brother Van Natter’s final trip was aboard the Resolve. He was a resident of Cheriton, Va. BENJAMIN BOLLI SR. Boatman Benjamin Bolli Sr., 52, died Sept. 19. He joined the union in 1974 in Philadelphia. Boatman Bolli first shipped with IBC Company. He was born in New Jersey. Boatman Bolli’s final voyage was aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation Company vessel. He made his home in Galloway, N.J. MORRIS FORREST Pensioner Morris Forrest, 83, died Oct. 19. Boatman Forrest started his SIU career in 1965, joining the union in Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was operated by Moore’s Towing Lines. Boatman Forrest was born in Mathews, Va. His last SIU shipboard job was aboard an Allied Transportation vessel. Boatman Forrest retired in 1989 and resided in Millsboro, Del. WALTER GRIMES Pensioner Walter Grimes, 78, passed away Sept. 11. Boatman Grimes joined the union in 1963. His first SIU-contracted job was on an Ellis Towing & Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Grimes was the born in Marquez, Texas. The deck department member’s final trip to sea was with Higman Barge Lines. Boatman Grimes became a pensioner in 1990 and settled in Orange, Texas. 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 Abner, Clarence Aldafari, Mohamed Apson, Bernard Blair, John Blanco, Martin Brackins, Frazier Burgess, William Burrell, Charles Calderon, Pablo Choy, Cheng Coleman, John Creason, Thomas Dunlavey, Jack Eubanks, Haywood Falinski, Jozef Faulcon, Earlie Fortes, Joseph Frei, Lyn Gandara, Joseph Hebner, Kermit Jenkins, William Sr. Johnson, Orville Jones, Carl Kelly, Marvin King, Clinton Lamb, Clarence Lara, Francisco Lawrence, Eric Littlefield, Louis Lopez, Alejandro Martin, Richard Millet, Frank Moody, Willard Morgan, Gard Morris, Versie Nieves, Heliodoro Ocasio, William Olivo, Ramon Parkins, Edmund Ricci, Anthony Sakellariou, Antonios Sarvis, Juan Serrao, Gregory Shafer, George Vasquez, David Webb, Jack Wielb, Stanley Age 90 83 86 72 82 90 84 81 92 93 72 81 80 77 95 90 77 64 54 79 92 77 68 69 88 78 90 85 76 90 82 81 75 73 85 72 84 81 92 79 85 87 92 82 79 76 87 DOD Aug. 16 July 10 Aug. 1 July 5 Aug. 7 July 5 July 10 Aug. 14 Aug. 16 July 23 Aug. 20 Aug. 28 July 25 July 4 Aug. 14 Aug. 28 July 29 July 14 Aug. 30 Aug. 27 July 7 Aug. 31 Aug. 30 Aug. 20 Aug. 12 July 15 July 15 July 22 July 8 Aug. 10 July 14 Aug. 28 Aug. 17 July 14 Aug. 27 July 18 Aug. 3 Aug. 19 Aug. 8 July 18 Aug. 18 Aug. 23 July 12 Aug. 12 July 1 July 20 July 31 March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:38 AM Page 15 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings Snapshots from Overseas 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. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 30 — Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Engine Delegate Mahmoud F. Khalil, Steward Delegate Bridgett L. McIntosh. Chairman reported a good, hard-working crew. He urged them to check zcard expiration dates and to keep paperwork updated. They were also advised to look into educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Secretary asked Seafarers to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next member. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for their hard work and great food. Next ports: Houston; Alexandria, Egypt; and Djibouti, Ethiopia. COMET (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 16 — Chairman Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Patricia J. Geras, Educational Director James P. Meyers, Deck Delegate Kleber J. Ureta. Chairman stated payoff to take place Dec. 22 in Los Angeles. He reminded crew to clean rooms before departing vessel. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like fans in rooms, new radio and DVD player to be fixed. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 30 — Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Korron Richardson. Chairman reported crew worked well together. Educational director urged members to stay up-to-date on TWIC information and reminded them to watch their surroundings to help avoid accidents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that a new dryer had been ordered for crew laundry. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 9 — Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte, Educational Director Bruce M. Korte. Chairman requested that everyone leave cabins clean for next mariner. Educational director recommended that all Seafarers check expiration dates on all necessary sailing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to medical benefits. New washer and dryer were requested for crew laundry along with fans for crew rooms. Mariners thanked steward department for the Thanksgiving feast they prepared. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 2 — Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director John R. Parkhurst. Chairman announced payoff in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 10. He advised members to have their rooms clean and also have Aboard the Sealand Motivator Pictured aboard the Sealand Motivator are (top photo, from left) Stewards Chris Sykes and Max Hassell El and (bottom photo) Recertified Steward Judi Chester along with SIU Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny, who noted that he and Chester formerly worked together aboard LNG ships. March 2008 Efficiently getting the job done aboard the OSG tanker Overseas Houston are Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh (above, setting up the dessert table) and Chief Cook Hazel Johnson. union books ready for patrolman. Secretary stated that fresh linen would be issued for departing crew. Treasurer reported $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members inquired about getting direct deposit for vacation benefit checks. Crew expressed gratitude to the steward department for excellent food. It was noted that the voyage was long but the company was great. Next ports: Portland, Ore., and Bangladesh. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 16 — Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Mark Campbell, Engine Delegate Peter E. Sternberg. Bosun reported smooth sailing during voyage. Secretary thanked members for help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged crew to check out what the Piney Point school has to offer. Treasurer noted $3,401 in the ship’s fund; money will be used to purchase a flat-screen TV for crew messhall. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like more comfortable chairs. Steward department was thanked for good meals and a clean ship. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 27 — Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Louis A. Santiago. Chairman thanked crew members for working well together, especially since they were still working out all the kinks in the vessel. Secretary stated that the foodorder issue has been resolved with Maersk port steward. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He also urged them to keep credentials current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members sent their prayers to family and friends of Brother Johnny Kemper, who recently passed away. Next ports: Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS DILIGENCE (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 27 — Chairman Reginald A. Watkins, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Engine Delegate Alton P. Hickman Jr. Chairman reported patrolman to come aboard in Mississippi. Secretary stated that the chief cook would be departing the vessel in the next port; she thanked him for great food especially at Christmas. Educational director advised Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested about how to withdraw money from the SMPPP (Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan). Recommendations were made regarding medical and dental benefits. Next port: Pascagoula, Miss. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 16 — Chairman Donnie W. Collins, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Lowell R. Lemm, Deck Delegate Michael Duggan, Engine Delegate Gregory H. Holsey Jr., Steward Delegate Peter Hernandez. Chairman stated safety issue regarding paint would be brought up with patrolman in Beaumont, Texas. Secretary asked seamen to place dirty linen in bags ASAP and stated that new linen package would be placed outside door for arriving crew. Treasurer reported $490 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that a new TV antenna would be installed along with a new computer for crew e-mail. The computer will be placed in the crew lounge. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. WILSON (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 27 — Chairman Paul C. Sharo, Secretary Arturo A. Rodriguez. Chairman reported safe voyage and announced payoff on Jan. 2 in Houston. Secretary thanked all members for helping keep ship clean. Departing crew members were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities whenever possible at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked steward department for a job well done. HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), Jan. 6 — Chairman Billy G. Hill Sr., Deck Delegate Wilbert Pantin, Steward Delegate Sean M. Sullivan. Chairman expressed his gratitude to steward department for excellent holiday meals. He stated that trip to the Middle East went smoothly. Crew was informed of pay raise which took place on Jan. 1. Secretary advised members to keep up-to-date on TWIC information by reading the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Beaumont, Texas; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Charleston, S.C., and Baltimore, Md. RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line, Limited), Jan. 2 — Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Marcelino V. Cayabyab, Deck Delegate Lawrence Dahalhouse, Engine Delegate Matthew D. Wright, Steward Delegate Lucic Zlatko. Chairman reminded crew to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work. Secretary suggested mariners check out what Piney Point has to offer and also advised them to keep documents current. Educational director discussed latest TWIC information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Guam. Splicing Wire Aboard Coast Range Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro is behind the camera as fellow members of the deck gang take a momentary break from splicing wire aboard the tanker Coast Range. Pictured from left are ABs Travis Stringer, Joseph Merriweather, Rick Wiemer and Michael Cousin and Unlicensed Apprentice Gavin Benckert. Seafarers LOG 15 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:35 PM Page 16 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. Inviting Seafarers To Join AMMV The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) is a nonprofit organization. It was formed more than 25 years ago as a way to gain recognition for what the men of the American Merchant Marine have accomplished for our country in war and peace. Initially, the AMMV was composed almost entirely of men who served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II. Many of our original members were sailing the high seas before the war. (Included in the present membership are both licensed and unlicensed seamen.) At the end of World War II in 1945, there were almost 260,000 men serving our merchant fleet that consisted of more than 5,000 ships. Never again will the world see such a fleet of ships, nor such a group of men who sailed them. This is history. This is our proud history. The AMMV is an active spokesman for merchant marine-related issues. We invite all active or retired men and women of the SIU – whether you sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes – to become members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Also eligible for membership are members of any uniformed United States Armed Service with a DD214. Purposes of the AMMV include the following: Preserving a spirit of comradeship among U.S. Merchant Marine veterans and fellow seamen who served in the merchant fleets of nations allied with the United States; Perpetuating the memory of our dead, assisting their widows and helping comrades where possible. The merchant marine is listed among the services in the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. This was a result of organizational efforts. Publicizing the services of the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and now in the Gulf Wars. The organization has successfully gained veterans’ recognition for seamen in war-time service and continues promoting the need to recognize civilians who serve in military operations through legislative actions and news media. Reminding our nation that it must maintain a modern and strong merchant marine as it is a national military and economic necessity. Membership in the American Merchant Marine Veterans provides opportunity to participate in memorial events across the country, celebrating not only National Maritime Day and the role of the merchant marine throughout our country’s history, but enjoying the nostalgia of sailing again on selected preserved merchant ships of the World War II era. Membership offers opportunities to meet fellow mariners and to help preserve individuals’ history of time at sea. It’s also worth mentioning that no group of men is closer to merchant seamen than members of the United States Naval Armed Guard, many of whom are active members of the AMMV. More information about the AMMV 16 Seafarers LOG and how to join may be obtained by contacting any of the individuals listed below. The membership fee is small; the opportunity to enrich your legacy of sea service through membership is great. The American Merchant Marine Veterans is an organization that works to keep our rich history before the public – to tell the story of life on the seas – and to try to ensure our rightful place in the economic and military history of our country. You can help keep America strong. Come, join us and be part of the AMMV. Donald Trimbath Chairman, Government Affairs AMMV Auburn, California Contacts: New England and Eastern U.S. – Larry Brooks (508) 295-8257 Mid-Atlantic and Central U.S. – Robert Downey (412) 466-0250 and Clarence Newcomer (717) 665-3085 Western U.S. – Frank Mendez (925) 689-2686 Unionism and Responsibility After nearly 40 years in the SIU and on the verge of retirement, I thought it about time that I put in writing my thoughts on being a member of a labor union and what it may mean to others who are just starting out. The very word, union, denotes being unified for and in a common cause – a fraternal brotherhood, in which men and women are protected and not taken advantage of by big business and corporations. The early history of union organization is marked by conflict but also by remaining united. The SIU in particular remained strong, and today is recognized not only in America but around the world as a model of a fraternal labor organization. During these past 40 years, I have seen many changes in the leadership of this union and the way it negotiates with the industry. We negotiate in strength, respect, and for the common good of both the companies and the membership with no fear of intimidation on either side. This is a style of management that should be carried down to the shipboard committees of our representatives. Some members may look on the tasks of ships’ chairman and department delegates as something to avoid, because it could bring problems they don’t want to deal with (or on the other extreme they see it as just “easy hours”). However, it is these positions on the ships that set the tone of morale and confidence in the union as a whole. They carry responsibility towards their fellow members on board. The motto of this union is “Brotherhood of the Sea.” This is exactly what the shipboard committees must be: a brotherhood. If there is a problem, they are there to address the issue itself without broadcasting it or letting personalities get in the way. Committee members must be consistent in their dealings with fellow members, as fairness and respect are hallmarks of the SIU. This respect should also be carried over to members of other unions. As I look forward to retirement I also look forward to seeing my union continuing on its course of fair and impartial leadership, both on the national level and the shipboard level. That course will take the SIU into the 21st century with dignity and respect for ourselves and our fellow members. Christopher E. Brady Kudos to Steward I would like to take a minute to recognize and give thanks to one of our employees for a job well done. Recertified Steward Pedro Mena has been aboard the ITB Baltimore since mid-May. (This note was written in early October 2007.) Pedro has been here for all phases of operations in preparing and taking the vessel to Veracruz…. The steward’s main job is to provide good quality meals. The steward’s performance has a big impact on ship’s morale. Under normal operations it can be a tough task to try to please everyone’s appetite and keep the crew happy. These past four months have not been normal operations from the viewpoint of the steward department. We have been in a foreign port, in extremely hot weather conditions, and there have been extra personnel on board. Given the circumstances in which we have continued to work, Pedro has done an excellent job of keeping the ship’s crew, contractors, ABS and U.S. Coast Guard personnel well-fed. He has consistently provided good quality and healthy meals throughout the entire shipyard period. Pedro has had to take extra time to deal with the local ship’s chandler and ensuring we are getting quality meats and vegetables. He has been very careful to inspect all the meats before we take delivery. Several times he sent back food items that were not acceptable. When we talk and think safety on board, we sometimes might overlook the importance of proper food preparation. Yet, Pedro at times has had to take extra precautions in how he was preparing the meats (for example, soaking them in lemon, vinegar and salts to help kill any bacteria before cooking)…. All of the senior officers on board have been through shipyard periods in which there was not a steward or cook on board. During this time, you were left to cook for yourselves or rely upon local commissary-type meals. Everyone on board the Baltimore has commented on how nice it has been to keep the steward on board and for the quality of meals we have been provided. These quality meals have been provided because of a lot of extra hard work and preparation by Mr. Pedro Mena. Throughout this entire time, he has displayed a positive attitude. This is the kind of effort and dedication to a job that, as master of the vessel, you love to see and appreciate. Thank you, Pedro, for your hard work and a job well done. Capt. Ross Mollnow ITB Baltimore Push for ‘Belated Thank You’ I would like to thank all members of the SIU for their great help in writing and telephoning U.S. representatives to support H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. The bill passed in July 2007. It is now in the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Please call this toll-free number to the Capitol and ask for the office of the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee: (800) 614-2803. You will speak with one of his aides. Ask them to have the chairman release the bill so it can go to the Senate floor to be voted on. We have 57 co-sponsors for the bill, S 961. Again, I thank all SIU members for your effort and time. May you have calm seas and happy voyages. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri Shipboard Memories During the Korean War, I was serving as second assistant engineer on the SS African Rainbow, a post-war-built C3 cargo ship. The ship was owned by Farrell Lines and operated on the South and East African run. However, at the time of this incident, she was chartered to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) branch of the U.S. Navy. Eventually, our travels took us to Wonson, North Korea. As second assistant engineer, the boilers, feed pumps and associated equipment were my responsibilities. It was determined that one of the standby reciprocating feed pumps needed a line on the water end. Alas, we had no hydraulic jack. Also in port was the USS Fox, a destroyer escort. So, we went aboard the Fox, which was supplying power ashore. The engineering officer was very kind and understanding about our plight, but he was concerned about getting his jack returned in case one of our ships had to leave suddenly. He asked if one of his men could go with the jack and we readily agreed. The SS African Rainbow had six two-person staterooms and a beautiful officers’ and passengers’ dining room. So we put the young sailor in one of the plush staterooms and he ate with us in the dining room. Had he been able to spend the time with us, I am sure he would have re-enlisted! Another courtesy extended to us by the USS Fox was our mail. We had no way of getting our mail from the agent in Pusan. Fox’s mailman would pick it up and deliver it to us. Once again, thank you, U.S. Navy! Eli Rantanes Clinton, Ohio (The writer sailed at various times with the MFOW, MEBA and AMO) Honoring Dad and Other Mariners My Dad was one of those unsung heroes of the NMU. He was in the trenches during those early days in the 1930s. He retired in the early 1970s and passed away shortly thereafter. His contribution to the World War II effort was beyond expectations. I even wrote a poem while I was still in grammar school praising him and his fellow brave NMU members. The lines are still vivid in my memories: Who are these men in the U.S. Merchant Marine? Who are these men from 60 to 16? They are the men who are delivering supplies To our fighting men and to our Allies Yet they receive little credit But someday they will all be Honored with medals of merit! Bernard Saslawsky Oceanside, California March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:36 PM Page 17 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 first 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion April 14 May 26 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 May 16 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 31 May 12 June 23 April 11 May 23 July 4 Radar March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) April 21 June 23 April 21 June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman April 28 May 9 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Course Able Seaman Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician March 31 May 23 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Welding April 7 May 5 June 2 April 25 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) March 10 May 5 June 30 March 21 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting March 17 April 14 June 16 March 21 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW March 24 April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 March 28 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) March 31 May 19 June 23 April 4 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider March 24 May 19 March 28 May 23 Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) March 24 (must have basic firefighting) June 2 April 4 June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 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 March 3. Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) March 3 March 28 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 24 May 19 April 18 June 13 FOWT April 21 June 16 May 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Machinist March 17 April 4 Steward Recertification Course March 17 August 18 April 7 September 8 Academic Department Courses UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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. 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 ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ 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 ________________________________________________ March 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. 3/08 Seafarers LOG 17 �46674_p01_20x:6674p0 2/20/2008 6:40 AM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) com- pleted the STCW class Jan. 25 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Alisha Fox, Christine Hellebrand, Jessica McMillion, Jose Garcia, Leila Wander, Cami Hostetler, Diane Brady, Shawn Turman, Frederick Schroder, and Victoria Esquibel. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 698 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jeffrey Amestoy, Tristan Brand, Satchel Caffy, Robert Day Jr., DeMorris Duggins, Winston Franks, Kabir Garcia, Kyle Gibson, Tsawang Gyurme, Spencer Hiruko, Allaina Lampke, Tony Martin, Daniel McDougald, Johnathan McNeil, Frederick Nyarko, Steven Sidler, Troy Smith, William Thompson, Richard Vega, Bernard Wade II and Sean Wilson. STCW - Completing this course Jan. 12 in Hawaii, above in no partic- ular order were: Mustafa Lobut, Connie Matlock, Zarifa Holloway, Danielle Barnes, Vincent Davis, Bruce Allen, David Ritter, Kristina Shoemaker, Kristen Blom, Trisha Fincher, Jessica Knoph, Gino Montesi, Andreas Goerres, Hugo Suarez, Eric Smith and Brent Dennis. STCW - Twenty individuals graduated from this course Jan. 19 at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. They were, above, in no particular order, Calvin Lodge, Dindo Guaresma, Derek Holl, Daniel Brandum, Mark Lancaster, Christina Snipes, Christopher Barnett, Michael Alequin, Genet Woldemichael, Jennifer Salazar, Robert Dominy, Eric Sagoe, Kent Barrow, Noel Newcom, Matthew Young, Sara Kannegieter, Lori Hubit, Lindsey Graham, David Larkin and Rachel Browder (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider - Eight individuals completed the medical care provider course on Feb. 1. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tawrence Abrams, John Benson, Alshea Dixon, Arnaldo Fernandez, Vincent Figuenick, James Morrison, James Tyson and Barry Williams Jr. Tankerman Assistant – Two classes of Phase III apprentices on Jan. 18 graduated from the tankerman assistant course. Completing the class (above, in alphabetical order) were: Rachel Alarcon, John Albritton, Chris Baum, Jonathan Bennett, Rasheen Breathwaite, Fraya Brown, Matthew Brown, Staley Chancellor, Kevin Copeland, Bobby Dickson, Richard Grushkin, Creg Gumanas, Thomas Halliburton Jr., Santaz Harper, Veronica Hernandez, Anthony Irizarry, Yakan Israel, Joel Jones, Emmanuel Korsah, Theodore Lampke, Christopher Landry, Eileen Mendiola, Denise Mendoza, Aman Mohamed, Fadel Mohamed, Edward Newbegin, Marcos Ramos, William Redinger, Jason Redmon, Cieara Rogers, Andrew Thompson II, Daniel Thompson and Barich Zoran. 18 Seafarers LOG March 2008 �46674_p01_20x:6674p0 2/20/2008 6:40 AM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW (Express Marine) – Twenty boatmen from Express Marine on Jan. 11 completed this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leslie Anderson, Eric Bankhead, David Callis, Mark Faust, Ronnie Fulcher, George Greggs, Robert Greggs, David Harris, Greg Havens, Tommy Horton, William Hundell, Parran Keane, Albert Keech, Ronald Meadows, Herbert O’Neal, Lewis O’Neal, Robert Perusse, Gil Pruitt, Artie Schwendeman and Oswald Smithwick. Company Rep. Keith Kirkeide is standing second from left in the back row. Various Classes (Express Marine) – Completing various classes on Jan. 11 were the above STCW (Great Lakes) boatmen from Express Marine. Pictured in alphabetical order are: Eddie Gardner, David Goodwin, Philip Inman, Riley Johnson, Garnett Leary, Sherwood Lewis, Melvin Pendleton, Todd Potter, Clifton Potter, Rob Press, Billy Sawyer, Russel Shores, Timothy Thomas, Larry Tribby, Jesse Voliva and Johnathan West. Company Rep. Keith Kirkeide is standing fifth from right in the back row. STCW - Eighteen individuals completed this class Jan. 19 in Hawaii. They are (above, in no par- ticular order): Sara Seta, Victor Flint, Jeremiah Weise, Josh Lindell, Ryan Smith, Robert Bacaycay, Rasmeithida Chhay, Ryan Kerr, Kevin Kerr, Caleb Wood, Amy Ingram, Jason Fowler, Stacey Eckstein, Genesis Penunuri, Orbelina Zelada, Keith Jackson, Keisha White and Brian Lombard. Completing this class Jan. 11 were these individuals from Great Lakes Towing shown above. Pictured (in alphabetical order) are: Lawrence Dudek, Jerald Galletta, Walter Harris, Sherwood Johnson, Hussein Qassim, Amy Shunkwiler, James Shupert and Leonard Thomas. Stan Beck, right, was their instructor. STCW - Completing this class Jan 12 in Hawaii (above, in no particular order) were: Jose Nunez Ortiz, Roberto Guerra, Gabriele Pena, Adam Valdez, Sean Igoe, Tabitha Maner, Sabrina David, Brett Steinmann, Brandy Alston, Lawrence Hickman III, Robert Martin, Michael Ashline, Ivonne Perez, Michael Sands and Amber Elliott. Computer Class Graduates Three students recently completed computer training classes at the Paul Hall Center. The trio joined Instructor Rick Prucha (center in photo at left, and left in photo at right) to pose with the certificates they earned for their respective accomplishments. Displaying their certificates in photo at left are David Brewster, left, and Devalence Smiley. Leslie McGirt shows off her certificates in photo at right. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 19 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:33 AM Page 20 Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 TWIC Reminders, Enrollment Centers -Page 8 The galley gang (from left): Ricky Williams, Instructor Chef Bob Baumgarten, Devalence Smiley, Rene Gil and Robinson Eromosele The bakery gang (from left): Tereza Padelopoulou, Michael Henry, Adobea Boateng, Darlene Steede, Instructor Ed White, Robinson Eromosele and Chris Hale Students Sharpen Skills at School Seafarer Seibel Shares Photos from Recent Steward Dept. Course Seafarer John Seibel recently submitted these photos of fellow students (and himself) participating in the certified chief cook course at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The photos were taken in October and November 2007. Seibel gave top marks to the teachers and facilities alike – and to the other upgraders, too. “They really have great instructors at the school. You can’t say enough about them,” Seibel stated. “Honestly, it’s one of my favorite places. It’s nice and peaceful. You learn a lot and you meet nice people.” Chef Instructor Robert Johnson displays some of his culinary talent. Amy Atterberry works on sauce for a lab project. John Nunez is pictured in the culinary lab. Rene Gil (left) and Devalence Smiley trim beef for stew. Ricky Williams, Amy Shunkwiler and Bob Baumgarten A couple of trainees serve up lunch. Upgraders take a quick break for this photo. Tanya Bradley and James Abilad whip up some chili in the culinary lab. Two unlicensed apprentices step up for galley duty. � 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 March 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES UNDER NLRB DIRECTION, MAJESTIC POSTS NON-INTERFERENCE NOTICE SEAFARERS CREW UP 2 NEW MAERSK SHIPS RO/ROS ALLIANCE NORFOLK, ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS JOIN MSP FLEET DEFENSE BILL PROVISION SIGNALS CIVMAR WIN SIU-CREWED HORIZON FALCON HONORED FOR ‘BRAVE ACTIONS’ IN 2007 RESCUE COAST GUARD SAYS NO INJURIES, NO POLLUTION IN MCCARTHY MISHAP TWIC HEARNG REVEALS MIX RESULTS INTERNATIONAL GROUPS ANNOUNCE JOIN EFFORT TO PROTECT MARINERS PHC OFFERS ONLINE COURSES SIU-AFFILIATED SCHOOL EARNS COUNTY’S ‘GOLD STAR’ VESSEL MASTER, CREW PRAISE EFFORTS OF SIU STEWARD SEAFARERES ANSWERS NATIONS CALL FOR MILITARY SUPPORT MISSIONS SEAFARER WENT TOE-TO-TOE WITH LEGENDARY SUGAR RAY ROBINSON 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 03/01/2008 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. 3 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7f0546a50ddcb536e814d79f599fe4bc.pdf 4ef2a6d50e170bdee04ed2f163de5bf1 PDF Text Text 47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 4 April 2008 “You deliver and we know we can count on you…. You are that fourth arm of Department of Defense and you are critical to this nation.” —Major General Kathleen Gainey, Commander, U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Guest speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in late February near San Diego – including Major General Gainey, right – stressed the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role in national and economic security. They also emphasized the effective, professional partnerships that exist throughout many segments of the maritime industry. Pictured at the meeting, counterclockwise beginning with the group photo of people applauding, are (front, from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, ILA President Richard Hughes, MEBA President Don Keefe and GMP President John Ryan; Crowley Maritime Corporation CEO Thomas Crowley; MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco with Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, deputy commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) with Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. Coverage begins with President Sacco’s column on page 2 and continues on pages 3, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Crowley Boatmen Approve Contract, Welcome New ATB Crowley will take delivery of by the end of 2010. The vessels christened were the 9,280 hp tug Integrity and barge 650-4. Pages 3, 4. Last month brought good news on multiple fronts for Seafarers working at Crowley. SIU members employed by the company approved a new fouryear contract calling for wage increases and other gains. The agreement covers approximately 200 SIU members based (respectively) in Philadelphia, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., Lake Charles, La., and Wilmington, Calif., including the five members pictured at right, aboard the tug Defender. Also, on March 19 in Charleston, S.C., the company christened the fourth of 10 new 185,000-barrel Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) tank vessels that List of TWIC Enrollment Centers Page 8 Operation Deep Freeze ’08 Page 24 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 2 SIU Ships Support Satellite Interception President’s Report Saluting Seafarers’ Support Even while the details still were being sorted out late last month, an incident involving the SIU-crewed Global Patriot near the Suez Canal provided a jolting reminder that the war against terrorism truly is a different kind of war. As some Seafarers may already know, military security team members aboard the Global Patriot – a vessel operating under charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command – fired warning shots at Michael Sacco a small boat approaching the ship as it prepared to transit the canal on March 24. The incident was still under investigation as this edition of the LOG went to press. However, the Navy reported that several “warning steps” were taken as three small boats approached. Those steps included use of a signal flare and communication from a native Arabic speaker aboard the Global Patriot who advised the boats to turn away. Despite those warnings, one of the boats continued to approach the ship and received two sets of what were intended as warning shots. One Egyptian man inadvertently was killed as a result. There were conflicting reports about whether other occupants of the boat had been injured. However it plays out, it’s almost impossible to read or hear about this story and not think of the terrorist attack on the USS Cole, which happened in Yemen in the year 2000. I’ll bet the Cole was very much on the minds of Global Patriot crew members and security team members last month as those boats approached. Were the boats simply trying to get near the Global Patriot so they could try to sell cigarettes and other products (a common scene in those waters)? Why didn’t the one boat turn back after first being warned? On the Cole, 17 sailors died and dozens more were injured after a suicide attack launched by a small boat that initially appeared friendly. Without in any way minimizing the unintended loss of life, is it hard for anyone to understand why no one on the Global Patriot would want to take any unnecessary chances? In the SIU, we’re proud of our 70-year record of supporting America’s armed forces. That remains true today as we deliver the goods in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Global Patriot saga reminds us that our union brothers and sisters constantly answer the nation’s call and willingly assume the risks that go with the territory. As always, I salute your dedication. In the case of the Global Patriot I share in the deep relief of knowing no one aboard was harmed, while at the same time offering condolences to the Egyptian man’s family. MTD Meeting Revisited Appreciation for U.S. mariners was very evident at the recent meeting of the Maritime Trades Department executive board, as reported throughout this edition. If you’re new to the SIU or otherwise unfamiliar with the MTD, I encourage you to take the time and read about the meeting. Check out what some of our nation’s military leaders say about sealift and American mariners. Take a look at the comments from high-ranking representatives of various other segments of the maritime industry and the labor movement. You’ll see that while there’s never a shortage of challenges, we have a bright future as part of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 70, Number 4 April 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. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers, including members of the SIU Government Services Division, recently helped make history in an event that resembled something out of Star Wars. Three SIU-crewed military support ships assisted in the U.S. Navy’s interception and shoot-down of a 5,000-pound, non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite over the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) SIU-crewed missile range instrumentation ship USNS Observation Island provided telemetry information. The ship, which can monitor objects in space, tracked the satellite and collected data on it both before and after the missile launch. The guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, positioned west of Hawaii, launched the SM-3 missile to intercept the satellite on Feb. 20. A second Seafarers-crewed MSC ship, the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe, mobilized from San Diego to support the mission. Instead of conducting a two-week repair period, the ship was given short-notice tasking and got under way with enough fuel to replenish the other vessels involved in the operation, according to the agency. Hours after the interception, the Guadalupe provided about 50,000 gallons of fuel to the Lake Erie and 45,000 gallons to the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur. Three MSC fleet ocean tugs were standing by to recover debris. Later, it became known that the SIU-crewed SBX-1 – a unique combination of an advanced X-Band radar mounted aboard an oceangoing, semi-submersible platform – also aided in the mission. “I’m proud that our MSC ships were able to support the intercept on such short notice,” said Capt. David Kiehl, commander of MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. In late January, the U.S. government notified other nations that the satellite was unresponsive and would make an uncontrolled reentry in late February or early March. The decision was made to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood U.S. Navy Photos Above, a modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM3) launches from the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Lake Erie, successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 133 nautical miles over the Pacific Ocean. A closer view of the missile is shown in the photo at left. that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas. The Navy modified three SM-3 missiles to strike the satellite. According to the Defense Department, the satellite was travelling at more than 17,000 mph and approximately 133 miles above Earth when it was struck. Committee members are pictured with Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (second from left) and Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta (far right, standing) after wrapping up their work last month at headquarters. Financial Committee Approves Union’s Records Each year, in accordance with the SIU Constitution, rank-and-file Seafarers are elected by their fellow members to serve on a financial committee. The group is tasked with examining the union’s finances for the prior calendar year and then formally reporting its findings to the SIU secretary-treasurer. Subsequently, the committee’s report is read in all ports at the union’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. Last month, eight Seafarers fulfilled this constitutional mandate by reviewing the SIU’s financial records for the year 2007. The committee found those records in good order. Serving on the committee were Seafarers Christopher Nardone (chairman), William Bunch, John Frey, David James, Paa Kwakye, Clay Poore, Rodger Taylor and Tommy Hampton. In its report, the committee wrote, “Representatives of the certified public accounting firm who periodically audit the union’s books and records explained their auditing procedures for the checking of the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records. They further discussed with us the overall financial operation of the union. In addition, the secretary-treasurer worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to the committee.” The committee also noted, “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…. All records used in connection with the union’s financial operations were reviewed fully.” The committee worked at SIU headquarters during the first full week of March. Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution spells out the duties of the annual financial committee as well as rules and procedures for electing the committee. April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 3 MTD Unions Credited as Valued Partners Highly Regarded Speakers Stress Support for U.S.-Flag Shipping “Partnership” is a word that surfaced time after time during the most recent meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s executive board, as guest speakers from different segments of the industry expressed appreciation for the important work performed by unions and their rank-and-file members. MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, said he has received exceptionally positive feedback about the meeting, which took place Feb. 28-29 in the San Diego suburb of Coronado, Calif. A number of attendees observed that the guest speakers’ respective comments went far beyond courtesies. Instead, representatives from the military, the administration, Congress, the private sector and the labor movement not only detailed the vital roles played by the MTD and its affiliated unions, but also voiced genuine thanks for their reliable, often patriotic performance. The MTD consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing more than five million working men and women. In order of appearance, the following people addressed the executive board on Feb. 28: Thomas Barrett, deputy secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation; Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, deputy commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Sean Connaughton, U.S. maritime administrator; Gen. Ken Wykle (USA ret.), president, Executive board members and guests focus on a message about the importance of U.S.-flag shipping. National Defense Transportation Command; Fred Harris, president, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO); and Paddy Crumlin, national secretary, Maritime Union of Australia. A day later, the following individuals spoke to the board: Major General Kathleen Gainey, commander, U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; Thomas Crowley, CEO, Crowley Maritime Corp.; Admiral Thad Allen, and SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the induscommandant, U.S. Coast MTD try’s progress. Guard; Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer; and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie gram, port security, the Employee Free Choice Act, and the Re-Empowerment of (D-Hawaii). The board approved a number of state- Skilled and Professional Employees and ments, which reflect much of the meet- Construction Tradeworkers (RESPECT) ing’s content. Those resolutions covered Act. During his opening remarks, Sacco topics including cargo preference, support for the troops, the Title XI shipbuilding recapped some of the industry highlights program, LNG shipping to the U.S., the and challenges since the prior year’s meetneed for an industrial policy, U.S. Naval ings. He also welcomed two new board shipbuilding, grassroots political action, members: ILA President Richard Hughes and health care. Also adopted were state- and MEBA President Don Keefe. ments on the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), cabotage laws including See pages 11-14 for full covthe Jones Act, the Transportation Worker erage of the MTD meeting. Identification Credential (TWIC) pro- Crowley Seafarers Approve 4-Year Contract Agreement Increases Wages, Maintains Benefits, Nets Other Gains The quality of life for members working aboard Crowley tugs and barges and at facilities in Philadelphia, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., Lake Charles, La., and Wilmington, Calif., just improved as Seafarers overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Negotiated with substantial input from the membership, the new contract calls for annual wage increases and also maintains medical and pension benefits. It protects SIU jobs – not a single one was lost. The wage increases, like the contract itself, are retroactive to July 1, 2007. In addition to maintaining medical benefits at the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s top level (Core Plus) and securing extra contributions to the Seafarers Pension Plan, the pact introduces the new employee-funded SIU 401(k) Plan to members employed by Crowley. Overall, the contract covers approximately 200 members. Significantly, the contract solidifies transportation reimbursements for Seafarers. “Many challenges needed to be overcome during the course of this negotiation,” explained SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “But with the help of the membership, elected delegates and SIU officials who served on the negotiating committee, the union successfully secured a fouryear agreement that delivers wage increases that have exceeded any Crowley agreement in the last decade.” Member discussions, contract development and negotiations were conducted by a team of 11 in union halls but mostly on boats. The group included officials and rank-and-file members, spearheaded by Tricker who was assisted primarily by SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware and Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. See page 9 for additional photos of Crowley Seafarers April 2008 Bargaining committee member and rank-and-file participant Todd Smith said, “We went to the negotiations armed with questionnaires of items the members wanted. Company and union negotiators worked well together and hashed out the best package I’ve seen in a long time. Pay raises each year of the contract and especially reimbursement of travel expenses were important. We have a lot of people who travel from all parts of the country and reimbursement will save a lot of us some real money. Folks have to think long-term. A lot of people don’t have what we have – a pension, health care and security.” Also serving on the union’s negotiating team were Seafarers Kyle Sweep, Roger Stewart, Craig Perry, David Lytle, Jake Jarrell, Nicholas Conway and Steve Mitchell. SIU boatmen are pictured on the Monitor. Members of the Crowley contract bargaining teams and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (seated, center), who dropped in for a short presentation, are pictured in Piney Point, Md. Standing left to right are Unlicensed Delegate (from Philadelphia) Todd Smith, Crowley Representative Jim Gillen, Unlicensed Delegate (Jacksonville) Kyle Sweep, Crowley Representative John Ara, Licensed Delegate (Los Angeles/Long Beach) Roger Stewart, Unlicensed Delegate (Los Angeles/Long Beach) Craig Perry, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Unlicensed Delegate (Lake Charles) David Lytle, Crowley Representative Jim Penny and SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware. Front row, left to right: SIU VP George Tricker, Heindel and Tony Naccarato of Crowley. Seafarers LOG 3 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:20 PM Page 4 Crowley’s ATB Integrity features the most modern equipment and technology. Crowley Christens Another ATB Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand March 19 in Charleston, S.C., as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the articulated tug-barge (ATB) Integrity. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware represented the union at the ceremony along with rank-and-file Seafarers. The new ATB consists of the 9,280 hp tugboat and the barge 650-4, collectively called the Integrity. It is the fourth of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATB tank vessels that the company expects to receive by the end of 2010. During ceremonies conducted at the Charleston Cruise Terminal on Concord Street, Marcia Bartholme, wife of Rocky Smith, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, Pacific/Alaska region, christened the 135-foot tug Integrity, while Barbara Baldwin, wife of Bob Baldwin, regional director, BP Shipping USA, christened the 587-foot barge 650-4. According to the company, Crowley’s petroleum service is chartering the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley’s technical services group, and operating it for BP under a time-charter agreement. Crowley already has four 155,000-barrel ATBs and three 185,000-barrel ATBs operating and has announced plans to build three larger 750-series (330,000-barrel capacity) ATBs for delivery by the middle of 2013. Once all vessels are received, the fleet will stand at 17. “The ceremony was very well done and the entire experience was understandably upbeat,” said Tricker. “Whenever we see new, state-of-the-art tonnage entering the SIU-contracted fleet, it’s natural to feel excited.” Captain Buddy Davis described the Intergrity as “the finest piece of equipment afloat. They didn’t cut any corners _ everything is state-of-the-art. Every system has a backup.” He also said the new ATB is “laid out with all the creature comforts. Crowley’s a very good company. They care about their people and they care about their equipment, and it shows.” 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 newest ATB tank vessel. The barge 650-4 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Integrity 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 can also 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 ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. According to the company, this program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. 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. 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 operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There is also a nitrogen generator and vapor collection system for maximum safety. A layer of nitrogen covers products in the tanks to make the atmosphere too lean for combustion. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectra-type 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 heavy fuel oil 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, the company noted. The new tug Integrity is pictured from fore and aft. Crowley President and CEO Tom Crowley (fourth from left among those standing) joins Seafarers and SIU officials at the christening. Also among those pictured are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (next to Tom Crowley) and SIU Assistant VP Contracts Archie Ware (front row, left). Government Study: Economic Impact Of U.S.-Flag Cruise Ships Runs Deep For backers of the U.S.-flag cruise industry, the timing undoubtedly seemed sadly ironic. Around the same time NCL America announced the upcoming departure of the Pride of Aloha from its American-flag fleet, a government study revealed the enormous economic boost that even a single U.S. cruise ship gives to the islands. The upshot: In a calendar year, one American-flag cruise ship home-ported in Hawaii creates 3.5 times as many shore-side jobs and has 3.5 times the economic impact as the total foreign-flag fleet sailing to Hawaii. The study was put together by Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). It shows that one U.S.-flag, NCL America ship creates more than 5,000 jobs and accounts for a “total economic output impact” of $542 million per year (with the latter figure includ- 4 Seafarers LOG ing, among other things, costs of fuel and food as well as spending by passengers and crew members). By comparison, the entire foreign-flag fleet that calls on Hawaii accounts for roughly one-third the numbers of jobs and spending, according to the study. Both the study and the Pride of Aloha announcement in mid-February occurred against the backdrop of efforts to modify federal regulations in order to level the playing field for U.S.-flag operators that are or would be competing with foreign-flag outfits in the deep-sea cruise industry. The Pride of Aloha is scheduled to reflag in May. (Crew members will be offered jobs on the SIU-contracted Pride of America.) Earlier this year, the Pride of Hawaii also left NCL America’s U.S.-flag fleet. In both cases, the company cited a steep increase in the amount of foreign-flag competition entering the Hawaiian market from the West Coast as a key factor. Foreign cruise ship capacity between those locations has increased by 500 percent in the last five years, according to news reports. Commenting on the reflagging of two ships, an economics and finance professor at Hawaii Pacific University told The Honolulu Advertiser, “It isn’t good news. One is bad, two is twice as bad.” The newspaper also quoted a local business owner (surely representative of others) who said the reduction in U.S.-flag cruise ships sailing to Hawaii will cause “a real vacuum. We’ve been in business 14 years and we’ve gone through many stages of the economy, but we find that the (NCL America) cruise ships have really overwhelmingly improved our local economy,” said Marie Aguilar, president of the Kailua Village Merchants Association and owner of the Eclectic Craftsman in Kona, according to The Honolulu Advertiser. April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 5 Labor Leaders Spell out Strategy For ‘Economy That Works for All’ During its meeting in San Diego in early March, the AFL-CIO executive council passed a number of statements designed to help set the labor federation’s agenda for the months ahead. One of those resolutions, focusing on U.S. workers and the economy, appears below. The council is headed by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. SIU President Michael Sacco has served on the board since 1991. AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement We may be seeing the end of the first economic expansion since the Second World War in which average family incomes have not recovered their pre-recession levels. A bursting housing bubble last summer and the resulting crisis in the U.S. sub-prime mortgage market have triggered a full–blown credit crisis, which now seems to be dragging the American economy into recession and slowing economic growth globally. Economic growth slowed sharply toward the end of 2007 and the economy began to shed jobs early this year. The unemployment rate rose to 4.9 percent in January but would be 6.7 percent if labor force participation were close to pre-recession levels. Even at the peak of a recovery, median family income, adjusted for inflation, was lower in 2005 than in the previous year and economic anxiety was unusually high due to the threat of job loss, the volatility of family incomes, rising health care costs and the continued erosion of pensions. Even before the recent economic slowdown, working families were struggling to maintain their living standards by working longer hours and more jobs, by sending more family members to work and by borrowing against the equity in their homes. In terms of jobs, wages, health care and pensions, the recovery from the 2001 recession has been the weakest of any recovery since the Second World War, weaker even than the jobless recovery of the early 1990s. Debt-financed consumer spending has provided what momentum the economy has shown over the past seven years. Stagnant wages and incomes left consumers borrowing against the expected rise in the value of their homes to maintain their families’ living standards. Household savings fell below 1 percent, levels not seen since the worst years of the Great Depression. The truth is, as weak and unbalanced as the current recovery has been, America’s workers are suffering what is now a generation-long stagnation of wages and rising economic insecurity. The misguided domestic and international economic policies of the past three decades have produced an unbalanced economy that has seriously reduced the role of government in guiding the economy and radically shifted bargaining power from workers to their employers. These policies have benefited our wealthiest families as never before, but working families have been left behind. Corporations are earning record profits and CEOs, on average, are now earning 364 times what workers earn. Productivity has increased 67 percent since 1980, but wages have barely budged. Average family incomes are only 15 percent higher today than they were three decades ago, and only because families are working harder and sending more members into the workforce. Only the top 10 percent of families have seen their income rise at or above the rate of productivity growth. As a result, incomes and wealth are more unequally distributed in America than in any other developed country and are more unequal today than at any time since the 1920s. The American Dream is fading for millions of working families. The bursting of the housing bubble and resetting interest rates on sub-prime mortgages threaten the homes of hundreds of thousands of America’s working families. The credit crisis and financial market turmoil threaten the pensions and savings of millions. And the resulting pull-back of consumer spending and business investment now threatens the jobs of millions more. Housing prices already have fallen 10 percent and may fall another 10 to 20 percent over the next two years, leaving 10 million families with negative equity in their homes, causing more than 2 million foreclosures and destroying trillions of dollars of household wealth. This massive loss of wealth likely will undermine consumer spending and business investment. The Federal Reserve moved aggressively to lower interest rates by over 2 percentage points and is signaling more cuts to come. Congress also passed a $168 billion fiscal stimulus package featuring a tax rebate for families and tax cuts for business. While these steps are helpful in mitigating some of the worst effects of the slowdown, they are insufficient to avert recession, nor do they deal with the fundamental economic imbalances at the root of the current economic crisis…. Working families need, and we demand, additional measures to keep families in their homes by enacting a moratorium on foreclosures and a second stimulus package to extend unemployment insurance, expand the food stamp program and bolster federal aid to states and cities to prevent further cutbacks of vital public services. We should also front-load public investment to maintain our schools and repair crumbling bridges and deteriorating highways. Spending that puts people to work on projects we desperately need is more likely to stimulate the domestic economy than tax cuts that may be saved or spent largely on imported consumer goods. But even these expanded stimulus measures do not address the fundamental imbalances at the root of the current economic slowdown. In addition, we need a bold national economic recovery program to change the policies that produced the imbalances that are now driving the economy into what may become a serious recession. First, we must restore the competitiveness of the United States in global markets to balance our trade with the rest of the world. Currently we must borrow nearly $800 billion a year to pay for the things we consume as a nation that we no longer produce. We have lost 3.3 million good manufacturing jobs since 2000, many the result of our imbalanced trade. Moreover, China and other Asian trading partners are manipulating their currencies to maintain their competitive advantages. The huge trade surpluses of these countries have produced a global savings glut which is fueling asset price inflation in the in the United States. The demand for U.S assets from these countries has fed the unsustainable housing bubble on which our fragile growth has depended over the past seven years. To restore the competitiveness of the American economy, we must change our trade, tax and exchange rate policies to level the playing field for domestic producers. Domestically, we must also greatly expand public investment in the education and training of America’s workers, as well as the information, communication and transportation infrastructure so essential for a competitive American economy. We must also adopt a national strategy to rebuild American manufacturing. We must have national health care reform to level the competitive field for domestic manufacturers. And we must have an approach to climate change focused on domestic investment in new technologies to produce a more environmentally sustainable economy, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and produce good manufacturing jobs. Second, we must have a more robust and coordinated monetary and fiscal policy focused on maximum sustainable growth and full employment. We cannot continue to depend on consumer spending financed by asset bubbles to power the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve and Treasury are mandated by Congress to maintain rapid growth and full employment but they have largely abandoned this mission to serve other purposes…. Third, we must have transparent and more effective financial regulation in the mortgage and credit markets. The failure of regulators to ensure secure mortgage markets and sound financial markets has fostered speculation in both. The promotion of irresponsible mortgages has put millions of working families into homes they cannot now afford. And the financial services industry has engineered these fragile mortgages into exotic securities that we were told would disperse risk to those best able to bear it. Instead, these complex securities have concentrated the risk in the hands of those least able to understand it. The deregulation of financial markets and the financial engineering that produce mountains of unsupportable debt have allowed finance to dominate the real economy, produced turmoil in our capital markets and undermined the stability of the real economy in which our members live and work. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney We must restore effective regulation to ensure transparency and accountability of mortgage lenders, investment banks, hedge funds, private equity and sovereign wealth funds. Fourth, we must restore a fair tax system capable of financing the key public investments necessary for a competitive U.S. economy. The United States is plagued by rapidly rising inequality and a public sector so impoverished we are unable to fund vital infrastructure improvements, educate our children, or deal with the challenge of energy and the environment. At the heart of these problems is a tax system that treats the upper middle class and billionaires the same in terms of marginal income tax rates. We need a truly progressive tax system, one that looks to the superrich to pay their fair share. Fifth, and most important, we must restore a balance of power between workers and their employers to allow workers to share in the prosperity that they help create. We must enact meaningful minimum employment standards, including a minimum wage indexed to one-half the median wage. We must also pass the Employee Free Choice Act to restore the freedom of workers to organize and bargain collectively. And we must extend collective bargaining rights to millions of publicsector workers denied these fundamental rights. America’s workers are the most productive workers in the world. And they work longer hours than workers in any other developed country. America is still the richest country in history. There is no reason that we cannot have a strong and internationally competitive American economy whose prosperity is broadly shared. Economic issues—stagnating living standards, rising economic anxiety and growing inequality—have risen to the top of the nation’s agenda and are the leading concern of America’s voters this year. To win the trust of the American people, candidates for office must show they know and care about the real economic anxieties of America’s working families. Most of all, they must bring forward credible economic policies to produce an Economy That Works for All. Rep. Gene Taylor to Receive ‘Salute to Congress’ Award U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (DMiss.), a longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, will receive the prestigious Salute to Congress Award later this month. The award’s sponsor, the International Propeller Club of the United States, said Taylor “is being honored for his consistent and strong support of the United States maritime industry.” The 24th annual Salute to Congress dinner will take place April 29 in Bethesda, Md. Hundreds of attendees are expected, including representatives of maritime labor and other segments of the industry, executive branch officials and other congressmen. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, Taylor is the Chairman April 2008 of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces. He also sits on the Readiness Subcommittee. On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he serves on both the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. In addition, Taylor, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, serves as co-chair of the following Congressional member organizations: Shipbuilding Caucus, National Guard and Reserve Caucus, and Coast Guard Caucus. During a National Maritime Day ceremony last May in Washington, D.C., Taylor was a featured speaker. Among other points, he stated it is time for America to demonstrate that it truly values the maritime industry by supporting it. U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) “If we’re really serious about homeland security, we must control our waterways, we must control the Jones Act,” Taylor said. He added that the nation should invest in its shipyards and pointed out the historically proven dangers of exclusively relying on other nations to build and transport material. He said that in order to honor the mariners of World War II, America must commit to the industry’s future. “We have to recognize that 95 percent of everything going to the Middle East (for Operation Iraqi Freedom) goes by sea. In the future it’ll be the same way.” The Propeller Club is a grassroots, non-profit organization with members across the country and around the world. The organization is self-described as being “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. Our goal is to educate legislators and the public as to the importance and necessity of all waterborne commerce…. The membership comprises a cross section of the maritime industry throughout the United States and in many cities overseas.” Recent recipients of the Salute to Congress Award include U.S. Senator John Warner (R-Va.) in 2007 and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) in 2006. Seafarers LOG 5 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 6 Seafarers aboard the Horizon Tiger celebrated New Years at sea with a barbecue. In photo at left, meal preparation was in the capable hands of (from the left) SA Munasser Omer, Chief Cook Sal Ahmed and SB Terry Allen. In photo below, Ahmed joins lst Engineer Michael Dumcha who landed this Mahimahi during an anchor near mainland China. According to Ahmed, the fish was a welcomed addition to the feast which included steak. SIU Patrolman Sam Spain (left) presents GUDE James Burke with his first pension check in the Port of Norfolk. Burke last sailed aboard the Flickertail State. At Sea and Ashore With SIU Members AB Brian Gaunt shows off the 40-inch Cobia while his vessel was at anchor off the Texas Coast near Port Aransas, Texas. Gaunt sails aboard the Chemical Trader. OS Rolando Dinouz (above left) and AB Larry Dizon send greetings to their brothers and sisters from aboard the Pride of Aloha. The SIU-contracted criuse vessel was somewhere near Fanning Island when these photos were taken. SIU officials serviced the Patriot recenty while the car carring vessel was was tied up in Bayonne, N.J. In photo above, (from the left) QMED Lee Weygandt, Bosun Chris Sykes and OMU James Tolan Jr., huddle to share their views after reading the Seafarers LOG. Chief Steward Edward Usmauy (photo at right) prepares a meal for his Patriot shipmates. SIU Patrolman Michael Russo, (photo at left, standing fourth from right in dark shirt) recently met with the crew of the Chemical Pioneer while the vessel was in the Port of Houston. Among other topics, Russo spoke to them about SPAD. To show their support for the program, crew members posed for this photo with a SPAD poster. In photo at right, (from the left) Bosun Abdul Hassan, AB Ignatius Muzich and relieving Bosun James Joyce are all smiles after reading the January 2008 LOG. The mariners sail aboard the Maersk Georgia. 6 Seafarers LOG April 2008 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 7 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 state-ofthe-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. Deck Department Course Spotlight Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman – Applicants completing the school’s four-week Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the training, seagoing service, and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-3(c) and Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN ONE YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck General & Navigation General” and “Deck Safety & Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement and the practical (knot tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also met. The 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. Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival (Lifeboatman), STOS. Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, the OIC of the navigational watch, or qualified ratings (STCW). Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings. New Seafarer Sheppard Found Direction Through Unlicensed Apprentice Program Henry Sheppard rose from tough times, chose a career at sea and is sailing toward a promising profession, thanks to his own drive and to opportunities presented by the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Like many if not most 18-year-olds, Sheppard reached a point when he needed to choose his life’s path. Though he didn’t have some of the advantages enjoyed by others his age, he was motivated. His introduction to the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program proved an excellent match – Sheppard recently graduated from the school and shipped out as a wiper. At age 15, Sheppard went into foster care in Seattle. “When I was 17, I was placed in Mary O’Donnell’s home and have been with her since,” said Sheppard. He said that O’Donnell is so loving and caring, he doesn’t consider her “foster Mom, she’s Mom.” What Sheppard needed in his life was a humanitarian with a heart of gold, and one found him. “Henry was placed in a foster home with at-risk youths,” said O’Donnell. “Some of the kids were going through detox and had been in and out of detention. Henry is a great student with lots of drive. I couldn’t let this very special boy stay in that situation.” According to O’Donnell, she worked with social services to have Sheppard moved into her foster home. When he graduated from high school, Sheppard went to community college. But, according to O’Donnell, “Henry’s the type of person who likes to pay his own way through life and was ready to make a decision.” “I wanted a rewarding career now without spending a lot of time in class right away and owing money later to pay for it,” explained Sheppard. “I wanted to make my way now and also have time for education. My brother is in the Air Force and I looked at that, but it wasn’t for me.” Sheppard said he considered many other options until Rich Berkowitz, director of Pacific Coast Operations for the Transportation Institute in Seattle heard about him and showed him a video about the apprentice program and the union. “SIU looked straightforward to me and looked like it would give me a rewarding career with no false advertising,” Sheppard noted. O’Donnell added that Sheppard liked the relatively flexible work schedule enjoyed by mariners because it would enable him to make money and still have time to take college courses. She also said Sheppard liked the idea of being able to work his way from the bottom up. “The apprentice program looked good so I started on my unlicensed apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center for my first 12 weeks,” said Sheppard. He noted he was so excited about starting his career and receiving training at the SIU-affiliated school, based in Piney Point, Md., he kept a diary of his experiences. “Overall I feel that this program is very well-suit- ed to its intended purpose of preparing trainees for shipboard life. There is nothing you do or learn here that doesn’t directly apply to living and working on an ocean-going vessel. The rules are a bit tedious at times, but are intended to weed out those who wouldn’t be able to handle life on a ship. If you can’t handle the three months you spend at Piney Point (for the first phase of training), the odds are pretty good you wouldn’t last long in a union that requires you to ship Seafarer Henry Sheppard credits the union and its affiliated school with providing straightforward opportunities to rewarding careers at sea. for a [certain minimum amount of time in order to accumulate seniority]. The staff at the school is really concerned with helping out trainees as much as possible and helping them be the best they can be.” Sheppard described the first phase of the program as “a lot of hard work, but also very gratifying because I know that I am working toward a greater goal and what I hope to be a gainful career as a mariner.” “I think he will upgrade at the school every chance he gets,” said O’Donnell. “The Paul Hall Center was perfect for him and I think I would be for other foster kids.” After Sheppard finished the first segment of his apprentice training, he was assigned to serve on the Cleveland, a bulk cargo ship. His mission: humanitarian aid to Africa. “I never thought I’d be on a humanitarian aid mission but it was great to give something back and move forward in my career,” exclaimed Sheppard. “It’s very rewarding… I’m glad I found out about the SIU. I was looking for a career in which you get out of it what you put into it.” “Henry is very excited and his level of self-confidence has grown tremendously. He talks a great deal to his friends about his new life and loves the camaraderie onboard ships,” said O’Donnell. “It looks like a perfect life for not only kids who grew up in foster care but everyone looking to make a difference in their lives.” Sheppard concluded, “All of the help I’ve received from brothers in my union has given me direction and put me on to a great career.” Horizon Kodiak Crew Teams Up to Construct Shipboard Fitness Room Exercise may be little more than an annually unfulfilled resolution for some, but no one needs to sell the benefits of physical fitness to Seafarers aboard the Horizon Kodiak. SIU members and officers aboard the vessel already know the many plusses associated with working out – so much so that they recently pitched in to build a nicely equipped shipboard gym. The workout room is a welcome addition. April 2008 Horizon Kodiak Recertified Steward Brian Burchette (who also has a background as a personal trainer) pointed out that staying in shape is particularly important for mariners “especially with the rigors at sea that we endure on a daily basis. Also, with the newly added pre-employment physicals that Horizon Lines and other companies now utilize, I believe it is imperative that we as Seafarers make a concerted effort to better ourselves. “As we are all aware, unlike a land job, there is no sick leave when on a vessel,” he continued. “You are either fit for duty or not fit for duty. For the most part, keeping ourselves healthy and fit goes handin-hand with being able to provide for our families.” With that in mind, Burchette approached the vessel’s captain and brain- stormed about the feasibility of building an exercise room. Eventually the idea was approved, and everyone aboard did their part to convert a store room into a gym, complete with free weights, a weight machine and a treadmill. Burchette said the new furnishings aren’t being wasted. “As they said in the movie Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it, they will come!’” Only when posing for a LOG photo do Seafarers remain still in the Horizon Kodiak’s exercise room. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Garry Walker, GSU Mike Linus, Recertified Steward Brian Burchette, AB Anwar Alsharif, AB Kareem Ahmed, DEU Mohamed Aboubaker, Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser (seated), Electrician Alfonso Bombita Jr. and QMED Dan Thomas. AB Mark Pesola is taking the photo. Seafarers LOG 7 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 8 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 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 will be repeated in upcoming issues 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 conThis is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of late March, 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 many 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 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 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 8 Seafarers LOG tact 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-3478942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov 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 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 Suite 153 1635 W. First Street Granite City, IL 62040 Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 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/TWIC WebApp/ 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. 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 James Drive East 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 TWIC Enrollment Centers Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 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 card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 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 Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 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 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 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 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St. Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 North Carolina Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 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 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 Virginia Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 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 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Hotel Green Bay 780 Armed Forces Drive Green Bay, WI 54304 April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 9 Seafarers from the tug Ensign and SIU Patrolman Ashley Nelson (second from left) SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker (standing) discusses negotiations with crew members from the Pioneer and the Centurion. Crowley Boatmen Approve Contract The Crowley Sentinel reaches its dock after a trip back to Florida from Puerto Rico. As reported on page 3, Seafarers employed by Crowley recently approved a new four-year contract calling for wage increases and other improvements while maintaining medical benefits. Some of the approximately 200 Seafarers covered by the pact are pictured on this page along with SIU officials. Chief Mate Robert Venable (above) aboard the Crowley Sentinel Chief Engineer Willie Pettwa (left) makes his way upward from the engine room. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (third from left) gets member input aboard the Crowley Sentinel. Crew members of the tug Sea Breeze SIU-Crewed USNS Gilliland Loads U.S. Army Equipment The Seafarers-contracted USNS Gilliland loaded more than 150,000 square feet of U.S. Army equipment March 15-18 in Antwerp, Belgium, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Gilliland is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll- April 2008 Crowley Patriarch crew members are pictured with SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter (far right). off vessel, abbreviated as LMSR. MSC reported that the materiel – trucks, trailers, tanks and other combat support equipment – belongs to the U.S. Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The Gilliland is delivering the cargo to the Middle East to be used in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since Sept. 11, 2001, MSC ships (many crewed by SIU members) have delivered more than 101 million square feet of equipment in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. That is enough cargo to fill a line of railroad cars stretching more than 2,400 miles from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas, Nev., according to MSC. “Serving the men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan by getting their equipment to them on time is one of our key missions here at Sealift Logistics Command Europe,” said Capt. Nicholas Holman, commander of that branch. “These soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen depend on MSC to deliver the tools they need to do their job promoting freedom and democracy in the Middle East and around the globe.” The Gilliland is one of 19 civilian-crewed LMSRs belonging to MSC and is ideally suited to carry oversized military equipment. At 954 feet long, the ship has 380,000 square feet of cargo-carrying capacity, equivalent to almost eight football fields. The Gilliland is named after Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Charles L. Gilliland who sacrificed his life to cover the withdrawal of his unit from enemy fire on April 25, 1951, near Tongmang-ni, Korea. Seafarers LOG 9 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:22 AM Page 10 Servicing SIUCrewed Vessels In The Port of Tampa Coast Range Editor’s Note: SIU Safety Representative Kevin Marchand earlier this year spent nearly a week servicing Seafarers-contracted vessels as they called on the Port of Tampa. The photos on this page show some of the rank-and-file members in their work environments. Overseas Philadelphia Members of the Coast Range crew off-load equipment from the vessel’s deck (above) while Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro (left in inset at left) and AB Travis Stringer II enjoy lunch. Chief Cook Bernard Butts (inset, above right) takes a break from his duties in the galley. Sulphur Enterprise Bosun Michael Brewley (left) and Recertified Steward Justo Lacayo meet in the galley of the Overseas Philadelphia. Members of the Sulphur Enterprise crew gather after a shipboard meeting. Pictured are Bosun Joseph White, AB William Ray Jr., DEU Carl Turner, AB Zsuzsanna Balla, Chief Cook Audrey Brown and SA Nelson Bernardez. Chemical Trader AB Shelby Rankin (above, left) stands watch on the Chemical Trader while DEU Jose Encarnacion (above, right) gives the thumbs up. Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova (below, left) and Steward Exxl Ronquillo take a break in the dining area. ITB Mobile Tug Enterprise Ordinary Seaman /Cook Carlos Taylor (left) and AB Bradley Thomas send greetings from aboard the Tug Enterprise. Steward Virgilio Donghit (left in left photo above) and UA Kenneth LeDeoux complete some paperwork in the galley of the ITB Mobile while shipmates AB Dionicio Mejia (left in photo at left) and GUDE Montree Nakwichet stand cargo watch. In photo above, Bosun Timothy Jackson (left) and AB James McCormick return to the vessel after going ashore. Sea Venture Keystone Texas Members of the Sea Venture crew gather on deck following their meeting with the SIU rep. Pictured (from the left) are Bosun Thomas Mincey, AB George Saltz and AB Courtney Denley. OSG Tug Honour Ordinary Seaman/Cook Michael Hufana (left) and AB Kelly Marsh reported to the stern of the OSG Tug Honour following their union meeting. 10 Seafarers LOG Keystone Texas Bosun Edward McClean runs a stores crane (above) while Steward Roderick Oree (inset above, left) and Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil (inset above, right) prepare to put away stores. AB Eddie Ebanks stands cargo watch (inset at right). April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:22 AM Page 11 MTD Executive Board Meeting Military Leaders Powerfully Declare Support for U.S. Mariners, U.S. Ships With rank-and-file Seafarers in the audience, two key military leaders who addressed the MTD executive board meeting Feb. 28-29 near San Diego left no doubt about the high esteem in which they hold the U.S. Merchant Marine. Major General Kathleen Gainey, commander, U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, deputy commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), each offered powerful words of support and appreciation for the reliability of U.S. mariners. They also made it abundantly clear that America’s national security is best-served by maintaining a strong American-flag fleet with American crews. Two dozen or so SIU members (including members of the union’s Government Services Division) were guests at the meetings, which altogether drew more than 200 people per day. Speaking not only about mariners but also other members of unions affiliated with the MTD, Gainey stated, “You are critical to our nation. All of us in uniform appreciate you in the maritime trades.” She noted the long history of America’s civilian mariners, literally dating to the country’s earliest days. “The merchant marine has always been there beside us,” Gainey said. “You have always been there when we needed you, and you have always delivered. It doesn’t matter whether it was in harm’s way or whether it was in peace. You’ve always been there. Your partnership has never faltered. Your willingness to be there was never conditional. You’ve always delivered and been there for our service members around the world. There’s no amount of thanks that I could give you, because I’m here to tell you, having deployed twice, I know how critical it is that we get that equipment and those MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes Maj. Gen. Kathleen Gainey. “The history of the Maritime Trades Department for us is really important. It’s part of what we are as a nation... This is important to us in uniform. Why is that? Because you produce results.” --Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, Deputy Commander, U.S. TRANSCOM supplies on time. You deliver and we know we can count on you.” Gainey said it is important that all segments of the maritime industry “keep the dialogue open on the key issues: port security, strategic sealift, rebuilding our ports … and ensuring that we keep a strong, strong maritime force with American-flag carriers.” She mentioned the relatively new program in which protective vehicles known as MRAPS are being delivered (often by Seafarers-contracted ships) to U.S. troops overseas. Pointing out the efficiency of sealift, she noted that some of the decisionmakers originally advocated airlift for the new military vehicles. “If it was your son or daughter (waiting for delivery), you, too, would have wanted it there the fastest way possible,” Gainey said. “We were able to show them we can deliver” quickly by ship, and those deliveries have reinforced the value of American-flag vessels supporting our troops. Gainey repeatedly referred to the effective “partnership” between the military and the commercial sector. She said deliveries to the warfighter have “significantly improved” because of that partnership, adding that “performance statistics” bear out the speed and reliability of American-flag ships. “We in U.S. TRANSCOM are fully committed to the commercial-first policy,” Gainey declared. “If we don’t, then we will not have the maritime fleet Board members and guests show appreciation for remarks by one of the speakers. April 2008 that we need to support this nation when we would even go to a larger-scale war. You are the backbone and we know that. We always try to utilize the liner service as the first option to meet the required delivery date for our warfighter. And we’re looking to even expand that business…. It’s all about leveraging the strength that you have and the partnerships you have with other organizations. Partnership is what is going to make us strong, keep us strong, and make sure that this nation is free.” She concluded that when she was researching the MTD prior to the meetings, she was very impressed by “how critical you are to the defense of this nation … the value of an organization that brings together all of these specialties. You are that fourth arm of Department of Defense and you are critical to this nation, and this is what makes America great.” Rondeau credited MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco as “a man of his word” who “is a guy that is helping move things forward” for the U.S. maritime industry. She noted that she comes from a union family – a background the helps her appreciate the importance of the MTD. The department’s history and current efforts are “important to us in uniform,” she said. “Why is that? Because you produce results.” Rondeau shared a number of statistics reflecting the large amount of military cargo transported in recent years aboard Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau says U.S. mariners “truly have answered the nation’s call.” U.S.-flag commercial ships as well as civilian-crewed Military Sealift Command vessels. “You truly have answered the nation’s call,” she said. She twice referred to the March edition of the Seafarers LOG – once expressing her agreement with a letter extolling union membership, and then pointing out a quote from SIU Recertified Bosun David James. The bosun, who has sailed on multiple voyages for Operation Iraqi Freedom, recently said, “SIU members are here to support the troops.” After sharing that quote with the audience, Rondeau recalled a scene from just a few days earlier, when 1,000 or so troops in Iraq had gathered to watch a movie. In accordance with protocol, the National Anthem was played before the show – but problems with the sound system kept interrupting. She estimated that if something similar were to happen in a private theater in the U.S. filled with 18-to-22-year-olds, “you’re going to get at the very best some laughter and at the worst some profanity like you haven’t heard in a while. But (back in Iraq) the room was dead quiet on the third time of them trying to run the recoding of the National Anthem. At that point, one voice starts, another voice starts, and (soon) 1,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen sang ‘the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air…’ and they sang to the end. “These are people who have been there for a year or two. So I would say to David James, SIU or MTD union members who are here to support the troops: Those men and women are worth your investment. They’re worth what you give them and you give them a lot, because together we’re not just involved – we are committed.” Seafarers LOG 11 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:22 AM Page 12 Fro Sho U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin (left) addresses the board as MTD President Michael Sacco listens. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka Grassroots Action, November Elections Crucial for America’s Working Families Guest speakers at the most recent meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s executive board urged labor officials and rank-and-file members alike to elect pro-worker candidates in November. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii), AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin each noted the importance – and effectiveness – of grassroots political action when it comes to empowering working families. Both Abercrombie and Trumka pointed to the erosion of U.S. workers’ rights and stated that the best way to start rectifying that decades-long trend is by supporting pro-worker candidates. Abercrombie said it’s a plain fact that the majority party sets the agenda in Congress. Therefore, he said, working families must elect and support – and hold accountable – representatives who will look out for their interests. “We’ve got to put American workers back in the center of the political agenda,” said Abercrombie. “Every single vote counts, and the difference in whether or not the working people in this country are going to come back to the center of the agenda is going to be whether labor turns out in this election and sees to it that the Electoral College goes the right way.” The congressman noted he recently read a biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Abercrombie said that during World War II and the years that immediately followed, there was strong support for the working class at all levels of government. He said the nation clearly would be best served by returning to that standard. He reviewed the day’s newspaper headlines and explained how the weakening economy hurts working families. Illustrating corporate greed and the weakening of workers’ rights, he mentioned a recent contract negotiation in which newspaper reporters were asked by the company to a accept only a one percent wage increase in conjunction with health care cuts, despite soaring company profits. “If the United States is going to be strong in the world, we have to be strong ourselves,” Abercrombie said. “We have to have a sound economy. We have to have workers that understand not only that prosperity depends on them, but that productivity is going to stay with them when they earn it by their productivity. “The most productive and important thing we can do right now is organize,” he concluded. “Let’s get this movement organized for November so there’s no question in anybody’s mind that America is back. When America’s workers are in charge, America is back. Trumka presented a startling series of statistics showing the enormous (and still growing) income gap in America. He cautioned that this isn’t a new develop- ment, but rather one that dates back to the 1970s. “Our economy was failing working families long before there was a housing crisis and mortgage crisis and a stock market crisis,” Trumka said. “These crises are in fact the direct result of imbalances in our economy that already existed. That has been propelled by neoliberal economic policies that have been grinding down working families for the last 30 years. “Why is it so hard for so many workers to make a decent living in the richest country in history at its most rich point in time?” he continued. “We work more hours than any other developed country, but massive job loss has created widespread economic insecurity. The U.S. economy generates more than 13 trillion dollars a year in income but health care and retirement benefits are vanishing. For the last 30 years wages have been going down and it’s meant longer working hours, higher consumer debt, and a greater reliance on home equities just so that families could keep up with their bills. It doesn’t have to be this way because the economy is not like the weather. The economy is a set of rules; those rules are made by people we elect. Those rules decide winners and they decide losers and it’s up to us to elect people that start adopting rules that make all of us winners.” As he showed the board data reflecting the struggles of working families, Trumka emphasized, “The policies that have been adopted over the last 30 years have two things in common: They shift power from workers to employers and they create fewer jobs. The increased power of employers has allowed them to outsource our work and deregulate our industries. They privatize our government, they deny wage increases, and they walk away from their obligations to provide health care and retirement security for employees.” Among the statistics he shared: Since 1973, household income for richest Americans has increased anywhere from 353 percent to more than 500 percent. By comparison, the poorest Americans’ wages have gone up only three percent; for those squarely in the middle range of earnings, the increase has been 23 percent. “What you’re seeing is where we used to grow together as a nation, right now we’re growing apart economically, socially and politically,” Trumka said. “The productivity-wage relationship was the foundation of the social contract negotiated between labor and employers after World War II. Today the imbalance of power has ruptured that relationship and the social contract with America’s workers is being shredded.” Trumka concluded by saying the labor movement must be at the forefront of efforts to “change the direction of our country…. None of it is possible, though, See Working Families, Page 14 A wide meeting v American challenge Offerin were (in o the U.S. D Administr president, Harris, pr (NASSCO Corporati Guard. Barrett that a stro economic “We ar you are su Referri Barrett ou own d the marit ue to grow Connau remarkabl core marit regulation Security P training an He exp also know year conta program w “Even finally hav wise laws to our tran He add important thorization that they l transporta sibilities… ‘Nuts & Bolts’ of MTD The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing more than five million working men and women. The MTD executive board met Feb. 28-29 near San Diego, where board members and guests tackled many vital issues facing the maritime industry and all working families. The articles on pages 11-14 are based on remarks and policy statements presented at the meetings. These photos show some of the board members and SIU VP Dean Corgey (left), SIU VP Nick Marrone guests. Rank-and-file Seafarers and officials 12 Seafarers LOG MEBA President Don Keefe Maersk VP Ed Hanley (left), SIU VP George Tricker SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz (right), Executive VP Michel Desjardins Boilermakers VP Warren Fairley ILA President Richard Hughes CWA VP Ralph Maley U.S. R SIU As Port Ag GMP President John Ryan April 2008 R �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 13 rom Many Perspectives, Maritime Industry hows Great Promise, Faces Key Challenges wide array of guest speakers at the MTD executive board ing voiced support, enthusiasm and appreciation for the rican maritime industry while not glossing over the many enges faced by its different components. ffering perspectives from various segments of the industry (in order of appearance) Thomas Barrett, deputy secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Maritime inistrator Sean Connaughton; General Ken Wykle (USA ret.), dent, National Defense Transportation Association; Fred s, president, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company SSCO); Thomas Crowley, CEO, Crowley Maritime oration; and Admiral Thad Allen, commandant, U.S. Coast d. arrett reaffirmed the Department of Transportation’s belief a strong U.S. Merchant Marine is essential to the defense and omic development of the nation. We are committed to supporting American-flag shipping…. If are successful, America will be successful,” he stated. eferring to President Bush’s strong support for the Jones Act, ett outlined the DOT’s vision for the future and expressed his own admiration for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Noting that he had served 35 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Barrett added, “You can’t spend as long a time in the Coast Guard as I did without building an enduring and very deep respect for American mariners. I see it (the contributions they make to American society) every day.” According to Barrett, America’s defense and economic health depends on its maritime industry. The nation’s network of waterways moves 2.2 billion tons of domestic and foreign cargo. Ninety-five percent of our international trade moves by water. International trade will double within the next 20 years. Barrett said the DOT believes America’s economy depends on enhancing systems performance, particularly maritime element. “I don’t think that the economy can contingrow without making seaways more efficient,” he observed. onnaughton noted that the maritime industry has made rkable progress over the past year and gave strong support to maritime programs moving forward. Those initiatives and ations include the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime rity Program, port modernization, shipbuilding, maritime ng and LNG development. e expressed optimism about the marine highway initiative, known as short sea shipping. The energy bill signed late last contains provisions establishing a formal marine highway ram within the federal government. Even though this is something that we’ve been pushing, now, y having statutory recognition about the fact that the coastlaws, coastwise vessels and trades are something that’s vital r transportation system” is key, Connaughton said. e added, “There was one sentence in that law that really is rtant for us as we look forward to a new transportation reauzation bill and funding. For the first time we see in legislation hey look for the waterways as part of our national service portation system. That opens up an enormous amount of posties…. We’re very, very close to several new operations and I think that we’re going to be able to make this all happen and see projects, see (new) jobs and see congestion being relieved because of this new marine highway program.” Wykle also emphasized the abundant possibilities for greater utilization of domestic waterborne transportation. He cited several studies that show the United States is facing a transportation crisis and urged the federal government and the private sector to enter into an historic partnership to better use America’s abundant water resources. The NDTA’s stated mission is “to foster a strong and an efficient global transportation and distribution system.” For years, it has been arguing that the federal government has been promoting air, rail and highways, but not water-based transportation. According to Wykle, there have been two major transportation revolutions since the founding of the nation—the development of transcontinental railways in the 19th century and the rise of the interstate highway system, which was devised in the 1950s. However, the highway system is “old and decaying. Demand is increasing.” Moreover, investment is not keeping pace. Wykle believes that America needs a third transportation revolution. It needs to make greater use of its oceans, lakes and inland waterways. Unlike highways and rails, waterways do not have to be built; they already exist. He said that waterborne transportation is inherently more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly than most other modes of transportation. The most serious challenge in achieving this third revolution is getting out the word, he added. Government officials, labor unions, grassroots organizations and maritime companies need to educate the American public about what’s at stake, Wykle said. “We need to create a (new) generation of U.S.-manned coastal ships,” he stated. “We need to reestablish the United States as a competitive ship builder and create thousands of new family-wage jobs.” Harris is a former licensed mariner who sailed with a number of SIU members. He noted that NASSCO’s parent company, General Dynamics, has “tens of thousands of union workers.” The San Diego-based shipyard, which employs 4,700 people, carries great relevance for the SIU. NASSCO currently is constructing T-AKE ships for the U.S. Navy (vessels that are being crewed up by members of the union’s Government Services Division) as well as commercial tankers for Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping. Previously, the yard built vessels for SIU-contracted TOTE and Alaska Tanker Company, respectively. Years ago, it also built the CIVMAR-crewed hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort. Harris said the T-AKE vessels are “great ships for the U.S. government. They are multi-capable ships. They carry fuel oil, ammunition and bombs, dry cargo, frozen stores…. We have 11 under contract.” He pointed out, however, that two more of those vessels recently were removed from the federal budget. “We need to work hard – and I would ask for you to work with us – to make sure these ships are put back in” the budget, he told the board. Harris praised the shipyard workers, noting they are doing a great job with quality and turnaround time. “I’m proud of them and this is the best shipyard I’ve ever worked in,” he said. “I can’t tell you enough about the people in the shipyard and what they’ve contributed – not only with the work they do, but the spirit and the culture that they bring.” He needs more of them, though. Harris said that he anticipates growth at the yard and wants to hire hundreds more employees. He concluded by vowing to work with Congress “for as long as See Perspectives, Page 14 S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (center) with U Asst. VP Bryan Powell (left) and SIU ort Agent Joe Vincenzo nt TCU President Robert Scardelletti April 2008 DOT Deputy Secretary Thomas Barrett U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton General Ken Wykle (USA ret.), president, NDTA Novelty Workers President Mark Spano Crowley Maritime Corp. CEO Thomas Crowley USCG Commandant Admiral Thad Allen NASSCO President Fred Harris Seafarers LOG 13 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 14 MTD Executive Board Meeting Guest Speakers Voice Political Action Vital Perspectives on Future For Working Families Of Maritime Transportation Continued from Page 13 Continued from Page 12 I’m able, to support the U.S. maritime industry – both in supporting U.S. seafarers at sea and in building U.S. ships.” Crowley described the excellent cooperation that exists not only within his company but among its contracted unions, including the SIU. He gave special credit to MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, calling him a mentor “and even more importantly, demonstrating unparalleled leadership in our industry with a passion that’s matched by no one.” He added, “Our longstanding relationships with labor have evolved into strategic partnerships based on mutual understanding and respect. We’ve seen how, working together, we can accomplish much more than working alone or against each other. We are all part of the Crowley team.” Crowley said the company continues its unwavering commitment to safety while also contributing to the renewal and growth of the Jones Act fleet. In the last decade, they’ve built 26 manned and 12 unmanned vessels. Currently under contract for construction are 22 additional vessels (11 manned, 11 unmanned). However, he also voiced concern about ensuring adequate shipboard manpower in the years ahead. He discussed the company’s wide-ranging recruiting efforts and complimented the unlicensed apprentice program run by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He said that dwindling entry-level positions are taking a toll on the industry. “We need to work with our union partners to develop flexible ways to expand this capacity and pipeline…. I think it’s critical that we reduce barriers to entry. We need to improve and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s licensing requirements.” Allen addressed those requirements along with maritime security and the myriad challenges it presents. He said he is an agent of change within the agency and noted he and other Coast Guard leaders are taking an honest look at how to improve all facets of the operation. “We know we’re getting better. We know we’re not where we need to be,” Allen said. “You have my personal assurance that we will attend to this and make it better, and make it the class act that we want to provide you and that you deserve. “Unless we can change to become a more flexible and agile organization, we’re going to risk something that we don’t want to have happen, and that’s the great good will in this country for the Coast Guard.” The commandant said the agency is working with port captains regarding the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. He mentioned an upcoming meeting with the port captains and declared, “Sooner or later, we have to come back and tell the industry, are we on track to meet the date, and are we prepared to do something about the date if we are not on track?” Allen also discussed what he called an “archaic rulemaking process” that affects the industry; he’s got a task force looking into possible improvements. He said he plans to continue dealing with all segments of the industry in a very open manner. unless we do our job in this election and take back control of our government and our elected officials for working families.” Crumlin, whose position with the MUA is equivalent to that of a union president in the U.S., also serves as an official with the International Transport Workers’ Federation – a global organization consisting of nearly 700 transport unions. He focused on a U.S. maritime law (the Jones Act) as an example of why political action is so important for workers. He noted that all segments of the U.S. maritime industry repeatedly have united to stand up for the Jones Act when it has been attacked by so-called free traders whose apparent motivation has nothing to do with security or working families and everything to do with making a quick buck. The law stipulates that cargo moving between U.S. domestic ports must be transported on vessels that are built, owned, flagged and crewed American. It is widely recognized as a regulation which bolsters national and economic security. It also helps preserve tens of thousands of jobs, if not more. Without grassroots support, its status would be in question, at the very least. “The Jones Act really is the global benchmark for maritime cabotage,” Crumlin said. “It underpins all of the regulations and the [protection] of labor but also the national interest in regards to not only labor standards but security, economic development, the ability to develop a genuine economy in the interests of working men and women. The Jones Act really does lead the way, and it’s bipartisan. That’s a very important message.” He credited MTD President Michael Sacco and others for demonstrating the soundness of working with those who support the industry, regardless of political affiliations. “Political cycles come and go. Our industry must remain,” Crumlin observed. He recounted problems faced by Australian workers because of weak or unenforced cabotage laws. However, he noted, the old government regime in that country has been voted out of office, which bodes well for the future. Crumlin wrapped up his comments by stating that bilateral trade agreements remain very important to workers around the world. “We have some big challenges to be able to translate the protection of our own national industries and the development of proper standards and safe minimum manning requirements elsewhere in the world,” he said. “This is where the ITF comes in. For example, we recently developed a consolidated maritime convention that extends protection to mariners who otherwise never would have had it. We had strong U.S. support. That is a remarkable achievement, and it could not have happened without U.S. intervention – and the U.S. intervention could not have been achieved without the strength and the solidarity and the determination of the AFL-CIO and all the labor leaders in this room.” SIU CIVMARS Help Recover 2 Downed U.S. Air Force Jets The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) on March 24 reported that the rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp – manned by members of the SIU Government Services Division – had completed recovery operations for two U.S. Air Force F-15C fighter jets in the Gulf of Mexico. According to MSC, the jets crashed mid-air over the Gulf approximately 50 miles from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 20. Recovery efforts began March 1 when the Grasp arrived in the vicinity of the crash site to locate the wreckage, and ended March 22 when the last recoverable debris from the second aircraft was lifted onto the ship’s weather deck. Salvage operations, which could normally have been conducted within a week, were delayed by severe weather conditions that twice sent the ship back to port. The first aircraft was recovered March 12 from a depth of 177 feet and the second aircraft was recovered March 22 from a depth of 185 feet. More that half of each aircraft was salvaged including their engines, data collecting devices (flight recorders) and main computers. These items are vital to the Air Force’s investigation to determine the cause of 14 Seafarers LOG the crash. The salvage operations were conducted jointly by the Grasp’s crew of 28 civil service mariners and 20 sailors from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two, based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. MDSU Two is not permanently assigned to the Grasp, which also carries a detachment of three sailors to per- form communications functions. Since the exact position of the wreckage was unknown, the ship’s civilian crew worked in cooperation with sailors of MDSU Two to locate the debris by combining the vessel’s navigational information with data obtained from the dive unit’s locating equipment. Upon arrival at each site, the Grasp’s merchant Crew members aboard the USNS Grasp use the ship’s 40-ton boom to lift the engine of an Air Force F-15C fighter jet from the ocean floor as part of salvage operations that ended late last month in the Gulf of Mexico (U.S. Navy Photo). mariners anchored the ship directly above the wreckage and the divers submerged to prepare the debris for recovery. The Grasp’s 40-ton boom then lifted the wreckage out of the water using a cable that was attached by the divers. “This recovery operation was extremely difficult,” said the Grasp’s civilian master, Capt. Jose Delfaus. “The wreckage was scattered across a wide area and the divers had to overcome dangerous depths and diving conditions. Some of the wreckage was so entangled that it took several dives to complete the mission.” Four Air Force personnel, including a civilian wreckage photographer, were aboard the Grasp during the salvage operations to conduct the initial research and data analysis about the crash. The mid-air collision claimed the life of one of the two pilots. The jets were assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base. The USNS Grasp is one of MSC’s four 255-foot salvage and recovery ships that can deploy rapidly to recover objects from the sea, tow stranded vessels and provide fire fighting assistance. April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 15 NMU Pension, Annuity & 401(K) Plans Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2007 The Board of Trustees Co-chairmen Employer Trustees Thomas Murphy Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 Union Trustees 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 2007, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Resolution to merge the NMU Annuity Plan and the SIU Money Purchase Plan effective October 1, 2007. 2. Provides an additional hardship provision to individuals who have suffered damage to their principal residence due to Hurricane Katrina to facilitate the repairs. 3. Provides for a 75% Participant & Spouse Pension Option. 4. Resolution to merge the SIU 401(k) Plan into the Seafarers 401(k) Plan effective January 15, 2008. The Board of Trustees also adopted the following Merger Agreements: 1. NMU Annuity Plan into the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan effective October 1, 2007. 2. SIU 401(k) Plan into the Seafarers 401(k) Plan effective January 15, 2008. 3. NMU Pension Plan into the Seafarers Pension Plan effective January 1, 2008. 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, 401(k). 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. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February 13, 2008 — March 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: May 15, June 12 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 Mobile..................Wednesday: May 14, June 11 Port Piney Point.......................Monday: May 5, June 2 Algonac ..................................Friday: May 9, June 6 Baltimore.......................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Boston ............................Friday: May 9, June 6 Guam ...........................Thursday: May 22, June 19 Honolulu.......................Friday: May 16, June 13 Houston .......................Monday: May 12, June 9 Jacksonville .................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Totals Tacoma ...........................Friday: May 23, June 20 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 Wilmington..................Monday: May 19, June 16 Totals 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 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. April 2008 Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 10 3 20 3 12 27 20 3 11 13 29 16 9 3 7 9 3 24 24 1 1 2 4 1 2 7 4 0 2 1 6 8 2 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 4 9 1 5 32 13 2 7 10 33 10 14 3 0 3 2 22 25 0 2 1 4 2 1 14 10 4 3 8 10 9 10 2 7 3 1 12 11 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 5 0 5 19 17 0 2 2 15 4 8 1 0 6 0 6 11 3 0 8 18 1 11 63 45 1 22 22 67 6 39 4 1 15 1 56 59 4 10 7 23 9 16 46 32 0 15 12 51 17 15 3 6 16 7 34 45 3 1 3 7 4 3 5 5 1 3 2 8 11 4 2 0 1 0 6 7 254 238 49 228 132 17 98 507 431 84 0 0 3 4 1 5 14 15 0 5 8 19 15 11 3 1 1 1 16 10 0 3 5 10 1 2 14 18 0 5 6 9 11 5 1 1 3 4 13 11 0 0 0 2 1 0 4 2 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 132 122 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port May & June 2008 Trip Reliefs 3 0 7 10 1 9 39 22 0 12 12 40 12 20 1 1 7 2 30 29 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 2 5 2 5 16 12 0 5 10 10 5 9 2 0 0 0 7 6 0 1 3 4 3 1 5 12 0 2 3 7 3 5 0 0 0 2 12 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 4 8 5 0 3 5 4 5 4 1 0 2 1 6 5 0 0 6 12 0 13 20 22 0 8 9 30 16 10 6 3 8 1 22 16 2 4 6 11 3 2 13 27 1 8 4 13 17 9 1 2 5 6 18 15 0 0 1 3 2 0 3 2 0 1 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 96 72 9 57 202 165 25 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 6 2 13 22 19 0 9 4 23 8 22 1 4 3 0 17 27 0 0 2 11 5 5 11 9 0 2 2 10 9 5 0 1 2 0 9 8 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 181 91 9 1 0 2 5 1 7 14 15 0 3 8 20 5 15 3 1 1 0 12 26 1 0 1 5 1 2 8 5 0 1 5 5 11 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 0 1 8 5 0 2 2 9 2 8 0 0 1 0 12 6 1 0 1 6 2 14 32 22 0 10 4 33 10 39 2 4 4 1 28 31 1 0 2 11 4 6 11 15 0 4 3 12 13 7 1 1 3 0 11 14 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 139 49 6 62 244 119 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 0 0 0 0 5 3 6 0 0 1 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 3 1 6 2 6 21 14 1 3 6 26 4 14 1 7 2 1 16 12 3 0 0 10 4 6 3 6 0 1 2 4 12 14 1 24 24 2 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 10 8 0 2 5 10 1 8 0 8 1 2 4 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 2 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 20 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 6 7 0 1 2 8 2 5 0 0 0 0 6 5 2 7 1 7 4 8 33 27 1 6 4 40 20 17 1 2 4 1 21 18 4 0 1 9 5 9 3 11 1 2 3 12 18 18 1 25 3 2 9 8 32 149 103 15 70 40 0 48 224 144 608 611 181 448 309 70 229 940 883 251 Seafarers LOG 15 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 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 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 The new SPAD T-shirt (modeled above) features the SIU logo on the front pocket and artwork on the back (shown at right). The Shirts are in the Mail – Really Newly Designed SPAD T-Shirts Being Sent Beginning this Month Starting this month, SIU members who contribute to the voluntary Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD) fund will receive a SPAD T-shirt by complet- ing a very brief form available at the union halls. Here’s how it works: Any member who donates to SPAD when they file for a vacation check (and who wants one of the shirts) will be given a form asking for basic information including the applicant’s name, shipping address and shirt size. The port agent then will submit that form along with the vacation application. Shirts will be mailed from the union’s headquarters building, located in Camp Springs, Md. There is a limit of one shirt per member. Shirts will be mailed until the supply runs out (anticipated to happen around mid-year). Seafarers are advised to check with their port agents for additional information. HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 Happy Birthday, Bosun! Captain J.E. Belcourt, master of the SIU-crewed MV Green Point, recently submitted this photo in recognition of Bosun Richard Dobbyn’s 70th birthday. “Bosun Dobbyn has been a true asset on this good ship, and we appreciate all he has done,” noted Belcourt. Standing left to right are Chief Cook Julio Lobo, Belcourt, Deck Maintenance Cordero and Dobbyn. 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 16 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST Submitted by retired Seafarer Charles Slick of King George, Va., this photo is of himself (second from left in back row) and some of his shipmates aboard the SS Stoney Creek. The photo was taken in 1950 as the vessel was traveling from Baltimore to South America to pick up oil. According to Slick, oil at that time was selling for $18 per barrell. Others in the photo include John Breene (right in front row), Jack Tomen (left in back row) and Frank Bonna. The identity of the mariner shown second from left is not known. 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 April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 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 Brother Pierson calls Denham Springs, La., home. JAMES BURKE Brother James Burke, 67, became an SIU member in 1967. He initially sailed aboard the Neva West. Brother Burke was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He upgraded his skills in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burke’s most recent voyage was on the Flickertail State. He makes his home in Virginia Beach. ANDREW LOPEZ Brother Andrew Lopez, 60, was born in Houston. He joined the union in 1966. Brother Lopez first shipped aboard the Globe Traveler. The engine department member enhanced his seafaring abilities often at the Piney Point school. Brother Lopez’s last vessel was the Commitment. He continues to live in the state of Texas. MOHAMED MOFLEHI Brother Mohamed Moflehi, 66, embarked on his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1980 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Moflehi originally sailed on the Santa Lucia as a member of the steward department. He is a native of Yemen and upgraded frequently at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Moflehi’s last voyage was aboard the President Truman. He is still a resident of Yemen. EDWARD MURRAY Brother Edward Murray, 65, first went to sea in 1964 on the USNS Potomac. He was born in Pennsylvania and shipped in the engine department. Brother Murray last worked aboard the Overseas Ohio. He lives in Little Egg Harbor, N.J. LUCIEN PIERSON Brother Lucien Pierson, 70, donned the SIU colors in 1990. His first ship was the Equality State; his last the Westward Venture. Brother Pierson was born in Gonzales, La. He attended the SIU-affiliated school on four occasions. April 2008 STEVEN SUN Brother Steven Sun, 70, signed on with the union in 1972 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip to sea was on the President McKinley. Brother Sun is a native of China. He most recently sailed aboard the Lurline as a member of the steward department. Brother Sun enhanced his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point. He resides in Salinas, Calif. JAY THOMAS Brother Jay Thomas, 54, joined the union ranks in 1969. His maiden voyage was with Intercontinental Carriers. Brother Thomas frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Paul Hall Center. His final voyage was aboard the El Morro. Brother Thomas makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. BRUCE WRIGHT Brother Bruce Wright, 63, joined the SIU in 1961. The engine department member was born in Vallejo, Calif. Brother Wright originally shipped on the Steel Record. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated school. Brother Wright last worked aboard the Alaskan Frontier. He is a resident of San Francisco. SHAIF YAFAIE Brother Shaif Yafaie, 65, became a Seafarer in 1965. His initial trip to sea was on the SS Rambam. Brother Yafaie was born in Arabia and sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Charleston. Brother Yafaie settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. INLAND PETER BRYANT born in Maine. He joined the SIU ranks in 1974. Boatman Bryant shipped primarily on Mariner Towing vessels during his seafaring career. He makes his home in Westbrook, Maine. LOREN HAYES Boatman Loren Hayes, 62, started his SIU profession in 1992. The Florida native worked mainly aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. In 2001, Boatman Hayes enhanced his skills at the Piney Point school. He lives in Freeport, Texas. attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Barber most recently shipped aboard the Buffalo. He resides in Brunswick, Maine. RICHARD BOCKERT Brother Richard Bockert, 71, began sailing with the SIU in 1970. His first vessel was the Steel Age; his last the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Bockert was a member of the deck department. He upgraded his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bockert lives in his native state of Iowa. Editor’s note: The following brothers, former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, also recently went on pension. WALTER DARENSBOURG Brother Walter Darensbourg, 65, became an NMU member in 1997 while in the port of New Orleans. His initial voyage was on the Zoella Lykes. Brother Darensbourg shipped in the steward department. He is a native of Louisiana. Brother Darensbourg’s final trip to sea was aboard the Lykes Motivator. JAMES VON HAESLER Brother James Von Haesler, 62, was born in San Francisco. He donned the NMU colors in 1983, originally sailing from the port of San Francisco. Brother Von Haesler’s first ship was the Mallory Lykes. Brother Von Haesler was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Cleveland. PERRY YARBER GREAT LAKES LAWRENCE CHAPMAN DAVID BARBER Brother David Barber, 56, donned the union colors in 1969. He originally worked on the American Ocean as a member of the deck department. Brother Barber was born in Flint, Mich. He frequently Brother Lawrence Chapman, 63, joined the NMU ranks in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Ocean Evelyn as a member of the steward department. Brother Chapman was born in Mobile, Ala. He most recently worked aboard the Cape Kennedy. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers Log. 1945 A Japanese suicide plane, which hit smack in number 3 hold, could not stop the SIU men on the SS Kyle V. Johnson from participating in the invasion of Luzon. A number of soldiers and the steward were killed, and a hole torn in the side, but after an emergency patch was made in the side of the vessel, it was able to continue in the convoy. The ship was given credit for shooting down six Japanese planes, with the members of the crew helping man the guns. The crew was commended by the Army officers and General MacArthur for their splendid behavior and action during and after the attack. Brother Perry Yarber, 58, began his NMU career in 1965. He initially shipped from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Yarber’s earliest voyage was on the Hess Petrol. He worked in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Yarber was born in Florida. His last ship was the Keystone Texas. vived after being in the weather for 44 hours. They were being approached by sharks when they were spotted by the ship’s bosun. A smooth-running rescue followed and the men were quickly brought aboard. 1978 The latest in what has become a grim history of flag-of-convenience tanker wrecks involves the 233,000 dwt Amoco Cadiz. The foreigncrewed ship, registered under the Liberian flag, went aground off the coast of France. Despite efforts to minimize pollution, several days later the Cadiz broke in two and spilled her entire load of 68 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. This Month In SIU His tor y 1956 SIU crewmembers of the Steel Advocate who took part in a dramatic rescue of two fliers from shark-infested Pacific waters were awarded a special blue pennant for “meritorious rescue operations” by the National Security Council. The rescue took place about 1,100 miles west of Hawaii. A commercial cargo plane went down with five men, but only two sur- 1999 The SIU-crewed USNS Gordon was prepositioned and anchored when crew members spotted two United Arab Emirates fisherman waving and clinging to a mostly submerged 12-foot boat in high wind and choppy seas. Reacting quickly, the Gordon launched an inflatable boat and saved the two men. The rescue lasted only 28 minutes. Rear Admiral Gordon Holder, commander of Military Sealift Command, described the rescue as “a perfect example of seamanship in the finest tradition.” Boatman Peter Bryant, 65, was Seafarers LOG 17 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JUAN BARRERA Pensioner Juan Barrera, 58, died Nov. 11. Brother Barrera began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. He initially worked in the inland division aboard Moran Towing of Texas vessels. Brother Barrera was born in Catarina, Texas and shipped in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Maersk Alaska. Brother Barrera was a resident of Naples, Fla. He retired in 1996. JAMES BOONE Pensioner James Boone, 78, passed away Nov. 17. Brother Boone became an SIU member in 1947. His maiden voyage was aboard the Alcoa Roamer. Brother Boone was born in Maryland. The engine department member most recently sailed on the Bayamon. Brother Boone went on pension in 1984 and called Parkville, Md., home. MACK BRENDLE Pensioner Mack Brendle, 79, died Nov. 9. Brother Brendle joined the union in 1951. He originally worked with Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Brendle was born in Bastrop, La. and shipped in the deck department. His final journey was with Michigan Tankers Inc. In 1979, Brother Brendle started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in Monroe, La. DELPHINE CHICA Pensioner Delphine Chica, 74, passed away Nov. 30. Brother Chica was born in Hawaii. He launched his career with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1979 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Chicas’ first ship was the Manukai; his last the Lurline. He became a pensioner in 1989 and made his home in Pearl City, Hawaii. VIRGIL DOWD Pensioner Virgil Dowd, 81, died Nov. 25. Brother Dowd donned the SIU colors in 1961. His initial trip to sea was with Tankers & Tramps Corporation. Brother Dowd was born in Jefferson, Iowa. The deck department member most recently sailed aboard the Westward Venture. Brother Dowd retired in 1997 and lived in King County, Wash. MARTIN KIMMEL Pensioner Martin Kimmel, 72, passed away Nov. 20. Brother Kimmel joined the union in 18 Seafarers LOG 1969. His maiden voyage was on the Beaugard. Brother Kimmel worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1996, the New York native sailed aboard the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Kimmel called Brooklyn, N.Y. home. JAMES KIRCHNER Pensioner James Kirchner, 81, died Oct. 18. Brother Kirchner was born in Jerseyville, Fla. He became an SIU member in 1944. Brother Kirchner’s earliest trip to sea was on the Achilles. His last ship was the Cape Clear. Brother Kirchner went on pension in 1990. He was a resident of Liberty, Texas. LESTER LARKIN Pensioner Lester Larkin, 87, passed away July 12. Brother Larkin joined the SIU ranks in 1940. The engine department member was born in Lockport, Nova Scotia. Brother Larkin sailed aboard the Alcoa Puritan, Steel Admiral and the Steel Advocate, among other vessels. He became a pensioner in 1968 and settled in Woburn, Mass. CECIL MARTIN Pensioner Cecil Martin, 83, died Nov. 15. Brother Martin launched his seafaring profession in 1950. His maiden voyage was on an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Martin worked in the steward department. His final trip was aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Martin lived in his native state of Alabama. He began receiving his retirement stipends in 1986. WILLIAM MORRIS Pensioner William Morris, 81, passed away Nov. 22. Brother Morris joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He originally sailed with Interocean American Shipping Corporation as a member of the deck department. Brother Morris was born in New York but called Dundalk, Md., home. Before retiring in 1991, he shipped on an American Overseas Marine Corporation vessel. ROLAND MUIR Pensioner Roland Muir, 80, died Nov. 12. Brother Muir joined the union in 1953. His maiden voyage was on the Steel Record. Brother Muir was born in Maryland and shipped in the engine department. He was last employed on the Inger. Brother Muir made his home in Kinsale, Va. He went on pension in 1983. JOHN PIERCE Pensioner John Pierce, 79, passed away Nov. 12. Brother Pierce donned the SIU colors in 1952. He initially sailed aboard the Marymar; his last vessel was the USNS Wright. Brother Pierce was born in Philadelphia, Pa. and worked in the deck department. He resided in Drexel Hill, Pa. Brother Pierce started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988. KENNETH RILEY Pensioner Kenneth Riley, 72, died Nov. 4. Brother Riley joined the Seafarers in 1967. His first voyage was with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Riley was born in Jersey City, N.J. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Riley’s final trip to sea was on the Quality. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Riley retired in 1998. NAPOLEON RIVAS Pensioner Napoleon Rivas, 85, passed away Nov. 7. Brother Rivas became an SIU member in 1963. He was originally employed aboard an Elie Shipping Company vessel. Brother Rivas sailed in the engine department. His last ship was the Overseas Arctic. Brother Rivas went on pension in 1987 and lived in Edinburg, Texas. JOHN WILLS Brother John Wills, 47, died Nov. 23. He was born in California. Brother Wills launched his seafaring career in 1987, initially shipping on the Patriot. His most recent trip was aboard the Innovator. Brother Wills called Coarsegold, Calif., home. died Nov. 19. Boatman Blazevich joined the union in 1981. He primarily sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington, Calif., as a member of the steward department. Boatman Blazevich was born in Bosnia. He went on pension in 1990. Boatman Blazevich lived in San Pedro, Calif. PATSY FRANGO Pensioner Patsy Frango, 83, passed away Nov. 4. Boatman Frango joined the Seafarers in 1942 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the Atlantic Water. Boatman Frango was born in Virginia. He most recently sailed with Moran Towing of Virginia. Boatman Frango started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. He settled in Virginia Beach, Va. JOHN ROSSER Pensioner John Rosser, 48, died Nov. 5. Boatman Rosser donned the SIU colors in 1977. He was born in New Orleans and sailed in the deck department. For the duration of his career, Boatman Rosser sailed on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. He was a resident of Harvey, La. Boatman Rosser retired in 2006. CHARLES TUCKER Pensioner Charles Tucker, 74, passed away Oct. 4. Boatman Tucker was born in Alabama. He became an SIU member in 1951 while in the port of Mobile. Boatman Tucker initially shipped with ISCO Inc. He worked in the deck department. Boatman Tucker last sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage of Mobile. He went on pension in 1998 and called Chickasaw, Ala., home. JOHN ANDERSON Pensioner Joseph Zeloy, 81, passed away Nov. 25. Brother Zeloy began sailing with the SIU in 1951. His first voyage was with Alcoa Steamship Company. Brother Zeloy worked in the deck department. He was born in Mississippi. Brother Zeloy’s final ship was the Flickertail State. He made his home in Gulfport, Miss. Brother Zeloy became a pensioner in 1988. Brother John Anderson, 54, died Nov. 21. He first went to sea in 1979 from the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Anderson originally shipped aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger. The deck department member’s final vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius. He was born in England and resided in Toledo, Ohio. RUDOLF BLAZEVICH Pensioner Rudolf Blazevich, 82, 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 Averella, Louis 80 Sept. 18 Blalock, Barry 88 Sept. 20 Bolden, Frederick 85 Sept. 20 Brennan, Hugh 82 Oct. 16 Bush, Ray 84 Sept. 15 Callaghan, Hugh 83 Sept. 28 Canyon, Willie 81 Oct. 26 Castillo, Hector 94 Sept. 3 Cuffie, Charlie 79 Sept. 22 Dooley, Henry 86 Sept. 24 Ellard, Edward 82 Oct. 3 Evans, Mabel 92 Oct. 21 Felder, Willie 89 Sept. 15 Franklin, Charles 81 Sept. 5 Frazier, Dewey 81 Oct. 17 Frenchwood, Don 65 Sept. 3 Garcis, Romualdo 82 Oct. 1 Gilbert, Joseph 74 Oct. 18 Gillespie, Thomas 79 Oct. 3 Graves, William 89 Oct. 26 Harrelson, George 84 Sept. 2 Higgins, Clarence 81 Sept. 2 Holland, Robert 87 Oct. 19 Jaks, Vernon 82 Sept. 11 Janahi, Anwar 74 Sept. 20 Lester, John 80 Sept. 30 Lieberman, Hyman 82 Sept. 18 Limardo, Carlos 83 Oct. 7 Mandahar, Margaret 62 Oct. 25 Okkonen, Kalevi 76 Sept. 10 Primitive, Morales 86 Sept. 6 Scott, Milton 88 Sept. 12 Spencer, Earl 93 Sept. 14 Tant, James 77 Sept. 21 Utosh, William 78 Oct. 12 Vega, Ismael 82 Oct. 17 Walters, William 84 Oct. 21 Watson, Edward 79 Sept. 4 Wilson, Preston 80 Sept. 21 Attention Seafarers: GREAT LAKES JOSEPH ZELOY INLAND His earliest trip to sea was with American Steamship Company. Brother Lapczynski was born in Alpena, Mich. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Lapczynski most recently sailed aboard the Alpena. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1993. Brother Lapczynski continued to live in Michigan. FRANK LAPCZYNSKI Pensioner Frank Lapczynski, 79, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Lapczynski joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) Helps Us Help You April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings A Show of Loyalty Towards the SIU 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. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), Feb. 21 – Chairman Edward J. O’Connor Jr., Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub. Chairman announced payoff on February 24 in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew members for keeping all areas in good order. Secretary reported a smooth, safe voyage and expressed his gratitude for help keeping ship clean. Educational director reminded mariners that the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., is there for them to take advantage of and encouraged them to upgrade whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to lower sea time requirements in order to qualify for benefits. COURAGE (Interocean American Shipping), Feb. 14 – Chairman Philip T. Parisi, Secretary Danta F. Slack, Educational Director William C. Knox, Steward Delegate Sharman Harper. Chairman led a discussion on possible safety issues at sea. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading skills for the maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate requested clarification of working hours for steward department. President’s report from the January 2008 Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. List of requests was posted for crew purchases. ERIC G. GIBSON (APL Maritime), Feb. 10 – Chairman Joshua A. Mensah, Secretary Rocel C. Alvarez, Educational Director Douglas S. Foley. Chairman reported smooth voyage. Educational director reminded mariners to get TWIC card before September 2008. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate stated ladder policy for reefer plug-in needs to be in writing. Crew would like a juice machine in galley. Members discussed concerns over shore passes not being issued in Bombay, India. Next ports: Jebel Ali, Fujairah, UAE, Karachi, Pakistan, and Bombay, India. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 14 – Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Mark A. Flores, Educational Director Neil A. Warren. Chairman thanked all departments for safe sailing and for their help in keeping ship clean. Secretary asked departing crew to strip beds and clean rooms for next mariner. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to increase pension benefits. Crew requested additional information on 401K plan. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Houston, Texas. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Feb. 6 – Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Brian Burchett, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Deck Delegate Daniel P. Lovely, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Michael C. Linus. Chairman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to sail with this group of skilled mariners. He reminded crew members to make sure dues were paid on time to prevent any lapses in medical coverage. Secretary thanked crew for their assistance in helping get the gym up and running. Educational director advised Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $70 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and posted e-mail in crew lounge regarding 401K plan. Vote of thanks was given to Vern Poulson and his gang for all their assistance. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Feb. 17 – Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Daniel Herrera, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco,Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Albert U. Dulig, Steward Delegate Marcus R. Rowe. Bosun thanked crew for a safe and productive voyage. He reminded crew to separate trash, plastic and recyclables. Mariners were asked to secure belongings due to rough weather. Secretary advised Seafarers to keep dues paid up and to get a TWIC card ASAP as the deadline is September 25, 2008. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer noted $1,300 in ship’s fund. Steward department was thanked for excellent meals. 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. April 2008 A large contingent of rank-and-file Seafarers employed at Crowley Liner Service’s Petty’s Island N.J. Terminal (above) on Feb. 22 put their loyalty toward the SIU on display by holding a luncheon to celebrate the union’s 70th birthday. As noted on the cake (right) which the mariners purchased for their celebration, the SIU originally was chartered in 1938. Crowley’s SIU-crewed triple-deck RO/RO vessels offer weekly barge services between the Port of Philadelphia and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Request was made for a microwave in crew mess. Next ports: San Juan, P.R., Jacksonville, Fla., and Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Feb. 10 – Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Educational Director Christopher Devonish. Chairman urged seamen to give themselves plenty of time to get TWIC card. Educational director encouraged crew to enhance seafaring abilities at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to reduce requirements for retirement and increase benefit amounts. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for keeping ship clean and excellent food preparation. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 10 – Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Luis F. Alvarez, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff on February 15 upon arrival in Jacksonville, Fla. He complimented the crew on their great response to the unscheduled fire drill. Educational director suggested mariners upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported approximately $985 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to have the port of Jacksonville van transport crew members to the main gate as the current system is dangerous and inconvenient. Crew would like clarification pertaining to family emergency leave policy. Concerns were raised over the fact that some crew members still do not have keys to their cabins after several weeks aboard vessel. Crew asked for satellite radio, a new universal remote control and Region 8 DVD player for lounge. Steward department was thanked for preparing great meals. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Elizabeth, N.J. ITB PHILADELPHIA (USS Transport), Feb. 24 – Chairman Michael A. Eaton, Secretary Dana A. Paradise, Educational Director Willie J. Franks, Deck Delegate Christopher W. Jenson, Engine Delegate Tino Guity, Steward Delegate Farid Zaharan. Bosun stated payoff to take place in Bayonne, N.J., on February 29. He also said he would inquire about contract and retroactive pay. Secretary encouraged all hands to help keep ship clean. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of opportunities available at the SIU-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Bayonne, N.J. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 10 – Chairman Oliver M. Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Deck Delegate Paul I. Castillo, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman reported good voyage and crew. He announced payoff in Elizabeth, N.J., on February 12 and went over ship’s itinerary. Educational director advised members to make sure documents were up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Port Tangier, Morocco. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 10 – Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Stephen J. Dillon Jr., Steward Delegate Robert J. Bostick. Chairman reported payoff would take place in New York on February 18 and reminded those departing vessel to leave fresh linen for reliefs. He also encouraged mariners to take advantage of new 401K plan. Educational director urged crew to check out what the Piney Point school has to offer and keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Treasurer stated $1,000 in safety fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Bosun expressed his gratitude to all departments for their continued cooperation during voyage. Next ports: Norfolk, Va., and Charleston, S.C. SEALAND PRIDE (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 9 – Chairman Frank Lyle Jr., Secretary Edward M. Collins, Educational Director Grant W. Schuman, Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown. Chairman announced payoff on February 11 in Charleston, S.C. He discussed the importance of working safely and wearing proper protective equipment. He also urged members to pay dues and contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) whenever possible. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep the lounge and messroom clean. Educational director advised members to upgrade at every opportunity at the unionaffiliated school. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners were reminded that TWIC cards will be required as of September 25, 2008. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Houston and Norfolk, Va. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Lines), Feb. 4 – Chairman Joseph J. White, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Glenn G. Barnes. Chairman urged crew members to check the Seafarers LOG or www.seafarers.org for the latest TWIC information. Secretary asked departing crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director encouraged members to check out LNG courses available at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Tampa, Fla., and Galveston, Texas. USNS BRITTIN (American Overseas Marine), Feb. 7 – Chairman Greyson C. Brantley, Secretary Lawrence E. Winfield, Educational Director Antwan L. Legare, Deck Delegate Reed Algernon, Engine Delegate Milton R. Ballard, Steward Delegate Lizzie Robinson. Chairman stated that all departments were doing a great job. He requested all crew members clean their rooms prior to payoff in New Orleans on February 9. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 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. Proud SIU Memories As a former member of the SIU from 1982-1997 and a graduate of Paul Hall Center trainee class 367, I have always embraced my seafaring experience with pride and honor. My spirit is often tormented with the desire to return to shipping. Although I’ve gone through many positive evolutions, my core foundation of the man I’ve become today stems from my seagoing family and the great men and women I had the privilege to know and respect during my time sailing the various seas and oceans. I bring this up in order to say: I am a proud American and I am truly proud of the honorable service the SIU provides, not only for this nation but the worldwide community. I continue to read the Seafarers LOG and am always amazed at how this great union with such vision continues to deliver for the military, the economic community and humanitarian interests. The SIU does so in a professional manner that is unrivaled. Yes, I am proud to have had my start and my foundation in the Seafarers International Union, and for that I thank you. May God bless you all! Terrance Reed R-1312 Call for Grassroots Support Please let your readers know that a bill is under consideration in Congress that would provide a monthly payment to U.S. mariners who sailed during World War II. I didn’t know about it until a friend told me. This legislation – the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act – passed the House of Representatives on July 30, 2007, and is now under consideration in the Senate. It’s worth a try to keep checking on it and to keep asking for support. Bruce E. Knight Chesapeake, Virginia Thanks to Port Agent All of us who’ve had the distinct pleasure of having SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox assist us in any way will understand his decision to “re-join” the industry. But (and that’s a big but) he will be sorely missed. Why? His dedication to his assignments and fellow shipmates, and his going beyond the call of duty. So many times, Mr. Cox’s creativity in assisting us has led the majority of all seamen who have come into association with John to consider him an STES – Specially Trained Extraordinary Shipmate! And, more importantly, a great friend. Aloha, mate, and Godspeed on your new career. AB S.A. Gardner California Carrying the Message This is why members of the maritime community belong with the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). We have successful battle experience with Congress in gaining recognition and winning against a cold legislature. We are pushing ahead to assure that our younger generation of mariners are given equal respect for their service as all uniformed service members deserve. We will continue to publicize in the American media historical events, emphasizing the dedicated service our brave members gave in the past along with those serving today. Precious few citizens know what you do, why you do it and it what it means for them. They are in the dark and we want to enlighten them. Mariners deserve recognition as the sixth uniformed service providing support for all U.S. armed services. They serve with dedication in peace and wartime as all soldiers and sailors do. Mariners have been doing this continually for our country since 1775, serving George Washington and at every conflict, war and invasion since. The U.S. Merchant Marine flag is increasingly being honored at all national events where service flags are flown, including parades, patriotic events and national cemeteries – because we keep pushing. The U.S. Merchant Marine Medallion will be found in more VA hospitals, parks and public squares around the country because we keep pushing. The dedicated merchant mariner, who served, suffered and died in these wars needs to be remembered for indispensible service. Meanwhile, we continually remind Congress we deliver the goods for military action. During the past four years, merchant mariners, their families and friends have flooded Congress with hundreds of thousands of letters, faxes and phone calls in behalf of merchant marine legislation. Congress knows who we are, and we do not want to let them forget! To strengthen this endeavor of recognizing mariners – and to benefit from it – you are invited to become a part of our history by joining the AMMV now. By sharing in our ambition for full recognition of today’s U.S. Merchant Marine, you will receive our quarterly magazine as well as the monthly email report on current events. A nominal $20 annual membership fee entitles you to the above plus full recognition at all AMMV events. Contact AMMV headquarters at the number listed below for applications and “get acquainted” kits. A.J. Wichita AMMV National President Cape Coral, Florida (239) 549-1010 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. April 2008 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Course Welding The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the first 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. Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 14 May 26 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 May 16 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 12 June 23 May 23 July 4 March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 April 21 June 23 April 21 June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman April 28 May 9 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Date of Completion 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 April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 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 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) June 2 (must have basic firefighting) June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 Steward Upgrading Courses Radar Radar Renewal (one day) 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 March 31. Steward Recertification Course August 18 September 8 Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading 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. Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) June 2 June 27 Online “Distance Learning” Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 19 June 13 FOWT April 21 June 16 May 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Marine Refrigeration Technician April 21 May 30 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Welding April 7 April 25 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. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No 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: 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. 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 ________________________________________________ April 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. 4/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Water Survival —Graduating from the course on Feb. 22 (in no particular order) were: Paa Kwakye, Ali Nabil, Randy Knipfer, Roberto Silva, Adiener Alfaro, Pedro DeJesus, Howard Randle and Larry Bradley. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 699 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 699 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Michael Anderson, Meghan Blocker, William Chamberlain, Daniel Cortez, Hubert Dennis, Louise Digman, Jack Forde, Tonya Gist, Austen Hess, Enchantress Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Matthew Martinson, Algernon Ramseur, Christopher Shivalier, Richard Vega and Pamela Wilson. Welding – The following individuals (in alphabetical order) graduated from this course on Feb. 22: Carmelo Collazo, Kevin Niemiec, Vincent Figuenick and Ed Majesky. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Academic, Computer Classes Two students recently completed academic and 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 the classes, they posed with their respective instructors. Tanya Bradley (above, center) poses with Rick Prucha and Peggy Densford after completing courses in Mathematics 101 and History 102. Jake Wheeler (below, left) poses with Prucha after finishing training in Windows XP and Excel 2002. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations – The following individuals (above in alphabetical order) on Feb. 22 completed the basic auxiliary plant operations course: Rachel Alarcon, John Albritton, Haeven Bautista, Ja’Quaral Carroll, James Fells, Abraham Goldberg, Creg Gumanas, Rupert Henry, Sean Keaton, Anthony Irizarry, Joel Jones, Ted Lampke, Christopher Landry, Denise Mendoza, Jeffrey Nicholson, Augustin Paulin, Marcos Ramos, Terry Taylor, Martin Watson, DeAndre Whitley, Pavis Whitley, Robbie Willis and Edwin Arroyo. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) AB – The following individuals (in alphabetical order) on Feb. 15 received their certificates for completion of the able seaman course. Completing the class (above in alphabetical order) were Nicasio Arzu, Diego Barbosa, Patrick Brill, Charles Brown, Lawrence Cormier, Arthur Doherty, Cleveland Foy, Paa Dwakye, Edmund Livings, Joel Marcano, Walter Nodora, Garrett Phillips, Jumar Rapuet, Terrance Shinn, Daryl Spicer, Stefra Strauser, David Vandecar, Teena Werner, Jake Wheeler and Melody White. Their instructors were Barnabe Peligon and Stan Beck. Beck is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Cent er Classes STCW—(GREAT LAKES-A) The following boatmen (in alphabetical order) from Great Lakes Towing graduated from this course on Feb. 15: Omar Al Asaadi, Abrahem Ali, Ahmed Al Shahloor, Ali Altalheem, Ali Aizawkari, David Andrews, James Beaudry, Michael Cushman, James Davidson, Brian DeMeritt, Jeffery Eckhart, Ali Elmadari, Frank Farnam, Craig Fizhugh, Ahmed Ganah, Sabbah Ghaleb, Albert Hamiel, Jeff Hester, Donald Jaegle and Jeffery Johnson. SIU Port Agent Chad Partridge is kneeling in front row, second from the left. STCW — (GREAT LAKES-B) The above boatmen (in alphabetical order) from Great Lakes Towing on Feb. 15 completed this course: Yehia Kaid, Franklin Kosiboski, Scott Krajniak, Mike Lafcille, Darren Lahale, Charles Lesley, Daniel Lind, Doyle Ling, Mark MacRury, Waleed Mohsin, James Norick, Andrew Nowak, Salem Omer, Daryl Overby, David Rivera, Walter Sipper, Paul Smetana, James Smith, Steven Werda and Mussa Yahya. SIU Port Agent Chad Partridge is standing third from left in the front row. Advanced Fire Fighting – These G&H Towing boatmen on Feb. 15 graduated from the advanced fire fighting course. Members of the class (above in alphabetical order) were Dennis Mariveles, Santos Reyes Jr., Brian Saba, Britt Saha, Jesse Sendejas, Jason Shead, Jeffrey Vanderburg, Gary Watkins Jr., Nathan West and Steve Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Fire Fighting - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) on Jan. 25 completed this course: Tawrence Abrams, John Benson, Donald Byrd, Kevin Carraby, Alshea Dixon, Arnaldo Fernandez, Vincent Figuenick, Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Pedro Santiago, Scott Sevret, Edward Shamburger, Gary Torres and Barry Williams Jr. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. 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. April 2008 Junior Engineering – Receiving certificates for their completion of the junior engineer course on Feb. 29 (above, in no particular order) were Dario Dizon, Timothy Johnson II, Carlo Johnson, Michael Johnson, Michael Jones, Theodore Gonzales, Martin Hamilton, Sandra Baker Neigebauer, Drew Barth, Michael Lais, Miguel Abad and Dennis Rivard. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 4 April 2008 TWIC Reminders, Enrollment Centers Page 8 AB Michael Ratigan (right) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Cynthia Casillas, USN, monitor a cargo offload from the American Tern Feb. 8 at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The American Tern (right) and icebreaker Oden SIU Ships Deliver in ‘Deep Freeze’ Seafarers Contribute to Success of Yearly Resupply Mission to Antarctica Two SIU-crewed vessels recently delivered vital cargo in Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The ice-strengthened tanker Lawrence H. Gianella (operated by Ocean Ships, Inc.) and the dry cargo ship MV American Tern (Osprey Ship Management) did their respective parts to help ensure the operation’s success. The mission itself was overseen by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). According to the agency, the American Tern delivered a year’s worth of equipment and stores. The ship arrived Feb. 8 and, as soon as its brow dropped, 59 U.S. Navy Sailors from a cargo-handling battalion began working around the clock to offload 12 million pounds of equipment and supplies for the 1,500 researchers and support personnel who work on the continent each year. The vessel departed Feb. 12. Earlier, the Gianella arrived at McMurdo’s ice pier Jan. 28 and delivered nearly six million gallons of fuel to power the station’s generators, vehicles, helicopters and research boats before departing Feb. 3. “The pack ice was very thick this year and never opened completely until late February,” noted Captain Robert Lee, master of the Gianella, who forwarded the photos accompanying this article. “Also, the Southern Ocean storms where active as usual, serving up 30-foot seas almost daily. The conditions were harsh, but the AMO-SIU crew members were up to the task. Some appeared a bit green around the gills coming through the storm belt of the Southern Sea, but that’s expected in the roughest ocean of the world. None complained and all continued to do their job in a very professional manner.” He added, “Upon arriving at McMurdo Station, the hectic schedule of discharging cargo, refueling other vessels, cleaning tanks, loading storm ballast and giving ship tours to scientist and local workers all happened efficiently and without incident…. It was a job well done indeed.” “Without the cargo delivered by our ships each year, McMurdo would not be able to function,” said Rick Appling of MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. Utilizing Seafarers-contracted vessels, MSC delivers more than 70 percent of the dry cargo and 100 percent of fuel that is taken to the continent each year. Equally important, however, is the cargo that MSC takes off of the continent, the agency pointed out. This year nearly five million pounds of items ranging from precious ice core samples to all the waste that McMurdo Station has accumulated over the past year were loaded onto the American Tern before it departed. On its last day in port, the American Tern successfully transferred fuel to the Swedish icebreaker Oden, which arrived in the area in advance of the two MSC ships and broke a channel through about 18 miles of ice that blocked the ships’ access to McMurdo. SIU members sailing aboard the American Tern during the mission included the following: Bosun Hernando Bansuelo, AB Vincent Hamm, AB Jack Jackson, AB Michael Ratigan, AB Erick Toledo-Colon, AB Chris Wilson, DEU Ali Zaidan, OMU Daniel Amesbury, OMU Jose Deoferio, OMU Joshua McDaniel, Steward/Baker John Gruebel, Chief Cook David Brown and SA Charles Mitchell. The Seafarers-crewed Gianella discharges cargo and refuels the research vessel Nathaniel Palmer. Sailing aboard the Gianella were Bosun Trevorous Ellison, AB Stag Rye, AB Yves Goiset, AB James Hall, AB Clifton Doonis, DEU Victor Stewart, Pumpman Darrell McDonald, QMED Lamar Parker, QMED James Summers, Steward/Baker Mary Brayman, Chief Cook Alfonsa Eligio, GSU Regina Miguel, GSU Ali Salim and Unlicensed Apprentice Christopher Shivalier. Sights near the station include penguins and orca. Seafarers and officers are pictured aboard the Lawrence Gianella. � 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 April 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU SHIPS SUPPORT SATELLITE INTERCEPTION FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES UNION’S RECORDS MTD UNIONS CREDITED AS VALUED PARTNERS HIGHLY REGARDED SPEAKERS STRESS SUPPORT FOR U.S.-FLAG SHIPPING CROWLEY SEAFARERS APPROVE 4-YEAR CONTRACT CROWLEY CHRISTENS ANOTHER ATB GOVERNMENT STUDY: ECONOMIC IMPACT OF U.S.-FLAG CRUISE SHIPS RUNS DEEP LABOR LEADERS SPELL OUT STRATEGY FOR ‘ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR ALL’ REP. GENE TAYLOR TO RECEIVE ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ AWARD NEW SEAFARER SHEPPARD FOUND DIRECTION THROUGH UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM HORIZON KODIAK CREW TEAMS UP TO CONSTRUCT SHIPBOARD FITNESS ROOM MARINERS NEED TWIC BY SEPT. 25, 2008 SIU-CREWED USNS GILLILAND LOADS U.S. ARMY EQUIPMENT SERVICING SIU-CREWED VESSELS IN THE PORT OF TAMPA MILITARY LEADERS POWERFULLY DECLARE SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARINERS, U.S. SHIPS GRASSROOTS ACTION, NOVEMBER ELECTIONS CRUCIAL FOR AMERICA’S WORKING FAMILIES FROM MANY PERSPECTIVES, MARITIME INDUSTRY KNOWS GREAT PROMISE, FACES KEY CHALLENGES GUEST SPEAKERS VOICE PERSPECTIVES ON FUTURE OF MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SIU CIVMARS HELP RECOVER 2 DOWNED U.S. AIR FORCE JETS SIU SHIPS DELIVER IN ‘DEEP FREEZE’ SEAFARERS CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS OF YEARLY RESUPPLY MISSION TO ANTARCTICA 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 04/01/2008 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. 4 2008 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/78fce78894b08b9921a4dfdae81936de.pdf 539e80f0754d0cca829d539d2e74349d PDF Text Text 48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:25 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 6 June 2008 Car Carrier Independence II Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Cites Vessel’s Military Usefulness SIU members and officials took part in a naming ceremony May 8 in Baltimore, celebrating the addition of the Independence II to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Altogether, hundreds of people were on hand to mark the occasion with the host and vessel operator, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Pictured clockwise from upper left are the ship; General Norton Schwartz (center), commander, U.S. Transportation Command, greeting Bosun Carl Pedersen as SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) looks on; (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice, SIU President Michael Sacco, AB ElSayed Mohamed, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel; and students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center along with Gen. Schwartz, SIU officials and AMO President Tom Bethel (back row, center). Page 3. 3 Seafarers-Crewed Vessels Offload Marine Corps Cargo For Annual Military Exercise Three SIU-crewed ships recently helped with preparations for an annual military exercise overseas. The prepositioning vessels USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin as well as the Great Land each played a role in supporting American forces readying for “Cobra Gold” – a yearly drill designed to promote regional stability and security throughout Southeast Asia. At right, the Lopez conducts an at-sea offload of Marine Corps cargo May 2 off the coast of Thailand. Page 6. TWIC Updates/New Deadline Pages 2, 10 SHBP Scholarship Winners Pages 2, 7 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:37 PM Page 2 TWIC Deadline Changes to April ’09; Mariners Still Urged to Apply ASAP President’s Report Continuing Efforts to Enact EFCA Our union is fully on board with the “million-member mobilization,” a recently launched grassroots effort led by the AFL-CIO in support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). In the weeks and months ahead, Seafarers will have a chance to place their signatures on postcards calling on the new U.S. president and Congress to enact the EFCA. Those signatures along with many others from fellow trade unionists and supporters will be delivered by the labor federation after the November elections. The cards themselves will be available soon at the union halls. Michael Sacco There’s a way to participate in the signature drive via the internet, too, at the following web address: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/efca_card_support As noted on the postcards, the EFCA will enable employees to form unions when a majority signs authorization cards. It will strengthen penalties for companies that coerce or intimidate workers trying to form unions and bargain. Also, it will establish mediation and binding arbitration when the employer and workers cannot agree on a first contract. The message to the new president and Congress reads as follows: “I urge you to enact the Employee Free Choice Act immediately. This crucial legislation will protect workers’ freedom to choose a union and bargain, without management intimidation. Allowing more workers to freely join unions and bargain with their employers will help rebuild the middle class by expanding health care, improving retirement security and raising the standard of living for America’s working families. My bargaining rights are worth working for and voting for!” That point about rebuilding the middle class is especially important and accurate. If you’re familiar with the labor movement’s history in this country, you may recall that the creation of the American middle class happened only after the passage of a law in 1935 (the National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act) which protected the ability of workers to form unions and bargain collectively. Unfortunately, over time, those protections have been terribly eroded. We’ve reached the point where the system for forming and joining unions in this country is flat-out broken. As I’ve said before, this is old news to many who have participated in organizing campaigns in recent years, but many if not most Americans may not realize just how badly some workers are treated by management when they try to join a union. The AFL-CIO has documented a staggering number of cases in which employees suffer through nasty, long campaigns of company intimidation, surveillance, threats and even firings. Some who fight through it and actually manage to join a union have trouble securing a first contract because management stalls and stalls, with no repercussions. All because the employees try to exercise what is supposed to be their legal right to join a union. It’s time to stop those unjust actions from happening. It’s time to restore fairness to the process – time to once again give workers a genuine opportunity to decide for themselves when it comes to union representation. There is reason for optimism among those of us supporting the EFCA. The bill passed in the House of Representatives in 2007 and has bipartisan majority support in the Senate. Clearly, there is strong support for labor law reform in both the U.S. House and Senate. Yet it remains a battle. That’s ironic in many ways, because unions are associated with higher productivity, lower employee turnover, improved workplace communications and a better-trained work force. A recent compilation of more than 70 independent studies on unions and productivity supports those claims. So do the reallife experiences of rank-and-file union members across the country. The bottom line is that workers are supposed to have the right to bargain collectively for higher wages, better benefits and a better life for themselves and their families. With that in mind, the SIU joins with our fellow unions under the AFL-CIO umbrella and with the federation itself in pledging to fight to enact the Employee Free Choice Act until it becomes law. Volume 70, Number 6 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 2 announced that the deadline for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) compliance by mariners has been bumped back to April 15, 2009. Even though the compliance date has changed, Seafarers are encouraged to enroll for their TWIC well before the new April 15, 2009 date. The original deadline was Sept. 25, 2008. In announcing the change, the DHS reported, “The sevenmonth extension is a direct result of collaboration with port officials and industry, and realigns the enrollment period with the original intent of the TWIC final rule. TWIC was established in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the SAFE Port Act to serve as an identification program for all Coast Guard credentialed mariners and personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas within a port.” Reacting to the announcement, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, stated, “The TWIC program is an essential component in protecting our nation from potential terror threats, and we must ensure that its implementation is conducted in the most efficient and effective manner. In light of the reported problems in the TWIC rollout thus far, I applaud the decision of DHS to extend the deadline for enrollment. When workers must pay to enroll in a program necessary for them to do their jobs and provide for their families, they have the right to expect reliable, efficient service with little to no interruption to their schedules. “It is my hope that this extended deadline will be supplemented by the provisions included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act to help improve the TWIC program. This legislation passed in the House by an overwhelming majority, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to quickly act on this legislation to enact these common-sense provisions into law.” Estimates vary on the number of workers who eventually will be required to carry a TWIC, but that figure generally is expected to top 1.2 million. At the time the DHS announced the extension, roughly 260,000 people had enrolled for the card, but fewer than 90,000 TWICs had actually been activated. At press time for this issue of the LOG, more than 100 TWIC “fixed enrollment cen- See Page 10 for a list of TWIC enrollment centers & additional information. ters” had opened, and dozens of mobile enrollment centers also had set up shop. Based on informal feedback from Seafarers and SIU officials who have applied for a TWIC, the experience is inconsistent. Some individuals reported a practically seamless process with minimal waiting times, while some said they eventually received their TWIC, but not before very long delays. Others had it worse, noting their cards weren’t available for pickup even after they received notification to go to a particular enrollment center and get the document. Partly with those experiences in mind, Seafarers again are encouraged to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Committee Selects Seven Individuals To Receive 4-Year, $20K Scholarshps The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) for more than half a century has awarded scholarships to deserving Seafarers, their spouses and dependents. That tradition continued May 2 in Portland, Ore., when the SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee selected seven individuals—one active Seafarer and six dependents—as scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. The recipients each will receive an award of $20,000 to pursue their educational goals at four-year institutions of higher learning of their respective choices. In total, the 2008 scholarship recipients will receive $140,000 from the SHBP. This year’s winners are: AB Peter R. Hokenson; Brittany Redding, daughter of Chief Steward Dennis Redding; Christopher Wozunk, son of FOWT John Wozunk; Benjamin Wilmoth, son of QE Wendell Wilmoth; Albert Balatico, son of AB Albert Balatico; Xiao Xiao Li, daughter of SA Meili Seegers; and Sidney Kirk, daughter of AB Robert Kirk. The scholarship recipients were selected by a panel of dis- tinguished professional educators: Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical University of Ohio; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gastavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). See Page 7 for brief biographical backgrounds and educational goals on each of the above college-bound students. June 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. 2 Seafarers LOG The 2008 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee on May 2 in Portland, Ore., selected seven individuals as recipients of $20,000 scholarships. Following the selections, they joined SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (right in photo above) and SIU Deputy Plans Administrator Kitty Eno (left) for this photo. Committee members (from left) were Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical University of Ohio; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gastavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:41 PM SIU President Michael Sacco Page 3 Gen. Norton Schwartz, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left), served as the vessel’s sponsor. Pictured from left to right before the event are SIU VP Joseph Soresi, Patrolman Joe Baselice, AB El-Sayed Mohamed, Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and AB Tom Bray. Independence II Joins Seafarers Fleet Ceremony Highlights Industry’s Contribution to Defense Seafarers and SIU officials participated in a naming ceremony May 8 in Baltimore as the car carrier Independence II formally joined the union’s contracted fleet. SIU President Michael Sacco Raymond Ebeling President & CEO, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier OMU Rene Gil Jr. and General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), were the featured speakers. Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, served as the vessel’s sponsor. Raymond Ebeling, president and CEO of the ship’s operating company, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), was the master of ceremonies. While the speakers had kind words for the vessel itself, most of their respective remarks focused on the overall role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in supporting America’s military. For instance, the Independence II, though privately operated, is part of a program called the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). That program gives the Department of Defense access to commercial shipping and intermodal facilities during contingencies. Schwartz called the newly reflagged ship an important addition to the nation’s “arsenal of democracy.” He also described the U.S. Maritime Security Program (related to VISA) as “indispensible.” The TRANSCOM commander drew a parallel between a celebrated milestone for the U.S. and Allied forces in World War II (which occurred May 8, the day of the naming ceremony) and America’s current efforts in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom – efforts consistently supported by American mariners and U.S.-flag ships. He said that the Independence II can aid in those missions, and noted that if citizens from the World War II era saw the ship and the ceremony, “They would appreci- Independence II Oilers (from the left) Rene Gil Jr., Anthony Dellorusso, Jonathan Duncan and 1st Assistant Kevin O’Donnell June 2008 ate the significance and, more probably, they’d understand there is still work to be done…. ARC and others move America in the right direction.” Ebeling said his company “is very pleased to be able to continue expanding the U.S.-flag fleet.” He pointed out that Americanflag ships support our armed forces, citing recent deliveries of the relatively new mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) as one example. Ebeling declared that privately owned U.S.-flag ships are “a solid investment” for the country and that depending on foreign-flag vessels “would be an unreliable option for the government.” He credited Sacco with promoting cooperative efforts throughout the industry and said that Mrs. Tellez’s sponsorship of the vessel would serve as “a continual reminder of the importance of the strong partnership with our friends in organized labor.” Sacco focused most of his comments on the strong performance and historic reliability of American mariners. “If you look at the makeup of American crews, I think five things really stand out,” he said. “First, they are reliable – the most reliable crews in the world. By any measure, whether the statistics come from MSC or MarAd or somewhere else, our crews are second-to-none when it comes to safe, on-time deliveries. “Second, they are well-trained. No disrespect to our foreign competition, but I’d stack the American seafarer against anyone in the world in terms of qualifications and training. “Third, they are patriotic,” he continued. “This has literally been Steward/Baker Robert Owens SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) chats with unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center prior to the naming ceremony. proven for centuries, dating back to Revolutionary times, and it’s certainly evident today in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “Fourth, they are resilient. It takes a special person to make a living going to sea. It’s hard enough just to secure your documents and papers nowadays, to say nothing of the actual work aboard the ship. It involves sacrifice and dedication, and our people do it every day. “And fifth, they are politically active. I’m especially proud of the voluntary political donations and activities put forth by members of my union, the SIU. But that’s characteristic of American maritime labor as a whole. Rankand-file U.S. mariners understand that their political actions and political support help create and sustain programs like the MSP program. Their support helps make events like this one possible.” He added, “I would argue that now, more than any time since World War II, this country absolutely must maintain a viable supply of U.S. mariners. That’s part of the significance of this ceremony – new tonnage under the American flag helps maintain that manpower pool…. We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine so that our armed forces have no doubt whatsoever that their ammunition and other supplies will be there, on time, every time, safely and securely delivered by fellow citizens who are more than willing to sail into harm’s way for them. “We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine because it’s good business, it is good common sense and it has served America well since the very first days of our nation’s history.” Bosun Carl Pedersen noted that the SIU crew and licensed personnel from the American Maritime Officers climbed the gangway to the Independence II overseas – the reflagging took place in Germany. He said the vessel, built in 1994, “is all good. It’s a nice ship, but we’ve been doing a lot of work with everyday duties.” Pedersen said the ship’s regular run will include stops in Northern Europe and along the U.S. East Coast. The ship can sail at up to 18 knots and is 653 feet long. Bosun Carl Pedersen Seafarers LOG 3 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:53 PM Page 4 Hospital Ship Begins Mission USNS Mercy Starts 4-Month Humanitarian Deployment Members of the SIU Government Services Division joined with officers and military and medical personnel last month aboard the USNS Mercy as the hospital ship set sail on a four-month humanitarian mission. The Mercy departed San Diego May 1, signaling the start of “Pacific Partnership 2008” – a humanitarian and civic-assistance mission to the Republic of the Philippines, Vietnam, the Federated States of Micronesia, TimorLeste and Papua New Guinea. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), Pacific Partnership is a mission that will take medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and civic assistance to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific to build on relationships that have been developed during previous similar missions, such as the 2004 tsunami relief efforts and the Mercy’s 2006 deployment. “Mercy is a fully operational, completely modern hospital that can go anywhere in the world, wherever and when- In this 2006 Navy file photo, an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter from B Squadron 5th Aviation Regiment lands aboard the USNS Mercy. The Mercy was anchored off the Australian coast providing humanitarian, medical and civic assistance to Dili residents. Tugboats assigned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor assist the Seafarers-crewed MSC hospital ship USNS Mercy last month as the vessel maneuvers into Pearl Harbor. The ship was en route for a humanitarian mission to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia supporting Pacific Partnership 2008. ever there is a need,” said the ship’s civil service master, Capt. Robert Wiley. “Every time we take this ship out, we get smarter about how to use it. We’ll be doing things this time that we didn’t even think were possible a few years ago.” Throughout the 2008 Pacific Partnership mission, the 894-foot-long Mercy will serve as a platform from which U.S. and foreign militaries and nongovernmental organizations will coordinate and carry out humanitarian and civic activities in each country. The mission will include personnel from MSC and other parts of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service. As the agency noted, civil service mariners (CIVMARS) embarked for the deployment are responsible for the Mercy’s navigation, propulsion and engineering services. Because of the Mercy’s size, it will not be able to pull pierside in any of the countries, so CIVMARS will also operate two 33-foot utility boats that will be used to ferry patients and mission personnel between ship and shore. The operation of these small boats, which can carry more than twice as many passengers as the Mercy’s two embarked helicopters, will greatly increase the number of people who will benefit from the mission, according to MSC. The USNS Mercy is one of two U.S. Navy hospital ships owned and operated by MSC. Last summer, the Mercy’s sister ship, the USNS Comfort (also crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division), deployed on a similar four-month humanitarian mission that treated more than 98,000 people in 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries. “We are very fortunate as a military and civilian staff and crew to be assisted in our mission by gracious host nations and significantly contributing partner nations,” said Command Master Chief Mike Smith. “It is with great pride that we set sail, knowing that we will not be going at this alone, through selfless acts of friendship and relationships forged during previous deployments.” Majestic May Sell Delta Queen Crew Member Voices Displeasure with Company Majestic America Line was back in the news last month, taking another swipe at the SIU even as one of its mariner employees told a reporter that he believes the company won’t listen to feedback from the crew. In separate news reports in early May, Ambassadors International, Majestic’s parent company, indicated it may sell some or all of Majestic America Line’s assets, possibly as soon as this year. Those assets include the riverboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, which had been crewed by SIU members prior to the vessels being sold in 2006. According to a report based on the parent company’s most recent earnings call, Joe Ueberroth, chairman, president and CEO of Ambassadors said new buyers would have a “fresh start” with the riverboats and “will not have the ire of the Seafarers International Union.” The latter comment apparently is in reference to unsubstantiated claims that the union helped block a waiver which would allow the Delta Queen to continue sailing next year. (The union issued a statement concerning this matter in December 2007.) Meanwhile, in an article in the Kentucky newspaper Ledger Independent, an engineer from the Delta Queen said it has been anything but smooth sailing from the crew’s perspective. “Everybody is unhappy with the company,” Robbie Taylor told the publication. “They mess up travel costs and don’t take care of things they say they will…. It’s a wild goose chase to find out who you can talk to, and when you do they don’t get it done…. Morale is low. Nobody cares and nobody wants to listen to what the crew has to say.” In the same article, Taylor contended that some crew members recently have been let go because of their earnings, to meet corporate cuts. Paul Hall Center’s Online Courses Receive High Marks The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s web-based “distance learning” program for mariners is receiving high marks despite being a newcomer to the institution’s training curriculum. A long-planned program to benefit employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies, the on-line training regiment in late March was launched by the center’s vocational staff which among others includes Dale M. Rausch. Besides being a full-time instructor, Rausch doubles as the center’s distance learning administrator. Currently, the program offers on-line courses in: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection; and Shipboard Water Sanitation. These initial courses are designed by Paul Hall Center instructors and tailored to address the annual refresher training of vessel safety management systems and prepare students for resident coursework at the center. Representatives from the center’s vocation staff are in ongoing consultations with operators to gain insights on and suggestions for other online courses. So far, according to Rausch five SIU members have enrolled for the web-based courses and a hefty percentage of the center’s instructors have actually taken and completed the courses. AB Edward Gavagan of Tampa, Fla., has completed two of the courses and is already registered for a third. “This program is still in the opening stages, but I can see it going [a long way] toward keeping us informed and upgraded in our work fields,” he said. A former member of the National Maritime Union, Gavagan has upgraded on several occasions while attending courses in-residence at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed aboard the SIU-contracted Delaware Trader, a Keystone vessel. Electrician James McEntire is another Seafarer who has taken advantage of the distance learning program. McEntire hails from Electrician James McEntire (left) goes online to at the union-affiliated Honolulu and is a former Army reserve offiPaul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training to examine one cer. He joined the SIU in 2006 following a of the center’s distance learning courses. Providing guidance is tour in Iraq and is a graduate of the center’s Instructor Dale Rausch, who serves as the Piney Point, Md.-based unlicensed apprentice program. center’s distance learning administrator. McEntire is one of five “I think it’s a great program with a lot to Seafarers who have enrolled in the center’s web-based upgrading offer,” shared McEntire, who currently is courses. 4 Seafarers LOG upgrading at the center in FOWT. “I have taken a number of the on-line courses and found that the programs on which they are based are very user friendly. Although there are a few system issues to overcome, going on-line and taking the courses is still well worth a person’s time and energy. “I’m trying to get everyone that I know who sails to get involved in the distance learning program,” McEntire concluded. As previously reported in the LOG, the program came about following a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board. It provides mariners the opportunity to receive recommended or required professional training while serving at sea aboard a vessel, while ashore at home, or during any other time when they are away from the ship. All that is required to take advantage of this offering is a personal computer, or laptop with internet capability. The training is designed to be self-paced. The courses are kept as brief as possible so that they can be completed within one or two sittings. A reasonable deadline has been established for overall course completion. “Distance learning is the wave of the future because it is convenient for students,” explained Rausch. He mentioned that those taking the courses can start coursework, walk away and resume use later. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application found on page 20 of this issue of the LOG 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, so be sure to write your e-mail address on the form in the space provided. In addition, be sure to include the word “online” when listing the course(s) you desire on the application. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:55 PM Page 5 The Swift (left in photo above), during a sea-basing exercise off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia, sits beside a floating platform ready to receive vehicles from its stern ramp. The Seafarers-contracted HSV Swift (photo at right) will be operated by Sealift, Inc. (U.S. Navy Photos) Seafarers to Sail on Aptly Named ‘Swift’ The Military Sealift Command (MSC) early last month announced that SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc. has been awarded a contract to operate the HSV Swift, a prepositioning ship. HSV stands for high-speed vessel – the Swift can sail at 42 knots. Sealift, based in Oyster Bay, N.Y., won a one-year contract that contains four options. If exercised, those options would total approximately four more years in addition to the original 12-month agreement. The Swift is 331 feet long and has a beam of 87 feet. According to MSC, the vessel has an 11-foot draft and a displacement of more than 1,400 short tons. SIU-Crewed Westward Venture Fires Warning Shots in Gulf For the second time in recent months, small boats approached an SIU-crewed, MSC-contracted vessel and received warning shots. The Westward Venture on April 24 was shipping cargo to Kuwait via the Persian Gulf when the ship attempted to make bridge-to-bridge contact to warn the fast boats they were too close. The Westward Venture then blew its whistle and fired flares before a Navy security team fired warning shots. The boats came as close as 100 yards. After the warning shots, bridgeto-bridge communication was established with someone claiming to be the Iranian coast guard. The boats then moved on. In late March, a similar incident took place involving the Global Patriot near the Suez Canal. In that case, warning shots were fired by military security personnel at small fast boats and one passenger was inadvertently killed. As noted in a news account of the Global Patriot episode, U.S. Navy ships “have been on high alert in the region since Iran captured 15 British sailors and marines in the Persian Gulf a year ago, holding them hostage for two weeks.” Labor Briefs AFSCME Wins Historic 1st Contracts An Oklahoma state law championed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) continues to pay dividends as 700 workers of the cities of Enid and Lawton recently won their first union contracts. These victories follow on the heels of a similar signing involving the city of Moore and its employees. All three contracts involve improvements in wages and benefits. According to a spokesperson for AFSCME, these developments would not have been possible had not the Oklahoma state legislature approved a law requiring cities of more than 35,000 to recognize nonuniformed workers’ unions. The statute, which was challenged by several cities in the state, was declared unconstitutional in 2005 by Oklahoma’s highest court. AFSCME appealed. As a result, the high court reversed itself in March 2006. Boilermakers Play Key Role In Developing New Welding Rod Boilermakers employed at Hobart Brothers in Birmingham, Ala., played a key role in the development of a new alloywelding rod that will lead to productivity gains in the power generation industry. The main innovation comes in the size of the new rod. At 12 inches, it is two inches shorter than the standard 14-inch rod now in use. As noted by the Boilermakers’ union on its web site, “The shorter length allows the welder to burn the rod without bending it to reach restrictive areas. Too often, when a rod is bent, part of the rod is June 2008 discarded, leading to waste.” Moreover, the welding rod that members of Boilermakers L-108 worked on “lets a welder work in tight spots with less rod waste.” According to the product manager for Hobart Brothers, the new rod offers low spatter and X-ray clear welds. It is also easy to burn, so even the newest apprentice can produce journeyman-level results. Study: Union Members Earn More Being a union member significantly augments wages for lower-paid workers, a study released last month by the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows. Union membership boosted the wages of workers on the bottom rung of the wage ladder (in the 10th percentile) by 20.6 percent, from 2003 to 2007. For a worker at the 20th percentile, whose earnings were exceeded by the top 80 percent, the boost from being a union member was 18.9 percent, and for the typical worker at the 30th percentile, it was 16.8 percent. The report, “The Union Advantage for Low-Wage Workers,” also analyzed the impact of unionization on low-wage workers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, finding that it had a magnifying impact in each. “For millions of workers who work hard and take home less to show for it, being part of a union that provides a say on the job is all the more important,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “This study proves that for workers on the bottom rungs of the pay scale, bargaining power is the best, and often only, means to gain a leg up to the middle class.” The company noted that the ship will be operated worldwide in support of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and the war on terrorism. The vessel also will be used for “emerging operational concepts such as sea-basing and the Global Fleet Station,” the latter of which is a military operation directed by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. Recertified Bosun Saves Life of Trapped Shipmate Editor’s note: The following article about Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham was compiled from a letter of commendation by the captain of M/V Liberty Star. Heginbotham could not be reached at sea. On the morning of March 13, 2008, Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham reacted quickly and efficiently in saving the life of a fellow mariner aboard the Liberty Star. The vessel, operated by Liberty Maritime Corporation, was being serviced by a subcontractor at Kiran shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey. Heginbotham was near the CO2 compartment on the ship as a subcontractor began to service the bank of CO2 bottles. The subcontractor inadvertently created a series of potentially deadly events that started with the discharge of stored CO2 gas into the engine room. When the incident started, Heginbotham quickly realized the first engineer and a cadet were in the engine room. “This is when all of your training kicked in and your professionalism shined,” said the Liberty Star’s Captain Clancy Faucheux Jr., about the Paul Hall Center-trained bosun. “You proceeded to your assigned emergency station, stopping to report the situation via radio to myself. Fully understanding the nature of the emergency, you donned your SCBA and returned to enter the engine room. Without hesitation, you entered the engine room, which was hazy due to the CO2 venting, found the 1A/E and it was your prompt action of placing an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus on him and giving him chest compressions that saved his life that morning.” The captain went on to say to Heginbotham, “Your actions are of the finest standards of the U.S. Merchant Marine and reaffirm the fact that you are of the highest caliber of professional seafarer. It is truly a pleasure to serve with you.” The Liberty Star sometimes is used by NASA to recover the solid rocket boosters on space shuttles. Union Salutes Retiring AMSEA Executive SIU officials joined other guests in honoring Captain Peter J. Lawrence at an April 25 event in Quincy, Mass. Lawrence is retiring as president of SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA). Pictured from left to right are SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Lawrence, AMSEA Accounting Associate Sue Mei and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Both SIU officials described Lawrence as a true ally of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Thomas W. Merrell has been promoted to succeed Lawrence. He previously served as AMSEA’s vice president of marine operations. Seafarers LOG 5 �48717_v3:January 08 5/23/2008 2:31 AM Page 6 SIU Ships Offload Cargo For ‘Cobra Gold’ Three Seafarers-crewed vessels recently assisted in preparations for a yearly military exercise overseas. The prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin as well as the Great Land each played a role in supporting American forces prepping for “Cobra Gold” – an annual drill designed to promote regional stability and security throughout Southeast Asia. The Lopez (operated by AMSEA) and Martin (Keystone) in late April completed the at-sea offload of more than 350 pieces of equipment and supplies belonging to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Thailand. The cargo included wheeled and tracked vehicles, ammunition and supplies. Those two vessels arrived off the coast of Chuk Samet, Thailand, on April 27. Anchored about three miles from shore, the Lopez and Martin offloaded a total of 16 pieces of lighterage – a type of barge used to move cargo from ship to shore. Six pieces of this lighterage were pieced together to form a 180-foot by 63-foot floating platform called a roll-on/roll-off discharge facility, which was placed at the end of Lopez’s stern ramp. Offload operations began April 28 as rolling stock was driven down the Lopez’s ramp onto the floating platform and then onto powered lighterage, which transported the cargo to shore. Containerized cargo was lifted onto the powered lighterage by one of the Lopez’s three shipboard cranes. Causeway sections are loaded from the SIU-crewed Baldomero Lopez on May 5 during exercise Freedom Banner 08. Freedom Banner 08 is a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise conducted in Thailand to provide equipment used by the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of exercise Cobra Gold. Described by the U.S. Military Sealift Command as “a complex operation,” this offload involved multiple Navy and Marine Corps commands including MSC, the 3rd MEF, Naval Beach Group One, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One and Amphibious Construction Battalion One. The ability to offload cargo at sea is necessary when operating in areas where port facilities are either nonexistent or too damaged or primitive for ships to pull pierside. Columnist Credits SIU Steward Departments, Paul Hall Center SIU steward departments and the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received credit from a writer in the May edition of Professional Mariner magazine. Capt. Kelly Sweeney, a licensed mariner who sailed with the SIU from 1983-85, is a regular columnist for Professional Mariner. His offering in the May issue was typically candid as he made the case captured by the story’s headline: “Cooks need training just like any other on-board position.” Sweeney related various experiences concerning food sanitation – not only aboard ships and tugs, but dating back to his first job in high school, at a local restaurant. Suffice to say the results have been mixed. “Thankfully, many U.S. companies, and the maritime unions, care about the quality of prepared food served on board their vessels,” Sweeney wrote. “I’ve sailed on 12 ships manned by sailors from the Seafarers International Union and have never seen or heard of any foodrelated illnesses on them. Just to apprentice in the galley of an SIUcontracted ship, 40 hours of classes on sanitation and galley operations are required. To become a chief steward, 33 weeks of classes and two years of experience are needed.” Not all of Sweeney’s other encounters have been pleasant. He described one voyage on an oceanographic ship when numerous crew members (himself included) and some of the scientists were stricken with food poisoning. In the immediate aftermath, Sweeney discovered what he described as very unsanitary conditions in the galley. Another time, he signed on aboard 6 Seafarers LOG an oceangoing tug with no steward department personnel. Sweeney again found unsanitary settings – in this case, the deckhand who handled all the cooking was doing so in dirty clothes covered with grease, rust chips and paint specks. “There’s a disturbing trend among certain tug and supply boat operators that I think is even worse than having an untrained cook on board – and that’s having no cook at all,” Sweeney wrote. “This doubling up of shipboard positions is unprofessional in my opinion, not only because it cuts U.S. mariners out of cook’s jobs, but also because it shows that these companies don’t seem to care about the quality of the food their mariners are served.” He concluded that as in the other shipboard departments, steward department personnel should be required to demonstrate basic competency in their field before actually performing the work aboard ship. The Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md., offers comprehensive training for mariners in all three departments – deck, engine and steward. The school’s steward department classes are structured in modules designed to facilitate not only learning but relative ease of scheduling for the students. Those courses include galley operations (four weeks total); certified chief cook (12 weeks); advanced galley operations (four weeks); and certified chief steward (12 weeks). Earlier this year, the St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department presented an award to the Paul Hall Center because of the school’s “superior compliance to food safety standards among food establishments” in the county. The Martin and Lopez are scheduled to remain in Thailand through early June to backload their prepositioned cargo, according to the agency. Prior to the arrival of the Lopez and Martin in Thailand, the SIU-crewed, MSC-chartered roll-on/roll-off ship Great Land (operated by Interocean American Shipping) offloaded more than 460 pieces of 3rd MEF cargo at Thung Prong and Chuk Samet ports April 22-24. More than 20 Navy reservists assigned to MSC are also in Thailand training in both real-world and computer-simulated sealift operations and exercises, managing port operations for as many as 15 ships in a contingency scenario. Some reserve personnel are manning a mobile sealift operations command center at Chuk Samet, a portable facility designed to operate and manage port operations in areas where port infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Additional reserve teams were slated to arrive in mid-May to coordinate the backload of Marine Corps cargo. “What’s so valuable about this exercise is that you can walk around and shake hands at the port and really learn what others are doing,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard Coleman of Navy Reserve Expeditionary Port Unit 117. “It’s all about understanding command relationships.” Cobra Gold began May 8 and was to continue through May 21. Japan, Singapore and Indonesia were expected to join Thailand and the United States in the exercise, which included computersimulated command post and field training exercises, as well as humanitarian relief efforts. The Lopez is permanently assigned to Diego Garcia-based Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two, while the Martin is assigned in the Guam/Saipan area with Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three. Paul Hall Center Offers Career Advancement The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved 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 206740075; 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. Engine Department Course Spotlight Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Applicants completing the school’s 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present the corresponding Paul Hall Center Certificate of Training to a U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center within one year of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either the school’s 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or the 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Training Program; successful completion of the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the engine department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better; recommendation by the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s Chief Engineer OR six months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; successful completion of the entry-level sea voyage and auxiliary plant familiarization sea project; total USCG approved sea service or equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least six months; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department. Military veterans meeting the prior military sea service requirement in the engine room of vessels must meet the following entrance requirements: Prior approval to the military veterans program for ratings forming part of an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 10:49 PM Page 7 SHBP Awards $140,000 in Scholarships One SIU member and six dependents of Seafarers last month were selected by a panel of professional educators to be recipients of scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). A total of $140,000 was given in this year’s scholarship program. One Seafarer was awarded a $20,000 scholarship for study at a four-year college or university, as was each of the six dependents. Following are brief biographical sketches of each of the recipients as well as recaps of their respective educational goals. The scholarship program began in 1953. Peter Hokenson AB Peter Hokenson is the recipient of a scholarship for Seafarers. A native of Tacoma, Wash., Hokenson is a 1983 graduate of Gig Harbor High School in Gig Harbor, Wash. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and is well-versed in the martial arts. He joined the SIU in March 1992. “After a stint at the University of Puget Sound, I decided I was not ready to wear a suit and tie and wanted to do something more adventurous,” recalled Hokenson, who most recently sailed aboard the deep sea vessel USNS Wright. “I applied to the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and the next thing I knew I was enrolled in the trainee program at Piney Point, Md.,” he said. “Three months later, I was an ordinary seaman working aboard the USNS Wilkes out of Lisbon, Portugal, a far cry from my small hometown in Gig Harbor.” The experience he gained through the apprentice program, according to Hokenson, provided him with exactly what he was looking for – a chance to meet great people and visit interesting places while working aboard merchant ships. Hokenson has since upgraded his skills on several occasions by returning to the SIU-affiliated school. One day while working as an AB AB Peter Hokenson aboard the USNS Waters, Hokenson reflected back on the training he had received in the martial arts as well as the black belt which he had earned in 1981. He attempted to do the same Chinese splits that his instructor had taught him a few years back and discovered that surprisingly, he could still do them. “This (being able to do the challenging exercises) boosted my confidence enough to apply for the Seafarers Scholarship Program,” Hokenson shared. “I thought that the skills I learned at Piney Point, combined with my college background could possibly help me work in the educational arena, both at home and abroad.” He hopes to continue his studies at either the University of Puget Sound or St. Joseph’s University. Hokenson said he wanted to help people build an unshakable foundation that would enable them to withstand a troubled world; making it a better, safer place. For this reason, his future studies will focus on the arts, martial arts, education, music and the maritime industry. After noting that his interests in each of the foregoing areas have been boosted as a result of being a mariner, he said, “I have learned the ropes from the best in the world…. It was not a cakewalk, but still an incredibility rich life experience. I would not trade it for anything.” Brittany L. Redding Brittany L. Redding is a graduate of Attleboro High School in North Attleboro, Mass. The daughter of deep sea Chief Steward Dennis Redding (and wife, Brenda), Brittany was born in Rhode Island. She completed her secondary education with a 96.73 overall GPA and held membership in both the National Honor and the National French Honor Societies. A community activist, Brittany for the past five years captained the Relay For Life team in her neighborhood which to date has raised some $10,000 for cancer research. She served as a hospital volunteer and in 2006 was chosen to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. In 2007, Brittany was one of five girls chosen to represent her high school during the American Legion sponsored Massachusetts Girl’s State Forum on Medicine. Redding has several years of experience as a softball and volleyball player and was an avid member of her school’s marching band. Now that her high school days are over, Redding said, she plans to pursue a career in medicine. “Pending acceptance, I hope to start school next year at Johns Hopkins University in Brittany L. Redding Baltimore studying medicine.” The fact that her father is frequently home-ported in Baltimore made Hopkins her first choice because “it’s a prime location and [the school] has a not-too-shabby reputation.” In addition to Hopkins, she also has applied for admission to the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University. “Eventually, my dreams include a career in Radiology, a house in Wellesley and a massive amount of dogs. I have known from the beginning that I would choose a career in the medical profession for two simple reasons,” she added. One is “the house in Wellesley” and the other is “because I am that person who is not satisfied with satisfying themselves. I joke about the house in Wellesley because the truth is I would take sleeping on the side of a building over that house if it meant that I was helping someone – that there was one person whose life I made better.” June 2008 Christopher J. Wozunk Christopher J. Wozunk hails from Blackwood, N.J., and is the son of FOWT John Wozunk (wife Carol). The senior Wozunk works in the inland division and most recently sailed aboard a Crowley Liner Services vessel. Born in Seoul, Korea, Christopher is a graduate of Highland Regional High School in New Jersey. While at Highland Regional, Wozunk registered an overall 3.94 GPA and held membership in the National Honor, Nation Math and National Art Societies. Included in the vast list of activities in which he participated are chess, history, math, science, world languages and renaissance clubs; cross country and winter track and the Boy Scouts. An aspiring artist who says that art is everywhere and that it’s one’s responsibility to find and embrace it for what it is— whether it is abstract or realistic—Christopher plans to continue his education at Drexel University. He said he will study architecture and art because art has had a tremendous influence in his life from childhood. Wozunk recalled that his high school art instructor always told Christopher J. Wozunk him that he could not teach him how to draw well but he could teach him how to see. “If there is one thing that he taught me, it was how to see,” Wozunk said. “Not only in what I was drawing at the time, but the world around me.” Reflecting on some of his experiences as a member of the National Art Honor Society, Christopher said that the organization was far more than just a hobby for him. “It’s a way I can express myself in a different medium. Furthermore, it provides a chance to beautify my school through my own vision.” Wozunk said he remembers seeing only blank white walls when as a freshman he walked through the halls of his high school. These once plain walls however have since been dramatically altered. “These past years, a couple of friends and I have changed that by painting murals of inspirational quotes and palaces which have given meaning and depth to the walls,” he said. “Using our imaginations and creativity, we have brought light to our school.” Benjamin A. Wilmoth Benjamin A. Wilmoth hails from Plantation, Fla. He is the son of QMED Wendell Wilmoth (wife Cynthia) who sailed most recently aboard the deep sea ship Seabulk Energy. Wilmoth graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at Plantation High School last month with a 3.7 GPA. In addition to playing on his high school soccer team, Wilmoth is an accomplished musician having played in both the marching and concert bands at his alma mater. He is an active member of his church, participates in a number of community activities and served as vice president of the computer club at Plantation High. Wilmoth is a member of the National Honor Society. “After graduating from high school, I plan to attend the University of Florida,” he said. “There, I plan to major in business-marketing, possibly with a minor in economics. After I receive my bachelor’s degree, I will begin work towards my master’s degree. Benjamin A. Wilmoth “I want to get a job as a market analyst and eventually as a market research supervisor. From there, I hope to become a market research director for a major company. I plan on moving to New York City or Chicago where the marketing job field is flourishing.” “I have been very fortunate as a teacher,” wrote one of Benjamin’s high school teachers in a letter of recommendation for the SHBP Scholarship Program. “Over the past decade, I have taught the best and brightest at my school. And I have seen over and over again what a challenging academic schedule, broad involvement in school, and a busy personal life can do to a student. Many crumble under the pressure, some orchestrate their lives with the seriousness of a conductor, and a few make the life of a college-bound student seem easy. Benjamin Wilmoth is one of the latter; he has the poise, grace, maturity and the sense of humor to handle any challenge thrown his way.” Albert B. Balatico Albert B. Balatico is a graduate of Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, La. The son of deep sea Seafarer AB Albert V. Balatico (wife Patricia), Albert finished his secondary education with an overall GPA of 4.12. He held the office of vice president in his school’s photography, art and quiz bowl clubs and was active in the Asian-Pacific American Society. Additionally, he performed more than 100 hours of community volunteer service as a tutor and spearheaded many drives to benefit the United Nations World Hunger Organization. Balatico plans to pursue a career Albert B. Balatico in journalism and film and hopes to attend either the University of Southern California or Tulane University in Louisiana. “I believe that the freedom of speech is quintessential to not only democracy, but to the arts, traditional and contemporary,” he said of his career plans. “I would like to double major in journalism and film studies because both fields are most relevant to our society. Both have blended in so beautifully with the advent of the digital age (through, for example) social networking sites, blogs and podcasts.” Albert believes that seeking a higher education will allow him to express himself while also making a living. “I will be perfectly content living modestly and having my passion, but that is a basic expectation derived by any artist,” he said Xiao X. Li Xiao X. Li was born in the People’s Republic of China. The daughter of deep sea Chief Cook Meili Seegers (husband Steven), she is a 2006 graduate Fernandina Beach High School in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A member of the National Honor Society, she completed her secondary education with an overall GPA of 3.72 and was the treasurer of her high school’s Technology Students Association. Xiao was also an active member of her school’s Chinese American Student Association and its chapter of the American Institute of Architecture (for students). In addition to being involved in student activities, she was an active volunteer in her community, donating time to the Humane Society, Special Olympics and various beach cleanup projects. She also participated in fund raising marathons and did behind-the-scenes volunteer work in support of Super Bowl XXXIX, which was played at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. After finishing high school, Li in the summer of 2006 entered Xiao X. Li Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla., where she took classes for two summers of study. Also in 2006, she enrolled in the University of Florida (also in Gainesville) where she has earned 45 credits toward her degree in architecture. Architecture is Li’s passion largely because of her past in China, where “the harborage of 1.3 billion people” left a lasting impression on her. “The presence of numerous multigenerational family refuges had its dominant role,” she said. “It had consisted of relatives from the great grandma on my mother’s side to younger cousins and nieces who all shared the same dwelling. “A notorious one bedroom, one bathroom apartment [which] measured a square footage of less than 500 was what my family called home. With no access to air-conditioning or heat, we were fortunate to possess a stationary portable fan. The schools were infamous for sitting fifty rowdy students into a small classroom with the only circulation being two small gaping windows.” She added, “The population of the world is increasing by the minute, yet the surface area of the Earth is not going to change. To help solve this issue, we must efficiently use the limited space we possess, allowing sustainability to become part of the project from the beginning. This scholarship will help fund my continued aspirations and commitment into my graduate studies and toward creating a better society for all.” Sidney A. Kirk Sidney A. Kirk is a recent graduate of Currituck County High School in Barco, N.C., and is the daughter of AB Robert Kirk (wife Sylvia), who sails in the deep sea division. While at Currituck County, Sidney amassed an overall 4.30 GPA and was an active participant in varsity girls’ soccer as well as the BETA, science and poetry clubs. Additionally, Sidney was a founding member of the school’s Freshman Mentor Program, Invisible Children’s Club and Honor Court. She also served as chief justice of the honor court and was a member of the school’s Quiz Bowl trivia team which advanced to the state finals in competition against other high schools. Sidney during her high school career was the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the National BETA Club Certificate (2005-2008), Certificate of AchievementDistrict Champions Quiz Bowl Team (2005-2006), Outstanding Achievement in Honors English II (2005-2006), Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing (2004-2005) and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award (20042005). Kirk also received recognition as an all conference soccer player and was cited for academSidney A. Kirk ic achievement as a student athlete. Besides school activities, Sidney was heavily involved in community service. She volunteers as a tutor for her church’s elementary student tutoring program; participated in Operation Christmas Child, which provides gifts and subsistence boxes to less fortunate children; and gave her time in support of Corolla Wild Horse Days, an event focused on raising money to ensure the wellbeing of the Corolla wild mustang and to inform tourists about the importance of respecting wildlife. When asked about her plans for the future, Sidney had a clear-cut agenda. “I plan to attend college at UNC Chapel Hill for eight years in order to obtain my doctorate in physical therapy,” she said. “After college, I would like to work in a hospital for a few years to gain some experience. Eventually, I’ll open up my own physical therapy business practice here in Currituck or the Outer Banks.” Seafarers LOG 7 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:06 PM Page 8 From left, Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt displays his handiwork, while SA Eusebio Avila cleans up after breakfast. Chief Cook Clarence Mack, in the words of the man behind the lens, “hams it up for the camera.” Sealand Meteor Capt. Howell (right in photo above) on behalf of the other officers and crew, accepts a piece of art from Yasuo Watanabe of the Shimizu Port Authority. Sealand Meteor Makes Historic Port Call in Japan Some of Meteor’s crew listen to an SIU patrolman upon returning to the U.S. Pictured left to right are Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel, AB Norman Taylor and AB Richard Volkart. Annual Statements Sent To SMPPP Participants The mailing of annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) to Plan participants was completed in April, 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 2007 was 5.49 percent with an annualized return since inception of 9.87 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $70.1 million with the addition of $14.1 million that merged from the NMU Annuity Plan. 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, as well as the SIU 401(k) Plan. Participants are immediately vested in their respective SMPPP accounts as soon as the first such contribution is made. 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. 8 Seafarers LOG Editor’s note: Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt submitted this article and the accompanying photos. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, the Maersk Line, Limited containership Sealand Meteor called at the Port of Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is believed that the Meteor is the first U.S.-flag merchant vessel to call on that port. The officers and crew hosted a small reception in the officers’ mess to receive the dignitaries from the City of Shimizu, the Shimizu Port Authority, and the Shimizu Port Promotion Association. A short speech was given by Yasuo Watanabe of the port authority, in which he said, in part, “Today, we three parties representing local government and the port are now visiting your fine ship to say thank you for calling and we hope it will continue in the future. Shimizu Port exports freight such as motorcycles and automobile parts to North America and Europe; therefore, the enhancement of services for North America is an earnest wish for the industrial world and the inhabitants of Shizuoka Prefecture. We hope that the establishment of this sea route contributes to further development of Shimizu Port.” After the greetings, the master of the Sealand Meteor, Captain Raymond Howell, accepted on behalf of the officers and crew a beautiful piece of Japanese art titled “Shippouyaki,” depicting the port area in ancient times. He also received a plaque for the ship commemorating a visit and return to heaven of a Japanese legend. Finally, the guests presented to the ship a beautiful bouquet of local flowers. The visitors were then treated to an assortment of canapés and hors d’oeuvres prepared by Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt, Chief Cook Clarence Mack and Steward Assistant Eusebio Avila. The rest of the SIU crew aboard the Meteor included Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel, ABs Norman Taylor, Mathew Bevak, Richard Volkart, Frederick Reich and Josefino Casugay, Chief Electrician Chris Earhart, QMED Kenyatta McNeil and DEU Editho Barraca. Bosun ‘Snake’ Williams Dies at 80 The SIU recently lost a dedicated, greatly respected member of its union family when Rowland “Snake” Williams died April 18 at his home in Baltimore. He was 80 years old. While there’s nothing poetic about yard work, there is perhaps some symbolism in the fact that Williams passed away while working around the house. (He suffered heart failure.) As was the case during his nearly 50 years sailing with the SIU (mostly as a bosun) and another 14 years helping out at the Baltimore hall, whenever Williams saw a task that needed to be done, he didn’t hesitate. Colleagues remembered Williams, who began sailing as a 15-year-old in World War II after training at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., with genuine appreciation. They described him as businesslike but with a proverbial heart of gold when it came to helping fellow Seafarers. “He was a stand-up guy, a great union guy,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “We worked on a lot of organizing campaigns together – he This photo from his never missed one. union book shows Whenever you Williams in his needed a volunyounger days. teer, you could always depend on Snake. He was a topflight sailor, too – a really good bosun who knew his stuff.” Williams’ career as a rank-and-file Seafarer included voyages in multiple wars and a long stint as bosun with the shore gang in Petty’s Island near Philadelphia. He retired from sailing shortly after the Persian Gulf War in 1991. His last vessel was the USNS Wright – from which his ashes are to be scattered in July. For the last 14 years, he was a familiar face at the hall in his native Baltimore and on SIU-contracted ships calling on the port. Anyone who shook his hand undoubtedly would appreciate the root of his nickname: “Snake” never meant to menace, but he had a python-like grip. “Snake always looked out for the SIU and ran the gang up in Philadelphia better than the supervisors did,” recalled SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “He always had a concern to help fellow members in whatever way he could, no matter the problem. He didn’t discriminate when it came to helping others. If you were an SIU member, he’d give you the shirt off his back.” Williams persevered through what must have been an extraordinarily difficult final year in which three family members died: his daughter, an adult grandson and, most recently, his wife, Doris, who passed away in February. Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz said Rowland “Snake” Williams (left) greets a Seafarer in early 2003 aboard the Cape Wrath in Baltimore. Williams’ strength through it all proved remarkable – Snake still pitched in at the hall six days a week – but he and others noticed a general decline after Doris died. “Calling him a friend just doesn’t do it justice,” Metz stated. “He had uncompromised integrity and was honest to a fault. It was an absolute privilege and honor to spend time with him. I learned a lot from him. As the saying goes, they don’t make them like Snake anymore.” Lisa Clark, secretary at the Baltimore hall, noted Williams had “a wonderful personality. He loved to help people. He was one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed.” June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:09 PM Page 9 Maersk’s ‘Drive to Zero’ Produces Safe Results One of the reasons U.S.-flag ships and U.S. mariners stand out from some others in a worldwide crowd is concern for the safety and wellbeing of those who work on board. SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is a prime example of proactive efforts when it comes to safety, health and environmental stewardship. For instance, MLL’s “Drive to Zero” program is a hands-on initiative to assist employees (mariners and shoreside personnel alike) in focusing on safety and teamwork to make the workplace as safe as possible. As suggested by the title, its goal is to drive down unsafe and environmental incidents as close to zero as possible or eliminate them altogether. The results are quite positive. In 2007, the program helped net MLL a “Lost Time Accidents” (LTAs) rate of less than .5 per 1,000 man hours, an extremely low result by industry standards. Plus, MLL had no spills in 2007. In 2008 so far, the LTA rate is very low and there have been no spills. One of the key steps MLL took toward enhancing safety was to partner with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to provide unlicensed mariners a two-day safety course called “Safety Boot Camps.” According to MLL, the boot camps are integral in the company’s approach to Drive to Zero. The agenda focuses on leadership and effective communications as well as more technical topics such as job safety analysis and prevention of electric shocks. MLL says attendees have commented that they were impressed with the content. Recognizing the number of excellent performing unlicensed Seafarers that frequently sail with MLL, the company is opening attendance to SIU mariners sailing aboard Maersk’s government and commercial vessels with an MLL work history of at least three years. Any mariner interested in attending one of these Safety Boot Camps may email kpretto@mllnet.com. Safety Boot Camps are scheduled at Piney Point for early June and August 12-13. In addition to the Safety Boot Camps conducted for both officers and ratings, MLL runs monthly safety council meetings. These meetings are attended by senior management, fleet managers, labor relations personnel and Quality, Environment, Safety and Security (QESS) staff members. The primary purpose of the council is to provide frequent proactive oversight of MLL’s safety and environmental programs and Maersk Line, Limited’s SIU-contracted fleet includes the Alliance Norfolk, pictured earlier this year in Baltimore. Seafarer Benjamin Sivells (center) receives a cash award as part of Maersk’s safety efforts. Sivells, sailing aboard the Achiever, observed a mooring line in imminent danger of parting and reported it to the captain. He then assisted in making the situation safe. initiatives. This is intended to help ensure they remain effective, relevant and in alignment with the overall MLL culture. A “case study” of the previous month’s LTAs (if any) is presented by the fleet manager with specific focus and discussion on the cause. LTAs, “near miss reports” and “best practices” are shared weekly through MLL’s Quality-Gram, or Q-GRAM, communication. In 2006, MLL rolled out a new Safety Recognition Program. A cash award is given to every vessel’s entertainment account after completing a calendar quarter LTA-free. An additional $1,000 will be added to this account each time a vessel reaches 1,000 days LTA-free. Early this year MLL introduced a new program in which the masters and chief engineers may issue a $100 cash award each month to any crew member who goes out of their way to contribute to and promote the safety culture on board. As of early May, 11 mariners had received this award. To aggressively pursue the Drive to Zero initiative, MLL says it has implemented the Ship Safety Training Team program. The program consists of two trainers riding a vessel to conduct safety training while the ship is at sea. According to MLL’s General Manager of QESS Carol Berger, “MLL will continue to take actions to ensure that each and every member of our fleet feels that they have a direct influence on the safety performance of the company. Earning the trust of our mariners and making every mariner feel empowered is the only way that we are going to eliminate injuries on board our vessels.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said, “Maersk’s commitment to the health and safety of seafarers exemplifies a culture of caring and respect toward employees. The company also deserves credit for doing its part to help care for the environment.” Bruch Family Celebrates Maritime Heritage Welcome Ashore, Bosun SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (right) congratulates Bosun Charles Neigebauer at the Algonac hall in late April as the newly retired Seafarer receives his first pension check. Brother Neigebauer joined the union in 1969. He sailed for many years with American Steamship Company, including numerous voyages aboard the St. Clair. In 2004, the company honored him with its “Mariner of the Year” award. June 2008 When Seafarer Chad Bruch (right) graduated in April from the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program, it signaled the continuation of the family’s maritime heritage. Chad’s grandfather (center), Capt. Dean K. Bruch, sailed aboard Waterman ships during World War II. In the years that followed, Capt. Bruch at various times sailed as a pilot, master and chief mate, including a year as master aboard an SIU-contracted riverboat. Chad’s father, Dean A. Bruch (left), also traveled to Piney Point, Md., to celebrate Chad’s successful completion of the apprentice program. Seafarers LOG 9 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:11 PM Page 10 New TWIC Deadline: April 15, 2009 As reported on page 2, the new deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is April 15, 2009. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month announced the revised deadline; the original cutoff date was Sept. 25, 2008. The SIU encourages members to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Step-by-step instructions have been published in the last few editions of the LOG and are available on the web both This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-May, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Alaska Suite 202 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Massachusetts 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 Suite 427 5959 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Boston Autoport 100 Terminal Street Charlestown, MA 02129 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 South Beaumont, TX 77705 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 KPD Shelikof Facility 405 Marine Way Kodiak, AK 99615 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 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 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 1251 N. Rice Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030 Suite 202 500 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94158 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 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 ■ Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 now includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. Manatee County Port Authority 13604 Reeder Road Palmetto, FL 34221 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK 99835 2970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 TWIC Enrollment Centers 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 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 Suite 153 1635 1st Street Granite City, IL 62040 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Kansas Commerce Plaza 1 - 7th Floor 7300 West 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66210 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Suite 1 200 W. Erie Street Rogers City, MI 49779 Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 Suite 310 803 West Avenue Rochester, NY 14611 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 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 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 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 Mall of the Mainland Space #1074 10000 Emmett F. Lowery Expy Texas City, TX 77590 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Brazos Mall, Suite 1039 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 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth-Superior, MN 55802 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Suite 120-D 601 Upland Ave. Brookhaven, PA 19015 8327 Summit Park Rd Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 512 Roderick Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Suite 550 1340 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, LA 70360 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Maine 236 Oxford Street, Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 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 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 10 at www.seafarers.org and at the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site, www.tsa.gov/twic. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. For instance, when the DHS announced the changed deadline, the SIU site immediately posted the news release on its home page and also distributed the information to all SIU halls. The Transportation Security Administration TWIC web site Seafarers LOG 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 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Unit B19 800 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Greenville, MS 38703 New Hampshire 30 Mirona Road Extension Suite 2 Portsmouth, NH 03801 New Jersey Northern New Jersey 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 Navy Frontier Pier (Muelle Frontier) Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00908 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 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 June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:26 PM Page 11 Snapshots from The Port of Jacksonville The photos which appear on this page capture some of the activities in which Seafarers are involved during their daily duties aboard vessels in and around the port of Jacksonville, Fla. While these photos only depict crew members from aboard three SIUcontracted vessels, more than a few others as well as hundreds of Seafarers regularly call on the port. Watch future editions of the LOG for more Jacksonville snapshots. El Yunque Members of the El Yunque deck department take a break from their duties for this photo. Pictured are AB Manuel Rodriguez, AB Jose Canales, Bosun Luis Ramirez, GUDE Jackie Jones and AB Donley Johnson. AB Raul Colon prepares the gangway of the El Yunque for use by fellow crew members. OMU Emanuel Paul places a relief call from the El Yunque engine room (left) while Chief Steward Francis Ostendarp (above) prepares breakfast. Chief Cook Vallejo Hernandez (photo at right) slices meat for the crew’s lunch meal. SL Motivator SA Curtis Spencer (above) prepares a breakfast plate for member of the crew, while Chief Cook Frank Washington (right) puts the finishing touches on an entree at the stove top. UA Joseph Bankhead (below) cleans dishes following the breakfast meal. They are crew members aboard the SL Motivator. June 2008 Horizon Producer Members of the Horizon Producer steward department meet prior to beginning preparation of another meal. Pictured (left to right above) are UA Ronnie Rodriguez, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, SA Marin Martin and Chief Cook Carlos Sanchez. Rodriguez prepares fruit for the salad bar (photo at right), while Martin (below right) cuts butter for the condiment rack. Sanchez (below left) prepares meat which will be used for the meal’s main entree. Seafarers LOG 11 �48717_v3:January 08 5/23/2008 3:27 AM Page 12 AB Ray Harvell AB Ed Osario AB Ruben Gamboa AB Audania Bomar CC Marlon Battad The Maersk-operated and SIU-crewed MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips is underway during SEACAT 2 While Sailing in the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca SA Rosemary Glover AC Norma West SA Deborah Artis 12 Seafarers LOG CB Lamont Faulks SA Gamal Meawad CC Raymond Alexander Recertified Steward Tony Spain Seafarers Assist in Anti-Terro T wo SIU-crewed ships sailing in the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet recently joined a multinational anti-terrorism exercise in the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca. The prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (operated by Seafarers-contracted AMSEA) and MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips (Maersk) were the focal points of several training scenarios during the exercise called Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT). Naval forces from the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines participated in the annual exercise in the Malaccan Straits. The straits are notorious for piracy and terrorism activities. The Phillips and Lopez played the role of suspicious merchant vessels during the exercise, which was designed to highlight the value of sharing information in a multinational environment as well as conduct training in maritime interception operations. Combined, the Lopez and Phillips were boarded on five occasions by representatives from four Southeast Asian countries. During the training scenarios, the Lopez transited southwest from Phuket, Thailand, while the Phillips left Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, heading east through the South China Sea. Both ships were destined for Singapore. During the exercise the Asian navies tracked the ships and responded to simulated challenges, such as searching the ships for suspicious cargo or crew members. The exercise is designed to highlight the value of communication and cooperation between navies of different countries. The Lopez and Phillips will also be platforms for U.S. Coast Guard teams to train foreign military personnel, offering techniques for successfully boarding and searching suspicious vessels, according to MSC. Accompanying this article are photos from the Phillips submitted by AMO member Edward McDonnell. Members of the Royal B Brunei Special Forces ( Marines (photo at right) June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:30 PM Page 13 Bosun Bernard Baker AB James Stetter AB Joseph Leeks AB Kenneth McDaniel Recertified Bosun Fred Gongora AB Steve Castle CAT 2008 in the South China Sea. ca rrorism Exercise yal Brunei Special Forces prepare to board a suspect vessel. DEU Kendra Gardner British Royal Marines practice tactics aboard the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips. QMED Rudy Cunanan ces (photo above) launch a maneuver during SEACAT 2008, while British Royal ight) hone their vessel boarding skills. June 2008 Seafarers LOG 13 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:42 PM Page 14 Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the USNS Kanawha (left, shown in a file photo from 2007, alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz) recently assisted in a rescue in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy Photos) CIVMARS Assist in Gulf of Aden Rescue Members of the SIU Government Services Division on May 4 assisted the crew of a vessel in distress in the Gulf of Aden, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The SIU CIVMARS who took part in the rescue were sailing aboard the MSC fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha. The agency reported that the Dunia, a 49-foot dhow with a crew of 10, experienced a serious engine problem, leaving it unable to operate at sea. The Kanawha, which was nearby, responded. Kanawha engineers went aboard the dhow to troubleshoot the prob- lem. Once they determined repairs would need to be completed ashore, Combined Task Force 150 sent their nearest ship, the USS Shoup, to tow the dhow toward Yemeni territorial waters, close to Al Mukalla, where a tugboat was waiting to bring the small boat pierside. The dhow arrived in Yemeni territorial waters May 6. The Kanawha and the Shoup also provided the dhow’s crew with food, water and medical support during the two days. “The crew of the Kanawha responded in the finest tradition of the merchant marine to come to the aid of mariners in need,” said Capt. James Dolan, the ship’s civil service master. “Many of the crew volunteered to man the rescue boats that delivered food and water to the crew of the Dunia.” Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as search and rescue, noted MSC. SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup tows the 49-foot dhow Dunia after the boat experienced engine problems 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. 6/08 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. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:43 PM Page 15 Important Notice Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Accessing CIGNA Network Information Seafarers Plans officials report that some rank-and-file Seafarers and their dependents have experienced difficulties locating and accessing providers for their CIGNA health care benefits, but it’s not because of the network itself. At last month’s membership meetings, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) administrator’s report included a reminder that Seafarers who want to locate providers in the CIGNA network should log on to the web site that is listed on the back of their CIGNA identification cards. That web site is: www.cigna.com/SA-PPO2 Seafarers should note that the second-to-last letter in the CIGNA web address is the capital letter “O” rather than a zero, and the web address is case-sensitive. “It is important that you use this exact web site because we participate in the ‘Shared Administration’ section of CIGNA’s network,” said Maggie Bowen, SHBP administrator. “If you log on to the myCIGNA.com web site, you are not viewing the correct providers for the Shared Administration network.” Bowen said Seafarers also may call 1-800-768-4695 to locate providers in their areas. She noted that the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan also participates in the Shared Administration section of CIGNA’s dental network. To obtain information on dental providers, members should either log on to: www.cignadentalnetworksolutions.com or call a special toll-free phone number. To obtain this designated number, members are asked to contact the Seafarers Claims Department at 1-800-252-4674. Local port agents also can provide the number. Personals Dolores Marcell would like Rex O’Conner to contact her as soon as possible at (718) 874-8476. Viola Yeager, please contact Amanda Lesh at (573) 673-1507. Retired Chief Cook Ms. Suzanne Van Schoor is asked to contact Derrick Crummy. He can be reached at (206) 774-3905 or (206) 679-6209 (cell). Crummy can also be contacted via his e-mail: Lepuffer@yahoo.com. April 16, 2008—May 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 6 3 5 18 5 15 33 29 2 8 10 31 18 9 3 6 9 3 31 20 1 1 1 5 0 1 4 5 1 0 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 6 5 253 264 38 0 0 4 3 0 12 15 23 0 5 8 17 9 6 1 1 1 1 11 9 1 2 6 5 1 5 18 20 0 3 3 8 17 3 2 2 3 2 10 14 0 0 2 3 2 0 2 1 1 1 0 3 4 2 0 0 1 1 1 3 Joliet ...................................Thursday: July 17, August 14 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 Mobile..............................Wednesday: July 16, August 13 Port Piney Point.............................Monday: July 7, August 4 Algonac ...................................Friday: July 11, August 8 Baltimore..............................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Boston .......................................Friday: July 11, August 8 Guam ...................................Thursday: July 24, August 21 Honolulu..................................Friday: July 18, August 15 Houston .................................Monday: July 14, August 11 Jacksonville ..........................Thursday: July 10, August 7 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: July 15, August 12 New York .................................Tuesday: July 8, August 5 Norfolk .................................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Oakland ..............................Thursday: July 17, August 14 Philadelphia.........................Wednesday: July 9, August 6 Port Everglades ...................Thursday: July 17, August 14 San Juan ................................Thursday: July 10, August 7 St. Louis ...................................Friday: July 18, August 15 Tacoma .....................................Friday: July 25, August 22 Wilmington.................................Monday: July 21, August 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. June 2008 Totals 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 All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 1 17 3 5 29 28 0 7 13 9 15 16 1 0 9 2 23 26 205 0 3 7 10 0 6 22 22 1 3 10 17 14 4 3 7 11 4 23 18 185 0 0 2 0 2 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 16 0 1 1 7 0 1 21 21 0 2 9 10 5 6 1 2 7 1 16 14 2 2 10 16 2 19 72 49 2 19 23 82 22 36 4 3 11 2 58 46 8 5 7 30 8 19 63 44 5 13 9 60 32 19 5 7 13 8 50 32 5 2 0 9 2 3 8 9 3 2 4 7 6 3 4 0 2 2 13 11 125 481 437 95 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 5 1 1 1 3 3 2 0 0 4 0 6 6 1 0 1 9 0 16 21 23 0 12 11 31 11 11 3 2 4 2 27 19 2 3 10 11 5 8 26 31 2 6 6 24 22 12 6 4 8 3 26 15 1 0 2 4 3 1 2 3 1 1 0 7 7 4 1 0 1 2 5 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 126 125 27 Port July & August 2008 Membership Meetings Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 6 7 2 12 42 26 1 12 10 30 13 17 2 3 9 1 31 29 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 3 8 0 8 19 17 0 2 7 8 5 5 0 0 4 0 9 11 106 1 1 2 4 1 2 12 15 0 3 3 2 9 6 1 0 3 1 6 8 80 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 43 204 230 53 0 0 1 3 0 1 7 7 0 0 1 6 2 4 0 0 2 0 4 3 2 0 5 9 4 16 33 26 0 6 6 37 7 40 3 4 5 3 28 38 3 2 2 10 1 4 14 15 1 8 7 11 15 8 2 0 2 2 13 10 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 8 0 15 15 10 0 3 4 11 6 24 3 4 2 0 12 21 142 2 1 3 9 0 3 10 8 0 2 4 6 10 4 0 0 2 1 5 5 75 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 8 0 15 17 14 0 1 3 12 11 13 2 1 1 0 7 13 118 0 1 2 4 0 2 7 6 0 0 2 6 9 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 44 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 41 272 130 13 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 4 4 3 0 1 1 5 0 3 0 0 1 0 3 4 2 2 3 3 2 8 20 14 0 4 2 26 15 18 0 8 3 0 10 9 3 0 0 4 1 9 11 11 0 1 2 5 8 13 2 6 0 2 6 6 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 2 0 0 3 2 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 2 1 2 17 12 0 3 3 14 12 8 0 8 1 0 9 9 0 0 1 0 0 4 3 4 0 2 0 1 7 1 0 14 0 0 1 2 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 5 10 6 0 1 2 13 0 6 0 1 0 0 7 4 7 4 5 8 3 11 31 29 0 9 10 58 28 33 2 6 4 0 29 20 8 0 0 12 1 22 16 28 2 1 4 25 22 25 2 0 1 2 17 23 30 149 90 22 104 40 0 55 297 211 551 613 161 451 413 67 209 1012 1094 372 Seafarers LOG 15 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:35 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Snapshots from the Santurce Hall 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 The photos appearing on this page show rankand-file Seafarers at various times when they stopped by the union hall in Santurce, P.R. They were shot and submitted for publication in the LOG by Port Agent Amancio Crespo. 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 AB Juan Ayala 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 AB Enrique Defendini displays the tankerman-PIC certificate he recently earned at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. 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 Seafarers gather at the hall to discuss details of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. AB Xavier Alfaro holds his TWIC. 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 Bosun Noel Otero stops by the hall after completing a voyage aboard the Horizon Producer. Chief Steward Daniel Herrera and his wife, Amariliz, affectionately pose with their daughter, Danieliz. Bosun Abel Vasquez and son, Azael 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 16 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Adalberto Colon OMU Jose Medrano (right) receives his A book from Port Agent Crespo. Recertified Bosun Eric Perez (left), Chief Steward Daniel Herrera PICS-FROM-THE-PAST The photos at right were sent to the LOG by Phil “Flags” Retter of Clearwater, Fla. Both depict the stack of the SS Russell A. Alger as it appeared shortly after the morning hours of New Year’s Day in 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in Antwerp, Belgium. During the early morning hours of that day, a Navy gun crew aboard the vessel spotted and shot down a German Messerschmitt. Before the day ended, the vessel’s stack was painted with a gunner logo, swastika and ME 109 (shown in the upper left portion of the photo at immediate right). Retter was on the vesel at the time and part of the gun crew credited with downing the enemy aircraft. The individual shown in the photo at far right is Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Carmen Feola. 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 June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:57 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 PAUL BURCKHARD, JR Brother Paul Burckhard, Jr., 65, was born in Tacoma, Wash. He joined the SIU in 1970 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Burckhard initially sailed on the Topa Topa as a member of the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burckhard’s final trip to sea was aboard the El Faro. He is a resident of Lakewood, Wash. ROBERT JOHNSON Brother Robert Johnson, 58, signed on with the union in 1969 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Boston; his last the USNS Fisher. Brother Johnson was born in Staten Island, N.Y. The deck department member enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Johnson lives in St. Augustine, Fla. JOHN SOKOLIK Brother John Sokolik, 65, became a Seafarer in 1986 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Sokolik originally shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. He most recently sailed aboard the Lightning. In 2000 and 2004, Brother Sokolik, who sailed in the deck department, attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. The California native now calls Nampa, Idaho, home. GERALD VAN EPPS Brother Gerald Van Epps, 64, joined the SIU in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was on a Seatrain Lines vessel, where he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Van Epps visited the Piney Point school in 1973 to upgrade his June 2008 skills. His final voyage was aboard the Patriot. Brother Van Epps resides in Surprise, Ariz. INLAND JAMES ADAWAY Boatman James Adaway, 55, was born in Texas. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Adaway mainly shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 2004 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Adaway calls Lumberton, Texas home. BRUNO KALMETA Boatman Bruno Kalmeta, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1984 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Kalmeta frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He was primarily employed on Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessels. Boatman Kalmeta was born in Yugoslavia but now makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. LOUIS LORTZ, JR. Boatman Louis Lortz Jr., 62, first went to sea in 1973 from the port of Baltimore. He mostly sailed aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Lortz worked in the deck department. In 1985, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Lortz continues to live in his native state of Maryland. WILSON YANSON Boatman Wilson Yanson, 53, became an SIU member in 1975. He initially shipped with Hudson Waterways Corporation as a member of the deck department. Boatman Yanson frequently upgraded his seafaring abilities at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Florida. Boatman Yanson most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island. He is a resident of Panama City Beach, Fla. GREAT LAKES THOMAS PALMER Brother Thomas Palmer, 70, joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Detroit. He was born in Cleveland. Brother Palmer’s first ship was the Detroit Edison; his last the St. Clair. The deck department member took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school in 1980 and 2003. Brother Palmer continues to call Ohio home. GERALD RIFENBARK Brother Gerald Rifenbark, 65, was born in Michigan. He first went to sea in 1988 from Detroit. Brother Rifenbark initially sailed on the Paul H. Townsend as a member of the steward department. In 2004, he enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rifenbark’s final voyage was aboard the Susan Hannah. He resides in Interlochen, Mich. MOHAMED SAADI Brother Mohamed Saadi, 62, signed on with the union in 1973 while in Detroit. He originally shipped with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Saadi was born in Arabia. He attended classes on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Saadi, who sailed in the steward department, last worked on the American Spirit. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers Log. 1945 Three SIU seamen who risked their lives to save their comrades were recently the recipients of service awards. Paul Irwin Valentine, 2nd cook and baker, and Ensign George E. Baker, onetime OS, were awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal. Only 113 of these citations have been made since the beginning of the war. Fireman William A. Sullivan received the Meritorious Service Medal, one of 11 thus far awarded. Editor’s note: The following brother and sister, both former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. JOANN HICKS Sister Joann Hicks, 71, joined the NMU in 1979, initially shipping from Port Arthur, Texas. She was born in Houston and sailed as a member of the steward department. Sister Hicks first worked on the Pilgrim. Her last vessel was the Delaware Trader. CHARLES PATTERSON Brother Charles Patterson, 58, became an NMU member in 1970 while in the port of Houston. The steward department member was born in Texas. Brother Patterson’s final voyage was aboard the USNS Fisher. the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eight-month fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Announcement of his death sent shock waves throughout the American labor movement and the world maritime industry. Union headquarters was flooded with letters and telegrams from the ships at sea and from around the nation. They expressed deep sorrow and regret for the passing of one of the giants of American labor. They also vividly showed the tremendous amount of respect and admiration Paul Hall earned in his lifelong struggle to constantly improve the lives of American seamen. This Month In SIU His tor y 1967 Addressing nearly 300 delegates during the opening ceremony of the SIUNA convention, House Minority Leader Rep. Gerald Ford said of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “We lack both the ships and manpower to respond adequately to continuing international crisis.” Ford pointed out that the crises in the Middle East and in Vietnam show the need for a strong, efficient U.S. Merchant Marine – American-built, American-crewed ships – capable of handling our worldwide military logistic needs. 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in 1991 Sixty-five SIU members were part of a contingent of civilian mariners who on June 8 marched down the streets of Washington, D.C. and past President George Bush in the National Victory Celebration Parade to honor Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans. The military invited civilian mariners to participate because of the major role they played in getting materiel to the troops, marking the first time they were invited to march in a parade. An estimated 200,000 parade viewers were on hand. Seafarers LOG 17 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:59 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA MILTON ARMSTEAD Pensioner Milton Armstead, 72, passed away Feb. 5. Brother Armstead joined the SIU in 1964 while in the port of New Orleans. He first sailed on the Tam Guilden as a member of the steward department. Brother Armstead was born in New Orleans. His final trip to sea was aboard the Pioneer Contractor. Brother Armstead went on pension in 1988 and made his home in Houston. EDGAR ARMSTRONG Pensioner Edgar Armstrong, 83, died Jan. 23. Brother Armstrong became a union member in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. He initially shipped on the Calmar; his last vessel was the Developer. Brother Armstrong worked in the engine department. He was born in Maryland but called Vernon Hill, Va., home. Brother Armstrong started collecting his retirement stipends in 1986. LAUREN BRYANT Pensioner Lauren Bryant, 79, passed away Jan. 21. Brother Bryant began sailing with the Seafarers in 1958 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Explorer. Brother Bryant was born in Kansas and shipped in the engine department. His most recent trip was on the Tacoma. Brother Bryant retired in 1993. He resided in Washington State. DOUGLAS BURCH Brother Douglas Burch, 52, died Jan. 19. He signed on with the union in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Burch’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Santa Mariana. The Alabamaborn mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Burch’s final ship was the Manulani. He settled in Los Angeles. STEVEN COKER Pensioner Steven Coker, 83, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Coker donned the SIU colors in 1951. He initially sailed on a Doric Shipping Corporation vessel. Brother Coker was born in North Carolina. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Coker last went to sea aboard the Cape Fear. In 1989, he began receiving his retirement compensation. Brother Coker lived in Tarboro, N.C. MICHAEL DIANGELO Brother Michael DiAngelo, 36, died Sept. 4, 2007. He was born in Baltimore. Brother DiAngelo joined the Seafarers in 1989 while 18 Seafarers LOG in Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the LNG Libra. Brother DiAngelo most recently shipped in the engine department of the Humacao. He made his home in Pasadena, Md. HARRY KAUFMAN Pensioner Harry Kaufman, 89, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Kaufman became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of New York. The New York native worked in the deck department. Brother Kaufman’s first ship was the Wild Ranger; his last the Patriot. He went on pension in 1983 and called Pahrump, Nev., home. JOHN KNOTT Brother John Knott, 59, died Dec. 3. He donned the SIU colors in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Knott originally sailed aboard the Cape John. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Knott was born in Maryland. His final trip to sea was on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Knott was a resident of Leonardtown, Md. FELIPE LUGO Pensioner Felipe Lugo, 91, passed away Jan. 7. Brother Lugo began sailing with the Seafarers in 1945; his earliest journey was aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Company vessel. He was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Lugo was employed on the Arecibo. He became a pensioner in 1981 and resided in Puerto Rico. RICKEY MASON Brother Rickey Mason, 33, died Feb. 26. He joined the union in 1995 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Mason initially sailed aboard the USNS Loyal. He was born in Norfolk and worked in the steward department. Brother Mason’s most recent ship was the Marilyn. He still lived in his native city. NICK PALOUMBIS Pensioner Nick Paloumbis, 81, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Paloumbis was born in Greece. He originally shipped with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Paloumbis sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Adventurer. Brother Paloumbis retired in 1991. He continued to make his home in Greece. ANGEL PASSAPERA JEREMY VAUGHAN Pensioner Angel Passapera, 89, died Jan. 29. Brother Passapera, who was born in Puerto Rico, started his seafaring profession in 1944. Brother Passapera first sailed in the inland division on an Edgewater Terminal Corporation vessel. Before his retirement in 1981, he worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Passapera, who sailed in the deck department, called Puerto Rico home. Brother Jeremy Vaughan, 36, passed away Jan. 28. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vaughan originally shipped on the USNS Victorious. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Vaughan’s final trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Maremar. He was born in California but called Weymouth, Mass., home. NEWTON RADER Pensioner Newton Rader, 69, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Rader joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1961 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip to sea was on the Maui. Brother Rader shipped in the steward department. His final journey was aboard the President Grant. Brother Rader settled in Los Angeles. He began collecting his pension in 1999. ROGER SULLIVAN Pensioner Roger Sullivan, 78, died Jan. 20. Brother Sullivan initially sailed with the union in 1951 on the Pan Atlantic. The deck department member was born in Georgia. Brother Sullivan’s last ship was the Bayamon. He lived in Baltimore and went on pension in 1995. ROBERT THOMAS Brother Robert Thomas, 46, passed away Jan. 2. He became an SIU member in 2001. Brother Thomas was born in Pennsylvania. His first voyage was on the Cape Domingo. Brother Thomas most recently worked aboard the Sagamore as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Savannah, Ga. EDWARD TRESNICK Pensioner Edward Tresnick, 79, died Jan. 11. Brother Tresnick donned the SIU colors in 1948. His first ship was the Robin Hood; his last the Horizon Consumer. Brother Tresnick was born in Allison, Pa., and sailed in the steward department. He retired in 1990 and made his home in Streetsboro, Ohio. THEODORE WALLACE Brother Theodore Wallace, 80, died Jan. 13. He began sailing with the SIU in 1991 from the port of Philadelphia. Brother Wallace was initially employed on the Maj. Bernard F. Fisher. The New York-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Brother Wallace most recently worked aboard the Integrity. He resided in Baltimore, Md. DAWN WILLIAMS Sister Dawn Williams, 52, passed away May 13, 2007. She became a Seafarer in 1997 while in the port of Baltimore. Sister Williams’ earliest voyage was on the Global Mariner. The deck department member was born in Maryland. Sister Williams’ last trip to sea was aboard the Cape Wrath. She lived in Pasadena, Md. INLAND AMERICUS BELL Pensioner Americus Bell, 71, died Jan. 4. Boatman Bell was an Alabama native. He joined the union in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Bell was first employed aboard the USNS Chauvenet. He worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 2007, Boatman Bell sailed on the Delta Mariner. He called Mobile home. NATHAN FIDINGER Boatman Nathan Fidinger, 51, passed away Feb. 5. He started his SIU career in 1999 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Fidinger originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Watson. He was born in New York and worked in the steward department. Boatman Fidinger’s final trip to sea was on an Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning vessel. He was a California resident. JAMES LUPTON Mathews joined the union in 1978. His earliest trip was with Marine Oil Service Inc. Boatman Mathews was born in Currituck, N.C. His most recent voyage was on a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Mathews went on pension in 2001 and settled in Grandy, N.C. BILLY PEPPERS Pensioner Billy Peppers, 64, died Jan. 9. Boatman Peppers joined the union in 1977. His first ship was the Seabulk Tanker. Boatman Peppers was born in Arkansas. His final trip to sea was aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Boatman Peppers made his home in Beaumont, Texas. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 2005. GEORGE WOODS Boatman George Woods, 48, passed away Jan. 27. He was born in Texas. Boatman Woods became an SIU member in 1976 in the port of Houston. He primarily sailed on vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. Boatman Woods was a resident of Freeport, Texas. GREAT LAKES CARL HARDEE Brother Carl Hardee, 79, died Jan. 29. He signed on with the union in 1978 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Hardee mainly worked with Luedtke Engineering Company during his seafaring career. He was born in South Carolina but called Leland, N.C., 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 Abbington, James Calderon, Wenceslao Carey, Frederick King, Jose Neel, Walter Jr. Santos, Renato Souffront, Luisa Washington, Franklin Age 68 87 75 83 79 87 88 79 DOD Jan. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 11 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Pensioner James Lupton, 69, died Dec. 1. Boatman Lupton donned the SIU colors in 1970. He was first employed aboard an IBC Company vessel. Boatman Lupton sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with Mariner Towing. Boatman Lupton retired in 2000 and called Oriental, N.C., home. CHARLES MATHEWS Pensioner Charles Mathews, 70, passed away Feb. 28. Boatman June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:42 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), March 11 – Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Detricke R. Kelly, Deck Delegate Dennis Caballero, Steward Delegate David Vaughn. Chairman asked for suggestions as to how safety award money should be spent. He noted that a new washer is to be ordered to replace the broken one. He also discussed upcoming deadline for TWIC cards and reviewed the process to obtain one. Secretary talked about safety award and reminded crew members that they were still in competition for another award which will be announced in the next few days. Educational director urged Seafarers to watch training videos and take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted their TVs had become loose and broken during rough weather; arrangements to be made to purchase new ones. Next ports: Richmond, Benicia and San Francisco, Calif. AMERICAN TERN (Osprey), March 9 – Chairman Hernando M. Bansuelo, Secretary John S. Greubel, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman reported payoff to take place in Port Hueneme, Calif., on March 12. He requested status of wage increases and encouraged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Secretary stated that stores would be reviewed upon arrival in Port Hueneme. Educational director urged crew to upgrade when possible at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like transformers for every room and installation of non-skid adhesive in showers. Requests were also made for more movies and a treadmill for the gym. Next port: Port Hueneme, Calif. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14 – Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Richard A. Huffman, Deck Delegate Raymond P. Vicari, Engine Delegate Yahya A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Curtis W. Williams. Bosun reminded members to clean their rooms before departing vessel and leave keys on desk in room. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director reminded Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Concerns were raised pertaining to room temperatures. Crew discussed proper disposal of trash. Next port: Los Angeles. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), March 30 – Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Steward Delegate Justino Martinez. Chairman noted good trip with no injuries. He discussed TWIC program and supplied crew with copies and details about applying for TWIC card. Sanitary inspection to take place prior to payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew members for helping keep ship clean with a special thanks to SA Justino Martinez and Wiper Wadeea Alnasafi for outstanding work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director surveyed interest in new Seafarers 401(k) plan and talked about the difference between traditional and Roth IRA contribution. Letter received from headquarters was read and discussed. Suggestion was made to lower seatime requirements for medical benefits and lower retirement age. It was reported that a new phone was installed in the crew mess. Bosun thanked steward department for good food and for keeping the cookie jar well supplied. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Houston. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Company), March 12 – Chairman Joseph J. Olsen, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate Terrence X. Carmody. Chairman reported smooth voyage and asked crew to leave rooms clean when getting off vessel. He informed members that ship was getting an updated server and new computers which will offer access to the internet. He encouraged everyone to enroll for the TWIC and reminded 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 the Seabulk Challenge The SIU-crewed Seabulk Challenge recently made a stop in Piney Point, Md., home of the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. SIU Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift met with crew members and submitted these photos. Pictured left to right are (seated) AB German Guevarra, UA Christopher Gonseth, Recertified Bosun Harold Sebring, SA Ernest Britt, AB Jack Gainers, (standing) AB David Harvey, AB Jose Baltazar, OMU Larry Guerrero, 2nd Pumpman Naveed Khalid and UA Hubert Davis. After meeting with the unlicensed crew, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (right) is joined by AB Richard Crutchfield (left) and Recertified Bosun Harold Sebring for this photo. them the card must be picked up at the same office where the individual applied. Secretary provided update on steward department personnel. All aboard were reminded that any injury requiring more than basic first aid is subject to drug and alcohol testing. Educational director urged mariners to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Crew was reminded to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Treasurer stated $4,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made concerning Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be June 2008 postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. Shown in the galley are (from left) Chief Steward Tim Dowd, Chief Cook Heath Bryan, SA Ernest Britt and UA Hubert Dennis. information about job descriptions of GVA and (when applicable) third cook. New mattresses are being ordered for crew. Concerns were voiced about food budget and stores. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), March 31 – Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival on April 5 in Tacoma, Wash. He urged members to look into 401(k) plan. Secretary asked crew when using the small washer to not use a lot of soap, or it will not operate properly. Mariners departing vessel were asked to leave room clean for next member. Educational director stated that all rooms should have a transformer; if not, he needs to be informed. Treasurer noted $540 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed seatime requirements to maintain benefits and suggested reducing the minimum number to 120 days. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. INTREPID (Maersk Line, Limited), March 6 – Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary James E. Harper, Engine Delegate Andrew J. Linares. Crew noted no resolution concerning issues with furniture in crew mess and crew lounge. Chairman stated payoff to take place on March 8 in Long Beach, Calif. He recommended upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Secretary suggested all members invest in the new SIU 401(k) Plan. Treasurer reported $3,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like direct deposit for vacation checks and lump-sum buyout for eligible members. Crew requested clarification on certain work rules for steward department. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG Ship Management), March 26 – Chairman Charles H. Foley, Secretary Lovie L. Perez, Educational Director William Pough, Deck Delegate Timothy P. Kauble, Engine Delegate Oscar Ruiz, Steward Delegate Luis Gonzalez. Chairman talked to captain about travel pay to Portugal and was told it should be in the March payoff. He reported a new microwave has been ordered and is expected to be delivered in Houston. Union officials should be arriving aboard the ship in Port Everglades, Fla., to discuss matter involving lack of water. Mariners were asked to keep better track of their OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that lockers on deck have no lights, chief cook needs a new lock on his door and showers surge hot water. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 10:02 PM Page 20 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, 2007. 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 $(134,986) as of June 30, 2007, compared to $(291,971) as of July 1, 2006. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $156,985. During the Plan year, the plan had a total income of $649,792 including employer contributions of $478,577, earnings from investments of $133 and other income of $171,082. Plan expenses were $492,807. These expenses included $397,016 in administrative expenses and $95,791 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. 1. An accountant report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (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, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of coping 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, DC 20210. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR NMU PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually includes important information about the funding level of the NMU Pension Plan, Plan # 001, Federal ID # 13-6592643. This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payment guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007 (2007). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 131.48%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefit payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets of January 1, 2007 was $282,684,901. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $23,112,227. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 12.2. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 12 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing 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 guaran- tee, 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 $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). 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. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement 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 write Miriam Bove at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or call at 718-499-6600 ext. 242. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7272). 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. June 2008 �48717_v4x:January 08 5/27/2008 1:10 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 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 Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 Marine Refrigeration Technician July 21 September 29 August 29 November 6 Pumpman August 11 August 22 Welding July 7 September 1 October 6 November 3 December 1 July 25 September 19 October 23 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) June 30 July 11 Basic Safety Training/Basic Fire Fighting June 16 June 23 July 21 June 20 June 27 July 25 Fast Rescue Boat June 16 July 14 August 18 September 8 June 20 July 18 August 22 September 12 Government Vessels (Week 1) June 23 June 27 November 14 December 19 Medical Care Provider July 14 September 8 July 18 September 12 September 1 September 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 23 August 4 September 15 October 27 July 4 August 15 September 26 November 7 June 30 August 25 September 22 October 20 November 10 July 11 September 5 October 3 October 31 November 21 Radar September 22 November 3 October 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) June 23 October 27 December 8 June 23 October 27 December 8 August 4 August 25 September 29 October 20 November 24 August 15 September 5 October 10 October 31 December 5 October 14 November 3 Start Date Date of Completion July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 August 1 September 12 October 23 December 5 June 16 October 6 November 17 June 20 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 GMDSS Course Able Seaman Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) Bosun Recertification Course Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) September 1 November 10 September 26 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 21 September 15 November 10 August 15 October 10 December 5 Fireman/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) June 16 August 18 October 13 July 11 September 12 November 6 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Machinist July 7 July 21 July 25 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No 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 26. Steward Recertification Course July 14 August 4 Aug. 18 Sept. 8 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 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. 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: Steward Upgrading Courses 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 ________________________________________________ June 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. 6/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:46 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Chief Cook - The following upgraders recently graduated from this course. Graduating (above, from left) were Edna Jones, Peter Schuetz, Alejandro Nejia, Dawn Johnson, Terrance Sawyer and Leslie McGirt. Their instructor, John Dobson, is second from right in dark shirt. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 701 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 701 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Ryan Bernal, David Brady, Tony Brinkley, Victor Chevalier, Mitchell Childress, John Curran, Jedrek Funkhouser, Marcus Gramby, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Loureiro, LaToya Lunford, Matthew Martel, Cory Mulligan, Lazaro Rivera, Ronnie Rodriguez, Keith Rogers, Nelson Velez, Charles Wagner, John Wahl, Nicole Walton and Enoch Winrod. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STOS - The following upgraders (in alphabetical order) on May 9 completed this course: Seddik Ali, Joselito Beof, Curtrina Duck, Matthew Hojna, Marc Kretzera and Sandy Santiago. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this class on April 25: Sterling Cox, Norman Hook, Billie Marshall, David McRoy Jr., Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Rodney Payne and Velez Enrique. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing fourth from left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA – Eight upgraders on April 18 completed this 32-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Mark Kane, Todd Keith, Kevin Kirk, W. Tyson Little, Chris Mahannan, Gil Pruitt, William Ray and Christopher Vincenzo. Stacey Harris, their instructor, is at far right. Advance Firefighting - The following Express Marine boatmen (photo above, in alphabetical order) on May 2 completed this course: David Goodwin, Sherwood Lewis Jr., Clifton Potter Jr., Russell Shores, Stephen Stockwell, Timothy Thomas and Jonathan West Sr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization DL - Sixteen upgraders (photo at left) on April 4 completed their requirements for graduation from this course. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were Dennis Adjetey, Glenn Agustin, Eric Bridges, Jon Bumgarner, Barry Burns, William Coronacion, Cirico Geonanga Jr., Russell Hayden, Kathleen Kemp, Arnedo Parades, Michael Proveaux, Rolando Salamat, Wilson Trayvilla, Mariette Wright, Joseph Yamson and Cecil Yearwood. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is standing, far left. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:49 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Water Survival - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) completed this 60-hour course April 11: Paulino Amaya, Terence Bennett, Marcelino Cayabyab, James Copeland, Tash Ismail, Mohammad Khan, Joseph Kranjnik, Nabil Mali, Spencer Reed, Carl Robinson and Jamal Sailan. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is standing, far right. Pumpman - Two upgraders completed this course on April 18. They were (above, in alphabetical order) Dennis Adjetey and Alfonzo Davis. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing. STCW - The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on April 11 completed this course: Khaled Ahmed, Dan Hanlon, Michael Kelley, Randy Knipfer, Howard Randle, Terri Sales, Peter Schultz and Jason Smith. Tankerman PIC Barge - The Crowley Towing boatmen above completed this class April 11. Graduating (in alphabetical order) were David Brown, Nathanial Burkes, Bradley Cunningham, Brian Deedler, Brian Evans, Jeff Johnson, Steve Kearney, Chris Maibaum, Edgar Melendez, Meg Noonan, Dennis Spear, Matthew Tanner, Tommy Thompson, Jeremy Tyler, Greg Wall and Paul Warner. Also completing the course was ASTI Instructor Forrest McGee (standing third from left in second row). Mitch Oakley, the class instructor, is next to Mcgee, in light, collared shirt. Tankerman Pic Barge - Twenty-four upgraders on April 25 graduated from this course. Completing the curriculum (in alphabetical order) were Rigoberto Beata, Eric Bridges, Timothy Cox, Chad Cunningham, Enrique Defendini, Christopher Dickens, Cleveland Foy, Frank Guido, Kenric Henry, Gary Hirsch, James Knute, Marc Kretzer, Sergey Kurchenko, Anthony McNeil, Romualdo Medina, Stephen Morris, Darrin Murray, Victor Nunez, Anthony Pace, Gil Quinines, Angelo Schiraldi, Paul Stardish, David Turinski and Michael Willis. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is pictured at far right, front row. June 2008 Seafarers LOG 23 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:54 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 6 June 2008 TWIC Deadline Changed to April 15, 2009 - Pages 2, 10 Seabulk Trader Overseas Luxmar The Seabulk Trader (bottom left) recently called on the Port of Ft. Lauderdale. Crew members included Chief Steward James Harris and Chief Cook David Coggio (top left photo). The crew also consisted of (photo above, in alphabetical order) Bosun Bobby Coleman, GUDE Moriah Collier, AB Geoffrey Hall, AB Carson Jordan, SA David Marquez and AB Melvin Smalls. Scenes From In & Around The Port Of Ft. Lauderdale The Port of Ft. Lauderdale is the scene of almost non-stop activity in the maritime industry. Rank-and-file SIU members on a daily basis enter and exit the port while doing their jobs aboard union-contracted vessels. The photos appearing on this page--shot and submitted for publication in the Seafarers LOG by Ft. Lauderdale Safety Rep. Kevin Marchand--capture some of that activity. It’s business as usual aboard the Overseas Luxmar. Clockwise from top left Chief Cook Luis Gonzales cleans the grill in the ship galley following a meal while Bosun Winfred Itima, AB Jose Calix and SA Justo Flores conduct a meeting in the dining area. Calix (above right) operates one of the ship’s loading cranes while AB Nelson Montoya (above left) survey’s the vessel deck. Overseas New York Tug Columbia The Overseas New York (above) enters Port Everglades during its maiden voyage. The New York is the newest vessel in the OSG America tanker fleet. OS Carlos Zelaya (left in the inset photo above) and AB Bruce Godfrey meet on the deck of the Tug Columbia. Both are tankermen aboard the vessel. Sea Venture The USS Transport-operated Sea Venture (photo at right) enters Port Everglades, Fla. � 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 June 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TWIC DEADLINE CHANGES TO APRIL ’09; MARINERS STILL URGED TO APPLY ASAP COMMITTEE SELECTS SEVEN INDIVIDUALS TO RECEIVE 4-YEAR, $20K SCHOLARSHIPS INDEPENDENCE II JOINS SEAFARERS FLEET HOSPITAL SHIP BEGINS MISSION USNS MERCY STARTS 40MONTH HUMANITARIAN DEPLOYMENT MAJESTIC MAY SELL DELTA QUEEN PAUL HALL CENTER’S ONLINE COURSES RECEIVE HIGH MARKS SEAFARERS TO SAIL ON APTLY NAMED ‘SWIFT’ SIU-CREWED WESTWARD VENTURE FIRES WARNING SHOTS IN GULF RECERTIFIED BOSUN SAVES LIFE OF TRAPPED SHIPMATE SIU SHIPS OFFLOAD CARGO FOR ‘COBRA GOLD’ COLUMNISTS CREDITS SIU STEWARD DEPARTMENTS, PAUL HALL CENTER SEALAND METEOR MAKES HISTORIC PORT CALL IN JAPAN ANNUAL STATEMENTS SENT TO SMPPP PARTICIPANTS BOSUN ‘SNAKE’ WILLIAMS DIES AT 80 MAERSK’S ‘DRIVE TO ZERO’ PRODUCES SAFE RESULTS SEAFARERS ASSIST IN ANTITERRORISM EXERCISE CIVMARS ASSIST IN GULF OF ADEN RESCUE 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 06/01/2008 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. 6 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/92de6d835da91cfde8fe6d9beadd797a.pdf 811d528a2e30c37b6d6782d811c7ec2d PDF Text Text 49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:11 AM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 7 July 2008 Hawaii goes SIU! The SIU-contracted fleet now includes Hawaii Superferry’s Alakai (below), a high-speed vessel offering interisland service in the Hawaiian Islands. After a challenging debut, things are running smoothly aboard the 349-foot vessel, which has a service speed of 35 knots. Pictured at right aboard the ferry are (from left) AB Calvin Kaawa, SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell and AB Tony Miana. Page 3. Maritime Day Events Focus on Merchant Marine’s Key Role During National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C., representatives of the military and the administration credited the U.S. Merchant Marine for its dependability throughout American history, including in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The SIU participated in events hosted by (respectively) the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Military Sealift Command, and the Propeller Club of Washington and Kings Point Alumni Association. Pictured in the group photo above (from left) following the MarAd ceremony are AMO President Tom Bethel, Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton, SIU President Michael Sacco, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz, Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr. and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral James Watson. At left, Secretary Peters greets unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center who attended the ceremonies. At right, Unlicensed Apprentice Rickey Yancey carries the U.S. Merchant Marine wreath as part of MSC’s remembrance. Among those standing in the background is General Norton Schwartz (dark uniform), commander, U.S. Transportation Command, who served as keynote speaker. Coverage of the D.C. ceremonies appears on pages 12-13. SIU Contract News Page 4 TWIC Deadline: April 15, 2009 Page 10 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:11 AM Page 2 Seafarers’ Safety Training Proves Vital In Chemical Trader Emergency Incident President’s Report TWIC Concerns I will leave it to others to debate whether problems were inevitable with implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, better known as TWIC. What I know based on personal experience along with feedback from rank-and-file Seafarers, and based on internal industry communications and public media reports, is that the program is off to a rough start. Since long before the TWIC final rule was issued, the SIU has been proactive in trying to Michael Sacco help make the program as effective and as user-friendly as possible. We are continuing those efforts today and will do so in the months and years ahead – working cooperatively with other maritime unions and other stakeholders, and participating in key industry groups like the Department of Homeland Security’s National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, abbreviated as NMSAC. Still, it’s ultimately up to the responsible agencies, particularly the Transportation Security Administration, and their contractors to make sure the program works properly. So far, there’s a lot of room for improvement. Recently, it became known that two-thirds of the machines used to produce the actual TWIC cards are broken. Through various communications including face-to-face feedback, we’ve learned that mariners sometimes aren’t being notified when their cards are ready for pickup. In other cases, they’re being told their TWICs are ready, only to travel back to the enrollment center and find out that’s not the case. (I can personally relate to that last example.) There have been problems with long waits on the toll-free TWIC telephone hotline and with computer crashes at the enrollment centers. Sometimes the fingerprint machines don’t work. Cards have been issued with incorrect expiration dates. In some cases, employees at the enrollment centers haven’t verified receipt of all the necessary paperwork with certain applications. In some port areas, the enrollment centers are located a long way from the facilities they’re designed to serve. Those are just some of what I’d call the basic problems the program has run into so far. There also are a number of fairly complex technical and procedural issues still unresolved. By the way, I haven’t even mentioned the card readers – which probably is a topic better reserved for another day, anyway. None of this is intended to ridicule the program, or to toss out criticism for the sake of criticism. The SIU, as we’ve done all along, supports the goals of the TWIC program. And again, we’re trying to be part of the solution as much as possible. What I’m saying is, apply now. Don’t wait. We have no choice but to secure our TWICs – it’s the law, and the April 2009 deadline will arrive soon enough. As the saying goes, however, forewarned is forearmed. Register and Vote SIU members have long understood that grassroots political activities are vital to helping maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. In fact, political action is nothing short of a necessity. At every level, we’ve got to remain politically involved. That’s true all the time, but it’s probably more apparent these days, since it’s a presidential election year. In any case, I urge all Seafarers, pensioners and their families to make the most of this election season. Be active. Make sure you are registered to vote (and if you’re not, please register). Read up on the issues and back the candidates who will support the U.S. Merchant Marine. We have an important message – namely, that America is best-served by a strong, vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine. We can all help ensure that our message is heard in November and beyond. Volume 70, Number 7 SIU Members Praised for ‘Awesome Response’ The fast action of SIU members and officers saved lives along with the integrated tug and barge (ITB) SMT Chemical Trader, more than 10 million gallons of gasoline and possibly a petroleum terminal during offloading of the “liquid gold” on May 22 in Tampa, Fla. Ninety percent of the mariners who were aboard the Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning ITB were asleep when, at 1:50 a.m., a minor onboard explosion occurred along with a fire. “I saw a small fire on deck and grabbed an extinguisher,” said Bosun Victor Cooper, who was one of the mariners on watch. “The fire was coming from a machinery space and I sounded the alarms.” In a commendation letter to the crew from the ship’s Master Jeffrey Ritter, he noted that despite the incident occurring so early in the morning with most of the crew asleep, they responded quickly and had the fire out in 12 minutes. “In this time,” explained the captain, “the crew managed to muster, suit up, run out the hoses, commence bulkhead cooling, secure the ventilation and, upon the captain’s order, release the CO2.” Ritter said everyone aboard “responded in a quick, effective and professional manner.” A tug mate reportedly received second-degree burns Some of the SIU crew members from the Chemical Trader are pictured in the aftermath of their speedy, efficient response to a shipboard emergency. Seafarers’ actions arguably prevented a catastrophe. from the heat in the machinery space but was quickly rescued by the crew that got him ashore for medical treatment. According to the bosun, he’s recovering well. The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing. “The response of the crew was awesome,” said the bosun. “The training really paid off.” Cooper was referring to the STWC and fire fighting training all of the unlicensed crew members have received at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and the weekly onboard drills that take place NASSCO Delivers USNS Peary to MSC Newer tonnage continued to enter the union’s Government Services Division fleet last month as the U.S. Military Sealift Command took delivery of the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary in San Diego. The agency accepted the ship June 5 at the General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard, where the vessel was built. Named in honor of Navy Rear Adm. Robert E. Peary, leader of the first expedition to the North Pole, the ship is the fifth in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, with the designation T-AKE 5. The ships’ primary mission is to deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups, allowing them to stay at sea for extended periods of time. July 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. 2 Seafarers LOG aboard the Intrepid ITB. “Our folks were excellent,” added Cooper. “Even the Coast Guard members on the scene praised us for averting what could have been a very serious incident.” The other SIU members who were aboard the Chemical Trader on May 22 were ABs Philip Gallagher, Anthony Moore Jr., Brian Gauntt, Ronald Webb, and Donald Clotter, QMED Troy Banks, GUDE Jose EncarnacionRivera, Engine Utility Florian Turcios, Steward/Baker Josue Iglesia and Chief Cook Manes Sainvil. The USNS Peary, pictured recently in San Diego, is the newest addition to the SIU’s Government Services Division fleet. The T-AKEs are replacing some of MSC’s aging, single-mission ships such as Kilauea-class ammunition ships and Mars- and Sirius-class combat stores ships that are nearing the end of their service lives. At the end of July, the 689-foot Peary is scheduled to go on a short shakedown cruise where the ship’s crew will test a range of shipboard operations. By the end of the summer, the Peary is expected to depart for its home port in Norfolk, Va., from where it will soon deploy on its first operational mission. The Peary has a crew of civil service mariners working for MSC as well as a military detachment of 11 sailors who provide operational support and supply coordination. When needed, the Peary can also carry a helicopter detachment. MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:11 AM Page 3 The Alakai, whose stern is shown above, is equipped with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment along with lots of amenities for passengers. The vessel also has a service speed of 35 knots which it partially shows off in the photo at right. Alakai Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet One of the newest additions to the Seafarers-contracted fleet is also one of the most distinctive vessels carrying an SIU crew. Following certification of the SIU as the collective bargaining representative for employees sailing aboard Hawaii Superferry’s Alakai, a four-year contract took effect earlier this year. The agreement brought numerous gains for crew members, including immediate, substantial wage increases followed by additional wage gains in each year of the pact. The contract also added vacation and holiday pay, medical benefits (including dental and vision), participation in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and more. Built at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., the Alakai carries a crew of 25. The 349-foot, aluminum-hull ferry provides interisland, round-trip service from Honolulu to Maui seven days a week. According to the company, the vessel, operated for Hawaii Superferry by Hornblower Marine, can transport 866 passengers and 282 cars. At least once, the Alakai, which has a service speed of 35 knots, carried cargo for the U.S. military. As of mid-June, the Alakai (which means “ocean path”) was offering two round trips per day, four days per week; and a single daily trip on the other three days. One round trip takes approximately 10 hours, counting about six hours of sailing time. “This vessel represents the SIU’s progress as we enter a new era in marine passenger and vehicle transportation,” said SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. “Coupled with national concerns of cleaner air and high fuel costs, this vessel signals the gateway to future travel and commuting options nationwide. Once again, the SIU is in the forefront.” SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, who led the union’s organizing drive, added, “The organizing and recognition phases of this project were certainly some of the most lengthy, complex and challenging efforts that we’ve seen in recent times, but the results were very positive. This operation’s success is a product of the hard work and persistence of all stakeholders. “I am proud of what we have achieved so far and we absolutely recognize the hard work and commitment of the crew members who hung in there through all the trials and tribulations,” Powell continued. “We all look forward to the expected delivery of the second vessel in 2009 and the continued growth and prosperity of the Hawaii Superferry project.” The ferry is equipped with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment, and its design incorporates the latest in environmentally responsible maritime technology. For example, the ferry’s water-jet propulsion system has no exposed propellers. According to the company, “One of the most important fea- Crew members participate in fire fighting exercises at the Seafarersaffiliated safety school in Hawaii. July 2008 tures is the ferry’s catamaran design, which enables family friendly, high-speed transport over Hawaii’s open ocean waters. Modern catamarans have revolutionized high-speed sea transport along European shores, linking Great Britain to Ireland and joining isolated communities along the Norwegian coast, and our ships will accomplish the same here.” The Alakai has satellite navigation systems that track the vessel’s position at all times. Automatic fire control systems are situated throughout, and all passenger and crew spaces incorporate fireproof and fire-resistant materials. The vessel’s two catamaran hulls include eight watertight compartments, and the Alakai has the most advanced evacuation and life-raft systems available. Finally, the Alakai boasts plenty of passenger amenities. Among them are a passenger deck engineered for clear viewing; big-screen entertainment QMED Orlando Pajarillo choices; video games; educational and Hawaiian-themed programming; and three dining areas, all with appealing menus. Chief Engineer Jay Long Cabin Steward Faith Abang This meeting took place as part of the process of verifying union representation aboard the ferry. Pictured from left to right are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone; SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell; Dr. Bill Puette, director of the University of Hawaii’s Center for Labor Education and Research (here serving as a neutral party); Robert Katz, Esq., legal counsel for the company; and Cynthia Ramsey, human resources coordinator for Hawaii Superferry. Seafarers LOG 3 �49311_p01_24X:9311p0 6/30/2008 2:17 PM Page 4 VP Dean Corgey (standing in photo at left) and VP Nick Marrone (seated in photo above) answer Seafarers’ questions about the new pact. Seafarers check out some of the gains contained in the new agreement with Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning. Negotiating Teams Secure Good Contracts in ‘Tough Times’ Several SIU contracts recently have been ratified. Following are summaries of each. Joiner and Murphy. AB/Tankerman Bruce 3-Year Pact Inked with Penn 3-Year Agreement Signed with Maritime Intrepid More than 100 SIU members recently SIU boatmen unanimously ratified a contract covering more than 100 Seafarers employed by Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning. The three-year agreement includes wage and subsistence increases along with increases in maintenance and cure, missing-man wages and reimbursement for lodging. It also maintains Core Plus medical benefits and a 401(k) plan. Pension credit rates will be maintained. Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning moves petroleum products back and forth from the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Intrepid has a total of six ATBs and ITBs under SIU contract with more on the way. The SIU negotiating team included SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and members Capt. George Sadler, Chief Engineer Robert Paul overwhelmingly approved a three-year contract with Penn Maritime Inc. Penn Maritime operates barges and tugs and is the largest coastal transporter of heated asphalt products. Contract highlights include annual wage increases, maintaining Core Plus health benefits, increases in “longevity pay,” participation and company contributions in the 401(k) plan, and an additional holiday. The agreement also calls for shortand long-term disability, an increase in maintenance and cure, and bereavement involving maternal and paternal grandparents. The negotiating committee included SIU Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi, SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice and members John Harvard (representing mates), Jeff Rydza (engineers) and Teddy Crockett (ABs). tions to the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan to maintain the top level of benefits and the necessary company contributions into the pension plan to maintain days of credit for days worked. Nothing Petty for Seafarers at Petty’s Island More than 50 SIU members at Petty’s Island agreed to a three-year pact with Crowley. Petty’s Island is located in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The members there work with roll-on/roll-off ships and perform mechanical work on barges at Crowley’s facility. Some of the highlights of the “no loss” contract include pay increases over each of the three years, one additional personal day off at the beginning of the third year of the contract, three days off for the death of a grandparent and/or grandchild and compensation for sick leave not used by the end of any contract period (to be paid out at the hourly rate at which it was accrued). Members will now be able to participate in the Seafarers 401(k) through payroll deduction, and the company is increasing its contribution to the separate Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. The union also secured from the company the necessary contribution to maintain medical benefits at the top Core Plus level. Finally, the union secured company contributions into the pension plan to maintain days of credit for days worked. St. Louis Port Council Honors 3 3 More Years with OSG Inland SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey review Intrepid contract highlights with members aboard the Coastal Reliance. SIU boatmen working for Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. inland operations in Philadelphia overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract calling for wage increases and other gains. The agreement covers nearly 100 Seafarers who operate tugs and barges primarily between Philadelphia and the Gulf Coast. The contract includes gains in travel compensation, an increase in overtime pay rates and additional compensation for ABs on lightering vessels and Cooks/Ordinary Seamen who complete a mutually agreed upon class at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. It also includes the addition of the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan at company expense, necessary company contribu- Important Notice To All Seafarers Earlier this year, the St. Louis Port Council, affiliated with the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, honored three individuals who live up to labor’s ideals and who support America’s working families. Pictured above at the April 5 event are (from left) SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco; Port Council VP Jack Martorelli; St. Louis Chief of Police Col. Joseph Mokwa, management man of the year; Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, “able helmsman” award winner; Painters District Council No. 2 Business Manager Kevin Kenny, labor man of the year; St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Feldhaus; and Port Council President Dick Mantia. Pictured below are U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.), Feldhaus, Martorelli, Sacco, former U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Trustees Announce Timely News About Changes To Eligibility Rules Covering Members’ SHBP Benefits As reported at the June membership meetings and on the SIU web site, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Trustees, at a recent board meeting, have decided to change the eligibility rules. Beginning January 1, 2008, to be eligible for benefits, Seafarers must have 125 days of covered employment in calendar year 2007. The one (1) day in six (6) months rule is still in effect. This change is a result of many factors. The Plan’s financial situation is no longer critical because of the benefit changes instituted in 2005, the use of a 4 Seafarers LOG medical and dental network and the stabilization of medical costs. The Trustees also took into consideration the appeals that participants have made indicating that due to shipping rotations they were unable to achieve the 150 days needed to maintain their eligibility. If a Seafarer had at least 125 days of covered employment during 2007 and had claims denied due to lack of eligibility, please resubmit them to the claims office. If members have any questions, please call 1-800-252-4674. July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/30/2008 11:56 AM Page 5 Report Outlines Steps to Boost U.S.-Flag Fleet Organization Cites Critical Need for Strong U.S. Merchant Marine The ability to utilize U.S.-flag commercial ships and American crews is essential to U.S. national and economic security interests, according to a report by the Navy League of the United States. The Navy League is a non-profit organization of more than 65,000 members (including the SIU) dedicated to nonpartisan, enhanced public understanding of the missions and challenges facing today’s Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S. Merchant Marine, as well as advocating for the wellbeing of the men and women of each service. Much of the league’s advocacy takes place on Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, in ports and communities. The organization annually publishes its maritime policy through which it conducts research on the industry and makes recommendations. This year’s report, titled “Preserving Sea Power – A National Imperative,” gives details to why sealift capability, U.S. mariners and American-flag ships are vital to the U.S. both commercially and for defense. According to the Navy League, 95 percent of the equipment and supplies required to deploy U.S. armed forces overseas is delivered by ship. U.S.-flag commercial and government-owned vessels, manned by U.S. citizen mariners, continue to play a significant and indispensable role in strategic sealift support for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Such reliance on American-flag sealift will continue, the report concludes. Additionally, the report explains even as the United States’ need for reliable and efficient marine transportation continues to grow in domestic and international trade, the base of skilled U.S. citizen mariners is shrinking in proportion to the declining numbers of U.S.flag commercial ships. This diminishing pool of mariners presents a crisis that threatens the nation’s ability to project timely military power, said the report. Following are some of the actions the Navy League supports to achieve the goals of maintaining and increasing the number of U.S.-flag ships and mariners. ■ Utilize budgetary and legislative measures — including capital and operationsrelated changes in U.S. tax and maritime regulations — needed to maintain a viable U.S.flag Merchant Marine. ■ Completely fund the 60-ship Maritime Security Program. To replicate the lift capacity of this fleet would cost DOD $8 billion in capital outlay. ■ Maintain the Jones Act and Passenger Vessel Services Act. Oppose any legislative initiatives or trade agreements that would weaken these vital industry support mechanisms. ■ Provide funding for the Title XI Ship Construction Loan Guarantee Program for the U.S. commercial industry, for both economic and national security reasons. ■ Provide funding for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and federal programs at the state maritime colleges and maritime union/industry training facilities to ensure that sufficient numbers of licensed and unlicensed mariners are available to serve the nation’s needs. ■ Build upon efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard to expedite the licensing and documentation of U.S. Merchant Mariners while striking a balance between national security and maritime commercial interests. ■ Enact legislation for the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat U.S. Merchant Marine veterans of action in World War II as they do all other veterans. Marine Transportation System The Navy League also echoes the Maritime Administration’s call for improvements to a marine highway system. The league’s report says the U.S. marine transportation system (MTS) consists of waterways, ports and their intermodal connections, vessels and vehicles that are crucial to the U.S. economy. As the world’s trade leader, the United States requires a technologically advanced, secure, efficient and environmentally sound MTS, explains the league. The MTS annually moves through 300 public and private ports and 25,000 miles of navigable waterways more than 2.3 billion tons of domestic and international cargo worth $2 trillion; imports 3.3 billion barrels of oil to meet energy demands; and transports 180 million passengers by ferry and more than seven million cruise ship passengers. An estimated 13 million people are employed in this industry. Roughly one quarter of the world’s trade flows through U.S. ports. The league states U.S. economic prosperity is dependent on international trade, of which 95 percent by volume moves by sea. Any disruption in this global supply chain would have a serious and immediate impact on the U.S. economy and, consequently, national security. International and domestic trade is expected to double in volume by 2020, according to government research, creating greater congestion on overburdened land, port, water and freight delivery systems. Only a truly seamless, integrated, multimodal transportation system with an expanded marine highway system (sometimes called short-sea shipping) will meet the nation’s growing needs. Some initiatives the league supports include: ■ Efforts to ensure that the MTS is, and remains, adequate and safe to conduct maritime commerce and U.S. military deployments. ■ America’s marine highway initiatives such as an exemption of waterborne cargo trans-shipped between U.S. ports from the Harbor Maintenance Tax. This double tax is a major disincentive for increased waterborne transport. ■ Dredging and marking river and harbor channels that connect U.S. ports to the rest of the world. ■ Modernization of locks and dams to regulate water flow and facilitate commerce. ■ Revitalization of the Title XI section of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to support replacement of existing Jones Act liner tonnage and support the investment required for short-sea shipping, including infrastructure in both large and small ports; and support for the needs of the shipyards that will have to efficiently build replace- ment Jones Act vessels and those to be used to accommodate short-sea shipping. The Big Picture: The U.S. Industrial Base The Navy League and other prominent industry organizations have raised concerns about the deteriorating health of the nation’s industrial base. The league’s report cites examples of the difficulties in several prominent ship acquisition and construction programs which are a direct result of this weakened industrial base. The report explains the base has diminished over the past few decades and a concerted effort must be made to recover. Historically, says the league, seafaring nations which at one time possessed a strong navy providing sea control wherever they desired, were shown to have lost that power when the nation allowed the industrial base to falter and finally wither to ineffectiveness. With several countries striving to become near-peer competitors in sea control, the U.S. must have a strong industrial base, according to the report. The report points to shortages of skilled personnel and production as the key problems. Some of what the league urges includes: ■ Government develop and institute an effective industrial base policy that addresses critical issues to ensure the capability to build and maintain an affordable fleet capable of surge to meet demands in a crisis. ■ A stable and increased level of predictable funding for the ships. ■ Capital investments in the existing infrastructure to allow industry to stay abreast of the latest technical advances, attract the best young engineers and skilled workers, and ensure it has the capability and capacity to surge repair, production and construction of the nation’s fleet in a time of crisis. ■ All parties (government and industry) to spend more funds to train and educate the workforce and endeavor to improve retention. For the Navy League of the United States’ full report and other maritime advocacy efforts, go to: www.navyleague.org. ITF Inspectors Hone Strategies For Advancing Mariners’ Rights A dozen inspectors from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) met last month at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, where they collaborated on methods for promoting mariners’ wellbeing around the globe. The inspectors discuss regulations affecting shore leave for vessel personnel. July 2008 Convening in Piney Point, Md., the inspectors discussed shore leave for seafarers; the federation’s campaign against flag-of-convenience or runway-flag shipping; the benefits of ITF contracts, and more. They also briefly met with SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who is first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. A few of the inspectors traveled from overseas, while the rest are based in the U.S. Attending the meeting June 10-11 were Fabrizio Barcellona, Dwayne Boudreaux, Stefan Dombois, Jeff Engels, Ricky Esopa, Martin Larson, Enrique Lozano, Arthur Petitpas, Tony Sacco, Tony Sasso, Shwe Tun Aung and Shoji Yamashita. The ITF is a global federation of 681 transport trade unions (including the SIU) which collectively represent 4.5 million workers in 148 countries. 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 owner- These ITF inspectors met last month in Piney Point, Md. ship, and become a vehicle for paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working conditions. Since FOC 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.” Seafarers LOG 5 �49311_p01_24X:9311p0 6/30/2008 2:17 PM Page 6 Some of the exercise participants make their way up the USNS Soderman’s side port ramp. Soderman crew members (above) worked hand in hand with soldiers during the exercise to ensure that they became famiiar with the vessel’s cargo handling capabilities and on-board gear. SIU-Crewed Soderman Assists in Military Exercise SIU members sailing aboard the USNS Soderman recently participated in Operation Spearhead Strike, a U.S. Army Logistics-Over-The-Shore training exercise in Virginia. Conducted on the beaches of Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., the training (which took place May 5-9) was in preparation for Operation Pacific Strike, a larger military Joint Logistics-Over-The-Shore (JLOTS) exercise slated to take place later this summer in Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Spearhead, some 700 soldiers from units attached to the U.S. Army’s 7th Sustainment Brigade came together to hone their cargo handling skills aboard a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR). The Soderman, one of the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) 19 LMSRs, was used during the execution phase of the exercise. With the aid of the Soderman crew, soldiers gained valuable experience by practicing roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off procedures—the two cargo movements on an LMSR—in a real world environment. According to Soderman Chief Mate Samaro Bannister, few of the brigade’s personnel had any hands-on experience cargo handling, not to mention the specifics of working with an LMSR, so the exposure and lessons learned during the exercise were invaluable. Throughout the training, teams rotated through the various cargo handling options specific to the LMSRs, Bannister said. The crew deployed the Soderman’s side-port ramp, which is connected to a platform on its uppermost continuous deck, he noted. This ramp was then lowered to an RRDF, a barge-like floating dock made of interlocking sections. Smaller vessels, including landing craft utilities and logistic support vessels, then docked along side the RRDF and deployed a rolling stock of vehicles that ranged from Humvees to tractors. These vehicles drove off the smaller vessels onto the RRDF and continued aboard the vessel via the deployed ramp. The vehicles were then staged at different locations throughout the vessel. At the same time that roll-on/roll-off maneuvers were being conducted, the Soderman’s hatches were opened via its cargo crane so that soldiers could practice lift-on/lift-off operations between multiple decks, Bannister said. Additional lifton/lift-off operations took place on the Soderman’s weather deck, lifting and lowering containers and vehicles from smaller vessels and floating platforms on the opposite side of the vessel. Soldiers who participated in this exercise were able to experiment, practice and become familiar with the various configurations and loading options unique to The USNS Soderman’s side port ramp (right portion of photo above) is deployed so that an RRDF, the barge-like floating dock in the foreground, could be used during the training exercise. LMSRs to optimize loading efficiency, Bannister concluded. Soderman crew members worked hand in hand with the soldiers throughout the exercise. Along the way, they explained the vessel’s capabilities and the gear she carries. They also encouraged safe but innovative problem solving to overcome possible setbacks and snares that arise during these operations. Seafarers aboard the Soderman during Operation Spearhead included: Bosun James D. Orlando; ABs Jackson B. CIVMARS Tow Decommissioned Submarine Two SIU-crewed Military Sealift Command vessels earlier this year were involved in the successful tow of decommissioned nuclear submarine USS Hyman G. Rickover from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash. The 255-foot rescue and salvage ship USNS Grapple and the 226-foot ocean tug USNS Sioux played key roles in the 10,000-mile relocation of the decommissioned Los Angeles-class attack submarine to the Pacific Northwest. According to the Military Sealift Command (MSC), the journey began April 8 when the USNS Grapple departed Kittery with the Rickover in tow. The Grapple and Rickover traveled 3,600 miles to the Panama Canal where, in accordance with Panamanian law, a canal pilot and tugboats guided the Rickover through the locks April 24-25. Then, the Grapple escorted the Rickover through the canal to the Pacific Ocean where the Sioux resumed the submarine tow and continued the journey to Bremerton. The Sioux and Rickover stopped in San Diego May 13-23. The U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Carr, guided missile destroyer USS Pickney and guided missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis provided force protection escorts from Maine to Panama, from Panama to San Diego and from San Diego to Bremerton, respectively. “We really enjoy towing submarines,” Capt. Brad Smith, the Sioux’s civil service master, told the agency. “When it came to Rickover, it was a pleasant tow. There was good weather, and [the tow] was uneventful, which is everything you hope for when doing a mission like this.” The Sioux and Grapple are both crewed by SIU civil service mariners working for MSC – 20 aboard Sioux and 24 aboard the Grapple. The Grapple also carries a small military detachment. For the tow, a seven-person crew of Navy submariners also rode the MSC ships to monitor the Rickover and respond to any tow-related problems. The Rickover is the 22nd of the U.S. Los Angelesclass attack submarines and the only one not named after a U.S. city. The submarine was commissioned on July 21, 1984, commenced inactivation March 1, 2007 and was decommissioned Dec. 17, 2007. The vessel’s reactor was de-fueled at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Named in honor of Hyman G. Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, the Rickover played an instrumental roll in submarine operations during the height of the Cold War. While in Bremerton, the Rickover will go through a dismantling program overseen by the Navy. The submarine will remain moored at the shipyard until it is drydocked for dismantling and disposal, which is currently scheduled for 2016. The Grapple is one of MSC’s four rescue and salvage ships, and the Sioux is one of four fleet ocean tugs. These ships tow other ships, lift heavy objects like downed aircraft and deploy divers for rescue and salvage operations. The USNS Grapple (above right) tows the USS Hyman G. Rickover. 6 Seafarers LOG Cagle, Richard L. Trovillo, Jesus H. Olbes, Henry Brown Jr., and Godofredo Milabo III; Ordinary Seamen Isaac M. Diaz, Antonio G. Mitchell and John T. Williams Jr.; and QMEDs Richard L. Abbott, Robert J. Brown, Antuan M. Barnes and Kevin Quinlan. Also aboard were Wiper Ivan N. Perez, Chief Steward Kimberly B. Strate, Chief Cook Efren Matias, SA Linda Rotter, SA Marco A. Cayetano and Storekeeper William J. Fortner. Attention Seafarers Another New Ship! SPAD Works For You! July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:11 AM Page 7 8 Bosuns Graduate from Recertification Course Eight Seafarers last month completed the bosun recertification course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The three-week class is considered the school’s top curriculum for deck department mariners. Graduating from the course were Mike Brewley, Paul Cadran, Jerry Costello, Carl Davis, James Darden, Zeki Karaahmet, Mark Lance and James Saunders. Like most other Paul Hall Center classes, bosun recertification blends practical training with classroom instruction. Students tackled numerous topics including fire fighting and other safety training, sealift operations, small arms, computer skills, water survival and more. They also met with representatives from the Seafarers Plans and various SIU departments. Near the end of the schedule, they met with officials from the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department in Washington, D.C. In keeping with tradition, the bosuns briefly addressed fellow members, unlicensed apprentices and SIU officials upon graduation – in this case, during the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. They complimented the school personnel, thanked the union’s top leadership for their support and advised the trainees to take advantage of the opportunities available through the SIU and the Paul Hall Center. (Though successfully completing the Bosuns, family members and SIU officials are pictured last month at the Paul Hall Center. course, Brother Brewley couldn’t attend the meeting due to an urgent family matter.) Darden was the first to the podium. “I heard (SIU President) Mike Sacco say years ago that we’re a family,” he said. “This union has not only been a family to me, but a family to my children. For that, I’m grateful.” Darden pointed out to the apprentices that the Paul Hall Center offers not only vocational training, but also academic support and a college degree program. He urged them to check into the various offerings. Karaahmet, formerly an NMU member, hadn’t attended the school prior to recertification, but he said the Paul Hall Center made a very positive impression on him. “I fell in love with this school – the beauty of the campus, the excellent fire fighting school,” he noted. “It’s all made possible by dedicated instructors. And to the union officials, you’re awesome. I thank you a million times for a job well done.” A native of Turkey, Karaahmet noted that he formerly had sailed on foreign-flag ships where he only earned about $500 per month. “Now, I’m part of this SIU family that provides me an opportunity.” He credited Sacco for “24/7” dedication to the organization, and also advised the apprentices to carry themselves appropriately both aboard ship and ashore. Cadran graduated from the trainee program in 1989. He told the current class of apprentices, “Stick with it. At the ship, leave your ego and attitude at the gangway. Remember that and you’ll be all right.” Lance, a 1974 graduate of the trainee program, said the recertification class will help him do a better job aboard ship. He said Seafarers “have a lot to be proud of ” and encouraged fellow members “to work more for the common good.” Reflecting on his career, Lance added, “It’s been great seeing the world and making money, but the best is being on a ship with a good crew. That’s what I wish for you all.” Davis noted that SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker (then a port official) helped him join the SIU in 1991 “and it has been a wonderful 18 years. It’s been a long, good run. The travel has been great.” He commended the instructors, staff and facilities at Piney Point, noting in particular the “top-notch” quality of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which includes a smallarms range. Addressing the apprentices, Davis said, “On board, a lot of us have been doing this for a long time. Come aboard to learn, and we’ll teach you.” Saunders said the school and union “have done everything in the world for me. If you back the SIU, they’re going to back you. We have the best organization in the world.” He encouraged the trainees to “stick with it. It works, and the officials stick behind you all the time.” Costello said he benefited from the various safety training and also renewed his appreciation for how politics affects not only the SIU but the whole American maritime industry. With that in mind, he emphasized “how important it is to support SPAD,” the union’s voluntary political action fund. He said that visiting the Maritime Trades Department, housed at AFL-CIO headquarters, “provides good background on where we came from and how it all comes together through the MTD. Strength in numbers gives you a voice in Washington.” Safety training is a key component of the recertification course. Among the subjects covered are CPR (photo above), small-arms training (photo below) and fire fighting (photo at bottom right) The bosuns praised the Paul Hall Center’s Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, where this photo (above) was taken. July 2008 Seafarers LOG 7 �49311_p01_24X:9311p0 6/30/2008 2:18 PM Page 8 SIU-Affiliated Institution Offers Career Advancement Members of the review team and school officials are pictured on the Paul Hall Center campus. ACE Approves Paul Hall Center Courses The American Council on Education (ACE) recently completed a successful review of 26 courses offered at the Paul Hall Center. The review was conducted by a team composed of eight educators with expertise in culinary arts, health and safety, deck and engine courses. The review team examined 15 courses that had been previously approved and required renewed approval, and 11 new courses being offered, or courses that had never been submitted to ACE for approval. The American Council on Education is a college credit-recommending service. What this means for Paul Hall Center students is, for example, unlicensed apprentices earn up to 13 college credits for Phase I of their training which can be used in the future toward a degree. Courses submitted to ACE are reviewed and are recommended for college credit. There are two degrees that students (depending on their shipboard department) may earn at the SIU-affiliated school: Associate of Applied Science in Nautical Science Technology, and Associate of Applied Science in Marine Engineering Technology. Mariners may transfer these credits to higher learning institutions for consideration in pursuing their degree. For more than 30 years the Paul Hall Center has utilized the benefits provided by the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service. Generally, this involves having ACE assess new or rewritten curriculums at the school as they become available. It has long been the policy of ACE that learning outside the classroom can be measured for college credit. For instance, since 1945, ACE’s Military Evaluation Program has assessed formal military courses in terms of academic credit. In 1974, the College Credit Recommendation Service was created to evaluate learning in business and industry settings. The Paul Hall Center called upon ACE in those early years to begin evaluating its courses in order to provide additional educational and training opportunities for its students and to verify the quality of the courses offered to the mariners. Since this initial collaboration with ACE, the College Credit Recommendation Service has saved mariners thousands of dollars in college tuition as students have submitted their course work from the Paul Hall Center to meet college course requirements. Colleges and universities have also been well-served by the program, because qualified adults from the workforce have been motivated to complete their postsecondary education knowing that their previous studies and life experiences can convert into college credits. It is important to note that each college or university determines which of the courses approved by ACE will be accepted toward a certificate or a degree. Students planning to use their Paul Hall Center courses for credit, or wanting information on how ACE-recommended credits could assist them with their continuing education, should contact the academic department at the Paul Hall Center prior to submitting their transcript. At the closing presentation of the most recent ACE approval, a team member evaluating the courses (a professor at a maritime university) stated the courses he reviewed were as good as the courses taught at his university, said Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman. “For the instructors, management, and support staff to hear those words makes everyone very proud to work at the Paul Hall Center.” Members of the ACE review team included Dr. Clay Warren, Depew professor of communications, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Dori Finley, professor of nutrition and hospitality management, East Carolina University; Dr. Robert Dawkins, American Military University; Dr. Polly Buchanan, associate dean and coordinator of technology, Eastern Michigan University; Warren Whitley, battalion chief/deputy fire marshal, Prince William County, Va.; Dr. James R. Sherrard, professor/chairman, engineering technology, Three Rivers Community College, Norwich, Conn.; Dr. Frank Warnakulasuriya, senior lecturer and lead department head, marine engineering technology, Texas Agriculture and Mechanical University; and Dr. Malcolm Allen, career and technology division, Community College of Baltimore County. The following courses were reevaluated and approved: Galley Familiarization, Galley Operations, Certified Chief Cook, Advanced Galley Operations, Certified Chief Steward, Basic Fire Fighting (35 hours), First Aid/CPR (21 hours), Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting Combined (46 hours), Water Survival (60 hours), Tankerman Assistant Cargo (63 hours), Basic Safety Training STCW (40 hours), Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Bridge Resource Management (Limited) (26 hours), and Welding (105 hours). The newly approved courses are Pumpman (70 hours), Basic Meteorology (40 hours), Magnetic and Gyro Compasses (20 hours), Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation (80 hours), Cargo Handling (Operational Level) (66 hours), Ship Construction and Basic Stability (40 hours), Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) (21 hours), Search and Rescue (Operational Level) (16 hours), Electronic Navigation (40 hours), Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control System (40 hours), and Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (80 hours). 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 state-of-theart 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. Steward Department Course Spotlight Certified Chief Cook—This course consists of six twoweek, stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook Course (FSM 203) is to provide steward department personnel with an understanding and knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and the preparation and service of soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood. Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time School Opens Keystone Conference Center Ready for the ceremonial ribbon cutting are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, SIU President Michael Sacco, Keystone Shipping Executive VP Phil Fisher, Paul Hall Center Trustee Tony Naccarato and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. 8 Seafarers LOG The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received an upgrade May 21 with the formal opening of the Keystone Conference Center – a nicely equipped, state-ofthe-art meeting room located in the Paul Hall Memorial Library. As noted on a plaque just outside the room, the Keystone Conference Center would not have been possible without a very generous contribution from the P.W.J. Fisher & Family Charitable Fund, an endeavor led by Keystone Shipping Executive VP Phillip W.J. Fisher. Suzanne Fisher (photo at left), wife of Phil Fisher, helps formally open the new conference room. The room (above) features the latest media for presentations and a tranquil view of the lake outside the library. July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:11 AM Page 9 Chamber of Shipping Honors SIU-Contracted Companies A number of Seafarers-contracted companies received recognition June 5 in Houston as the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) conducted its annual safety awards luncheon. The CSA represents 31 U.S.-based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships and other merchant vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades. The CSA also represents other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. Among the honors presented last month were the Jones F. Devlin awards, which were given to companies that have operated ships for at least two years without a mariner involved in a lost-time injury. Recipients included Alaska Tanker Company; Crescent Towing; Crowley Maritime Corporation; Crowley Petroleum Services; E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc.; American Overseas Marine; Horizon Lines; Interocean American Shipping Corporation; American Roll-on-Roll-off Carrier; Sea Star Line; Totem Ocean Trailer Express; Keystone Shipping; Maersk Line, Limited; Ocean Retired Seafarer Foley’s Book Illustrates Plight of Lighthouses To highlight the troubles of the nation’s lighthouses, retired Great Lakes Seafarer John Foley has published a picture book titled, “Shine On Lighthouses.” According to the author, who sailed with the SIU for 18 years, “This book touches on the beginning and the growth of lighthouses, to the shape they are in today. A colorful storyline brings to life some of our best-known lighthouses from around the country and how they converge on our nation’s capital for a rally to support the lighthouses that are now on in need of rebuilding.” The book is intended for third-to fifth-grade students and all lighthouse enthusiasts. According to Foley, “Many lighthouses have played a vital role in the history of our country. We as Americans need to play a vital role to keep our lighthouses from becoming extinct.” The glossy book or a hardcover version may be purchased online at www.xlibris.com by clicking on the bookstore link and searching using the book’s title and author’s name. Shipholdings; OSG Ship Management; Seabulk Tankers; Seabulk Towing; and U.S. Shipping Partners. Individual SIU-crewed vessels receiving honors included the Horizon Falcon, Brenton Reef, Green Bay, Santa Cruz, USNS Lawrence Gianella, Overseas Long Beach and R.J. Pfeiffer. Joseph Cox, CSA president, said the awards program’s growth since inception in the mid-1950s is a credit to “the professionalism of our seafarers and the dedication of shore-based company personnel to safe operation.” He added, “CSA’s involvement in safety is longstanding. We continue to represent the industry, domestically and internationally, on safety issues encompassing every facet of ship operations. It is therefore only fitting that an industry so focused on safety, publicly recognizes the skills and dedication of the women and men who are responsible for actions in keeping with the highest traditions of the sea – aid to those in peril.” More than 240 people attended the awards luncheon, including representatives of the SIU. Photos from the Wilson OMU Sherwin Frank submitted the snapshot at right of a recent voyage aboard the SS Wilson, operated by Sealift, Inc. The vessel itself is shown above in a U.S. Navy file photo. Frank described a happily uneventful trip in which the Seafarers-crewed vessel delivered grain overseas – although, the Wilson was delayed near Mozambique when another vessel became stuck in a channel. Pictured in the group photo (left to right) are Chief Steward Arturo Rodriguez, Frank, and Unlicensed Apprentices Ashley Carmichael and Travis Odom. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN Notice/Reminder 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. July 2008 This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. 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 the Trust. Plan expenses were $10,037,089. These expenses included $994,954 in administrative expenses and $9,042,135 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 2,927 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $130,306,177 as of July 31, 2007, compared to $130,406,267 as of August 1, 2006. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $100,090. 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 $9,936,999, including employer contributions of $35,386, losses of $2,206,746 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $12,105,614 and other income of $2,745. 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. 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; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; ■ Assets held for investment; ■ Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets; 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 SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, who is the administrator, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco CA 94107, (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.25 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, 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, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 9 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:11 AM Page 10 Rep. Thompson Displeased with TWIC Delays Seafarer’s Experience Points out Additional Considerations when Applying for Credential The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program made another unwanted headline last month as the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security strongly questioned the 66 percent failure rate of the machines being used to produce the new cards. Meanwhile, an SIU member from the northeast had an unsettling post-enrollment experience which, while likely to be satisfactorily resolved, points out some considerations for mariners as they secure their TWICs before the federally mandated deadline of April 15, 2009. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the committee, wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff on June 10. Thompson noted, “It has come to my attention that eight of the 12 machines used to make TWIC cards have been returned to the manufacturers for repairs and system upgrades. Due to this machinery malfunction, the previous one-day time frame for card production has increased to a 10-day time period. It is my understanding that card production will not return to normal operational capacity for several weeks. “At this juncture,” he continued, “it is difficult to determine which is more astonishing – the fact that the facility producing these cards is experiencing a 66 percent machine failure rate or the fact that this machine failure rate has resulted in a tenfold increase in the card production schedule. As you know, over one million men and women are required to obtain TWICs prior to the April 15, 2009 deadline. Needless to say, every production delay increased the likelihood that this deadline will not be met. It would be both unfortunate and unfair if the necessary activities of these employees and their respective employers are hampered due to avoidable delay in card production.” Thompson went on to ask Chertoff several questions about the machines, the status of their repair, the contract to produce the cards, and related issues. The aforementioned case of the SIU member unfolded as follows. The Seafarer enrolled for his TWIC and then caught a ship shortly thereafter. A port call allowed the member to briefly return home and pick up his mail – whereupon he discovered a letter from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requesting additional documentation to support his application, due within 60 days. The TSA communication is called an Initial Determination of Security Threat Assessment (IDTA) letter. That letter explained the additional documentation that was required and also alerted the member that his options included filing an appeal on the initial determination itself; requesting an extension of the 60-day window identified by the agency; or seeking a waiver. Since he was quickly returning to the ship, the member requested an extension. However, as asked by the Seafarer in a communication to SIU headquarters, what if he hadn’t returned home before the 60 days had expired? In that case, according to the IDTA letter, his application would have been rejected and “you will not be permitted to obtain a TWIC card.” Fortunately, according to a DHS employee who handles TWIC appeals and waiver and extension requests, the final TWIC rule allows for applicants (under reasonable circumstances) to get an extension even after the 60 days have expired. The DHS representative told the Seafarers LOG that the agency is very willing to work cooperatively with mariners and is sympathetic to scenarios like the one described here. It’s also worth noting that the workers at the enrollment centers (technically called “trusted agents”) are supposed to verify that each applicant has submitted all required paperwork before forwarding the applications for approval. So, in this case, the trusted agent should have notified the SIU member immediately that another piece of documentation was needed. The union recommends that when Seafarers enroll for their TWICs, they should ask the trusted agents to examine the application and confirm that nothing is missing. Seafarers also should keep in mind that even if they receive IDTA letters after the 60-day window (because, for example, they were at sea for three months), that doesn’t preclude them from seeking an extension. 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). 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/T WICWebApp/ 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. ■ 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 card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Seafarers and company officials are pictured at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center, site of last month’s Maersk Line, Limited safety “boot camp.” SIU Maersk Crews Complete Safety ‘Boot Camp’ at SIU-Affiliated School In an ongoing effort to improve safety, health and the environment, SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) has established a “Drive to Zero” program, as reported in the June issue of the LOG. This endeavor is a hands-on initiative aimed at assisting employees, from mariners to management, in focusing on safety, communication and cooperation aimed at maximizing workplace wellbeing. An integral step in Drive to Zero occurred when MLL partnered with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to provide unlicensed mariners a two-day safety course called “Safety Boot Camps.” The agenda typically focuses on leadership and effective communication as well as more tech- nical topics such as job safety analysis and prevention of electric shocks. A two-day boot camp took place at the Paul Hall Center on June 3-4. Participants said the agenda was very appropriate and the content heightened their understanding of Maersk’s safety values. SIU members successfully completing the session were as follows, with their most recent vessels, respectively, listed after each name: AB Joemar Abagat (Intrepid), AB Jonathan Brown (Altair), Bosun William Card (Performance), Steward Earl Castain (Algol), AB Angel Centeno (Observation Island), Steward Javier Deloreyes (Pomeroy), Bosun Robert Hall (Bonnyman), Steward Michele Hopper (Victorious), Electrician Herbert Hyde (Alliance St. Louis), Bosun Mustafa Malik (Impeccable), AB Patrick McCarthy (Anderson), Bosun Haywood Pettway (Able), AB Paul Pitcher Jr. (Victorious), Electrician Chester Preston (Observation Island), Bosun Edwin Rivera (Carter), Electrician Alan Rogers (Algol), Steward Donna Taylor (Pride), Bosun Wayne Venison (Bellatrix), Steward Glenn Williams (Performance) and Steward James Zavatsky (Victorious). Boot camps are open to SIU mariners sailing aboard MLL’s government and commercial vessels with an MLL work history of at least three years. Any mariner interested in attending one of these boot camps may email kpretto@mllnet.com. The next boot camp at Piney Point is slated for August 1213. SIU Electrician Earns Safety Kudos Aboard Maersk-Operated Pomeroy Tim Chestnut, an SIU member and Maersk electrician aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s USNS Pomeroy, recently received recognition for his excellence in maintaining MSC-mandated maintenance standards aboard ship using a system called Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management (SAMM). That system is an important tool used aboard MSC vessels for preventive maintenance. SAMM is an automated system for documenting accomplishment of onboard maintenance tasks and for configuration control. SAMM uses the latest technologies in database and application software to bring together (in a single integrated 10 Seafarers LOG environment) the advanced tools needed by a ship’s crew to maintain the shipboard machinery in the highest state of readiness. Besides tools for maintenance scheduling and machinery history record keeping, SAMM integrates machinery vibration monitoring, used lube oil analysis, electronic watchkeeping data collection, and diesel engine combustion analysis into a single program. In a letter of recognition, Pomeroy Chief Engineer Thomas Vanderbilt wrote that while Chestnut was using the SAMM system, “During a check of one of the cargo hold fan motor controllers, Mr. Chestnut observed one of the main leads to the start contactor showing signs of overheating. The lead and contactor were changed out and the controller tested. If left unattended, this controller could have caused a major fire in this group control center. These preventative maintenance procedures are exactly the design of the SAMM program and for your positive attitude you are being recognized by USNS Pomeroy and Maersk Line, Limited.” See Page 9 for a reprint of SAB concerning specialty courses for engine department mariners July 2008 �49311_p01_24X:9311p0 6/30/2008 2:18 PM Page 11 USS Announces 2008 AOTOS Honorees The United Seamen’s Service (USS) 2008 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to James A. Capo, chairman and CEO of U.S. Maritime Alliance, Ltd., and Michael D. Garvey, a founding partner and past chairman of Saltchuk Resources, Inc., USS announced in late May. A special AOTOS award will be presented to General Norton Schwartz, commander of the United States Transportation Command. The awards are scheduled to be presented Nov. 7 in New York City. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president emeritus of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcement on National Maritime Day: May 22, 2008. “We have an impressive group of honorees this year,” said Bowers. “Jim Capo has been a friend and colleague across the negotiating table for many years and his leadership skills command respect by all who know him.” Bowers continued, “As one of the founders of Saltchuk, Mr. Garvey has helped to build one of America’s leading maritime shipping organizations, including Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Sea Star Line, that continues to employ many U.S. seafarers. General Schwartz has led TRANSCOM through a difficult time with amazing operational results and he deserves a very special recognition.” Bowers noted that the recipients were selected by more than 150 international transportation industry and government leaders “who understand the challenges and issues that confront United States shipping and the American seafarer and who recognize the honorees’ leadership in this area.” All proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea. Since the formation of the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) in 1996, Capo has served as a lead negotiator on behalf of management interests during coast-wide master contract negotiations with U.S. maritime labor unions and as chief negotiator of the current six-year master contract. Prior to his role as chairman/CEO, Capo served as president. As a formal alliance of carriers, stevedores and port associations in the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions, USMX’s mission is to preserve and protect the interests of the management groups in labor relations issues concerning containerization and James Capo Michael Garvey General Norton Schwartz automation in the longshore and related maritime fields. Capo has led this mission in a determined yet balanced manner that has earned him respect from the entire industry. Since founding Saltchuk in 1982, Garvey has helped grow the organization’s family of businesses to over 20 independent operating companies. These include Sea Star Line, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, American Shipping Group, Interocean American Shipping, Foss Maritime Company and American Cargo Transport. Through his leadership, Garvey has helped to foster the Saltchuk mission to create a work environment where people would want their families to work. In addition to being a founding partner and chairman of Saltchuk, Garvey is a founding partner of Garvey, Schubert & Barer, a multi-service law firm with offices in Seattle, Washington, D.C., Portland, Ore., and New York. His public service includes the Foundation Board of the University of Washington, Zion Preparatory Academy Foundation and PeaceHealth. As commander of TRANSCOM, General Schwartz oversees the single management organization for global air, land and sea transportation for the entire U.S. Department of Defense. He leads an organization with $10 billion in annual revenue, 100-plus ships, several hundred aircraft, ocean terminal operators, and manages programs providing access to the entire commercial transportation industry for additional capability. He is a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, promoting and championing the programs that help ensure jobs for mariners (including the Maritime Security Program) and retention of a strong and viable U.S.-flag fleet. The USS, a non-profit agency established in 1942, operates centers in eight foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. Congratulations to Seafarer’s Son The Angus R. Cooper (photo at left), the GEN Oglethorp and the Florida (photo above) are among the tugs in the Crescent fleet. Looking in on Crescent Towing SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware and Port of Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter recently visited with SIU members and company officials at Savannah, Gabased and union-contracted Crescent Towing. They sent the photos appearing in this space for publication in the Seafarers LOG. The boatmen above are crew members aboard SIU-contracted tugs belonging to Crescent Towing Co. in Savannah, Ga. Pictured (in no particular order) are Derek Dragon, James Howe, Jesse Schumpert, Mike Crouch, David Watford and Dustin Schaaf. July 2008 SIU Asst. VP Contracts Archie Ware (above, right) chatted with AB Kelly Stanford (left in same photo), while Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter (left in photo at left) met with W. Hays Clark, assistant port manager in Savannah, Ga. Jacksonvile Safety Director Karl Leiter (above, second from right) discussed safety issues with union members during his recent visit to Savannah, Ga. Pictured above (in no particular order) are Christoper Siles, Travis Morgan, James Howe, Banjamin Murphy and Randy Sikes. SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joseph Soresi (right) congratulates FOWT John Wozunk on the news that Wozunk’s son, Christopher, recently was awarded a scholarship through the annual program run by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. As reported last month, Christopher Wozunk is a graduate of Highland Regional High School in New Jersey and plans to continue his education at Drexel University. Inland member John Wozunk works for Crowley. 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. E-mailed items may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org Seafarers LOG 11 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:12 AM Page 12 National Maritime Day Ceremonies Reflect U Washington, D.C. Events also Pa American mariners past and present were honored May 22 in Washington, D.C., during that city’s traditional National Maritime Day ceremonies. Seafarers International Union President Michael Sacco led an SIU delegation that included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and students from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz and Executive Vice President Michel Desjardins also attended the ceremonies, along with hundreds of other guests and dignitaries. The events (in order) included an observance at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration; a luncheon hosted by the Propeller Club of Washington and the Kings Point Alumni Association; and a ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard conducted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Featured speakers at the respective events were as follows: at the MarAd ceremony, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis; at the Propeller Club luncheon (which also took place at the Navy Yard), U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton; and at the MSC ceremony, General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Always Ready Peters recalled the long history of the U.S. Merchant Marine, in particular pointing out its “central role” in defending America during the War of 1812. “America’s story could not be to the many, many sacrifices and cont of merchant mariners,” she stated. “ early ships brought the settlers, pos and goods that helped build the nat the ground up. Their spirit of enterp staked out a place for the United St global commerce that continues as of American prosperity to this day. valor has ensured that our troops ha supplies and equipment they need – how far from America’s shores they to defend our freedom and way of l “From the War of 1812, to the Libe of World War II, to today’s global w ror, every time our nation’s military called to protect U.S. interests, Ame merchant mariners sailed alongside behind,” Peters continued. “These s brave the natural dangers of the sea as the perils of war, so that our figh have the food, fuel, ammunition, an to get the job done and return home She noted that many mariners ha the ultimate sacrifice in defense of try, and specifically pointed out tha Merchant Marine in World War II s casualty rate second only to that of Marine Corps. (More than 1,200 SI bers gave their lives in World War I Addressing the merchant marine ve the audience, she said, “On behalf o President Bush, Vice President Che grateful nation, I want to extend a s welcome to you all and to express o appreciation for your service and yo fice.” Peters further pointed out that th Unlicensed Apprentice Jeremy Paschke rings “eight bells” as part of the MarAd observance. National Maritime Day, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America On National Maritime Day, America honors our highly skilled mariners who sail the high seas, support those on the front lines of the war on terror, and promote commerce around the world. Since 1775, the United States Merchant Marine has served our country, helping America become a great maritime power. During the Second World War, courageous mariners were among those who suffered greatly – hundreds of ships were lost to enemy action, and many mariners made the ultimate sacrifice. We pay tribute to these heroes who answered the call to serve when our Nation needed them most. Today, our merchant mariners continue to protect our homeland, including by supporting our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In times of peace and war, these brave patriots help keep our Nation safe and strengthen our economy. By transporting American goods across the oceans, merchant mariners facilitate commerce and advance trade. These Americans honor the noble traditions of seafarers and enrich our country’s maritime heritage. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2008, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. GEORGE W. BUSH 12 Seafarers LOG General Norton Schwartz Commander U.S. TRANSCOM Sean Connaughton U.S. Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Robert Commande Military Sealift Co The FDR Memorial was the site of the Maritime Administration’s National Maritime Day eve July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:12 AM Page 13 U.S. Merchant Marine’s Ongoing Importance Pay Tribute to Mariners’ Proud, Vital History be told without contributions ted. “Their , possessions, e nation from nterprise ed States in s as a mainstay day. And their ps have the eed – no matter they must go y of life. Liberty ships bal war on terlitary has been America’s gside or close ese seafarers e sea, as well fighting forces n, and supplies home safely.” rs have made e of our count that the U.S. r II suffered a at of the U.S. 00 SIU memWar II.) ne veterans in half of Cheney, and a d a special ress our deep nd your sacriat the vast obert Reilly Jr. mander ft Command y event. majority of cargo moved to support our troops now in the Middle East travels aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. She concluded, “Thankfully, in every generation, America has been blessed with men and women willing to face the difficulties of life at sea in order to safeguard our national security and promote our economic prosperity. Today is no exception… As Theodore Roosevelt said in his final message to Congress, ‘To the spread of our trade in peace and the defense of our flag in war a great and prosperous merchant marine is indispensable.’ Those words ring as true today as they did a century earlier. So, as we commemorate Maritime Day 2008, I join Americans everywhere in saluting you for your indispensable service.” Raptakis credited American seamen for always answering the call to duty. “In every military conflict and time of challenge, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been there,” he said. “The U.S. Merchant Marine plays a vital role today as it did 75 years ago (when National Maritime Day first was declared by Congress), whether keeping the seas safe for commerce or defending our shores from terrorism.” He added, “I’m pleased to honor all of our merchant mariners. All of you are what FDR called the crucial, decisive factor in our ability to remain a free people.” Opportunities for Growth Connaughton, who sailed in both the merchant marine and U.S. Coast Guard, touched on the nation’s maritime history and thanked mariners for their dedicated service. He then focused on modern-day challenges and opportunities facing the industry. “Marine transportation is the critical link in today’s economy and will be into the future as 95 percent of America’s trade is moved by ship,” he said. “This means steadily growing cargo volumes for ships, barges, ports and the labor, shipyards and service industries that support them. With such a large nationalinternational market as this, America and Americans are in a unique position to be strong and robust competitors and to reap the economic benefits from the increased demand for transportation. “The U.S. maritime industry should be and must be a major participant our international trade,” Connaughton continued. “Not only for purely economic reasons. We need to have the capacity to move the trade essential to our economy in times of peace and national emergency. To talk about the benefits of the global economy and to ignore the vulnerabilities in the transportation system necessary to make it work is to invite potential disaster.” He listed numerous objectives that would benefit the industry as a whole, including promoting U.S. ship and barge building and repair facilities; advancing a highly skilled maritime workforce; making better use of the nation’s ports and marine highways; freeing the industry of regulatory and tax burdens that inhibit competitiveness; and promoting the use of American mariners and managers “in every aspect of transportation operations.” Connaughton called for cooperation from throughout the industry to “make these goals a reality. Existing industry partnerships must be revitalized. Strong new ones must be formed that will support, not inhibit, a robust maritime industry. All parties, including federal, state and local governments, ports, shipyards, labor, carriers, shippers, operators and ultimately, consumers must recognize that the marine industry is critical to the economic future of the United States and their future wellbeing.” ‘Heritage of Service’ In his welcoming remarks, Rear Admiral Robert Reilly Jr., MSC commander, acknowledged the Paul Hall Center apprentices and said they “represent the future.” He described the merchant marine as “a crucial part of our prosperity and security – an unbroken circle of heroes. Their service has never left any doubt that they’ll deliver.” Schwartz called SIU President Sacco “a great friend, a great mentor,” and recognized some others in the crowd. He talked about the merchant marine of World War II and reminded everyone that victory in that conflict “was far from a foregone conclusion.” He paid tribute to civilian mariners’ “heritage of service and accomplishment, often under extreme pressure. That is what we honor today. It is an understatement to say we count on you.” Schwartz said that today’s mariners “are the people who ensure that the promises we’ve made to our service men and women are and always will be promises kept.” He also said the U.S. Merchant Marine is “the linchpin of our wartime and peacetime sealift capability” and the “backbone of our ability to project sea power wherever and whenever needed.” The general pledged his continued support to the industry and said of U.S. mariners, “Their labor is priceless.” Also at the heart of the ceremony was the placing of three wreaths to commemorate the sacrifices that generations of mariners have made in service to the nation. The solemn occasion drew to a close with a 21-gun salute by a seven-person firing party positioned on the Anacostia River waterfront just outside Navy Yard’s Cold War Museum. Following the ceremony, the wreaths were transferred to the U.S. Merchant Marine bronze relief sculpture on the East Wall of the Navy Memorial in Washington. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) greet AB Robert Hayes prior to the MSC ceremony. Hayes most recently sailed aboard the USNS Seay. July 2008 Mary Peters U.S. Transportation Secretary Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis Hanafi Rustandi (second from right), president of the Indonesian Seafarers Union and coordinator for Indonesia for the International Transport Workers’ Federation, took in the ceremony hosted by MarAd. Pictured with him are (from left) SIU of Canada Executive VP Michel Desjardins and President Roman Gralewicz, and SIU President Michael Sacco. Unlicensed Apprentice Rickey Yancey represents mariners during MSC’s service. Seafarers LOG 13 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:12 AM Page 14 OMU Adam Hansen (right in photo at top right) carries the wreath presented during a May 17 remembrance ceremony for American merchant mariners aboard the Jeremiah O’Brien in San Francisco. California Ceremonies Honor American Merchant Mariners The SIU recently participated in National Maritime Day ceremonies in California. Pictured above are four Seafarers who attended the observance and memorial service May 22 at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial in San Pedro, Calif.: GUDE Jason Stutes and ABs Rick Barnhart, Ruben Manalansan and R.J. Sagadraca. On May 17, Seafarers and other union members took part in the remembrance aboard the Jeremiah O’Brien in San Francisco. Pictured aboard the World War II-era ship are (from left) OMU Adam Hansen, 1st Assistant Engineer Steve Converse, Chief Engineer Bob Cheramie, Port Engineer Tim Tralongo and SIU Patrolman Greg Stone. SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 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. 7/08 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. July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:12 AM Page 15 Inland Career Opportunities – Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s or mate’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. In Texas, the SIU has immediate openings aboard harbor tugs. Interested individuals who possess either a mate or master’s license (inland) greater than 500 GRT with either a master or mate or harbor towing endorsement, or are licensed as a chief or assistant engineer (6,000 hp or greater), or are rated as a DDE, QMED or Oiler are encouraged to contact Jim McGee or Mike Russo at the SIU hall in Houston, (713) 659-5152. August & September 2008 Membership Meetings Piney Point.....................Monday: August 4, September 8 Algonac ............................Friday: August 8, September 12 Baltimore.......................Thursday: August 7, September 11 Boston ................................Friday: August 8, September 12 Guam...........................Thursday: August 21, September 25 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May 15, 2008 — June 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 Honolulu ..........................Friday: August 15, September 19 Totals Houston .........................Monday: August 11, September 15 Port Jacksonville...................Thursday: August 7, September 11 Joliet............................Thursday: August 14, September 18 Mobile.....................Wednesday: August 13, September 17 New Orleans .................Tuesday: August 12, September 16 New York ..........................Tuesday: August 5, September 9 Norfolk..........................Thursday: August 7, September 11 Oakland .......................Thursday: August 14, September 18 Philadelphia................Wednesday: August 6, September 10 Port Everglades ...........Thursday: August 14, September 18 San Juan ........................Thursday: August 7, September 11 St. Louis ...........................Friday: August 15, September 19 Tacoma.............................Friday: August 22, September 26 Wilmington........................Monday: August 18, September 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 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, 2007. 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 $677,570 as of July 31, 2007, compared to $996,980 as of August 1, 2006. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $319,410. 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 $7,361,938, including employer contributions of $7,253,946, gains of $12,756 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $94,883 and other income of $353. Plan expenses were $7,681,348. These expenses included $465,281 in administrative expenses, and $7,216,067 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. ■ An accountant’s report; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; ■ Assets held for investment; and ■ Transactions in excess of 5% 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 $10.25 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 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. July 2008 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 Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 2 4 14 1 7 34 39 0 12 17 42 9 32 5 0 2 4 41 21 1 6 6 9 9 7 41 21 4 7 9 21 22 14 4 13 4 5 32 16 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 3 1 0 0 3 3 2 5 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 5 10 1 9 38 31 1 8 12 29 9 25 2 1 6 1 24 21 0 3 5 12 3 9 25 3 0 6 2 26 13 10 5 12 3 4 22 12 1 1 0 2 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 2 3 0 2 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 3 13 6 2 27 14 0 6 9 23 4 14 1 1 2 0 17 8 3 2 8 20 2 15 63 55 1 21 22 82 17 36 7 1 7 4 67 42 9 7 6 22 11 15 66 48 7 14 15 47 35 18 4 7 15 6 49 30 3 0 0 7 2 1 8 6 3 0 1 5 7 3 4 0 1 1 8 9 287 251 32 233 185 24 144 475 431 69 0 0 5 9 0 7 25 14 1 10 6 18 13 12 1 2 1 0 12 8 4 2 3 10 3 6 11 18 0 6 2 9 15 10 5 2 6 5 12 8 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 2 0 1 0 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 4 2 144 137 22 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 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 2 6 0 3 13 9 0 5 5 9 7 10 1 1 3 0 9 8 0 0 6 4 1 2 7 14 0 3 2 6 9 7 2 0 4 1 11 7 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 2 12 7 0 2 2 7 3 5 3 0 4 0 9 3 0 0 1 4 0 19 29 29 1 13 11 34 16 11 3 3 3 2 23 16 6 5 10 7 6 9 25 34 1 7 6 19 24 14 7 4 6 7 21 15 1 0 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 2 0 6 5 4 0 0 1 0 5 8 91 86 15 65 228 237 46 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 8 3 11 23 18 0 8 10 23 6 16 2 6 3 1 24 18 1 0 2 6 1 5 4 4 0 8 2 9 19 4 0 0 1 1 5 7 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 182 79 7 Port 1 0 0 4 1 10 21 16 0 2 3 15 4 22 1 1 3 0 19 11 1 0 0 5 0 3 6 5 0 1 4 5 13 1 1 0 0 2 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 7 0 1 11 11 0 1 3 8 4 7 1 0 2 1 10 8 1 0 7 12 5 14 30 27 0 11 13 39 9 33 4 8 5 4 28 40 3 2 4 11 2 5 13 12 0 11 5 12 19 8 0 0 2 1 9 9 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 134 58 4 75 290 128 13 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 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 7 0 9 0 11 0 0 5 2 2 0 2 6 1 6 16 12 0 4 6 31 13 15 1 11 3 2 15 7 2 0 0 9 1 4 6 13 0 1 2 5 10 8 0 21 2 1 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 1 0 0 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 7 2 1 0 0 2 0 3 12 10 0 2 1 11 6 15 1 9 2 0 5 5 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 2 0 1 0 0 5 10 0 15 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 8 5 0 1 2 11 0 10 0 1 0 0 4 3 6 3 7 10 3 10 32 30 0 6 10 60 27 29 2 5 4 2 32 21 6 0 1 14 2 20 15 33 2 0 5 19 20 21 1 6 3 3 11 20 Totals 33 153 96 26 85 48 0 48 299 199 646 620 157 484 414 91 284 1041 1095 327 Totals All Departments Seafarers LOG 15 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/30/2008 12:01 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Procedure For Obtaining SIU Absentee Ballots 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 The Arthur M. Huddell is one of the more than 2,700 Liberty ships built during WWII. Vintage Liberty Ship Plots Its Final Course for Greece World War II-Era Vessel Arthur M. Huddell Could Be Destined to Become Museum The last Liberty ship in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s fleet, the Arthur M. Huddell, soon will be on its way to Greece, thanks to a recent agreement between that nation’s government and MarAd. The vessel is expected to be used as a museum. “It is great to be able to save a bit of history from both our nations,” said U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton. “This ship is a symbol of the friendship as well as mutual maritime interests linking Greece and the United States.” American shipyards built 2,751 Liberty ships during World War II, in the largest shipbuilding effort in history. Liberty ships crewed by merchant mariners carried troops and military cargo all over the world. The building and sailing of the Liberty ships, and their successors, the Victory ships, were overseen by the U.S. Maritime Commission and the War Shipping Agency, both predecessor agencies of today’s Maritime Administration. After World War II, Greek shipowners purchased many Liberty ships to build up their fleet. Two other Liberty ships formerly in the Maritime Administration’s National Defense Reserve Fleet, the John W. Brown and the Jeremiah O’Brien, are currently operating as museum ships. While other redesigned and repurposed Liberty ships remain in service, none remain in service in the form they had in World War II. Nonetheless, their use was once so common that the term “Libertysize cargo,” meaning 10,000 tons, may still be heard in the shipping business. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. 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 1971 and sent to the LOG by an unknown source, shows two merchant vessels navigating the Siagon River near Siagon, the Republic of Vietnam. The vessel on the left is the SS Raphael Semmes and the one on the right is the SS Seatrain Puerto Rico. The Semmes is headed up river to off-load its cargo while the Puerto Rico is headed down river en route to the open sea. Seafarers who sailed on the Siagon River during those days in support of our troops during the Vietnam War will recall that the waterway contained numerous sharp zig-zags and extremely sticky bends which kept masters on their toes. Swift currents also tested their nerves on a continuing basis. 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 July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:12 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 CARLOS BONEFONT Brother Carlos Bonefont, 66, was born in Puerto Rico. He joined the union in 1960 while in the port of New York. Brother Bonefont first shipped aboard the Evelyn. The engine department member upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bonefont’s last vessel was the Horizon Hawaii. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. RAYFIELD CRAWFORD Brother Rayfield Crawford, 65, became an SIU member in 1967. He initially sailed on the Chatham. Brother Crawford was born in Maryland and worked in the steward department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities often at the Piney Point school. Brother Crawford’s most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Wright. He makes his home in Baltimore. aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Jones enhanced his seafaring abilities on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. He calls Jacksonville home. WILLIAM LOWRY JR. Brother William Lowry Jr., 67, was born in Maryland. He began his seafaring career in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Lowry’s first trip was on the Penn Transport. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Lowry was last employed aboard the Maersk Carolina. He settled in York, Pa. CARL THOMPSON Brother Carl Thompson, 65, joined the union in 1960. He initially shipped on the Ogden Challenger. Brother Thompson was a member of the deck department. He was born in Alabama. Brother Thompson’s final trip to sea was aboard the Seabulk Power. He lives in Mobile, Ala. ROBERT TRAINOR LOUIS DIAZ Brother Louis Diaz, 66, signed on with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1978. His earliest trip to sea was on the Santa Mercedes, where he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Diaz is a native of Rockwood, Texas. His final voyage was aboard an APL ship. Brother Diaz frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point. He is a resident of Artesia, Calif. ERDWIN FUENTES Brother Erdwin Fuentes, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1973 in the port of New Orleans. He originally shipped on the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Fuentes was born in Mexico and worked in the engine department. In 1981 and 1983, Brother Fuentes attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point. He last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother Fuentes resides in New Orleans. RAYMOND JONES Brother Raymond Jones, 60, first went to sea in 1969 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His initial trip was on an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Jones was born in Florida and sailed in the steward department. He most recently sailed July 2008 Brother Robert Trainor, 60, signed on with the SIU in 1970. He originally sailed with Bay Tankers Inc. as a member of the deck department. Brother Trainor was a frequent upgrader at the maritime training center in Piney Point. He resides in Reno, Nev. MICHAEL WILLIS Brother Michael Willis, 58, became a Seafarer in 1967. The Seattle native worked in the deck department. Brother Willis’ first ship was the Alice Brown; his last was the Great Land. He enhanced his seafaring abilities on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Willis makes his home in Rosburg, Wash. INLAND WAYNE BERRY Boatman Wayne Berry, 52, began sailing with the union in 1987. He was primarily employed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Boatman Berry was born in California and shipped in the deck department. He visited the Piney Point school in 2001 and 2002 to upgrade his skills. Boatman Berry is a resident of Phoenix, Ariz. CLYDE EVANS Boatman Clyde Evans, 65, joined the SIU in 1980 while in Piney Point. His earliest trip to sea was with American Towing & Transportation. Boatman Evans was born in Maryland. He last worked in the engine department of a Penn Maritime vessel. Boatman Evans calls Tangier, Va., home. LOWELL JONES Boatman Lowell Jones, 62, was born in Florida. He became an SIU member in 1965. Boatman Jones first sailed aboard a Coyle Lines Inc. vessel. The deck department member was born in Florida. On three occasions, Boatman Jones upgraded his seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Before his retirement, he worked with G&H Towing Company. Boatman Jones continues to live in his native state. resides in Leland, N.C. WILLIAM PRIVETTE Boatman William Privette, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1971. He initially shipped with Victory Carriers Inc. as a member of the deck department. Boatman Privette frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He was born in San Diego. Boatman Privette most recently sailed aboard a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. He settled in Elmira, Ore. GREAT LAKES ANDREW EGRESSY WILLIAM PHILLIPS Boatman William Phillips, 62, joined the union in 1973. He originally shipped on a Stone Towing Line vessel. Boatman Phillips was a member of the deck department. His final trip was with Cape Fear Towing. Boatman Phillips Brother Andrew Egressy, 70, signed on with the union in 1999 while in Detroit. His first ship was the Sam Laud; his last was the St. Mary’s Challenger. Brother Egressy was born in Concord, N.Y., and worked in the engine department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities in 2002 at the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1959 Seafarers on the cement carrier Florida State were caught in the crossfire stirred by an attempted revolt in the Dominican Republic, but all escaped unhurt. The SIUmanned ship was strafed by planes and stopped by gunboats several times off the Dominican coast before returning to Port Everglades, Fla. The latest incidents occurred a few hours before an alleged “invasion force” in two armed launches was stopped on the coast by Dominican government forces. The “invaders” had reportedly been based in Cuba. SIU-affiliated school. Brother Egressy makes his home in East Concord, N.Y. CHARLES NEIGEBAUER Brother Charles Neigebauer, 65, was born in Michigan. He began his seafaring career in 1969. Brother Neigebauer initially shipped with American Steamship Company as a member of the deck department. His last trip to sea was on the St. Clair. Brother Neigebauer is a resident of Sterling Heights, Mich. MICHAEL SCHAFF Brother Michael Schaff, 55, joined the SIU in 1971. He originally sailed on an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Schaff worked in both the engine and deck departments. His most recent trip was aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Schaff continues to reside in his native state of Wisconsin. to let them leave the ship. After three weeks of food and water rationing, the crew was finally released and flown home. 1980 For more than two weeks, 185 Indochinese boatpeople lived a nightmare adrift in the South China Sea. The mostly Vietnamese men, women and babies had tried to flag down 120 passing ships. But none would stop to aid them. The nightmare ended for the refugees when the SIU-crewed LNG Virgo, working in tandem with the Navy tanker USNS Sealift Antarctic, pulled the boatpeople to safety. Relieved and grateful to the ships’ crews, many of the refugees knelt and kissed the deck. The boatpeople were unaware that the ships’ crews had something to celebrate as well. They performed the rescue in the finest tradition of their country the day before the Fourth of July. This Month In SIU History 1967 Isolated for 21 days and nights aboard the SIU-contracted tanker Observer in the Suez Canal, 39 seafarers were caught in lines of gunfire from the Arab-Israeli War and witnessed at close range the combat of the two opposing armies. The Observer was India-bound with a cargo of grain and about to clear the Suez Canal when the Middle East war exploded and the canal was blocked with debris of sunken ships, preventing passage. Seafarers aboard the Observer report there was almost constant gunfire day and night that would light up the night sky. They also report Arab and Israeli low-flying dogfights during which two planes were downed. Back home, the SIU and Marine Carriers, the ship’s operator, were working to have the crew flown home only to have efforts thwarted by the United Arab Republic that refused 1994 SIU members in the Port of San Juan, P.R., helped pull a grounded oil tanker to safety without spilling any of the 13 million gallons of fuel oil the runaway-flag vessel was carrying. Seafarers aboard tugs operated by Crowley Maritime moved the Greekflagged, Liberian-owned Mantinia safely into Guayanilla Bay. The 749-foot ship had been grounded in sand. Other SIU members were standing by with oil containment booms and skimming equipment in case of a spill. SIU tankermen were also standing by in case the load needed to be lightened. Seafarers LOG 17 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:13 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA MIGUEL AGUIRE Pensioner Miguel Aguire, 85, passed away March 3. Brother Aguire joined the union in 1967. He first sailed aboard the Milwaukee Clipper. Brother Aguire was born in Mexico and shipped in the steward department. His final voyage was on the Venture. In 1987, Brother Aguire started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in Spicewood, Texas. PERRY BOYD JR Brother Perry Boyd Jr., 54, died Feb. 14. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990. Brother Boyd initially shipped aboard the Arecibo. He was born in Louisiana and worked in the engine department. Brother Boyd’s last trip was on the USNS Bellatrix. He continued to live in his native state. ROBERT BRIGHT Pensioner Robert Bright, 74, passed away March 10. He donned the SIU colors in 1959. Brother Bright first sailed on the John B. Waterman; his last vessel was the Cape Ray. He was born in Virginia and worked in the steward department. Brother Bright went on pension in 1997. He was a resident of Norfolk, Va. MICHAEL BRUCK Brother Michael Bruck, 46, died Feb. 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1999 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Bruck’s earliest voyage was aboard the Jeb Stuart. He was born in Suchumi, Russia, and shipped in the steward department. Brother Bruck was last employed on the Global Patriot. He made his home in Mentone, Calif. RICHARD BRUMAGE Pensioner Richard Brumage, 79, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Brumage became an SIU member in 1973 while in Honolulu. He originally sailed aboard the Santa Mariana as a member of the steward department. Brother Brumage was born in Waynesburg, Pa. His final trip to sea was on the Courier. Brother Brumage retired in 1994 and settled in Clarkesville, Pa. ERNEST BRYAN Pensioner Ernest Bryan, 79, died Feb. 8. He started his seafaring profession in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Bryan was born in Freeport, Texas. The deck department member initially shipped aboard an American Dredging Company vessel. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Bryan’s last journey was on the Overseas Alice. He began receiving his pension in 1993. Brother Bryan called Seguin, Texas, home. ALFREDO CANITES Pensioner Alfredo Canites, 73, passed away Feb. 20. Brother Canites was born in the Philippines. He launched his career with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1980 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Canites’ first voyage was aboard the Santa Magdalena. Before retiring in 2001, he sailed on the Lihue. Brother Canites made his home in San Francisco. EGON CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Egon Christensen, 79, died Feb. 13. Brother Christensen signed on with the SIU in 1964, initially shipping aboard an ISCO Inc. vessel. He was a born in Denmark and worked in the deck department. Brother Christensen’s final trip to sea was on the Endurance. He became a pensioner in 1987 and resided in Santa Rosa, Calif. GREGORY FULLER Brother Gregory Fuller, 58, passed away Feb. 7. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 while in the port of New York. Brother Fuller originally sailed aboard the Trans Champ. The engine department member most recently shipped on the Capricorn. Brother Fuller lived in California. JESUS GARCIA Pensioner Jesus Garcia, 90, died Feb. 11. Brother Garcia began sailing with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. His earliest voyage was aboard the Jefferson City Victory. Brother Garcia was a Texas native. He sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Garcia’s last ship was the Borinquen. He was a resident of Norwood, N.J., and went on pension in 1981. YUNG HO Pensioner Yung Ho, 87, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Ho was born in China. He launched his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Ho first sailed in the steward department of the Steel Apprentice. His final trip to sea was on the Innovator. Brother Ho retired in 1982 and called San Francisco home. PATRICK KERNS Brother Patrick Kerns, 43, died Feb. 5. He joined the union in 1990 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Kerns’ first voyage was aboard the Sealift Arctic. He was born in Seattle. Brother Kerns last worked on the Global Patriot. Brother Kerns sailed in the deck department. He settled in Bellevue, Wash. JAMES LONG Pensioner James Long, 64, passed away Feb. 26. Brother Long became an SIU member in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Sea Ohio. He was born in West Chester, Pa., and shipped in the engine department. Brother Long’s most recent trip to sea was on the Horizon Anchorage. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2006 and continued to live in Pennsylvania. DONALD MCFARLAND Pensioner Donald McFarland, 79, died Feb. 14. Brother McFarland began shipping with the Seafarers in 1972. The deck department member was born in Washington State. Brother McFarland originally sailed aboard the Eagle Voyage. His final journey was on the Horizon Trader. Brother McFarland became a pensioner in 1994 and made his home in Lynnwood, Wash. ROBERT MUNROE Pensioner Robert Munroe, 67, passed away Feb. 8. Brother Munroe donned the SIU colors in 1961. His first ship was the Cantigny; his last was the Taurus. Brother Munroe was born in Ludlow, Mass., and worked as a member of the deck department. He went on pension in 1995 and resided in Springfield, Mass. VERBON NASH Pensioner Verbon Nash, 83, passed away Feb. 3. Brother Nash joined the union in 1944. He initially shipped with Alcoa Steamship Company as a deck department member. Brother Nash was born in Mississippi. His final journey was aboard the Montpelier Victory. In 1983, Brother Nash retired and settled in Alabama. JIMMIE RUSSELL Pensioner Jimmie Russell, 70, died March 3. Brother Russell signed on with the Seafarers in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Del Alba. Brother Russell sailed in the steward department. He was most recently employed on the Horizon Producer. Brother Russell was born in Birmingham, Ala., but called San Antonio, Texas, home. He began receiving his pension in 1996. FRANK STRATES Pensioner Frank Strates, 90, died March 8. Brother Strates started his seafaring career in 1961. His first voyage was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel. Brother Strates was born in Greece. The engine department member most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Strates became a pensioner in 1982 and made his home in Deltona, Fla. BERTRAND WRIGHT Pensioner Bertrand Wright, 71, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Wright became a Seafarer in 1958, initially shipping with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He was born in Alabama and worked in the steward department. Before his retirement in 1998, Brother Wright sailed on the Cape Jacob. He continued to live in his native state. INLAND EDWARD HATTAWAY Pensioner Edward Hattaway, 82, died Feb. 13. Boatman Hattaway donned the SIU colors in 1956 in the port of New York. He was originally employed aboard an Interocean American Shipping vessel. Boatman Hattaway was born in Georgia. He last worked in the deck department of a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Boatman Hattaway went on pension in 1991 and resided in Twin City, Ga. MILES IRELAND Boatman Miles Ireland, 60, passed away April 23. He was born in Lowland, N.C. Boatman Miles joined the union in 1972. He first sailed on a Plymouth Towing Company vessel. Boatman Ireland shipped in the deck department. His final trip took place aboard the Russell B. Murray. Boatman Ireland was a Leland, N.C., resident. SAMUEL MORMANDO Pensioner Samuel Mormando, 74, died Feb. 28. Boatman Mormando started sailing with the SIU in 1973 from the port of Norfolk, Va. The New Jersey native primarily worked with McAllister Towing of Virginia. Boatman Mormando made his home in Virginia. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. ED MORRIS Pensioner Ed Morris, 79, passed away Feb. 1. Boatman Morris signed on with the Seafarers in 1962. He mainly sailed on vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. Boatman Morris was born in Altus, Okla., and shipped in the engine department. In 1991, he started collecting his pension. Boatman Morris settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. GREAT LAKES JOHN ANTICH Pensioner John Antich, 79, died Feb. 10. Brother Antich began his seafaring profession in 1962. He was born in Chicago. Brother Antich primarily worked with Great Lakes Towing Company as a member of the deck department. He retired in 1991 and called Plainfield, Ill., home. MICHAEL KORNMEIER Pensioner Michael Kornmeier, 62, passed away March 2. Brother Kornmeier became a union member in 1967 while in Detroit. His earliest trip to sea was aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Kornmeier resided in his native state of Ohio. Prior to his retirement in 2001, he sailed with Great Lakes Towing Company. MOHAMED OBAID Pensioner Mohamed Obaid, 67, died Feb. 8. Brother Obaid joined the SIU in 1970. His first vessel was the Otto Reiss; his last was the Sam Laud. Brother Obaid was born in Arabia and sailed in the engine department. He went on pension in 1992 and lived in Hamtramck, Mich. RICHARD ROUSSIN Pensioner Richard Roussin, 54, passed away Feb. 1. Brother Roussin was born in Michigan. He donned the SIU colors in 1972. Brother Roussin’s first voyage was on the Ben Calvin. The deck department member’s final trip to sea was aboard the Buffalo. Brother Roussin was a resident of Oakland, Wisc. He became a pensioner in 2005. July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:13 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line Limited), April 6 – Chairman Albert C. Williams, Secretary Luis A. Caballero, Educational Director Edley M. Foster. Chairman encouraged crew members to take advantage of Union Plus benefits and gave them advice when going for physical exams. Secretary asked members not to use towels as rags and try to keep linen in good condition. Educational director urged Seafarers to enhance skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made concerning requirements for running for office. Crew requested refrigerators in rooms. Steward department was thanked for a job well done and great service. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), April 20 – Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Edgardo S. Barrios, Engine Delegate Yahya A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Chairman announced payoff April 23 upon arrival in Los Angeles. He asked all crew members to separate trash and keep laundry room/public areas clean. Secretary requested that mariners ensure that exterior doors are locked in port at all times. Educational director suggested that crew check out upgrading courses available at Piney Point school. Treasurer reported $700 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made to increase vacation and pension benefits. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for keeping ship clean and for good food. Next ports: Los Angeles, Okinawa, Yokohama, and Kolbe, Japan. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), April 12 – Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Denis W. Burke, Deck Delegate Richard Johnson, Engine Delegate Greg Davis, Steward Delegate Rocky D. Dupraw. Chairman reported best crew to sail with in recent memory. Secretary asked crew to sougee staterooms prior to arrival and payoff in Houston. He also reminded crew to wipe off work boots prior to entering house. Steward department is to provide clean linen and toiletries. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members expressed gratitude to steward department for keeping ship clean and painting galley decks and bulkheads. Next ports: Panama, Houston, Beirut and Libya. GALENA BAY (OSG Ship Management), April 2 – Chairman Elkanah B. Ladia, Secretary Fausta D. Aranda, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna, Steward Delegate Frederick L. Saffo. Chairman discussed the importance of participating in shipboard meetings. Secretary asked Seafarers to help keep TV room clean and return dirty dishes to the galley. Educational director urged crew to upgrade when possible at the SIU-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion July 2008 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 the Keystone Texas Clearly, these guys (above) are serious about reading the Seafarers LOG. Pictured in the crew mess after a meeting are (from left) Chief Cook Orlando Suazo, GUDE Fabian Palacios, Chief Steward Roderick Oree and Recertified Bosun Edward McLean. AB Chris Pope (above, right) stands watch while the vessel is docked in Tampa. In photo at immediate right, AB Dragan Petrovic rigs boxes that will be lifted aboard the ship. Chief Cook Orlando Suazo (photo at far right) prepares tempting ribs for dinner. These photos were submitted to the Seafarers LOG by SIU Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand. was made to give pensioners cost of living raises. Next port: Tampa, Fla. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), April 6 – Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Shawn L. Clark, Steward Delegate Jioia Deleon. Chairman stated payoff would take place upon arrival in Tacoma. He urged members to keep dues current and support SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of upgrading and training offered in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions were asked regarding workmen’s compensation. Next port: Tacoma. INDIANA HARBOR (American Steamship Company), April 20 – Chairman Timothy H. Burke, Educational Director Daryl W. Overby, Deck Delegate Robert R. Hedine. Chairman advised mariners to keep necessary seafaring documents up-to-date. Educational director recommended everyone attend classes at the Paul Hall Center to enhance job skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested further information pertaining to 401(k) plan, SPAD T-shirts and changes to medical plan. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), April 8 – Chairman Ahmed A. Mihakel, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford. Bosun announced payoff in Long Beach, Calif., on April 12 after patrolman arrives. He thanked members for a safe voyage and reminded them to take personal trash to the incinerator room. Secretary reported that new reefers for crew mess will arrive on the West Coast. Educational director reiterated the importance of checking document expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to lower sea time requirements in order to qualify for medical benefits. Seafarers requested new furniture for crew lounge. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., Oakland, Calif., Dutch Harbor, Alaska and Yokohoma, Japan. JOHN J. BOLAND (American Steamship Company), April 13 – Chairman Paul S. Gohs, Secretary Khaled M. Alasaadi, Educational Director Donald R. Jaegle, Steward Delegate Khaled M. Alasaadi. Chairman read and posted information in ship’s packet. He encouraged members to continue contributing to SPAD and purchase MDLs. He reminded everyone to enroll for TWIC as soon as possible. Educational director noted that information regarding upgrading classes offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school was posted in the rec room. Treasurer reported $2,100 in satellite TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several safety reminders were discussed. Mariners were reminded to wear proper gloves when line handling and if unsure of procedures to ask experienced crew members. Next port: Conneaut, Ohio. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), April 20 – Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Osvaldo Ramos, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Mario Ordonez. Chairman stated payoff to take place on April 28 in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew for another safe trip and reminded those departing vessel to clean rooms and turn keys in. Secretary expressed gratitude for help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged everyone to check expiration dates on seafaring documents and upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to vacation, medical and pension benefits. Crew members would like new mattresses. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Algeciras, Spain. SAM LAUD (American Steamship Company), April 2 – Chairman Scott E. Krajniak, Secretary Darlene M. Weymouth, Educational Director Timothy Orban, Deck Delegate Kevin R. Stehlik, Engine Delegate Timothy Orban. Chairman discussed chain of command and the importance of following it. He encouraged crew members to support SPAD and stressed how their donations benefit their way of life. Secretary encouraged mariners to participate in 401(k) plan. Educational director informed members that forms were available in rec room cabinet. He also advised them to register at their local union hall within 72 hours of departing vessel. Deck delegate talked about the importance of safety while performing their duties. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Cleveland. SEABULK ENERGY (Seabulk Tanker), April 6 – Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Loicy M. Jones, Educational Director Wendell M. Wilmoth, Steward Delegate Kenneth L. McHellen. Bosun thanked ABs for work done on deck and painting the stairs. He congratulated the crew on working well together. Secretary expressed gratitude for help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged crew to upgrade when possible at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for four more satellite boxes for the rest of crew. ST. CLAIR (American Steamship Company), April 7 – Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Kathryn S. Hansen, Educational Director Terrance A. Pyrlik, Deck Delegate Joseph B. Hance, Engine Delegate Bryan D. Clark, Steward Delegate James R. Beaudry. Chairman thanked crew for all the help bringing ship out of layup and getting her going. He talked about internal department working relationships and how it benefits everyone aboard when they work together. Members were urged to contribute the SPAD. Educational director recommended upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that additional safety gear had arrived and was available for all. Crew was asked to wash dirty clothes in washer in the engine room. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for a super clean galley and great meals. Next ports: Two Harbors, Minn., and Indiana Harbor, Ind. Seafarers LOG 19 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:13 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. Australian Ceremony Honors U.S. Mariners On May 9, 2008, at the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial service – which is conducted every year by the Australian American Association – I had the great and proud honor to lay a floral wreath on behalf of both Mr. A.J. Wichita, president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and also Mr. Ian Allison, cochairman of the Just Compensation Committee. This was done in memory of all U.S. Merchant Mariners who gave their lives in World War II for our tomorrow. The ceremony took place at the Fremantle War Memorial. It included remarks by the governor of Western Australia (Dr. Ken Michael) and messages from both Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and President Bush. As noted in the printed program, the Battle of the Coral Sea was fought May 5-8, 1942. Australia was a key to Japanese war plans in the Pacific, because it was a base for land, air and sea operations against them. The Japanese High Command reached out to capture Port Moresby; confronting them in the Coral Sea was an allied naval task force that included the aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Yorktown with cruisers USS Chicago, HMAS Hobart, Flag Ship HMAS Australia and destroyer escorts. At great loss, the advancing Japanese naval The letter writer (second from right) is pictured with U.S. Navy personnel at the ceremony. Helman constructed this wreath and laid it along with others that were utilized for the annual remembrance of those mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice. strike force was stopped. This battle set the scene for the decisive defeat of the Japanese navy by the U.S. at the Battle of Midway shortly after. As a merchant seaman who served from 1939-45 on allied merchant ships and specifically on four U.S.-flag ships in 1944 and 1945, I met and sailed with so many U.S. shipmates. We had fun times and also sad times. May God bless America, may God bless Australia, and may we always be allied shipmates. John E. Helman Hamilton Hill, Western Australia Recalling Sacrifices Of WWII Mariners I am the son of a U.S. Merchant Mariner who sailed during World War II, and I am also a military veteran of Vietnam. I’m writing this letter to honor the job performed during WWII by the mariners of our country. They served honorably and took on losses due to enemy fire with little or not protection, yet they never stopped or complained of the danger involved. Instead, they showed a “must do” attitude to deliver supplies in spite of the dangers. I speak of this because I can remember my father describing voyages and the cargo they carried. They had a strong desire to move that cargo to the men in the field, who were so desperate to bring victory to our country. Dad was too young to volunteer in the military like his brothers, so he became a mariner to do what he could do for his country. Dad emphasized that his shipmates had the same attitude and were proud of what they were doing, in spite of the losses they took on. What my father may not have realized was that he had instilled his standards into me, and I also wanted to serve this country. How can anyone not give these men their due? They not only served abroad but they also brought back to this country much-needed supplies from overseas. The efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine were twofold: take care of our men abroad and take care of the needs of our country from abroad. That is a mission even we as soldiers could not top, as some of these men made the ultimate sacrifice without receiving recognition of the importance of their mission during a critical time. I hope that these comments are not taken as disrespectful to our armed forces, but only as factual as this writer sees them concerning our “unarmed forces,” the U.S. Merchant Marine. Anibal Colon Menendez Kansas City, Missouri Fighting the treacherous foe Heave Ho! My lads, Heave Ho! Let the sea roll high or low We can cross any ocean, sail any river Give us the goods and we’ll deliver Damn the submarine! We’re the men of the Merchant Marine! This is the official song of the U.S. Maritime Service, written in 1943 by Jack Lawrence. It would be nice to put this in the LOG around National Maritime Day each year. Bruce E. Knight Chesapeake, Virginia Sharing Rediscovered Poems I recently came across a number of my old poems that were published years ago in the NMU Pilot and wanted to share them with the membership and my fellow retirees. Here is one from 1983: The Lookout The moon is up over the ocean And I can see for miles by its light Don’t Forget Our Song I sometimes wonder why we never hear a song about the U.S. Merchant Marine. It would be especially fitting to hear such a song on National Maritime Day. When I went to Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., for maritime training in 1944, they taught us a song. But, since leaving the school, not one time have I heard that song again. Anyway, the verse and chorus went like this: Give us the oil, give us the gas Give us the shells, give us the guns We’ll be the ones to see them thru Give us the tanks, give us the planes Give us the parts, give us a ship Give us a hip hoo-ray! And we’ll be on our way Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho! It’s a long, long way to go It’s a long, long pull with our hatches full Braving the wind, braving the sea The horizon is not blinking With other ships this night And the sky is clear but changing With the clouds that dwell up there While the stars all tell their ancient stories Of times when gods walked down here And the sea, she tells me stories, too Of her many victories And how she beat many men Who sailed against her pleas “The ships that lost were careless, Their crews not fit for me “But of all the crew I’d blame the most, ’Twas the lookout – if you please” Retired AB Harold Brown Orlando, Florida 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. July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:13 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Refrigeration Technician July 21 August 29 Pumpman August 11 August 22 Welding September 8 October 6 November 3 December 6 September 26 October 23 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) August 2 August 8 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW July 21 July 25 Fast Rescue Boat July 14 August 18 September 8 July 18 August 22 September 12 Medical Care Provider July 14 September 8 July 18 September 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) September 22 November 10 September 6 October 3 November 21 September 12 Start Date Date of Completion August 18 September 29 November 10 September 12 October 23 December 5 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) October 6 November 17 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 November 14 December 19 GMDSS September 1 September 12 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 4 September 15 October 27 August 15 September 26 November 7 Radar September 22 November 3 October 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) October 27 December 8 October 27 December 8 Academic Department Courses Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 25 October 20 September 5 October 31 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. Bosun Recertification Course October 14 November 3 Course Able Seaman Tankerman (PIC) Barge 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 June 23. Steward Recertification Course July 14 August 4 August 18 September 8 Online “Distance Learning” Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) September 1 November 10 September 26 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) September 15 November 10 October 10 December 5 Firemen/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) August 18 October 13 September 12 November 6 Junior Engineer August 30 October 24 Machinist July 21 August 8 Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No 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, 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 ________________________________________________ July 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. 7/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:13 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Classes Four Seafarers, each of whom was undergoing upgrade training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., recently completed computer courses. The four joined instructor Rich Prucha (center in photos above and below) to pose with the certificates they earned for their accomplishments. Displaying their certificates in photo above are Joseph Yamson (left) and Roberto Silva. Dawn Johnson and Sergey Kurchenko show off their credentials in photo below. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 702 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 702 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Jeremy Birchfield, Dustin Brantley, David Burciage, Daryl Corbett, Jack Corn, James East, Kevin England, Darrell Goggins, William Gosse, Richard Howard, Brian Jackson, James Jackson, Jorge Lanas Jr., Hezikiah Lawe, Robin Majette, John Menley, Teresa Robin, Ignacio Santos, Keith Scott, Mark Turner, Timothy Van Pelt II, Oshema Watson, Michael Washington, Jovan Williams and Igor Yakunkov. Marine Engineer – Eight mariners on May 23 graduated from this course. Completing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Keithley Andrew, Nicholas Collins, Roger Dillinger Jr., Daniel Gaffney, Joseph Letang, Douglas Lowry, Wade Rudolph and Michael Voda. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is third from left, seated. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) graduated from this course May 23: Gary Hirsch, Anthony Pace, Jerome Dooms, Vadym Gutara, Dana Wilks, Roger Nesbeth and Angelo Schiraldi. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is standing third from left. Fast Rescue Boat - Three upgraders on May 16 graduated from this course. They are William Smith (seated), Paul Starvish (back row, second from left) and Michael Freeman. Their, instructor, Stan Beck, is standing at left. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Two classes of Phase III apprentices on May 9 completed this 63-hour course. Those completing the course (in alphabetical order) were Scott Accardi, Jeffrey Amestoy, Tristin Brand, Aaron Chiusano, DeMorris Duggins, Wilson Franks, Kabir Garcia, Kyle Gibson, Tonya Gist, Brandy Griffin, Tsawang Gyurme, Austen Hess, Spencer Hiruko, Gabriel Izquierdo, Enchantress Johnson, Kenneth LeDeoux, Larry Locke, Cintron Maldonado, Tony Martin, Matthew Martinson, Daniel McDougald, Mark Merenda, Frederick Nyarko, Algernon Ramseur, Christopher Shivalier, Steven Sidler and Frank Smith. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2008 �49311_p01_24:9311p0 6/27/2008 11:13 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW (Hawaii) – The students shown in the top left photo recently completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barber’s Point, Hawaii. Graduating from the class (in alphabetical order) were Oscar Awa, Phillip Barretto, Guillermo Tluzek, Sharitta Givens, Mary Galdwell, Tony Hayes, Darrel Nelson, Leslie Parks, Erin Peacy, Nathan Penoyer, Whitney Pyles, Shane Riley, Neyshalee Pomales, Berny Travilla, Jose Torres, Brett Wisniewski and Krista Young. STCW (Hawaii) – The following students (above right, in no particular order) on May 19 completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii: Jorge Arais, Jane Birkinbine, Alaina Brown, Andrew Drummond, Morgan Erickson-Davis, Wendell Fugate, Daniel Huang, Peter Kraska, James Lobdell, Shea Miller, Jeffrey Orchard, John Putegnat, Francis Smith and Joseph Sullivan STCW (Hawaii) – Eight students recently completed the STCW course at the Barbers Point, Hawaiibased Seafarers Training Center. Completing the course (photo at left, in no particular order) were Laura McFadden, Adam Landis, Kathleen Warwick, Molly Ulka, Ashlee Thelen, Lauren Borkowski, Samantha Webster and Jeremy Denton. Radar (G&H Towing) – Three G&H Towing Boatmen on May 23 completed this course. Those graduating (above, starting second from left) were Michael Shanks, Terry Hale and Bryan Albrecht. The class instructor, Stacey Harris, is at left. FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on May 16 completed this course: Ben Anderson, Glen Arnold, Gavin Benckert, Christopher Carrier, Ortiz Castillio, Brandon Fields, Thomas Jones, Damien Lae, Jesse Lewis, James McEntire, Robert Puckett, Cornelius Smith, John Szeibert, David Turley, Jason Young and Frank Zoumakpe. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is third from right. STCW – The following upgraders (above, from left to right) on May 16 completed this course: Kirk Moffett, Seddik Ali, Jeff Van Slanbrock, Ali Sailar, Avis Hawkins and Carl Robinson. Also completing the course, but not pictured were William Grow and Mustafa Malik. 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. July 2008 Water Survival - Nine upgraders completed this course May 23. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Desmond Baptiste, Shanita Daniel, Raphael Dewberry, Curtrina Duck, Anthony Kpodovia, Wilfredo Lansangan, Sandy Santiago, Christopher Sikes and Karen Suzuki. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is standing far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �49311_p01_24X:9311p0 6/30/2008 2:19 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 7 July 2008 Mariners Need TWIC by April 15, 2009 - Page 10 With the Fourth Arm of Defense in Norfolk The photos on this page recently were submitted by personnel from the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. The pictures include SIU members aboard the USNS Gordon. The Gordon is a government-owned large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship, abbreviated as LMSR. The ship is operated by SIU-contracted Interocean American Shipping Co. and is named after Army Master Sergeant Gary Gordon who received the Medal of Honor posthumously. He died in service in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. The Gordon was activated in early May in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. JE Hashiem Pittman QMED Antoine Rainey Wiper Ruden Perez, QMED Edward Galbis, SA Eduardo Merigliano SA Nina Phelps (left), Chief Cook Martha Williams Recertified Steward Rod Bright (left) and SA Eduardo Merigliano AB Tim Kacer AB Augustin Manzo-Sandoval, Recertified Steward Rod Bright OS Jonathon Walker, 3rd Mate Adena Kenny, Chief Mate Al White Pictured from left to right, ACU Dave Parker, SA John Canson, Chief Cook “Fats” Belcher, AB Lou Colbert and SA Bebe Eason fire up the grills. Among those enjoying a recent cookout at the Norfolk hall were SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (third from right, holding water bottle), SIU Government Services Division Representative Maurice Cokes (standing third from left) and Seafarers Wiper Rick Langley, AB Mike Warren, ACU Dave Parker, AB Elmo Davis, AB Laurentis Colbert, AB Bennie Spencer and Chief Cook William Belcher. Clockwise from lower left, Bosun Marc Marcus prepares to position cargo aboard the USNS Gordon using a forklift while AB Pete Hokenson and Recertified Steward Rod Bright take a short break on the vessel’s deck. Chief Storekeeper Renee Clayton discusses stores delivery issues with “Joe the truck driver” while Oiler Carmelo Collazo, AB Mike Sykes and QMED Emilio Ordaniel receive their full SIU books during a membership meeting. Once each of the crew members had completed their duties and each assigned task successfully had been accomplished, the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off Gordon takes to the open seas. � 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 July 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS’ SAFETY TRAINING PROVES VITAL IN CHEMICAL TRADER EMERGENCY INCIDENT NASSCO DELIVERS USNS PEARY TO MSC ALAKAI JOINS SIU-CONTRACTED FLEET NEGOTIATING TEAMS SECURE GOOD CONTRACTS IN ‘TOUGH TIMES’ REPORT OUTLINES STEPS TO BOOST U.S.-FLAG FLEET ITF INSPECTORS HONE STRATEGIES FOR ADVANCING MARINERS’ RIGHTS SIU-CREWED SODERMAN ASSISTS IN MILITARY EXERCISE CIVMARS TOW DECOMMISSIONED SUBMARINE ACE APPROVES PAUL HALL CENTER COURSES CHAMBER OF SHIPPING HONORS SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES RETIRED SEAFARER FOLEY’S BOOK ILLUSTRATES PLIGHT OF LIGHTHOUSES REP. THOMPSON DISPLEASED WITH TWIC DELAYS SIU MAERSK CREWS COMPLETE SAFETY ‘BOOT CAMP’ AT SIU-AFFILIATED SCHOOL SIU ELECTRICIAN EARNS SAFETY KUDOS ABOARD MAERSK-OPERATED POMEROY USS ANNOUNCES 2008 AOTOS HONOREES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY CEREMONIES REFLECT U.S. MERCANT MARINE’S ONGOING IMPORTANCE VINTAGE LIBERTY SHIP PLOTS ITS FINAL COURSE FOR GREECE WORLD WAR II-ERA VESSEL ARTHUR M. HUDDELL COULD BE DESTINED TO BECOME MUSEUM 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 07/01/2008 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. 7 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b7da7a67452a49891099a7423c0f4e4f.pdf 6fabe8dd1e5547323ca2155232eab4d4 PDF Text Text 49927_P01_24X3:January 08 7/29/2008 12:03 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 8 August 2008 Federation Endorses Sen. Obama for President Top leaders of AFL-CIO unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco (right), recently voted without opposition to endorse pro-maritime Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) (left) in his bid to become the next president of the United States. Sen. Obama has expressed very strong support for pro-maritime statutes including the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The photo below left was taken after the labor endorsement meeting June 26 in Washington, D.C. Page 2. SIU Jobs are Secure As Phillips, Baugh Transfer to Maersk’s Commercial Fleet Seafarers Contribute to MRAP Milestone The U.S. Department of Defense in July announced another milestone in the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) program. As of early last month, 10,000 MRAPs had been delivered to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these vehicles have been delivered by SIU-crewed ships, including the USNS Pililaau (right), pictured earlier this year offloading an MRAP in Kuwait. Page 4. SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) last month announced that it had won the bid to purchase and operate the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips (above) and the MV PFC William B. Baugh (bottom photo) – a development which preserves Seafarers’ jobs aboard both vessels. The ships have transferred to MLL’s commercial fleet after previously sailing as prepositioning vessels for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Page 3 SIU Boatmen Welcome New Z-Drive Tug A new SIU-contracted tugboat recently was christened in Houston. The Wesley A (left), operated by G&H Towing for BayHouston Towing Company, is a state-of-the-art addition to the union’s contracted inland fleet. Pictured at the ceremony (right) are crew members along with SIU officials VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (fourth from left) and Asst. VP Jim McGee (right). Page 3. (Photos by Robert John Mihovil) Contracts Approved Pages 3, 4 Superferry Sets Record Page 6 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:02 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Maritime’s Role in the Energy Debate Early in this decade, chances are good that unless you lived in the Pacific Northwest or near Capitol Hill, it wasn’t easy to get into a conversation about ANWR and whether the U.S. should open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for safe oil exploration. Today, with gasoline at well over $4 a gallon in most parts of the country and with other energy costs also increasing, things have changed – in more ways than one. Michael Sacco ANWR is all over the news, all across the land. “Energy independence” is now a hot topic in the November elections, and the latest polling shows a significant change in public attitudes not only about oil exploration in ANWR but also about offshore drilling. According to numerous news reports, and again based on reliable polling, most Americans now favor such exploration. (In the case of ANWR, a great majority of Alaskans have long supported exploration.) Most also believe it will lead to lower prices for energy in the U.S. For the record, the SIU’s position on ANWR is that we still believe ANWR exploration potentially offers substantial benefits for the entire nation. In particular where the SIU is concerned, it could lead to significant numbers of new jobs in the U.S. Merchant Marine. When and if the time comes, oil delivered from ANWR should and will be carried aboard American-flag ships. Such procedure is just good common sense, not to mention it is required by the Jones Act, which mandates that cargo moved from one U.S. port to another be transported aboard vessels that are crewed, flagged, owned and built American. If as a nation we’re aiming for greater self-reliance, then a viable, strong U.S.-flag fleet is a crucial part of the equation. And laws like the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program are more important than ever to our country’s wellbeing. The same line of thinking holds true in regards to liquefied gas, a very lively topic at several large ports across the country. As this issue of the LOG went to press, the U.S. Maritime Administration announced that one company (Suez Energy), as part of its liquefied natural gas deepwater port license application, has committed to use an American-flag, U.S.crewed ship (including the unlicensed mariners) in the company’s proposed LNG import facility off the Florida coast. I applaud the announcement and I hope it’s just one of many such commitments to come. As I wrote last year, as our government issues licenses for new LNG terminals – and with the very probable increase in importing such cargo – it’s not only good policy but also sound, safe judgment to acknowledge that having U.S. LNG vessels and crews will help reduce any economic leverage or even outright threats from those who wish to harm our nation. U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton put it quite well last month in his Suez announcement. In part, he said, “The employment of U.S. citizens aboard the LNG vessels serving our natural gas receiving facilities is clearly in the nation’s best interest. Placing the transportation of LNG under the control of U.S. mariners, who are subject to strenuous background checks, will add an additional layer of safety and security to our energy supply chain.” The same logic applies to the ANWR situation and, for that matter, to other cargoes. In fact, this goes beyond the energy issue and extends to the core reasons why we need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine in the first place. Whether we’re delivering materiel for our troops, or moving oil from coast to coast, or bringing loaded containers from overseas, or plying the inland waterways or sailing on the Great Lakes, the U.S. Merchant Marine is a necessary, reliable part of the very fabric of America’s national and economic security. Our track record proves it, and so do the Seafarers who are currently sailing aboard all kinds of ships, all over the world. In the ongoing debate over energy, the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role, value and dependability will not be overlooked. Volume 70, Number 8 August 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. 2 Seafarers LOG Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee for the 2008 Elections, was a guest speaker during the AFL-CIO’s 25th Constitutional Convention in July 2005 in Chicago. The senator is pictured above with AFL-CIO President John Sweeney during that function. Federation Endorses Obama The top leaders of AFL-CIO unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, on June 26 voted without opposition to endorse pro-maritime Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in his bid to become the next president of the United States. The federation’s General Board, which designated Obama as the candidate of its choice for the White House, includes presidents of all 56 unions in the AFL-CIO, as well as Executive Council members and representatives of state and local federations, trade departments and constituency groups. The General Board votes by per capita membership. In conjunction with the endorsement, the AFLCIO launched a new web site: Meet Barack Obama (http://www.aflcio.org/issues/politics/obama.cfm.) In its endorsement statement, the General Board noted that Sen. Barack Obama “has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation. His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together. Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement.” Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain, his Republican presidential opponent. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, in announcing the federation’s backing, said, “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency that he’s leading the fight to turn around America.” As a champion for working families, Sweeney said, “Obama knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Senator Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.” The federation’s endorsement was not only a stamp of approval; it marked the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters – including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America – in 24 priority states, working to elect pro-labor U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates. When it comes to the U.S.-flag maritime industry, Sen. Obama has expressed very strong support on laws and programs such as the Jones Act, the U.S. Maritime Security Program and cargo preference regulations. “The Jones Act is a vital part of our national defense and supports American workers,” Sen. Obama said earlier this year. “As president, I would fully enforce it…. Furthermore, maintaining the American Merchant Marine fleet is vital to our economy and national security. I would oppose any move to undermine this Act.” Concerning the Maritime Security Program, Sen. Obama stated that it “helps ensure U.S.-flag vessels are ready to meet our needs during times of war or national emergency and I support fully funding it. I support funding the Maritime Security Program so that it serves our nation’s national security needs. If the GAO [General Accountability Office] or another independent body finds that the MSP program needs to be expanded, I will support expanding it to the size necessary.” He added, “Our cargo preference laws are an important way for us to regulate and support the maritime industry. Supporting the maritime industry allows us to ensure that we have the resources we need during times of war and national emergency and maintains standards in the industry. I will continue to support cargo preference laws where they uphold our goals in shipping.” SIU-Contracted Companies Honored with Safety Awards A number of Seafarers-contracted companies received recognition June 5 in Houston as the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) conducted its annual safety awards luncheon. The CSA represents 31 U.S.-based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships and other merchant vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades. The CSA also represents other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. Among the honors presented were the Jones F. Devlin awards, which were given to companies that have operated ships for at least two years without a mariner involved in a lost-time injury. Recipients included Alaska Tanker Company; Crescent Towing; Crowley Maritime Corporation; Crowley Petroleum Services; E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc.; American Overseas Marine; Horizon Lines; Interocean American Shipping Corporation; American Roll-on-Roll-off Carrier; Sea Star Line; Totem Ocean Trailer Express; Keystone Shipping; Maersk Line, Limited; Ocean Shipholdings; OSG Ship Management; Seabulk Tankers; Seabulk Towing; and U.S. Shipping Partners. Individual SIU-crewed vessels receiving honors included the Horizon Falcon, Brenton Reef, Green Bay, Santa Cruz, USNS Lawrence Gianella, Overseas Long Beach and R.J. Pfeiffer. Joseph Cox, CSA president, said the awards program’s growth since inception in the mid1950s is a credit to “the professionalism of our seafarers and the dedication of shore-based company personnel to safe operation.” He added, “CSA’s involvement in safety is longstanding. We continue to represent the industry, domestically and internationally, on safety issues encompassing every facet of ship operations. It is therefore only fitting that an industry so focused on safety, publicly recognizes the skills and dedication of the women and men who are responsible for actions in keeping with the highest traditions of the sea – aid to those in peril.” More than 240 people attended the awards luncheon, including representatives of the SIU. August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:02 PM Page 3 SIU Jobs Saved Aboard Phillips, Baugh Maersk Wins Bid to Operate RO/ROs in Commercial Sector SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) last month announced that it had won the bid to purchase and operate the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips and the MV PFC William B. Baugh – a development which preserves Seafarers’ jobs aboard both vessels. In the near future, the Baugh will be renamed the Maersk Texas while the Phillips will be renamed the Maersk Tennessee. The ships will sail in commercial service; previously, they were part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet (since 1984). The continuation of SIU jobs aboard both vessels is no small accomplishment, considering that six of the seven bidders reportedly planned to scrap them, even though the ships are in good shape. Earlier this year, MSC notified MLL that the charter for each ship would be terminated on July 15. A carefully governed bidding process followed, with MLL emerging the winner. One requirement in the process was that the highest price be attained for the ships. “The company has acknowledged that the longstanding, effective working relationship between the SIU and Maersk Line, Limited helped give them the reassurance to proceed in this bidding process,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “They deserve credit for once again demonstrating their commitment to the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I believe that the union and the rankand-file membership also deserve credit.” In mid-July, both vessels were transferred to MLL’s commercial fleet and started undergoing minor conversions to accommodate their new missions. According to the company, the ships will fit well with MLL’s existing U.S.-flag services. They are roughly comparable to older but well-maintained, low-mileage vehicles. One MLL official estimated that the ships “have at least five more years of useful life.” The Phillips and the Baugh basically are identical. Each vessel is slightly longer than 755 feet, with a beam of 90 feet and a speed of 16.4 knots. Each is a combination container and roll-on/roll-off ship. Since the mid-1980s, they primarily have operated in Diego Garcia and Guam. “Much of the crew has been with the prepositioning program for many years, The MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips (above) served for many years in MSC’s prepositioning fleet. and the unblemished record of mission readiness over 25 years is a testament to their skills and dedication,” said MLL Labor Relations Vice President Ed Hanley. “The new opportunity for commercial trading is being embraced by most crew members, who are looking for- ward to the challenge with enthusiasm. “Operational excellence and careful cost management are critical to keeping the U.S. flag competitive in the international trades, and it is comforting as an operator to know we have such outstanding mariners aboard these vessels.” Matson Contract Approved The Wesley A is equipped with the most modern gear. New SIU-Crewed Tug Christened Photos by Robert John Mihovil Seafarers observe the christening from aboard the tugboat. August 2008 The SIU-crewed tugboat Wesley A formally was christened in mid-June in Houston. Seafarers and SIU officials including Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Assistant Vice President Jim McGee attended the ceremony. The z-drive harbor boat is operated by SIU-contracted G&H Towing for BayHouston Towing Company, the tug’s owner. It sails with a crew of four and was constructed at Main Iron Works in Houma, La. Like its sister tug, the SIU-crewed Thor, which entered service in 2007, the Wesley A is equipped with the most modern equipment available, including hightech navigational and propulsion systems. It’s also outfitted with a firefighting system that includes a vapor-mist feature designed to extinguish fires on LNG vessels or at LNG terminals. Powered by two Caterpillar 3516C engines which produce a total of 6,300 horsepower, the Wesley A is 98.5 feet long and has a beam of 39.3 feet. Its hull depth is listed as 16.4 feet. Crew members sailing aboard Matson Navigation Co. vessels have approved a new five-year contract calling for wage increases and other gains. The SIU represents steward department mariners aboard Matson ships. The other unlicensed crew members are represented by the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific and the Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association, respectively. In addition to increasing wages, the contract boosts pension benefits while maintaining the same level of medical coverage. These two photos were taken last month aboard the Mokihana in Hawaii. Pictured from left to right (photo above) are ACU Mohamed Mohamed, Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed and SIU Hawaii Safety Director Frank Iverson. Shown in the photo below (left to right) are Chief Cook Mohamed, Recertified Steward Michael Baker and ACU Mohamed. Seafarers LOG 3 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:02 PM Page 4 Starlight Marine Crews Ratify 3-Year Contract Seafarers who are employed by Starlight Marine Services recently approved a new three-year contract that calls for substantial wage increases and other gains. The agreement currently covers 22 SIU members working at the California-based company. Seafarers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the pact. Serving on the SIU negotiating team were SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Assistant Vice Pictured from left to right are SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, Seafarer Jack Matievich, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Seafarers Mike Price, Chris Ramos and Sterling Jones. The mariners are employed by Starlight Marine. President Nick Celona and Seafarers Bryan Wynn and Justin Rogers. “I want to thank the delegates for a job well done in tough negotiations,” Celona stated. “The rest of the membership at Starlight also deserves credit for their hard work and continued outstanding safety record.” The contract stipulates wage increases in each year of the agreement. It includes a new transportation benefit and, for the first time, brings Starlight crew members into the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP). The contract maintains benefit levels in the Seafarers Pension Plan and also allows for individual participation in the new Seafarers 401(k) Plan. (The SMPPP, Seafarers Pension Plan and Seafarers 401(k) Plan are three completely separate plans.) Additionally, the contract specifies that the company will pay for continued medical coverage (known as COBRA) in the event of a layoff. This is the second SIU contract at Starlight. The first was an initial five-year agreement ratified in 2003, the year Starlight Marine boatmen unanimously chose SIU representation. The company operates a fleet of seven state-of-the-art tugs and four barges in the San Francisco Harbor. They provide ship assistance and also perform bunkering and lightering operations. According to the company, “Starlight’s professional operators and deck crews are among the finest and most experienced in the harbor. Safety for employees and pro- Among the Starlight Marine boatmen ratifying the new contract were (from left) Bryan Wynn, Justin Rodgers, Ryan Tom and Jonathan Willingham. SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona is standing at far right. tection of the environment is always number one at Starlight. The company has extensive safety programs and systems that ensure a safe environment for the care and custody of cargo.” USNS Stockham Seafarers Refurbish Filipino School Several SIU members from the USNS Stockham recently volunteered to pitch in with refurbishment of a local elementary school in Subic Bay, Philippines. Chief Steward Emmanuel Zephyr said he and other Seafarers along with other volunteers helped with repairs and painting at Tapinak Elementary School. Other SIU members who couldn’t make it to the school still aided the cause by helping provide lunch for everyone participating in the philanthropic endeavor. Joining Zephyr for the project were fellow Seafarers ACU Yahya Munassar, ACU Frakhruddin Malahi, ACU Saleh Sewileh, SA Hayel Omer, SA Ali Y. Mohamed and SA Abdulgabar Ahmed. The Stockham is operated by Keystone for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The 906foot vessel is part of MSC’s prepositioning fleet. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Seay loads MRAPs in Charleston, S.C., for delivery to U.S. troops overseas. SIU Crews Help Deliver Life-Saving Milestone Chief Steward Emmanuel Zephyr (left in photo above) and head of Security for the Philippines Police Department Ms. Cruz take a quick break. In photo below, members of the USNS Stockham crew and other volunteers help repair and paint a Subic Bay elementary school. ACU Frakhruddin Malahi (photo at left) works the grill. 4 Seafarers LOG The U.S. Department of Defense in early July announced that 10,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) have been delivered to warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of the MRAPs already in service were delivered overseas by SIU-contracted ships including large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off vessels known as LMSRs. According to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, the MRAP vehicles have raised, V-shaped underbellies that deflect the force of improvised explosive devices and other blasts from below better than other vehicles in use. In February 2008, the MRAP program office, headed by Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), recorded its 5,000th MRAP vehicle acceptance. That milestone was reached less than a year after Secretary of Defense Robert Gates made MRAPs the DoD’s top acquisition priority. Since then, the program has advanced at near-unprecedented speed, doubling production of the life-saving vehicle in just over four months. Gates said, “This is a significant achievement. This program has gone from zero to 10,000 in just about a year and a half. These vehicles have proven themselves on the battlefield and are saving lives.” “The many successes of the joint MRAP vehicle program are the result of an overwhelming team effort by the many players in this program,” said Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan, MCSC commander. “From production to integration, from transportation to fielding, many commands and organizations have played major roles in this program.” Before being shipped overseas, the MRAPs are equipped with weapons, radios and other gear by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command center at Charleston, S.C. From that point the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) takes over and moves the vehicles by air and sea to the combat zones. The final contract order for MRAP vehicles is expected later in the summer, bringing the overall total more than 15,000 vehicles in the current build-up. August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:02 PM Page 5 Seafarers Step Up in Free Choice Mobilization Seafarers are resolute in their backing of the AFL-CIO sponsored MillionMember Mobilization, a grassroots campaign to get at least 1 million signatures in support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). As part of that crusade, postcards recently were sent to union halls around the country and overseas providing Seafarers the opportunity to offer their respective signatures. Already, according to union officials, hundreds of rank-andfile members have stepped to the forefront to affix their signatures to these postcards which call on the new U.S. president and Congress to enact the EFCA (H.R. 800, S. 1041). They are among the more than 300,000 rank-andfile union members under the AFL-CIO umbrella so far who have urged the immediate enactment of the legislation. Response to date has been so strong that several ports have run out of cards and requested more from the federation. Once signed and collected, the cards will be presented to the new Congress after the November elections in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. The message on the cards to the new president and Congress reads as follows: “I urge you to enact the Employee Free Choice Act immediately. This crucial legislation will protect workers’ freedom to choose a union and bargain, without management intimidation. Allowing Coalition Aims To Cure Nation’s Health Care Woes More than 80 labor, community, health activist, women’s and other groups have banded together to create a grassroots coalition and campaign called “Health Care for America Now!” The coalition, announced last month by the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated), will undertake a campaign to build support and educate the public and lawmakers on how to repair the health care system. That system, according to the coalition, currently is putting quality health care further beyond reach for too many families. Health Care for America Now’s goal is to organize and mobilize millions of Americans to win a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all. These goals are especially important to unions and their members; unions for years have warned of the inequities and troubles with the current health care system. In fact, a recent AFL-CIO survey of workers and their families shows health care as one of the greatest concerns they have in this troubled economy. Health Care for America Now says it will bring together community organizers, nurses, doctors, small business owners, faith-based groups, organizations of people of color, and seniors who believe it’s time for an American solution that provides quality, affordable health care for everyone. The body will offer a bold new path that gives Americans real choice and a guarantee of quality coverage they can afford: keep their current private insurance plan, pick a new private insurance plan, or join a public health insurance plan. It is also calling for regulation on health insurance companies. The coalition’s web site says, “We need to set and enforce rules that quash health insurance companies’ greed once and for all. There is a huge divide between our plan and the insurance companies’ plan for health care reform. We want to make sure you have the quality coverage you need at the price you can afford. They want to leave you alone to fend for yourself in the unregulated, bureaucratic health insurance market.” August 2008 more workers to freely join unions and bargain with their employers will help rebuild the middle class by expanding health care, improving retirement security and raising the standard of living for America’s working families. My bargaining rights are worth working for and voting for!” Introduced by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) and Reps. George Miller (DCalif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.), the bill on March 1, 2007 by a vote of 241 to 185 passed in the House of Representatives. Thirteen Republicans joined 228 Democrats in voting for the bill. Two Democrats and 183 Republicans voted against the bill. The Senate on June 26, 2007 voted 51 to 48 on a motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to consider the bill. Shortly after the House vote, AFLCIO President John Sweeney said,” [This vote] …marks a momentous turning point in the growing movement to restore our nation’s middle class. Today, the voices of tens of millions of working people who deserve the right to make a free choice to bargain for a better life have been heard and heeded on Capitol Hill. “Because of today’s vote,” Sweeney continued, “the future looks a little brighter to all Americans who have watched corporations celebrate record profits, but have themselves been shut Seafarers are answering the call to action in the AFL-CIO’s mobilization to to get at least 1 million signatures in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. Response to date has been so strong that several ports have run out of cards and requested more from the federation. out of the party, left with stagnant wages and facing soaring costs. A union card is the single best ticket into the middle class and, thanks to the Employee Free Choice Act, working people may finally have the chance to be part of a union.” If enacted by the new U.S. president and Congress, the EFCA would enable working people to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions by restoring their freedom to choose for themselves whether to join a union. As indicated on the postcards, the EFCA would: ■ Establish stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations. ■ Provide mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes. ■ Allow employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation. In addition to the postcards, Seafarers may also participate in the signature drive via the internet by visiting: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/efc a_card_support Study: ‘Prevailing Wage’ Law Adds Benefits Often during difficult economic times like the U.S. is facing today, self-proclaimed economists and pundits spotlight areas they say are costing the government and commercial sectors too much in overhead that gets passed on to consumers and taxpayers. At times, these so-called specialists make comments that may influence policymakers whose decisions can be detrimental to certain sectors of the economy. Those decisions may affect overall economic confidence and can cast stereotypes and dispersions on the actual purposes of unions that work to improve the quality of life of all Americans. One such example is what union brothers and sisters in the construction fields are currently fighting when working on government contracts. It also affects those working for federal service contractors. For years, many state and local governments required companies that that wanted contracts for public works to pay their workers wages that reflect those commonly received in the area. This “prevailing wage” law was adopted by the federal government in 1931 with the passage of the Davis-Bacon Act. The government said the goal of the act was to ensure that the government’s buying power in a region wouldn’t unfairly influence labor and other costs in the area, but also would help guarantee a fair wage to enhance the welfare of workers and their families. The act applies to all contractors whether they are union or not and it makes sure bids go to those who are qualified rather than those who offer the cheapest rates. The principles of the act were later expanded with the Service Contract Act in 1965, which requires federal service contractors to pay prevailing wages and benefits. Some naysayers have argued for years that “prevailing wage” inflates government contract costs. However, a new study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) called “Prevailing Wages and Government Contracting Costs” has seemingly put the last nail in the coffin of the critics’ arguments. The EPI – a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank – says its study shows prevailing wage has no negative impact. In fact, the EPI says prevailing wage laws provide added benefits such as better workplace safety, increased government revenues and elevated workers’ skills in the construction industry. In essence, the EPI says the law enables the hiring of skilled workers who will get the job done right the first time. The EPI’s point is simple: The idea behind the prevailing wage is that a wage floor keeps big government projects from damaging the local economy by driving down wages and undermining living standards. The assumption that contractors will pass higher labor costs to taxpayers is erroneous, according to the EPI. The study shows that critics’ previous studies do not compare building projects for design, materials used and special needs such as security, and many other aspects that can make each project different. Further, the EPI cites a Beacon Hill Institute study which found the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hourly Division incorrectly set hourly wages too high for nine major construction occupations. The department, therefore, showed government construction costs at $8.6 billion per year too high when it argued against prevailing wages. The EPI study reports: ■ Prevailing wage regulations do not, in all cases, increase wages. Public contractors may pay at prevailing wage rates without the regulation. If these contractors are included in opponents’ arguments, it would skew their study results. ■ Average labor costs, including benefits and payroll taxes, are one-quarter of construction costs. Therefore, even if prevailing wage regulations raised wages by 10 percent, the impact on contract costs would be less than 2.5 percent. The EPI says in the larger scope of a project, these costs are so small, they are likely to be undetectable in increased project costs and especially when prevailing wage impact studies are applied to the overall contractor market. ■ Improved productivity can offset higher wages. Better-skilled workers attracted by the higher wage might complete a job in less time, or firms looking to reduce their higher labor costs might utilize labor-saving technologies. ■ Higher wage costs might be offset through “factor substitution,” i.e., the substitution of more expensive labor with, maybe, less expensive materials. ■ Contractors might absorb the wage costs as another avenue of winning project bids. According to the AFL-CIO, Davis-Bacon provides a living wage for the men and women who are working to build this country’s infrastructure. Thanks to these higher wages, workers have a few extra dollars to spend in local shops and restaurants, for example, thus providing additional tax dollars for their communities. The law also allows for a better-trained workforce, which results in safer working conditions and which in turn means reduced outlays for workers’ compensation. In areas where local prevailing wage laws have been repealed, analyses have shown that workers are less inclined to stay in the industry, apprenticeship programs have been cut back or eliminated, and on-the-job injuries and deaths have increased. In some cases, the “completed” job had to be repeated by another contractor to make sure it was performed correctly. Obviously, such operations do not save taxpayers money and may actually increase the overall cost. Prevailing wage laws are critical to American workers and their families in all industries, according to the federation. That’s why the SIU has joined forces with the AFL-CIO, the Maritime Trades Department and other affiliates to ensure this vital legislation is not repealed. To read the EPI’s study, go to: www.epi.org Seafarers LOG 5 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:03 PM Page 6 Clockwise from left, the Alakai is equipped with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment. AB Joshua Ano is one of the crew members who helped ready the Alakai for sea trials. He is joined by others in the wheelhouse and still others on the pier. The ferry has a service speed of 35 knots which it partially shows off in the photo above. Hawaii Superferry Sets Passenger Record Hawaii Superferry’s SIUcrewed Alakai recently set a company record for the number of passengers carried on a holiday weekend. Superferry officials reported that more than 6,000 people boarded the boat and sailed between Maui and Oahu during the Independence Day weekend (July 4-6). Previously, the greatest number of passengers in a single weekend was 5,500, on Memorial Day weekend earlier this year. One passenger told a local news- The photo above was taken in July during a regularly scheduled shipboard meeting involving Seafarers, SIU officials and company representatives. “The overall intent is always to work together through open discussions to find ways to continue making things better for the employees while maximizing the efficiency of the company’s operation,” said SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell, pictured above with SIU Representative Hazel Galbiso, Hornblower Marine VP Bill Annand, HornblowerHawaii Director of Marine Operations John Keever, Hornblower-Hawaii HR Director Cindy Ramsey and SIU Delegates Warren Asp, Adrian Almeida and Gary Ferreira. 6 Seafarers LOG paper in Hawaii that the Alakai has become a more attractive travel option for her and her relatives because they get a better rate compared to the cost of air travel. The Alakai carries a crew of 25. The 349-foot, aluminum-hull ferry operates seven days a week. It can carry 866 passengers and 282 cars. The vessel’s name means ocean path. Additional details about the ferry (including schedules) are available at www.hawaiisuperferrry.com. A full complement of cabin stewards works aboard the ferry including Ann Cosson (photo at left) Dorothy Toro and Leeann Toro (left to right, above) and Maggie Simonson and Brandy Choy Foo (left to right, below). Other Alakai crew members are Cabin Steward Sherry Uehara (photo at left), Purser Jasmine Keanu (above) and Cabin Steward Michael Alatan (photo at right). August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:03 PM Page 7 Meetings Offer Info on 401(k) Plan eafarers last month took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about one of the newest benefits available to them, as more than 100 members turned out for informational meetings in Houston and New Orleans. The sessions (which followed the monthly membership meetings in those ports) focused on the Seafarers 401(k) Plan, a benefit instituted in January 2008. The Seafarers 401(k) Plan came to fruition as a result of the most recent standard freightship and tanker negotiations. Last month’s 401(k) meetings took place July 14 (Houston) and July 15 (New Orleans). Four more such gatherings are scheduled for this month, as follows: ■ August 7, Norfolk, Va. ■ August 18, Wilmington, Calif. ■ August 20, Oakland, Calif. ■ August 22, Tacoma, Wash. For the August 401(k) meetings, all but the Oakland session immediately follow the regular membership meetings in those ports. Also, a 401(k) meeting is scheduled for the Jacksonville, Fla., hall on October 9, right after the membership meeting. Last month, officials from the SIU, the Seafarers Plans office and Smith Barney reviewed the basics of the Seafarers 401(k) Plan with interested members and answered related questions. Conducting those meetings were SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen and Smith Barney Vice President/Financial Planning Specialist Larry Goldstock. Members were encouraged to consider signing up for this relatively new benefit. As previously reported, there are no employer contributions associated with the Seafarers 401(k) Plan. Voluntary contributions may be made by participants via a pre-tax payroll deduction through their employer. The Plan will allow Seafarers to save a percentage of their earnings, tax-deferred, for future retirement. This is a potentially great way to enhance retirement income and ease financial concerns. A Seafarer is eligible to participate if he or she works under the standard freightship or standard tanker agreements as well as many other SIU contracts. As of mid-July, the list of SIUcontracted companies participating in the Plan included the following: Alaska Tanker Company, Armada, American Overseas S The Houston hall (depicted in the three photos above) saw a strong turnout for the informational meeting. Marine, Central Gulf Lines, Central Marine Logistics, Crowley Liner Services, Crowley Liner Services-Petty’s Island, Crowley Towing and Transportation, M-Ships, HMC Ship Management, H&M Lake Transport, Horizon Lines, Inland Lakes Management, Interocean American Shipping, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning (ATB), Intrepid Ship Management, Key Lakes/GLF, Keystone Shipping, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, Marine Transport Lines, OSG Ship Management, Ocean Ships, Ocean Duchess, Osprey Ship Management, Pacific Gulf Marine, Red River, Seabulk, Sealift Chemicals Inc., Sealift Inc., Starlight Marine, Sulphur Carriers, Transoceanic Cable Ship Company, USS Transport, and Waterman. (Members are asked to check with their port agents for updates on participating employers.) As contracts are renegotiated in the months and years ahead, additional SIU members will become eligible to participate. Everyone who is eligible should have received an enrollment kit earlier this year or late last year. A copy of the kit – in PDF format – is posted on the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org, in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section, along with additional forms for the Seafarers 401(k) Plan. The forms also are available at www.massmutal.com/retire. SIU members are advised that individual participants in the Seafarers 401(k) Plan who change employers will need to submit only page 1 of the application to the new employer. If a member returns to the same employer, there is no need to do anything in terms of additional or different paperwork, even if the Seafarer is assigned to a different vessel in the company’s fleet. Both the union and the Seafarers Plans therefore suggest that participating members keep multiple copies of page 1 on hand. For more information, call the Smith Barney-SIU “hotline” at the following toll-free number: 800-421-5127. Members at the New Orleans hall (shown in the two photos above and in those on the bottom of this page) listen and ask questions about the Seafarers 401(k) Plan. Providing information at the New Orleans hall are (from left to right in the photo above) Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, Safety Director James Brown, Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Smith Barney VP Larry Goldstock. August 2008 Seafarers LOG 7 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:03 PM Page 8 New TWIC Deadline: April 15, 2009 As has been reported in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG, the new deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is April 15, 2009. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in May announced the revised deadline; the original cutoff date was Sept. 25, 2008. The following is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-July, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic Alabama Tennessee Valley Training Center 115 Woodall Road Decatur, AL 35601 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Alaska 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Native Village of Eyak 110 Nicholoff Way Cordova, AK 99574 Suite 202 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Ketchikan Harbor Office 2933 Tongass Ave Ketchikan, AK 99901 50097 Kenai Spur Nikiski, AK 99635 223 Harbor Way Petersburg, AK 99833 Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK 99835 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 1401 Halyard Drive West Sacramento, CA 95691 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 Suite 202 500 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94111 17 Fyffe St. Stockton, CA 95203 Terminal Island 1001 New Dock St. San Pedro, CA 90731 Connecticut Unit 2A 300 Long Beach Blvd. Stratford, CT 06615 850 Grand Ave. New Haven, CT 06511 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 Delaware 102 Quigley Boulevard New Castle, DE 19720 1 Hausel Rd. Port of Wilmington Wilmington, DE 19801 Wrangell Harbor Office Shakes Street Wrangell, AK 99929 Florida 955 Talleyrand Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32206 Arkansas 2005 E 17th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 California 2050 Park Road Benicia, CA 94510 975 N America Way Miami, FL 33132 Suite 500 301 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. For instance, when the DHS announced the changed deadline, the SIU site immediately posted the news release on its home page and also distributed the information to all SIU halls. The Transportation Security Administration TWIC web site now Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Hawaii Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo, HI 96720 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Rd. Port Fourchon, LA 70357 Suite 204 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Minnesota 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth-Superior, MN 55802 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Suite 106 291 Hookahi St. Wailuku, HI 96793 Maine 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 Suite 102 2970 Kele St. Lihue, HI 96766 Suite 12 236 Oxford Street Portland, ME 04101 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Maryland Suite 220 2200 Broening Hwy Baltimore, MD 21224 Three Rivers Safety Council Suite TWIC 1615 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL 60435 2914 W. Willow Knolls Dr. Peoria, IL 61614 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 Mississippi Delta Plaza Mall, Unit B19 800 Highway 1 South Greenville, MS 38703 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183 New Hampshire Suite 2 30 Mirona Road Extension Portsmouth, NH 03801 Suite 153 1635 1st St. Granite City, IL 62040 Massachusetts Boston Autoport 100 Terminal Street Charlestown, MA 02129 Indiana 4849 W Lloyd Expy Evansville, IN 47712 Unit 5 300 Tremont St. Carver, MA 02330 New Jersey Quality Inn Conference Center 531 Route 38 W Maple Shade, NJ 08052 Suite 110 200 Russell St. Hammond, IN 46320 Michigan Suite 101 115 N. First Ave. Alpena, MI 49707 North Jersey Suite G 89 Luening St. South Hackensack, NJ 07606 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 400 Grove Rd. Thorofare, NJ 08086 Suite 1 200 W. Erie Street Rogers City, MI 49779 Suite 665 33 Wood Avenue South Iselin, NJ 08830 Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post St. Detroit, MI 48209 New York 102 Smith Blvd. Albany, NY 12202 Suite 1 906 Ludington St. Escanaba, MI 49829 Suite 5 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 Sheraton Long Island 110 Motor Parkway Hauppauge, NY 11788 Old City Hall Bldg 220 Suite 120 W Washington St. Marquette, MI 49855 178 West Hoffman Ave Lindenhurst, NY 11757 Suite 37C 3602 Northgate Court New Albany, IN 47150 Kansas Commerce Plaza 1 - 7th Floor 7300 West 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66210 Kentucky 322 Harrison Ave. Paducah, KY 42001 Suites 117/118 707 Mullet Rd. Port Canaveral, FL 32920 Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Rd. Oakland, CA 94607 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Rd. Dania Beach, FL 33004 Suite 550 1340 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, LA 70360 Suite 104 1830 Embarcadero Ave. Oakland, CA 94606 Manatee County Port Authority 13604 Reeder Road Palmetto, FL 34221 Suite # 306 1300 N. Bertrand Dr. Lafayette, LA 70506 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 700 W. McNeese St. Lake Charles, LA 70605 1251 N. Rice Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030 Georgia Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 512 Roderick Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Seafarers LOG 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 104 170 East James Drive St. Rose, LA 70087 5214 Augusta Rd. Garden City, GA 31408 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Ln. Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Suite B 1931 N. Gaffey St. San Pedro, CA 90731 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 (1-866-3478942) ■ By email: credentialing@dhs.gov T WIC Enrollment Centers 501 E Bremner St. Valdez, AK 99686 1900 Bendixsen Street Samoa, CA 95564 8 The SIU encourages members to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Step-bystep instructions have been published in the last few editions of the LOG and are available on the web both at www.seafarers.org and at the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site, www.tsa.gov/twic. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally Suite 122 800 East Ellis Road Norton Shores, MI 49441 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 511 Ashmun St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Ave. Staten Island, NY 10303 Whitehall Ferry Terminal Room 210 4 South St. New York, NY 10004 Continued on next page August 2008 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 Continued from Page 8 One East 2nd St. Oswego, NY 13126 700 Hummel Ave Southold, NY 11971 Suite 310 803 West Avenue Rochester, NY 14611 North Carolina 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 Ohio 4830 State Rd. Ashtabula, OH 44004 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 Suite 226 3100 E45th St. Cleveland, OH 44127 Suite D, Office B 401 Broadway Ave. Lorain, OH 44052 Suite 102 444 W. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 One Maritime Plaza 720 Water St. Toledo, OH 43604 11:20 AM Page 9 T WIC Enrollment Centers Washington Ste. D 8327 Summit Park Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Oregon Suite 112 400 Virginia Ave. Coos Bay, OR 97459 Rhode Island Suite 105 17 Virginia Ave. Providence, RI 02905 West Gulf Maritime Association Suite 100 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201 Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 South Carolina Suite 112 4600 Goer Drive North Charleston, SC 29406 621 W Main Street La Porte, TX 77571 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Red Lion Hotel,Kelso 510 Kelso Drive Kelso, WA 98626 Tennessee Suite 427 5959 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Suite 123 3800 Highway 365 Port Arthur, TX 77642 Red Lion Hotel, Pasco Room 2110 2525 N. 20th Avenue Pasco, WA 99301 Mall of the Mainland Space #1074 10000 Emmett F. Lowery Expy Texas City, TX 77590 Fraternal Order of Eagles AERIE No. 1 6205 Corson Ave. S Seattle, WA 98108 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905 Fife Business Park Suite 17 5009 Pacific Hwy East Tacoma, WA 98424 Pennsylvania 50 West Powhattan Ave. Chester, PA 19029 Suite 120B 601 Upland Ave. Brookhaven, PA 19015 Woodbourne Professional Building 1723 Woodbourne Rd. Levittown, PA 19057 Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134 Suite 104 701 North Point Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 Navy Frontier Pier (Muelle Frontier) Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00901 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Rd. Catoosa, OK 74015 Tennessee Valley Training Center 324 W. Mallory Avenue Memphis, TN 38109 Suite 510 3200 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 Texas Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 S Beaumont, TX 77705 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 Virginia Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Virgin Islands Renaissance Park Estate Anguilla Kingshill, VI 00851 7433 Leopard St. Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Brazos Mall, Suite 1039 100 Hwy 332 West Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Suite 202a 8000 Niksy Center Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802 Suite 103 6000 Broadway Galveston, TX 77551 33rd Place Building Suite 107 3305 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98663 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd. Huntington, WV 25702 Wisconsin 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303 Chase Commerce Center Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 3073 S. Chase Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 SIU VP Gulf Goast Dean Corgey (third from left in photo at left) chats with El Morro crew members (in no particular order) AB Wilfredo Cruz, GUDE Cleveland Lewis, Chief Steward Mary Sims, Electrician Joseph Letang, Chief Cook Alexie Vazquez and AB Julio Matos. Chief Steward Kenneth Whitfield (photo at right) prepares breakfast for the El Morro crew while El Faro crew members AB Sirio Ceno (left in photo below) and GUDE David Newsome secure heaving lines after their vessel docks. With Seafarers Aboard The El Morro, El Faro In The Port of Jacksonville SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Gorgey recently visited with Seafarers aboard the SIU-contracted vessels El Morro and El Faro in the Port of Jacksonville, Fla. SIU Assistant VP Contracts Archie Ware accompanied Corgey during his visit and snapped these photos for publication in the LOG. SA Erasmo Guevara (above) prepares items for the breakfast bar aboard the El Morro while Chief Cook Isaac Newsome (photo at right) devotes his total energies to the preparation of entrees for the crew’s lunch meal. August 2008 Seafarers LOG 9 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:05 PM Page 10 Seafarer Wins $1,000 Union Plus Scholarship Active and Retired Union Members, Dependents May Apply for 2009 Grants Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda recently was awarded a $1,000 Union Plus scholarship. Altogether, the organization for the year 2008 presented scholarships to 108 applicants representing 40 unions. Those grants have a total monetary value of $150,000. “With credit so tight, prices rising and fewer loans available to students who want to attend college, scholarship programs like these are more important than ever,” said Leslie Tolf, president of Union Privilege, the organization that administers the scholarship program for Union Plus. Maeda, who joined the SIU in 1983, is studying to become a registered nurse. “I can say without hesitation that everything I have today is a product of the opportu- nities afforded me by the union,” he stated. The scholarships are granted to students attending a two-year college, fouryear college, graduate school or a recognized technical or trade school. Since 1992, Union Plus has awarded more than $2.4 million in scholarships to union families. Recipients are selected “based on academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor,” according to Union Plus. Current and retired members of unions participating in any Union Plus program (including the SIU), their spouses and their dependent children (including foster children, stepchildren, and any other child for whom the individual member provides greater than 50 percent of his or her support) may apply for a Union Plus Scholarship. Union members from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible. Members do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or personally participate in any Union Plus programs to apply for the scholarships. The scholarship awards are not based upon participation in a Union Plus program. The individual must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Graduate students are eligible. According to Union Plus, scholarship applications are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators. Applications are first reviewed by a panel of independent career professionals. Semifinalists are chosen based on a point scale, and their applications are then provided to judges for further review and selection of finalists and awards. Program judges include representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The amount of the award ranges from $500 to $4,000. This is a one-time cash award sent to individual winners for study beginning in the fall of the same year. For information on eligibility and to receive a notification when the application is available for next year’s scholarship, visit www.UnionPlus.org/Scholarships or call 1-877-881-1022 . Union Plus Announces Disaster Assistance Editor’s note: Union Plus, affiliated with the AFLCIO, recently issued the following bulletin. U.S. Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson delivers remarks in front of the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial. The Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Port Arthur Color Guard leads the crowd to the seawall to place a ceremonial wreath. Port Arthur Conducts Maritime Day Ceremony In what has become a National Maritime Day tradition, Father Sinclair Oubre, president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States and an active SIU member, recently welcomed attendees to the annual service at the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial in Port Arthur, Texas. The May 22 ceremony also commemorated mariners and fishermen who have passed away during the last year. Additionally, special recognition was given to the Christus St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room staff, a local company and local volunteer Edna Noack for the extra efforts they made to assist mariner Yong Liang Goa, who was injured at sea and treated at the local hospital. The staff of St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room is recognized during the ceremony. SIU Representative Robert Troy and Betty Kiel, supporter of the local seamen’s center, were among those in attendance. Recognition was also given to Port Arthur’s newest addition to the local maritime industry – namely, LNG facilities. On hand were representatives of Chenier LNG, Exxon Mobile LNG and crew members of the Celestine River, the first LNG ship to navigate the Sabine-Neches Waterway. The memorial service continued as participants were led by members of the U.S. Coast Guard walking from Port Arthur’s Sundial Memorial to its seawall, where a wreath was laid in the water to remember and honor seafarers who had lost their lives at sea. U.S. Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson, guest speaker at the event, noted that she has attended numerous maritime celebrations and remembrances across the country, but that relatively smaller ones such as the event in Port Arthur are particularly meaningful to the community. Paul Hall Center Offers Career Advancement The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-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. 10 Seafarers LOG Deck Department Course Spotlight Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing the school’s 30-hour fast rescue boats course satisfy the requirements of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, Specification of the Minimum Standard of Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. The Paul Hall Center’s Fast Rescue Boats course trains students to handle and take charge of fast rescue boats during or after launch in adverse weather and sea conditions. Students learn how to operate a fast rescue boat engine, use all locating devices including communication and signaling equipment between the rescue boat and a helicopter and the ship, and how to carry out search patterns. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats Union members living in areas impacted by the devastating flooding in the Midwest and who participate in Union Plus programs may have one less financial worry. The Union Plus Credit Card Disaster Relief Fund is available to help cardholders who are facing financial hardship due to the floods. Union cardholders are eligible to apply for Disaster Relief Fund grants of $500. The money does not have to be repaid. To qualify for a Union Plus Credit Card Disaster Relief Fund grant, the union member must: ■ Have been a victim of the flooding in counties designated by FEMA as qualifying for individual assistance in states including Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. ■ Have experienced a significant loss of income or property due to the disaster. ■ Have been a Union Plus Credit Card holder for at least 12 months and have an account in good standing. ■ Describe his or her circumstances and document the income or property loss. To apply for a Disaster Relief Fund grant, cardholders can call the Union Plus Credit Card Disaster Relief Fund at 1-877-761-5028. Other special assistance for cardholders includes skip payments, lower rates, fee waivers and other help. Disaster victims who participate in the Union Plus Loan, Auto Insurance, Mortgage and UnionSecure Insurance programs may be eligible to receive payment extensions or other special help from the program providers. Assistance plans vary by program provider. To find out more, members who participate in any of the following programs should call: ■ Union Plus Loan: 1-800-343-7097 ■ Union Plus Mortgage: 1-866-766-2164 ■ Union Plus Auto Insurance: 1-877-244-0304 ■ UnionSecure Insurance: 1-800-393-0864 Counties designated by FEMA as qualifying for individual assistance include: Colorado: Larimer and Weld Counties. Indiana: Adams, Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dearborn, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties. Iowa: Adams, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Louisa, Marion, Muscatine, Page, Polk, Story, Tama, Union, and Winneshiek Counties. Missouri: Barry, Jasper, and Newton Counties. Wisconsin: Crawford, Columbia, Sauk, Milwaukee, Racine, Richland and Vernon Counties. The Union Plus Credit Card Disaster Relief Fund is administered by Union Privilege. Union Privilege and HSBC, the company providing the credit card program, established the fund. Union Privilege, founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, develops and manages the Union Plus benefits programs. Union Privilege uses the combined buying power of millions of union families to obtain top quality goods and services at competitive prices with unique union-member-only features. For more information visit http://www.unionplus.org August 2008 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:21 AM The steward department takes a momentary break from their busy lunch duties. Pictured (left to right) are SA Marvin Davis, Chief Cook Joel Molinos and Recertified Steward Fernando Guity. Page 11 OMU Davon “Bud” McMillan in the steering gear room. Two of the original crew members who took the Los Angeles from the shipyard to its maiden voyage are (left to right) AB John Mensah and AB John Kamara. Pumpman Tom Bain is busy welding in the steering gear room. Shipboard Scenes from the Overseas Los Angeles AB John Mensah, unofficial ship’s photographer, captured most of these images during a recent voyage aboard the Overseas Los Angeles. The vessel, leased for charter in the Jones Act market to SIU-contracted OSG America, was built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. It was delivered in November 2007. Sharing jokes in the crew mess after a hard day at work are (left to right in photo at left) SA Marvin Davis and AB John Kamara. In photo above, center, the Overseas Los Angeles crew musters on the stern for shipboard safety drills. AB Mike Moore (photo above, right) starts his watch on the high-tech bridge. He was one of the original crew members who took the vessel from the shipyard on its maiden voyage. AB John Mensah (above) runs the winch in preparation for the Long Beach docking while Recertified Bosun Brad Seibel (right in photo at right) and STOS Josean Villarrubia prepare the Los Angeles for arrival in the Port of Long Beach, Calif. Two Seafarers Receive Full Books in Oakland, Calif. Two SIU members recently received their full union books at the hall in Oakland. In the photo at immediate right, SA Karen Thomasson is sworn in by SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona. AB Dominic Gilmartin (left in photo at far right) is sworn in by Patrolman Greg Stone. Congratulations to both Seafarers. August 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:22 AM Page 12 American Steamship’s Adam E. Cornelius carries iron ore pellets, coal and limestone. Snapshots from the G UA I. Villaflor, AB Abdul Hussein, Recertified Bosun Bill MulCahy, UA William Pakkala Aboard H. Lee White T he photos on these two pages (taken in June and July) show Seafarers and SIU officials at the union hall in Algonac, Mich., and at various job sites around the area. SIU members in the Great Lakes region sail aboard more than 20 ships along with dozens of tugboats and integrated tug-barge units. iron ore, limestone, coal, c other cargoes. According to the Lake C association representing Am Lakes), “In a typical shipp SA Ahmed Al-Shahtoor Aboard Sam Laud AB Tim McKenna Aboard tug Cleveland Conveyorman Dean Parks, pictured aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, recently returned from serving in Iraq. In addition to being a Seafarer, Parks is an artillery specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve. VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski Mary Jenkins, SIU administrative assistant Port Agent Todd Brdak AB William Dobbins Aboard tug Cleveland 12 Seafarers LOG 2nd Cook Darlene Weymouth Aboard Sam Laud August 2008 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:23 AM Page 13 Luedtke Engineering (photo at left and photo above) is one of many SIU-contracted companies based in the Great Lakes region. hee Great Lakes Region nits. The larger vessels transport oal, cement, sand and salt, among ake Carriers’ Association (an ng American-flag operators on the hipping season, the U.S.-flag Lakes fleet will haul upwards of 115 million tons, or almost half a ton for every person living in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii.” The Great Lakes system includes Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior, their connecting waters, and the St. Lawrence River. SIU Representative Don Thornton Safety Director Monte Burgett (right) assists a member. August 2008 GUDE Hussein Jinah Aboard H. Lee White Deckhand Don Mills, Engineer Ed Carlson Deckhand Don Mills Aboard dredge Lucille T. Seafarers LOG 13 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:09 PM Page 14 General Notice Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) Alliance NY Crew Honored For Supporting U.S. Troops During a recent voyage to Iraq, SIU members aboard the Alliance New York (some of whom are pictured above) were recognized for supporting American and international coalition military forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Some received the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, while those who had earned the medal on previous voyages were presented with certificates from the U.S. Maritime Administration. The presentations took place on Independence Day. As the ship’s master, Capt. Costas Balomenos, put it, “What better day to present these awards than the Fourth of July?” Pictured from left to right are AB Robert Cole, AB Rodney Seth Roberson Sr., UA Angela Corbitt, UA Larry Byrd, GSU Lonnie Jordan and AB Oliver Bohannon Jr. Other SIU members aboard during the voyage to the Port of Umm Qasr included Recertified Bosun Thomas Grosskurth, AB Charles Wright Jr., AB Michael Mahoney, GUDE Val Custis, GUDE Kenneth Bricker Jr., Chief Steward Ronal Lupinacci and Chief Cook Breon Lucas. National Maritime Day Observed in San Pedro, Calif. As previously reported, Seafarers, SIU retirees and SIU officials earlier this year participated in a number of National Maritime Day ceremonies, including events in California and in Washington, D.C. Pictured on May 22 at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial in San Pedro, Calif., are retired steward department Seafarer Mary Lou Lopez and retired SIU Wilmington Patrolman/Dispatcher Jesse Solis. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Congress in 1933 approved (by joint resolution) the designation of May 22 of each year as National Maritime Day. Congress also authorized and requested that the president issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 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 The union has become aware of situations where members may have unintentionally agreed to give large portions of their pensions to their ex-spouse as part of their divorce agreements. In each case, the scenario involved a legal document known as a qualified domestic relations order, abbreviated as QDRO (usually pronounced “quadro”). A QDRO is a court order that directs a pension plan to pay another individual, usually an exspouse, a portion of one’s pension benefit. The purpose of this notice is to alert or remind Seafarers to the existence of the QDRO in the hope that, if a divorce occurs, the distribution of pension benefits is fair for all concerned. A QDRO establishes the right of a former spouse to receive part or all of the other former spouse’s qualified retirement benefits – and obligates the person receiving those benefits to pay taxes on that income. Often, lawyers are retained to draft QDROs. Remember that the lawyer who drafts the QDRO does so in the best interest of his or her client, who is generally the ex-spouse. As the participant, you should make sure that you are adequately protected by retaining counsel of your own to review the document. If the QDRO meets the statutory requirements, the Seafarers Pension Plan must honor it no matter how it divides the pension assets. In that case, the QDRO will govern the distribution of the SIU retiree’s pension. Both the Seafarers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan have model QDRO language which the Plans encourage you to utilize. The bottom line in these circumstances is that the union urges Seafarers to protect their rights, secure good representation and be certain to understand the basics of a QDRO. Ideally, such a document would never be needed. Unfortunately, some marriages end in divorce – and in those instances, if pension benefits exist, the division of those benefits must be addressed. 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. 8/08 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. August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:09 PM Page 15 Procedure For Obtaining SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea June 16, 2008 — July 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 September & October 2008 Membership Piney Point.........................Monday: September 8, October 6 Algonac .............................Friday: September 12, October 10 Baltimore........................Thursday: September 11, October 9 Boston ...............................Friday: September 12, October 10 Guam............................Thursday: September 25, October 23 Honolulu ............................Friday: September 19, October 17 Houston............Monday: September 15, Tuesday: October 14 Jacksonville....................Thursday: September 11, October 9 Totals Joliet.............................Thursday: September 18, October 16 Port Mobile.......................Wednesday: September 17, October 15 New Orleans ..................Tuesday: September 16, October 14 New York ...........................Tuesday: September 9, October 7 Norfolk...........................Thursday: September 11, October 9 Oakland ........................Thursday: September 18, October 16 Philadelphia.................Wednesday: September 10, October 8 Port Everglades ............Thursday: September 18, October 16 San Juan .........................Thursday: September 11, October 9 St. Louis ............................Friday: September 19, October 17 Tacoma ...............................Friday: September 26, October 24 Wilmington.........................Monday: September 22, October 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 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 All Departments August 2008 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 4 5 0 20 3 4 33 25 5 11 8 21 23 17 7 14 10 8 23 18 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 4 0 2 2 1 11 1 0 0 0 1 1 6 0 2 3 10 1 7 36 22 0 7 12 23 11 26 5 0 5 1 36 19 1 1 6 8 5 3 35 25 1 3 9 21 15 11 1 14 9 3 13 13 0 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 1 1 3 11 0 0 30 18 0 4 11 14 6 6 1 0 5 2 13 15 5 0 12 22 1 13 63 63 3 24 26 87 26 29 9 2 16 4 67 50 9 9 1 21 8 14 53 37 10 18 14 38 34 22 10 3 12 10 49 32 3 0 0 3 1 0 5 5 2 1 2 4 11 4 1 0 0 1 3 9 320 259 33 226 197 17 141 522 404 55 0 0 1 4 3 9 19 23 0 4 8 13 8 8 6 1 5 0 13 13 1 3 2 8 3 6 11 12 1 6 3 9 11 6 2 2 4 3 16 7 0 2 1 2 0 2 2 6 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 2 138 116 27 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 4 0 7 15 0 7 46 33 2 10 17 47 23 18 9 1 13 1 38 29 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 3 0 0 9 13 16 0 7 4 9 7 6 4 1 1 0 12 10 0 3 2 4 1 5 6 14 0 3 1 5 13 5 2 0 3 0 13 9 0 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 4 0 2 10 13 0 2 5 6 2 1 2 0 3 0 17 6 0 0 3 13 3 19 31 35 1 10 14 32 16 13 4 3 7 1 20 16 5 4 6 17 7 7 26 27 1 11 6 18 20 12 6 4 6 9 22 11 0 1 2 4 1 2 2 5 1 1 0 7 4 4 0 2 1 0 4 5 102 89 16 73 241 225 46 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 2 6 2 6 22 21 1 5 4 23 13 22 2 2 2 2 15 23 0 1 1 10 1 5 10 10 0 3 3 9 16 5 1 1 2 2 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 179 89 10 1 0 3 7 1 4 9 16 0 5 7 15 7 13 0 2 2 1 19 17 0 0 1 6 2 3 9 5 0 3 1 5 11 7 1 0 3 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6 0 1 11 15 0 3 3 15 7 5 1 1 0 0 10 9 1 0 4 11 3 15 37 29 1 11 9 39 15 38 5 7 5 3 22 37 2 2 3 15 0 8 11 12 0 9 6 12 21 4 0 1 1 3 11 9 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 132 65 6 87 292 129 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 0 0 3 4 2 0 0 0 8 1 7 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 2 4 3 3 5 22 22 0 8 1 31 13 17 1 5 1 1 14 15 2 0 1 5 0 7 9 15 0 1 4 6 21 11 0 18 0 0 6 8 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 3 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 2 2 0 2 12 14 0 3 2 14 7 18 0 3 1 0 15 9 1 0 0 5 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 1 7 5 0 17 0 1 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 6 2 0 1 1 12 1 9 0 0 0 0 5 4 3 2 5 8 5 13 35 27 0 9 7 66 24 21 2 5 4 3 24 21 3 0 1 10 2 15 16 35 0 1 8 14 28 21 1 7 1 2 8 17 35 168 112 26 105 49 0 46 284 190 672 632 182 486 456 88 301 1101 1042 305 Seafarers LOG 15 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:23 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 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 Some of the Rhode Island crew receives the Constant Care Award plaque from Ship Vetting Program Manager Jonathan Henson. SIU-Crewed Maersk Ships Reach Safety Milestones As part of its growing safety program, SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) recently gave Constant Care Awards to two ships: the container and roll-on/roll-off vessel Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr., which is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet; and the product tanker Maersk Rhode Island. Each ship earned a Constant Care Award for achieving five years without a lost-time accident. The award is part of MLL’s “Drive to Zero” program, which is a hands-on initiative to assist employees (mariners and shore-side personnel alike) in focusing on safety and teamwork to make the workplace as 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 Recertified Bosun Daniel Laitenen Maersk Rhode Island 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 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 Pictured from left to right aboard the Rhode Island are GVA Walid Nasser, AB William McIntyre, Chief Steward Christopher Hale and Chief Cook Cecil Husted. Crew members and others are pictured aboard the tanker, including (not in order) Bosun Daniel Laitenen, MSC Commanding Officer of Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) Ship Support Unit Guam Delbert Yordy, Chief Steward Christopher Hale, Captain James Walker, GVA Walid Nasser, Port Agent Jeff Turkus, Pumpman Marcelino Cayabyab, 2nd Pumpman Matthew Wright, AB William McIntyre, 1st Engineer Henry Matuszynski, 2nd Engineer Chris Smith, AB Larry Rawlins and AB Michael Willis. safe as possible. As suggested by the title, its goal is to drive down unsafe and environmental incidents as close to zero as possible or eliminate them altogether. MLL’s Director of Quality, Environment, Safety and Security (QESS) Patrick Callahan credits teamwork and focus for the achievement. He noted, “This accomplishment is a result of a true team effort from our mariners and office personnel alike. ‘Drive to Zero’ started as a vision from senior management and is quickly becoming a way of life for MLL employees afloat and at shore. We still have a lot of room for improvement but this is a milestone worth celebrating!” Seafarers aboard the Rhode Island were recently recognized by the company with the award by MLL’s Ship Vetting Program Manager Jonathan Henson, and the photos accompanying this story were submitted by SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus. Pic-From-The Past The photo at right, which appeared in the July 22, 1955 edition of the Seafarers LOG shows officers and crew members from the SIUcrewed Southstar during shore leave from their duties while in an overseas port. Pictured (from the left) are Master Ben Shaw, Chief Mate Robert Welch, AB Willard Mullins, Radio Operator C.H. Childers, OS William Betgood and AB Benny Swearington. According to the caption which ran with the photo, it was taken in France and the crew was preparing to tour the sites in the city of La Pallice. The gentleman to the far right apparently is their tour guide. 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 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 August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:10 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 VELONDER ALFORD Sister Velonder Alford, 65, became an SIU member in 2001. She initially sailed on the Kauai. Sister Alford was born in Oklahoma and worked in the steward department. She enhanced her seafaring abilities in 2001 and 2002 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Sister Alford’s most recent voyage was aboard the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. She makes her home in Toledo, Wash. LENZY BARNEY JR. Brother Lenzy Barney Jr., 65, was born in Alabama. He joined the union in 1991 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Barney first shipped on the Equality State. The engine department member’s last vessel was the Cleveland. Brother Barney lives in Mobile. JAMES ELLIOTT Brother James Elliott, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1997 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He originally shipped aboard the Wilson. Brother Elliott was born in Linden, N.C., and worked in the engine department. He attended classes often at the Piney Point school. Brother Elliott’s final voyage was on the Observation Island. He continues to reside in Norfolk. FRANCISCO MUNOZ Brother Francisco Munoz, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1968. He originally sailed with Victory Carriers Inc. as a member of the deck department. Brother Munoz was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. The recertified bosun was born in Chile. Brother Munoz’s last vessel was the Meteor. He is a resident of San Francisco. MICKEY NOBLE Brother Mickey Noble, 56, became an SIU member in 1971. He was initially employed aboard the Rose City. Brother Noble was a member of the deck department. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Noble was born in France. His final voyage was on the Intrepid. Brother Noble lives in San Francisco. TEODORO QUINONES Brother Teodoro Quinones, 50, was born in Puerto Rico. He began his seafaring career in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Quinones’ first trip was aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He worked in the engine department and enhanced his skills often at the Piney Point school. Brother Quinones was last employed on the Sea Star. He makes his home in Vega Baja, P.R. ALI RASHID DOMINGO MIRELES Brother Domingo Mireles, 77, first went to sea in 1990 from the port of Houston. His initial trip was aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Mireles was born in Texas and sailed in the engine department. He most recently shipped on the Cape Vincent. Brother Mireles upgraded on two occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He calls Beaumont, Texas, home. August 2008 Brother Ali Rashid, 65, joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1981. His earliest voyage was aboard the President Wilson, where he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Rashid is a Yemen native. His final ship was the APL Korea. In 2000, Brother Rashid upgraded at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He settled in Washington State. ALLAN ROGERS Brother Allan Rogers, 64, became a Seafarer in 1965 while in the port of New York. He was born in Baltimore, Md., and worked in the deck department. Brother Rogers’ first ship was the Steel Executive; his last was the USNS Mendonca. He frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Rogers lives in Rhodesdale, Md. Schwarz was born in Germany and sailed as a member of the steward department. He attended numerous classes at the Piney Point school. Brother Schwarz’s last voyage was on the Quality. He resides in Lake Worth, Fla. INLAND ELIAS RUIZ Brother Elias Ruiz, 65, began sailing with the union in 1978. He initially sailed aboard the Mount Explorer. Brother Ruiz was born in Honduras. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ruiz most recently shipped on the El Faro. He calls Houston, Texas, home. GERHARD SCHWARZ Brother Gerhard Schwarz, 72, donned the SIU colors in 1975 while in the port of San Francisco. His original trip to sea was aboard the Independence. Brother DANIEL DEARING Boatman Daniel Dearing, 62, became an SIU member in 1978 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He primarily shipped aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Boatman Dearing was born in Seattle. In 1982, he enhanced his skills at the SIU-affiliated school. Boatman Dearing is a resident of Costa Mesa, Calif. THOMAS ROSTAN Boatman Thomas Rostan, 62, joined the union in 1990. He initially sailed with OLS Transport Ltd. as a member of the deck department. Boatman Rostan upgraded on two occasions at the maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. His most recent trip was aboard a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. Boatman Rostan makes his home in Largo, Fla. GREAT LAKES HUSAIN ALI Brother Husain Ali, 65, was born in Arabia. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1970. Brother Ali’s earliest journey was on the Buck Monitor. The deck department member was last employed aboard the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Ali settled in Dearborn, Mich. JOHN BONIFAS Brother John Bonifas, 64, began sailing with the union in 1978. His first sailed on the Columbia as a member of the engine department. Brother Bonifas was born in Michigan. He frequently took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bonifas’ final ship was the Walter J. McCarthy. He calls Manistique, Mich., home. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. tied a lifeline around his waist, swam to the raft and brought the injured man on board. 1950 1982 U.S. Customs officials made their first search of an Iron Curtain country vessel under the authority of the recently passed “Trojan Ship” measure, which permits inspection of foreignflag ships for atomic bombs and other weapons. The security check took place in Boston aboard a Finnish ship. Seafarers are urged to apply their own security measures aboard their ships in foreign ports. Vigilance should be maintained to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding or otherwise gaining access to their vessels. The officers and SIU crew of the USNS Southern Cross were honored by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping for their “humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese refugees adrift in the South China Sea during late September 1981.” The USNS Southern Cross, part of the SIU Government Service Division fleet operated by the Military Sealift Command, Pacific, picked up 58 desperate “boat people” from a 35-foot boat on July 15, 1981 while en route from Subic Bay, Philippines to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. At the time, their actions were lauded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. There were 18 men, 13 women and 27 children on the boat. 1967 This Month In SIU History The maritime industry’s highest award for safety was presented to the SIU-crewed Steel Maker for the rescue of four seamen from the Spanish ship Monte Palomares. The Steel Maker was en route from Spain to New York when it received an SOS from the Monte Palomares, foundering in a North Atlantic storm 900 miles from Bermuda, and immediately altered course to assist the sinking vessel. The Spanish ship had already gone down by the time the Steel Maker arrived, but a red flare from a life raft was spotted and the Steel Maker maneuvered alongside. Three of the raft’s survivors scrambled up the ship’s cargo net to safety, but a fourth was too injured to climb. An SIU member then 1992 Three USNS Mercy crew members were cited by the commander of Military Sealift Command Pacific for rescuing two fishermen off the northern coast of California. SIU member Robert McCumsey brought to safety the two fishermen from a life raft of a capsized 42-foot craft. The Seafarer was assisted by the Mercy’s captain and chief mate in the five- to seven-foot seas with heavy fog and low visibility. McCumsey received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. Seafarers LOG 17 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:11 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA RICHARD ADAMSON Pensioner Richard Adamson, 80, passed away March 15. Brother Adamson, a member of the engine department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1946. He initially shipped aboard the Steel King. Brother Adamson’s last trip was on a SeaLand vessel. He retired in 1990 and called Pembroke Pines, Fla., home. JOHN BENEDICT Pensioner John Benedict, 79, died March 4. Brother Benedict signed on with union in 1947 while in the port of New Orleans. He first sailed aboard the Del Rio. Brother Benedict was born in New Orleans and shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Robert E. Lee. In 1986, Brother Benedict started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in Harahan, La. JAMES BOLEN Pensioner James Bolen, 75, passed away March 2. Brother Bolen donned the SIU colors in 1966. He was originally employed aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Bolen was a member of the deck department. His last ship was the Freedom. Brother Bolen went on pension in 1998. He lived in his native state of Washington. WILLIAM BOWLES Pensioner William Bowles, 88, died March 31. Brother Bowles became an SIU member in 1951. His earliest trip was on an M.J. Troy Inc. vessel. Brother Bowles worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he sailed aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Bowles was a resident of Theodore, Ala. HERMAN BYRD Pensioner Herman Byrd, 72, passed away March 21. Brother Byrd joined the Seafarers in 1965. He initially sailed with Victory Carriers Inc., in the deck department. Brother Byrd was born in Mount Vernon, Ala. His final voyage was on the Quality. Brother Byrd made his home in Houston. He began receiving his pension in 1994. WILLIAM CALLAHAN Brother William Callahan, 64, died March 8. He started shipping with the union in 1964. Brother Callahan was born in Illinois. He sailed in 18 Seafarers LOG both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Callahan originally worked aboard a Dravo Basic Materials Company vessel. The engine department member was last employed on the Overseas Alice. Brother Callahan called Mobile, Ala., home. GUILLERMO CENTENO Pensioner Guillermo Centeno, 74, passed away March 7. Brother Centeno was born in Puerto Rico. He began his MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) membership in 1979. Brother Centeno’s first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Maui. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Centeno became a pensioner in 1994. He resided in Eagle Pass, Texas. JAMES FLIPPO Pensioner James Flippo, 85, died March 23. Brother Flippo signed on with the SIU in 1944 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first voyage was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Flippo sailed in the deck department. Before his retirement in 1986, he sailed on the Sugar Islander. Brother Flippo was born in Alabama and made his home in Brookeland, Texas. Columbia Tiger. His last voyage was on the Horizon Consumer. In 1991, Brother Poleate started collecting his retirement compensation. He settled in Pensacola, Fla. JUAN PONCE Pensioner Juan Ponce, 74, died March 24. Brother Ponce became an SIU member in 1972. His first vessel was the Longview Victory; his last was the Commitment. Brother Ponce was born in Puerto Rico. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Ponce went on pension in 2003 and called Bayamon, P.R., home. OVIDIO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Ovidio Rodriguez, 92, passed away March 13. Brother Rodriguez joined the union as a charter member in 1938 while in the port of New York. His earliest trip to sea was with AH Bull Steamship Company. Brother Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Del Valle. Brother Rodriguez began receiving his retirement pay in 1980. He lived in New York City. WILLIAM SHARP Pensioner Leonard Grove, 82, passed away April 2. Brother Grove joined the union in 1953 while in the port of New York. He initially shipped aboard the Steel Direct as a member of the deck department. Brother Grove was born in Kulpmont, Pa. He most recently worked on the St. Louis. Brother Grove went on pension in 1987. He continued to live in Pennsylvania. Pensioner William Sharp, 87, died March 17. Brother Sharp signed on with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He originally sailed on the Del Rio. Brother Sharp was born in Meridian, Miss. He worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Great Land. Brother Sharp became a pensioner in 1989. He resided in Tacoma, Wash. JACK NASROEN MIKE STRAKA Pensioner Jack Nasroen, 85, died March 6. Brother Nasroen donned the SIU colors in 1951. He was originally employed aboard the Ponce. Brother Nasroen was born in Indonesia and shipped in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Oakland. Brother Nasroen was a resident of Marysville, Calif. He retired in 1986. Pensioner Mike Straka, 83, passed away March 14. Brother Straka was born in Central City, Pa. He started sailing with the SIU in 1953 from the port of Baltimore. Brother Straka’s first voyage was on the Marore. The deck department member last sailed aboard the Motivator. Brother Straka retired in 1989 and made his home in Sharon, Pa. LEONARD GROVE JOHN POLEATE Pensioner John Poleate, 86, passed away March 19. Brother Poleate began shipping with the Seafarers in 1970. The deck department member was born in Patton, La. Brother Poleate initially sailed aboard the WILLIAM WALTON Pensioner William Walton, 78, died April 5. Brother Walton donned the SIU colors in 1951. He initially shipped on a vessel operated by Mayflower Steamship Corporation. Brother Walton worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the Horizon Navigator. He was born in Los Angeles but called Raymond, Wash., home. Brother Walton started collecting his pension in 1990. CHIN WONG Pensioner Chin Wong, 86, passed away March 17. Brother Wong became a Seafarer in 1952. His first ship was the Burbank Victory. Brother Wong was a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he worked with CSX Lines. Brother Wong was a resident of San Francisco. CARLOS ZAPATA Pensioner Carlos Zapata, 77, died April 8. Brother Zapata joined the SIU in 1965. His first sailed aboard the Ocean Cloud. Brother Zapata was born in La Ceiba, Honduras. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Zapata’s final trip took place aboard the Seabulk Challenger. He went on pension in 1997 and lived in Covington, La. INLAND BENJAMIN CHIANCIOLA Pensioner Benjamin Chianciola, 81, passed away April 4. Boatman Chianciola was born in Massachusetts. He joined the union in 1980. Boatman Chianciola last sailed on a vessel operated by Serafina II, Inc. He made his home in Gloucester, Mass. Boatman Chianciola retired in 1988. ROY DENT Pensioner Roy Dent, 65, died March 27. Boatman Dent signed on with the SIU in 1970 while in the port of St. Louis. He initially sailed on an Inland Tugs vessel. Boatman Dent was born in Walnut Ridge, Ark. He last was employed with Southern Ohio Towing Company. In 2004, Boatman Dent began receiving his retirement pay. He lived in Lilbourn, Mo. FLOYD KOENIG SR. Pensioner Floyd Koenig Sr., 79, passed away April 17. Boatman Koenig donned the SIU colors in 1975. He was originally employed with Whiteman Towing Company. Boatman Koenig was born in Gretna, La. He last worked for Crescent Towing of New Orleans. Boatman Koenig became a pensioner in 1990. He was a resident of Terrytown, La. CHARLES McDANIEL Pensioner Charles McDaniel, 74, died March 16. Boatman McDaniel started sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 from the port of St. Louis. The Pennsylvania native primarily shipped on vessels operated by Inland Tugs. Boatman McDaniel called Georgetown, Ohio, home. He went on pension in 1998. WILLIAM McLAREN JR. Pensioner William McLaren Jr., 74, passed away April 1. Boatman McLaren was born in Galveston, Texas. He joined the union in 1962. Boatman McLaren often sailed with Galveston Wharves. He started collecting his pension in 1994. Boatman McLaren resided in his native state. JIMMIE STEVENS Pensioner Jimmie Stevens, 74, died March 30. Boatman Stevens became a union member in 1973 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His earliest trip to sea was aboard an Allied Towing vessel. Boatman Stevens was a Florida native. He most recently worked with Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Stevens retired in 1995 and settled in Gresham, S.C. WALTER VICKERY Pensioner Walter Vickery, 81, passed away March 12. Boatman Vickery began his seafaring career in 1957. He was born in Philadelphia. Boatman Vickery first sailed with Taylor Marine Towing Company. Before his retirement in 1989, he sailed on Mariner Towing vessels. Boatman Vickery made his home in New Jersey. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH LABLANC Pensioner Joseph LeBlanc, 84, died March 20. Brother LeBlanc signed on with the union in 1959 while in the port of Detroit. He initially worked on an American Steamship Company vessel as a member of the engine department. Brother LaBlanc was born in Royal Oak, Mich. His final voyage was with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother LaBlanc went on pension in 1978 and called Warren, Mich., home. RICHARD WALLAKER Brother Richard Wallaker, 48, passed away March 5. He joined the SIU in 1992. Brother Wallaker primarily sailed with Luedtke Engineering Company. He was a resident of Frankfort, Mich. August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:11 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CAPE KNOX (Keystone Shipping), May 11 – Chairman Grant A. Shipley, Secretary John W. Hale, Educational Director Rodolfo C. Cunanan, Deck Delegate Andre Skevnick, Steward Delegate Jeffery L. Tardieff. Chairman reminded crew members to keep documents in order so when they go for a job there should be no problem getting it. Secretary and educational director stressed the importance of upgrading skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners would like phones and refrigerators in rooms. Motion was made to raise pension amounts. Next port: New Orleans. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), May 24 – Chairman Samuel H. Lampshire, Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Deck Delegate Khaled Munasser, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate Andy N. Campollo. Chairman notified members that ship would arrive in Los Angeles on May 26. He requested they double bag all trash and put it in covered containers. Crew was also asked to make sure that all doors are kept locked, for security measures. Educational director urged Seafarers to enhance skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $750 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to increase vacation benefits. Request was made for a new radio and TV in crew lounge. Thanks was given to all aboard vessel for their help in keeping the ship clean, with a special thanks to the steward department for great food and a clean mess hall. Next ports: Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif., Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Yokohama, Japan. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship), May 18 – Chairman Robert V. Bakeman, Secretary Mohamed B. Kamer, Educational Director Jessie A. Parente, Deck Delegate Steven A. Lonas, Engine Delegate Jessie A. Parente, Steward Delegate Amilcor Bermudez. Chairman expressed gratitude to crew for working well together. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of upgrading and training offered in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that security people were needed on ramp when in port and during canal transit. Crew members would like a new DVD player and new clothes dryer since they are down to one dryer now. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), May 7 – Chairman Billy G. Hill Sr., Secretary Patricia A. Sullivan. Chairman thanked crew for a safe and productive voyage. He also announced payoff on May 12 in Galveston, Texas. He informed mariners that rooms would be given sanitary inspections before payoff. Crew was notified that TWIC deadline had been extended until April 15, 2009. Secretary encouraged crew to upgrade when possible at the Piney Point school to keep our union strong. She also recommended applying for necessary seafaring documents at least six months ahead of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Beaumont, Texas, Jacksonville, Fla., Baltimore, Md., and Charleston, S.C. HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), May 25 – Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Harold A. Bryan, Deck Delegate George W. Mazzola, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Steven C. Wasch. Bosun read Horizon Lines’ pre-physical procedure and steward posted the information on bulletin board. Educational director suggested everyone attend classes at the Paul Hall Center to enhance job skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman to inquire with captain about ship’s fund; it was suggested that perhaps a ledger should be kept to keep crew informed about how money is spent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that small washer was not working properly again. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. 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. Aboard the Pride of Aloha These photos were taken of crew members aboard the Pride of Aloha while the vessel was bunkering in Cristobal, Panama. Pictured in the photo above (from left to right) are Storekeeper Aristotle Cortez, Engineer Luice Failugua, and Junior Engineer Medardo Valerio. In photo above right, Machinists Efren Bacomo, Joemarie Aboy and Donato Surrell take a quick break from their duties in a section of the vessel’s engine room while AB Florito Alegado, Storekeeper Cortez and OS Juanito Ceralde (photo at right) pose on the vessel’s deck. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), May 5 – Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Paul P. Pagano, Deck Delegate James E. Murphy, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria. Chairman informed crew members that Coast Guard inspection would take place sometime during the next couple of trips. Departing Seafarers were asked to leave rooms clean for next member. Secretary thanked fellow crew members for their help keeping ship clean. Educational director discussed TWIC deadline extension. Treasurer stated $540 in ship’s fund. Recommendation was made to ask company to get satellite TV set up and crew would pay monthly fee out of ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Aboard the ITB Philadelphia in Bayonne New Jersey Crew members aboard the SIUcrewed ITB Philadelphia paused from their duties for these photos while the vessel was in Bayonne, N.J. Shown in the photo below (left to right) are Assistant Cook Farid Zaharan and Recertified Steward Dana Paradise. Steward Paradise (photo at right, from left to right) later joins Bosun Michael Wagner and two other members of the crew during a meal in the crew mess. August 2008 The procedure for filing a beef was discussed. Request was made for new mattresses. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for good food and great cookouts. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif., and Honolulu, Hawaii. INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), May 31 – Chairman Paul O. Jagger, Secretary Thomas E. Kleine, Educational Director Tirso D. Sarmiento, Deck Delegate Francis Miller, Engine Delegate Rodney M. Payne, Steward Delegate Gloria Baker. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary. Secretary explained procedure of shipboard meetings and relayed information from phone conversation with Asst. VP Archie Ware pertaining to rotation. Educational director recommended upgrading at the SIU-affiliated maritime training center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for increase in optical and dental benefits. It was noted that parts to fix ice machine have been ordered. Next ports: Bayonne, N.J., Baltimore, Md., Charleston, S.C., and Brunswick, Ga. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line Limited), May 26 – Chairman Raymond Henderson, Secretary Glenn C. Bamman, Educational Director Jimmie Robles, Deck Delegate Glen A. Rogers Jr., Engine Delegate Sammy Montana, Steward Delegate Richard M. Worobey. Chairman talked about shipping procedures and the importance of getting TWIC card. Educational director urged all mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew lounge needs a new DVD player capable of playing WUSA movies. Crew was looking into getting credentials for shore leave for Kuwait. Next ports: Kuwait and Jebel Ali, Dubai. CAPE MOHICAN (Ocean Duchess), June 23 – Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secretary Steven E. Parker, Educational Director Kashmir S. Dhillon, Deck Delegate Clemens A. Kessler, Engine Delegate Essam A. Hussein, Steward Delegate Jasper Jackson Jr. Bosun talked about importance of union and solidarity. He also discussed why union meetings take place and how union officials can’t help unless they are kept informed of what is going on aboard the vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to reinstate Paul Hall Day as a holiday. Crew would like new mattresses, furniture, TV and DVD player. Crew successfully loaded military hovercraft onto vessel; it was the first load of this type aboard the Cape Mohican. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), June 15 – Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director Joseph J. Egan, Deck Delegate Frank Sena, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings, Steward Delegate Carmelo D. Cruz. Chairman read the president’s report from the Seafarers LOG and also read notice regarding lowering seatime requirements to 125 days to qualify for medical benefits. Secretary thanked members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reiterated the importance of checking document expiration dates and upgrading skills. Treasurer reported $665.19 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Honolulu, Calif. Seafarers LOG 19 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:24 AM Page 20 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. ‘Moral Obligation’ Includes Fair Treatment of Mariners Each day, I take time to reflect – not just on my life, but on that part of my life spent sailing tankers in the merchant marine during World War II. I have some satisfaction now that due to the tremendous efforts of other shipmates, and the related sea unions, I have my discharge from the Coast Guard which indicates I am a veteran of the United States. Each day, however, I am saddened by the fact that those of us who served in that war continue to be looked down upon as something not whole, something not really to be respected despite that piece of paper that says we are veterans. I can only hope that those men and women who now sail the dangerous seas will not have the disappointments the remaining seamen from World War II retain. On April 24, 2008, the Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 was passed in the United States Senate by the vote of 96-1. This was S.1315. While the act increases a number of benefits which veterans should receive, and recognizes the increased medical care demanded from new types of conflicts, it also recognizes in Section 402 that some 13,000 remaining Filipino Scouts should now be included in full medical and educational benefits. The story of the Filipino Scouts is a long and wonderful example of men who served under the American flag following the invasion of the Philippines by the Japanese in World War II. Various presidents had indicated that these men, then some 225,000, some who survived the Bataan Death March, should be treated as equal American veterans. But true to the story of so many other groups who fought beside our regular troops, there were those who said, “No, we have no money for them.” However, things change. Elections come and go; new members of the House and Senate get elected. New rhetoric flows out in dramatic, patriotic drumbeat. The bill finally came out of the Veterans’ Committee in the Senate and then came the speeches – not just for the increased benefits, but now for the Filipino Scouts. In opening the debate on the issue, the lead senator for the Scouts said, “This nation has a moral obligation to care for those who have served under its flag.” There was the usual push and pull by senators to show their constituents how they feel. Then, the bill passed, as it should have the year before. What was not discussed was the fact that the bill to belatedly thank the remaining merchant seamen from World War II languishes in the same committee and no one speaks for us. Where is the moral obligation for us? Where will the moral obligation be when current-day seamen facing daily terrorist threats in foreign waters look at their service and how it should be judged? In the speeches for the Scouts, it was said that President Roosevelt and President Truman favored veterans’ treatment for them. President Roosevelt also encouraged GI benefits for merchant seamen in 1944, but he died the following year. We then endured years of neglect and suffered through both a federal court trial and 10 years of legislative neglect until finally, in 1998, most of the seamen received limited benefits. Most, however, will only receive a tombstone and a flag when they cross the bar. Several years ago, it was proposed that a limited financial benefit be provided to the remaining seamen to compensate these veterans for the extensive educational, home finance and medical benefits denied them since the end of the wartime service. This legislation passed the House, but remains stuck in the Senate. Through all the hearings on the legislation, as was the case in past legislative fights, the seamen have to fight misinformation that puts an ugly face on the issue. One congressman, not knowing our history, belittled us by saying some seamen only entered the merchant marine after the Japanese surrendered. The fact is that all seamen went through landside training before they shipped out, and many had signed up months before the Japanese surrendered. This training time is not counted and our service time officially only began when we signed the ship’s articles. Service time for all other services began at the swearing-in ceremony and many servicemen and women never left the United States. Yet, all these individuals received GI benefits. We have no complaint with this. But, again, where is the moral obligation to get our story right? I believe that men and women are elected to higher office to not only serve their constituents, but the U.S. as a whole. I believe history is a guide for men and women in the future so that our country can continue to be the place everyone in the world envies and the place they want to live. I believe those who control benefits should recognize they have a moral obligation to men and women who have served their country. I fear that when most citizens go to vote, they can’t focus on such a small matter as an obligation to servicemen and women when they choose their candidates. I pray that this thought will be something that those who have heard the call of the sea will remember when they make their choices for office. Moral obligation is not a matter of pick and choose; it is not a lottery. Moral obligation to veterans is a standard by which elected officials should be judged. Don T. Trimbath Vice President, Government Affairs American Merchant Marine Veterans Auburn, California Welcome Ashore, Brother Munoz Recertified Bosun Francisco Munoz (center) recently stopped by the Oakland hall to pick up his first retirement check. Family members joined him to share in the excitement. Pictured from left to right are daughter Angelina; wife, Sonia; Francisco; daughter Olga; and SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona. 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. August 2008 �49927_P01_24:January 08 7/25/2008 12:11 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 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Course Start Date Date of Completion Welding September 8 October 6 November 3 December 1 September 26 October 23 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) August 2 August 8 Fast Rescue Boat August 18 September 8 August 22 September 12 Medical Care Provider September 8 September 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) September 22 November 10 September 6 October 3 November 21 September 12 Start Date Date of Completion August 18 September 29 November 10 September 12 October 23 December 5 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) October 6 November 17 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 November 14 December 19 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. GMDSS September 15 September 26 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 15 October 27 September 26 November 7 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began July 21. Steward Recertification Course August 18 September 8 Radar September 22 November 3 October 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) October 27 December 8 October 27 December 8 Able Seaman Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 25 October 20 September 5 October 31 Bosun Recertification Course November 3 October 14 Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) September 1 November 10 September 26 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) September 15 November 10 October 10 December 5 Firemen/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) August 18 October 13 September 12 November 6 Junior Engineer August 30 October 24 Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 Pumpman August 11 August 22 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No Steward Upgrading Courses 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. Online “Distance Learning” Courses 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 206740075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via email. 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. 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, 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: Tankerman (PIC) Barge 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 ________________________________________________ August 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. 8/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:24 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Classes Four Seafarers recently completed computer courses while undergoing upgrade training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The graduates joined instructor Rich Prucha (second from left in photo above and left in photo below) for these photos. Graduates included (photo above) James Copeland, Rolando Dinong, Cecil Yearwood and (photo below) Rodolfo Monopilo. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 703 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 703 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Casey Amay, Jonathyn Bland, Sean Clodfelter, Christopher Gonseth, Shawn Haber, Yuir Hernandez, Braden Horne, Ralph Howell Jr., Eric Kirkland, Johnnie Langston, Jarred Moylan, Richard Noto, William Pakkala, Ivyrose Villaflor and Nathan White. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat - Six upgraders graduated from this 30-hour course June 20. Those completing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Adam Begleiter, Matthew Hojna, David Miller, Christopher Pinkerton, Liberatoz Viray and Philander Walton. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is standing in back, fourth from left. Advanced Container Maintenance - Six upgraders completed this course June 27. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were John Conn, Gary Dahl, Scott Fuller, Angel Hernandez, Daniel Mitchell and Tyson James. Calvin Beal, their instructor, is standing, second from left. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations - Twenty upgraders and Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed this 140-hour course June 13. Those graduating (photo at right, in alphabetical order) were Vic Atkinson, Alexis Bonilla, Tristan Brand, Jovita Carino, DeMorris Duggins, Kabir Garcia, Tonya Gist, Tsawang Gyurme, Spencer Hiruko, Si Hughes, Arthur Kately III, Larry Locke, Daniel McDougald, Mark Merenda, Frederick Nyarko, Algernon Ramseur, Tijani Rashid, Mohamed Sheriff, Christopher Shivalier and Roderick McClary. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing, 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 cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 22 Seafarers LOG August 2008 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:26 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization DL - The above upgraders on June 13 completed this 63-hour course. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were Azad Adavani, Greg Baker, Sergio Cedeno, Yamira Colon, Rolando Dinong, Curtrina Duck, Sergey Golubev, Ricardo Guevara, Matthew Hojna, James Jones III, Anthony Kpodovia, David Miller, Kirk Moffett, Allen Newgen, Michael Ratigan, Sandy Santiago, Alfredo Silva, Donald Stickens, Abel Vazquez and George Washington. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is standing at far right. Welding—Four mariners upgraded their skills in this course and graduated May 2. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were Robert Weinhardt, Don Perry, Domenic Mallace and Kerry O’Callagan. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from left. ARPA - The above individuals completed this 32-hour course June 20. Pictured (in no particular order) are Lou Cabano, Vincent Ippolito Sr., and Michael Ratigan. Stacey McNeely was their instructor. Able Seaman - Eleven upgraders graduated from this course June 20. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Maurice Beasley, Bryan Brady, Raphael Dewberry, Emmanuel Garcia, Benigno Gonzales, Cheryl Lee, Wade McClennan, Victor Moody, Blaine Musk, Dana Wilks and Courtney Williams. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is standing at far right. Welding - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course June 20: Gavin Benckert, Thomas Jones, Freddie Malbas, Latisa May-Christopher, Robert Puckett, Cornelius Smith and Kenneth Sumner. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far right. Crowd Management (Hawaii) - Seventeen crew members from The Pride of America completed this course aboard their SIU-contracted vessel. Completing the training (above, in no particular order) were Carl Castagna, Amin Mohamed, Reynante Angulo, Michael Warner, Rien Libhart, Danilo Cortez, Alejandro Quirolgico, Alex Fagaragan, Larry Dizon, Juan Vega, Terje Ostbye, Paulette Callin, Sharon Powell, Nicole Falche, Andrew Kost, Dimarko Shoulders and Miguel Rivera. August 2008 STCW (Hawaii) - The following students (above, in no particular order) graduated from the STCW course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Completing the course were Alwin Corpuz, W.T. Greer III, Eric Liley, Isaac Miner, Jason Watson, Kathleen Adams and David Hahn. Seafarers LOG 23 �49927_P01_24X:January 08 7/28/2008 11:57 AM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 8 August 2008 Mariners Need TWIC by April 15, 2009 - Page 8 SIU steward department members (photo above) take a momentary break before returning to their duties aboard the USNS Hayes, docked in Tampa, Fla., when this photo was taken. ENCOURAGMENT FROM OFFICIALS – SIU President Michael Sacco (standing in photo above) and VP Contracts. George Tricker (photo at left) last month dropped in on some classes at the Paul Hall Center to quickly update students on timely maritime news affecting their livelihoods and also to wish them well in their studies. Sacco is pictured with a class of recertified stewards, while Tricker is addressing upgraders in the junior engineer program. DEU Santiago Ruiz, AB Shelby Rankin (photo above) send greetings from aboard the Blue Ridge. Chief Cook Gary Favaloram (photo at left) is pictured aboard the Blue Ridge near Tampa, Fla. At Sea And Ashore With the SIU hese photos were taken recently aboard SIUcrewed vessels, at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., and at the Seafarers-contracted facility in Petty’s Island. T SUPPORT FOR SPAD – SIU members at Crowley-Petty’s Island (located in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey) work with roll-on/roll-off ships and perform mechanical work on barges. They also proudly support SPAD, the union’s voluntary political activity fund, as shown in the group photo above. The members are sporting the most recent SPAD T-shirts which have been distributed to members who contribute to the fund. In photo inset above right, Seafarer Mike Fay shows off the artwork on the back of the shirt as John Haller looks on. � 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 August 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES FEDERATION ENDORSES OBAMA SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES HONORED WITH SAFETY AWARDS SIU JOBS SAVED ABOARD PHILLIPS, BAUGH MAERSK WINS BID TO OPERATE RO/ROS IN COMMERCIAL SECTOR NEW SIU-CREWED TUG CHRISTENED STARLIGHT MARINE CREWS RATIFY 3-YEAR CONTRACT USNS STOCKHAM SEAFARERS REFURBISH FILIPINO SCHOOL SIU CREWS HELP DELIVER LIFE-SAVING MILESTONE SEAFARERS STEP UP IN FREE CHOICE MOBILIZATION STUDY: ‘PREVAILING WAGE’ LAW ADDS BENEFITS HAWAII SUPERFERRY SETS PASSENGER RECORD MEETINGS OFFER INFO ON 401(K) PLAN PORT ARTHUR CONDUCTS MARITIME DAY CEREMONY SHIPBOARD SCENES FROM THE OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES SNAPSHOTS FROM THE GREAT LAKES REGION PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING SIU ABSENTEE BALLOTS SIU-CREWED MAERSK SHIPS REACH SAFETY MILESTONES 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 08/01/2008 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. 8 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/eeccf0f8e88c390567d83280c68c2831.pdf ad3323aa53056e825544213f09c84d7d PDF Text Text 50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:33 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 9 September 2008 Maersk Michigan Means More SIU Jobs SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited has added another ship to its Seafarers-crewed fleet: the Maersk Michigan (below). The vessel was built in 2003 and is scheduled to reflag under the Stars and Stripes in early September. Page 3. Ferry Crew to the Rescue! Seafarers aboard the Freedom Ferry recently rescued a woman who had jumped or fallen into the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. Among those involved in the rescue were the father-son team of Capt. Rodger Taylor (right) and Deckhand Matthew Taylor, pictured aboard the vessel. Page 3. Fire Fighting and Safety School Is Vital Part of Paul Hall Center Seafarers participate in a variety of essential drills at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Students are pictured at left, right and above right in some of the classes that take place at the school, based in southern Maryland. For more information and additional photos, turn to Pages 12-13. CIVMAR News Pages 5, 10 SIU Election Info. Presidential Election Updates Pages 2, 24 Pages 4, 6, 7 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:33 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Register and Vote Over the years, I’ve always appreciated our membership’s solid understanding of why politics is important to our union and our industry. With Election Day 2008 fast approaching, I know you realize that when we in the SIU talk about politics, we talk first and foremost about jobs. We care about our industry. We care about the labor movement. We absolutely care about our country’s security. But none of that will make any difference if the American flag disappears from the high seas, or if unions are wiped out. That’s why we’re involved in politics. If we’re out of work, we can’t help our industry or our fellow trade unionists across the land. And if there were no U.S. Merchant Marine, our nation would face enormous risk. As most Seafarers know, we work in a very heavily regulated industry. That means our livelihoods depend in part on decisions made by legislators and administrations in Washington, D.C. Brothers and sisters, it’s no coincidence that so many unions – and numerous businesses – have their headquarters in or near the nation’s capital. We all must stay active in politics, or we’ll soon be out of business. That’s why I urge you to make sure you’re registered to vote. That’s why I urge you to support pro-maritime, prolabor candidates at every level. That’s why I urge you to find the time to get to the polls on November 4, or, if needed, to cast your absentee ballot. You’ve probably heard the saying that all politics is local. I was reminded of it recently, when a transportation newspaper with worldwide circulation published an antiJones Act editorial. What a coincidence: It’s an election year in the U.S., and foreigners are taking shots at one of the pillars of the American-flag fleet. I can assure you that the Jones Act is never off of our radar, no matter the year. We will continue to promote and protect this law which is vital not only to our industry but indeed to America’s national and economic security. But, the editorial is reminder of why we must keep our guard up at all times – and why we must elect people who support American maritime labor. With every election cycle, we go through a process of trying to help educate newly elected or appointed individuals about the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. That won’t change, but it’s a far more efficient, effective process when our members have reached out to their local officials. Your contact means so much more because that politician knows the issue is important to someone back home who actually voted them into office. On that note, I thank the rank-and-file membership for your outstanding support of the voluntary Seafarers Political Activity Donation fund, which we call SPAD. Whether promoting SPAD with a catch-phrase like “Politics is pork chops” or “It takes a four-letter word to be heard,” or explaining its purpose in more detail, the bottom line is that SPAD gives us a chance to have our voices heard by those who govern our industry. On the back page of this issue of the LOG, you’ll see our statement endorsing Senator Barack Obama for president. That endorsement is based on the senator’s support of the laws and programs that keep our industry – and our jobs – afloat. We apply the same test in every election, and not just at the federal level. Our first question is always, “Where do the candidates stand on maritime?” This year in particular, that’s a question we can’t afford not to ask – and this is a vote we can’t afford to sit out. Volume 70, Number 9 September 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. 2 Seafarers LOG Gen. Duncan McNabb Confirmed As U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Norton Schwartz to Serve as Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan McNabb soon will assume command of the United States Transportation Command, the agency announced last month. With the Senate confirmation vote Aug. 1, the 34-year Air Force veteran will become the ninth TRANSCOM commander. McNabb provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 22 prior to the full Senate voting on his confirmation. The president must offer the official appointment to the general before he can assume his new position. “I know U.S. Transportation Command’s success depends on the strength of the total force and of our industry partners,” said McNabb. “I will work to continue to strengthen and leverage these partnerships across the entire joint deployment and distribution enterprise.” Currently serving as the Air Force vice chief of staff, McNabb will assume command of TRANSCOM once Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, also confirmed by the Senate Aug. 1, assumes his new position as Air Force chief of staff. In his current position, McNabb serves as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Advisory Working Group. He assists the chief of staff with organizing, training and equipping more than 710,000 activeduty, Air Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. His previous command experience includes positions as commander, 89th Operations Group at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; commander, 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB, Wash.; and comman- Gen. Duncan McNabb Gen. Norton Schwartz der, Tanker Airlift Control Center, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Ill. Immediately prior to his current position, McNabb served as commander of Air Mobility Command, one of the three service commands comprising TRANSCOM. The others are the Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, also headquartered at Scott AFB, and the Navy’s Military Sealift Command, headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. Schwartz, a 35-year veteran in special operations, will be the 19th Air Force chief of staff. “I intend to embody the Air Force core values of integrity, service and excellence as I lead the Air Force at this critical transition period,” he said. TRANSCOM is the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense. Seapower Subcommittee Chairman Emphasizes Support for Jones Act U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), chairman of ships must be built in the U.S. and owned by the Seapower Subcommittee of the House Armed American companies. Wrapping up his comments on the Jones Act, Services Committee, recently stressed his ongoing Rep. Taylor cautioned that waivers are “never an support for the Jones Act. end-all,” and warned that such Addressing the Propeller Club waivers may turn out to be the of the United States during a July “camel’s nose under the tent.” He 22 luncheon in Washington, concluded that America cannot D.C., Rep. Taylor stated, “I am a have a strong shipbuilding and fanatic when it comes to the repair base without strict enforceJones Act. The privilege of operment of the Jones Act. ating between American ports The congressman also empha[rightly comes with the requiresized the need to maintain a U.S. ment that ships used in the trade] Navy fleet consisting of at least 313 are American-owned, flagged, vessels (as articulated by high-rankand crewed vessels. It’s that siming Navy officers). ple.” He said he wants to help ensure Rep. Taylor, who also serves that our troops are supported by on the Coast Guard and Maritime American-flag ships with American Transportation Subcommittee of crews. the House Transportation and Rep. Taylor also reiterated his Infrastructure Committee, pointed out that approximately 40 U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) support for the Title XI other countries have laws similar is an ardent supporter of the U.S. Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program. He said that despite some to the Jones Act. Long a crucial Merchant Marine. struggles, “I still believe Title XI is component when it comes to helping maintain a viable U.S. Merchant Marine, a good program, and I will do what I can to encourthe Jones Act stipulates that vessels transporting age people to buy American and build American…. cargo from one domestic port to another (as Rep. It’s like any other government program: It’s going Taylor explained) must fly the U.S. flag and carry to be as good or bad as the people running it want American crews. The law also specifies that such it to be.” AFL-CIO Elects 3 to Executive Council The AFL-CIO Executive Council early last month approved the election of three new council members at its summer meeting in Chicago. The executive council – composed of 47 union leaders – is the key decisionmaking body of the 10.5-million member AFL-CIO. The new members of the council are Randi Weingarten, president, American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Matthew Loeb, president of the Stage and Theatrical Employees (IATSE); and Jill Levy, president of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). “We’re thrilled to welcome these three passionate advocates for working families to the executive council,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. Weingarten, who replaces recently retired AFT President Edward J. McElroy, joins the council after being elected to succeed McElroy in July. Loeb served as IATSE’s division director of motion picture and television production before his election as president in late July. He replaces retiring IATSE President Tom Short. Levy is a longtime union activist who served for several years as supervisor of special education for New York City’s public schools and headed AFSA Local 1. She served in several national offices for AFSA and was elected union president in 2006. Levy replaces retiring executive council member Baxter Atkinson. September 2008 �50414_p01_24x:50414p 9/2/2008 2:15 PM Page 3 The Maersk Michigan sports its new paint job while in drydock. Among the first mariners to crew up the new addition are AB Saleh Mothana, QMED Edward Hanvey, Recertified Bosun Michael Brewley, Chief Cook Alba Luz Ayala, Chief Mate John Gomard, Chief Steward Army Joe Leake, AB John Carr and GVA Abdulnaser Saeed. Union-Contracted Fleet Adds Maersk Michigan SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) in late August announced that it had completed the purchase of a 47,000 DWT product tanker to add to its U.S.flag fleet. The M/T Marco, which is scheduled to reflag under the Stars and Stripes in early September, will be renamed the Maersk Michigan. The 597-foot vessel is a double-hulled tanker built in 2003. In announcing the purchase, the company noted that the ship “will provide U.S. government customers, such as the Defense Energy Support Center, with expanded petroleum transport capacity around the world.” “This vessel clearly and strongly reflects the company’s commitment to both the American flag and U.S. crews,” stated SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “The union continues working to expand job opportunities and job security for our members. However, bringing tonnage in under the Stars and Stripes is a boost not only for the SIU but for overall national and economic security, because ships like the Maersk Michigan help maintain the pool of qualified shipboard manpower that’s so vital to our country.” “The addition of the Maersk Michigan represents our commitment to expanding our U.S.-flag fleet and to providing U.S. government customers with strategic tanker capacity where it is needed most,” said Steve Carmel, MLL’s senior vice president of maritime services. “We are also proud that the ship will add new jobs and capacity to the overall U.S.-flag fleet.” MLL Labor Relations Vice President Ed Hanley added, “The crew did a great job to take over the vessel under significant time pressure and other challenges. We had to do the crew change at anchor in less than favorable conditions — heavy swells, rain, etc. Lots of stores had to be offloaded from the launch, and the mariners had to move into rooms that were not left very tidy by the outgoing crew… The training and professionalism Philly Ferry Crew Rescues Woman in Delaware River As Captain Rodger Taylor guided the Freedom Ferry away from Penn’s Landing for the next part of its regular run between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J., he noticed something in the water which obviously didn’t belong there. Specifically, he saw a woman in distress in the Delaware River. Within minutes, Taylor and Deckhands Matthew Taylor (Rodger’s son), Zachary Tannoia and Kevin Fisher had teamed up to safely pull the woman from the water, administer first aid and get her to shore. Local fire and rescue personnel arrived a short time later and transported the unidentified person to Thomas Jefferson Hospital, located about five blocks away. Capt. Taylor said the Seafarers didn’t learn the woman’s name, but did receive word that she was in stable condition at the hospital. It wasn’t known whether she had jumped or fallen into the river. A 1979 graduate of the Paul Hall Center trainee program, Capt. Taylor praised his crew members for the rescue, which began shortly after 1 p.m. on August 5. He also credited the mariners and the ferry operator, Hornblower SIU Deckhands (from left) Matt Taylor, Zach Tannoia and Kevin Fisher were integral in the rescue. September 2008 Marine, for their serious approach to the weekly safety drills conducted aboard the Freedom Ferry – exercises which undoubtedly helped save the woman’s life. “The drills really helped out,” he said. “This operation really felt like our basic rescue drill, except it was an actual rescue. The crew members did exactly what they were supposed to do. I was really impressed with them and I’m really proud of all three of them.” Capt. Taylor said that when he first maneuvered the ferry into rescue position, one of the deckhands threw a life ring into the water, but the woman didn’t respond. Matthew Taylor then jumped into the river to save her, just as she appeared to be going under the water. A rescue ladder, davit and sling also were deployed from the ferry. Rodger Taylor said the victim, upon being brought aboard the boat, “was conscious but very pale. She was white as a ghost, actually, and may have been going into shock. She was moaning but didn’t talk. The guys performed first aid and, luckily, we saw a policeman walking along Penn’s Landing” (which hastened the arrival of shore-side rescue personnel). Only 15 minutes elapsed from the moment Capt. Taylor first saw the woman to the time the fire and rescue crew transported her to the hospital. He concluded, “I just can’t say enough about how the guys handled this situation. They were totally professional and really got the job done. It was a unique situation because my son was involved, but again, I commend all three of the guys. They all deserve recognition.” The ferry is part of the RiverLink system overseen by the Delaware River Port Authority. of the SIU crew showed as everyone was completely focused on taking over the vessel properly and discharging the cargo safely. They did a great job!” This wasn’t the only big news recently announced by the company. In July, MLL reported that it had won the bid to purchase and operate the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips and MV William B. Baugh – a development which preserves Seafarers’ jobs aboard both vessels. The Baugh has been renamed the Maersk Texas while the Phillips has been renamed the Maersk Tennessee. The ships are sailing in MLL’s commercial service. Previously, they were part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet. Tanker Construction Moves Forward at Ship Facilities In San Diego, Philadelphia Construction is moving forward on two separate tanker build programs in Philadelphia and San Diego, respectively. In mid-July, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard launched the fifth in a series of a dozen product tankers. Hull 009 was floated off its blocks and transferred from the building dock to the outfitting dock. While in the outfitting dock, testing, commissioning and on-board work will continue until the vessel embarks on sea trials. At that point, it will be thoroughly tested prior to delivery to American Shipping Company and subsequent bareboat charter to SIUcontracted OSG America. According to the shipyard, Hull 009 has been modified to incorporate three improved diesel powered electrical generating sets to power the vessel’s electrical system. These diesel engines comply with the Environmental Protection Aker Philadelphia Shipyard recently conducted a keel-laying ceremony for a new tanker. The Golden State is one of the tankers under construction at NASSCO. Agency’s latest Tier II requirements. The vessel’s emergency diesel generator, hydraulic power packs, and rescue and lifeboat engines have all been upgraded as well. Early last month, the yard conducted a keel-laying ceremony for the seventh ship in the series. Again, this tanker is being constructed for American Shipping Company and ultimate operation by OSG. Meanwhile, General Dynamics NASSCO recently announced the beginning of construction of the third ship in its series of nine product carriers. The plans are to lay the ship’s keel in November and deliver the vessel to SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners in the fourth quarter of 2009. The tanker will carry petroleum and chemical products in Jones Act trade between U.S. ports. Seafarers LOG 3 �50414_p01_24x:50414p 9/2/2008 2:16 PM Page 4 Panel Reviews Nomination Petitions for Election The credentials committee, composed and Clarence Poore from the port of of six rank-and-file SIU members, has Norfolk; and John Hoskins from the port reviewed all nominating petitions of SIU of Baltimore. Hoskins was selected by the members seeking office in the 2008 dis- committee to serve as chairman. trict-wide elections in the union’s During the special meeting on August Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters 14, Seafarers had to present their union District/NMU. books in order to be nominated to the After meeting last month and studying committee. After the voting took place, the nomination applications to ensure results immediately were made known. each candidate had complied with the criThe union constitution establishes teria spelled out in the SIU’s constitution, guidelines for the credentials committee the credentials comin Article XIII, mittee issued its See pages 6 and 7 for the full Section 2. According report, which will be text of the committee reports. to those rules, the presented to the memcommittee must be bership for its approval at the September elected at the port where headquarters is meetings. located (Piney Point). Twenty-nine candidates for 25 ballot The credentials committee must conpositions qualified to run in the election, sist of six full-book members, including which takes place Nov. 1 through Dec. two members from each of the three ship31, the committee reported. board departments: deck, engine and Members of the committee were elect- steward. ed at a special meeting conducted at headAdditionally, no elected official or quarters-port of Piney Point on August candidate for union office is permitted to 14, 2008. Voted to the committee by their serve on the committee. fellow Seafarers were Chris Nardone Members seeking the position of presand Hazel Johnson from the port of ident, executive vice president, secretaryPhiladelphia; John Reid, Jerry Stillman treasurer, vice president, assistant vice Serving on the rank-and-file credentials committee as well as the constitutional committee are Seafarers (from left) Hazel Johnson, Chris Nardone, John Hoskins, John Reid, Clarence Poore and Jerry Stillman. president or one of 10 port agent posts had to submit nominating papers between July 15 and Aug. 15. The Seafarers who served on the credentials committee also were elected by their fellow members to serve on the con- stitutional committee, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the union’s constitution. They issued a separate report detailing the proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot. Gov. Gregoire Credits ATC The Alakai sails every day, offering round-trip service between Maui and Oahu. Hawaii Superferry Ridership Grows by 40 Percent in July Survey Shows Passenger Satisfaction; 2nd Boat Under Construction Hawaii Superferry’s SIU-crewed Alakai got off to a strong start with its July ridership and rode the momentum to an overall 40 percent gain in passengers compared to the previous month. The number of vehicles transported in July aboard the ferry also grew significantly, up by 36 percent from June. According to the company, more than 36,600 passengers and 9,200 vehicles traveled between Oahu and Maui during the month of July, averaging 390 passengers and 99 vehicles per voyage. The June passenger count was previously reported up 20 percent over May. July’s figures were bolstered by the 6,000 people who rode the Alakai during Independence Day weekend – a company record for ridership on a holiday weekend. That wasn’t the only good news recently reported by the Seafarers-contracted business. Hawaii Superferry also noted that its second vessel, under construction in Mobile, Ala., is approximately 75 percent complete and is expected to enter service in May. Also, the company recently commissioned a research firm to gauge customer satisfaction. The survey’s results couldn’t have been much better, as 92 percent of the passengers polled gave the highest 4 Seafarers LOG possible rating to their overall experience on the ferry. Ninety percent of those polled indicated they are “very likely” to utilize the ferry again, and a whopping 98 percent said they would recommend the Alakai to their family and friends. (Passengers were randomly selected on randomly selected voyages beginning in late June through July. A total of 347 people completed the survey.) “Any successful operation is a team effort, and the SIU crew members aboard the Alakai definitely deserve their share of credit for ridership growth and customer satisfaction,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Seafarers are helping to deliver a quality, affordable service and the public is responding with enthusiasm.” “Business is good and we are very pleased with the rate at which our passenger and vehicle loads have increased these past three months,” added Hawaii Superferry President and CEO Tom Fargo. “We have operated over 400 voyages now and we’re equally pleased with the feedback we’ve been receiving from passengers.” The 349-foot Alakai, which has an aluminum hull, carries a crew of 25 and operates seven days a week. Washington State Governor Christine ATC’s fleet includes four SeafarersO. Gregoire earlier this year sent a con- crewed vessels: the Alaska Class tankers gratulatory letter to the head of SIU-con- Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Frontier, tracted Alaska Tanker Company in recog- Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator. nition of a major safety milestone. Those ships transport Alaskan North “On behalf of the people of Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska, to Washington State, I offer my congratula- refineries in Washington State and tions on the Alaska Tanker California. Company (ATC) reaching Many of the company’s an important milestone: mariners have undergone more than six calendar years safety training at the SIUand 12 million man hours affiliated Paul Hall Center, without a time-loss injury,” located in Piney Point, Md. the governor said in her letAs reported in the May ter, dated June 30 (and LOG, Mathur in late sporting a union bug). March sent a communicaAddressed to ATC tion to shipboard and President and CEO Anil shore-side ATC personnel Mathur, Gov. Gregoire’s letin which he credited all ter continued, “I applaud the concerned for the latest fact that your company has achievements. He wrote in received a number of part, “This remarkable perWashington State awards for your safety and formance by the ATC oil spill prevention record, Gov. Christine O. Gregoire employees, ship and shore, including recognition from has been enabled by our the Alaska State Legislature, the U.S. union leadership (SIU and MEBA), our Coast Guard, and from our own contractors, our client BP Alaska, our Washington State Department of Ecology. owners, our external stakeholders and our Many in the business and labor communi- regulators,” he said. “Meaningful and ty have told me that ATC is a leader in the lasting results at this level require a supfield of transporting oil and that you are portive environment. I am very grateful to viewed as a model for the industry.” each of these entities.” NTSB Issues Final Report On Majestic Boat Grounding Shipboard Decision could have led to ‘Catastrophic Disaster’ The February 2008 edition of the Seafarers LOG reported that the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report on the May 14, 2007 grounding of Majestic America Line’s sternwheeler riverboat, the Empress of the North, off the coast of Alaska showed there was a new employee on watch at the time the ship hit a submerged portion of a charted rock. The preliminary report cited that Marino Cattiotti was assigned a fourhour watch from midnight to 4 a.m. because another navigator fell ill. The NTSB recently released its final report on the matter, in which it says the illness was no excuse for turning watch over to an inexperienced, newly licensed third mate. The agency places the most blame for the incident on the vessel’s mas- ter, who assigned Cattiotti to the bridge watch during the night of the accident. “The third mate was not familiar with the route, the vessel’s handling characteristics, or the equipment on the vessel’s bridge,” noted the board. The board said the fallout from the decision could have been much worse. “The flawed decision making in this accident created the potential for a catastrophic disaster,” observed NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker. “Those in leadership positions need to make sure they consider every option possible when making critical decisions that could put lives at risk.” The ship grounded 25 miles southwest of Juneau, forcing the evacuation of 206 passengers. September 2008 �50414_p01_24x:0414p 9/2/2008 2:32 PM Page 5 Mississippi River Oil Spill Renews Concerns Perhaps the best thing one could say about the July 23 fuel oil spill in the Mississippi River outside New Orleans was that no humans were injured – at least not physically. But, the damage from the accident involving a non-union tugboat and barge and a Liberian-flag tanker is extensive and ongoing. More than 100 miles of vital inland waterway was closed, stalling commerce for more than a week. The incident is expected to cost taxpayers untold dollars in containment, cleanup, salvage and remediation. According to Coast Guard investigators, nearly 420,000 gallons of fuel oil were spilled when American Commercial Lines’ (ACL) oil-laden barge DM 932 collided with the chemical tank ship Tintomara. ACL is a non-union company that hired another non-union company, DRD Towing, to push the barge up the Mississippi. The DRD tug Mel Oliver pushed ACL’s barge into the Tintomara in the early hours of the morning, splitting the barge in two. To some extent, the incident renewed the debate regarding uninspected towing vessels and the lack of documentation among some mariners employed aboard inland tugs and tows. In its aftermath, press reports noted that in 2007, for example, the Coast Guard conducted fewer than 300 random checks of approximately 7,000 uninspected towing vessels. Since 2004, such checks have led to nearly 2,000 civil penalty cases for mariners who either had insufficient documentation or none at all – but only a fraction of those cases led to fines or prosecution. A preliminary Coast Guard investigation found the captain of the Mel Oliver was not on board and a steersman apprentice was operating the tug at the time of the collision. While this employee was licensed, his license did not authorize him to operate the vessel without the captain’s presence in the wheelhouse. In essence, there were no properly qualified personnel piloting the tug. Some reports likened it to letting a teenager with a learner’s permit drive alone. The Coast Guard also reported that the Tintomara and the vessel traffic service did radio call-outs to the Mel Oliver to warn of impending collision and received no response from the tug. Cleanup was further delayed as the split barge shifted in the currents of the Mississippi, closing the river a second time. All told, the Mississippi was not fully open for transport until August 10. Less than two weeks before the Mel Oliver wreck, a different DRD Towing tug sank after colliding with a ship. Here again, a DRD-employed apprentice mate Inland documentation (or lack of it) and uninspected towing vessels were in the news after the July 23 oil spill in the Mississippi River. Salvage operations are pictured above in this U.S. Coast Guard photo. was at the helm of the tug. While at press time there was no definitive cost of spill containment and cleanup operations, at the height of the efforts the Coast Guard reported on August 2 that more than 500 vessels had been cleared, inspected and/or decontaminated and released since operations began. The agency had recovered more than 139,000 CIVMAR Notes The union is pursuing many arbitrations and negotiations on behalf of CIVMARs. The list below notes several of these important arbitrations and negotiations. Arbitrations the Union is Working on Habitability: T-ARS Class: Grapple, Salvor T-AH: Comfort, Mercy The union is seeking habitability pay for CIVMARs who were required to stay in sub-standard conditions aboard these vessels. On the USNS Comfort, CIVMARs in the open berthing are covered by this arbitration. Liberty Restrictions: For all CIVMARs in the east and west coast fleets that have been subject to the implementation of the “buddy system,” the union is seeking compensation for this liberty restriction. For CIVMARs on the Mercy and other vessels where liberty was restricted in areas, the union is seeking compensation for these liberty restrictions. Failure to Pay 10% Supplement to Entitled Supply Department Personnel MSC unilaterally changed conditions of employment when it denied certain supply department personnel a 10 percent pay supplement. The union believes it is very important that it bring matters to arbitration when MSC implements new employment conditions without notifying the union and bargaining about these changes. A CIVMAR’s occupation can be difficult. CIVMARs generally work in very up-tempo, challenging work environments in positions of great responsibility. While the union may not prevail on each of these grievances, it is important for CIVMARs and the union to stand together to ensure that each of these issues is presented to obtain payment for CIVMARs. What can you do you: Have union meetings aboard your vessels. Make sure you know your responsibilities and your entitlements under your collective bargaining agreement and the CMPI. Support the union’s efforts on all these issues – join the union. Negotiation Subjects Here is a list of subjects that the union is negotiating with MSC: ■ “No guest policy” at the Doubletree hotel and overflow hotels. The MSC/Doubletree changed their guest policy without adequate notice to the union. CIVMARs are no longer allowed to have guests stay at the hotel. The union has also filed a grievance about this issue and is awaiting a response from MSC. ■ Procedures regarding the TWIC card requirement. ■ Fire retardant coveralls. The union is negotiating the CIVMARs’ ability to receive these coveralls aboard vessels. The union is especially concerned about CIVMARs’ September 2008 ability to get smaller or larger sizes readily. One of the proposals submitted by the union was to allow CIVMARs to purchase their own fire retardant clothing and get reimbursed by MSC. MSC refused to agree to this proposal. The union will now take some of these proposals to the federal service impasse panel for resolution. What you can do: Ensure the union knows whether you have had difficulty getting coveralls in the correct size for you. If you have any information about this subject, contact your union representative or if you have access to email please write to civmarsupport@seafarers.org ■ EBIS - the Employee Benefit Information Service. On September 30, 2008, CIVMARs will no longer be able to file any more paper forms to elect benefits or make certain TSP transactions. All transactions must be made via email or telephone. The union put in many proposals about EBIS including the use of official time on the vessel for CIVMARs having to access this system, register and make elections. (See related story, Page 10.) What you can do: Complete as quickly as possible the union survey sent to the customer service units and the vessels. Make sure you register for EBIS as soon as possible. Let the union know if you are encountering any issues concerning access to computers, including difficulty logging onto the system and the length of time it takes to perform EBIS transactions. ■ The union is extremely concerned with problems we are hearing from CIVMARs about MSC’s failure to correctly process workman compensation claims. Every injured CIVMAR is entitled to complete the CA16. What you can do: If you are injured during the course of a voyage, whether on or off the vessel, it is very important to that you follow the procedures and secure your entitlements. The shipboard supervisory personnel must supply you with the appropriate forms and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment. MSC shore-side personnel must do the same. For traumatic injuries ask your supervisor or the MSO to authorize medical treatment on Form CA-16 before you go to the doctor. Even if injuries appear minor, they can develop into a more medically challenging problem. It is always safest to file the proper paperwork. If you believe you are not receiving the correct information about worker’s compensation injuries, call your union representative or e-mail civmarsupport@seafarers.org The union is working on many other issues and will be letting CIVMARs know about the above and others in future communications. It’s important that we continue to hear from you and that you communicate with your shipmates. Hold union meetings aboard the vessels, appoint shipboard delegates, keep in touch with your union representatives and your fleet delegate, and keep checking the LOG and the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org) for updates on these and other issues of importance to CIVMARs. gallons of an oil/water mix, while more than 2,000 responders were deployed throughout the region affected by the spill. Field responders used three tugs, 159 work boats, four barges, 20 skimmers and 13 vacuum trucks on scene to clean up the spill. Approximately 155,000 feet of containment boom and sorbent boom were deployed. AMO’s Crangle Dies at Age 71 Charles T. Crangle, a former SIU member who spent the last 17 years working as director of Congressional and legislative affairs for the SIUNA-affiliated American Maritime Officers, died Aug. 1 at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 71. Though Crangle officially represented the AMO – and did so in a manner that earned admiration throughout the industry – his efforts often benefited the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. As AMO National President Tom Bethel put it, “Charlie Crangle knew the issues inside and out. No one was more articulate, more persuasive, more credible or more respected than Charlie Crangle in defense of the legitimate interests of seagoing labor.” Bethel added that Crangle “was instrumental in beating back the five-year effort to amend or repeal the Jones Act a decade ago, and he helped steer the Maritime Security Act of 1996 and reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program in 2003 through the House and Senate. Charlie hammered home the critical need for Charles Crangle sealift funding and for enforcement of U.S.-flagged cargo preference laws…. We will miss him and we will always remember him.” U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said he was “shocked and heartbroken” upon hearing of Crangle’s passing. “It’s as if I had lost a brother,” Rep. Oberstar said. Crangle was “so vibrant and so dedicated to the cause of maritime labor.” The former Great Lakes Seafarer is survived by three siblings, three daughters, two sons, a daughter-in-law, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Seafarers LOG 5 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:33 PM Page 6 Credentials Approved for Candidates to 25 Union Offices REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE ON CANDIDATES FOR 2008 ELECTION OF OFFICERS, 2009-2012 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT/NMU We, the undersigned members of the Credentials Committee, were duly elected at a Special meeting held in Headquarters-Port of Piney Point on August 14, 2008. We have examined the credentials of candidates for elective office or job in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU for the years 2009-2012, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1, and submit the following report. Your Committee qualified or disqualified those members who submitted for office based upon the Union Constitution, particularly those provisions contained in Articles XII and XIII. The applicable constitutional provisions are as follows: ARTICLE XII, Qualifications for Officers, Assistant VicePresidents, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union’s direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union’s direction or a combination of these, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operating solely upon the Great Lakes or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty-five (65) days of such seatime instead of the foregoing one hundred (100) days; and (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union’s Pension Fund, if any, or from a Union-Management Fund, to which Fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; unless such individual commenced receiving a pension benefit from any such fund by virtue of having reached the age of 70½. (f) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American flag merchant vessel or vessels within twenty four (24) consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for, and holders of, elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in 6 Seafarers LOG accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain full book memberships in good standing. ARTICLE XIII, Election for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the SecretaryTreasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes.” Dated................................................. Signature of Member ........................ Book No. ........................................... Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. In order to ascertain the meaning of the term “member in good standing” which is used in Article XII, Subsection 1(b), the Committee referred to Article XXIV, Section 9 of our Constitution which reads as follows: Section 9. The term “member in good standing” shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty (30) days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term “member” shall mean a member in good standing. Your Committee sought guidance from the Union’s General Counsel and the Secretary-Treasurer as to whether this section would apply to a member who is unable to pay dues because of employment aboard an American flag merchant vessel as stated in Article III, Section 3(e). Your Committee was advised that, in keeping with past practice and constitutional interpretation, the same thirty (30) day grace period should be applied in these situations. Accordingly, when a member who is working on foreign articles leaves the vessel, the dues for the applicable quarter must be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of discharge in order to maintain good standing. Your Committee also referred to Article XXIV, Section 13 for the definition of the term “seatime”. This section reads as follows: Section 13. The term “seatime” shall include employment upon any navigable waters, days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union or time spent in the employ of the Union or one of the Union’s direct affiliates as an elected or appointed representative. We also noted in Article XXIV, Section 14, the meaning of the term “in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels.” This portion of the Constitution reads as follows: Section 14. The term “in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels” shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. After full and careful deliberations, the Committee made its decisions and sent appropriate notification to candidates. The ultimate decisions of this Committee are later set forth. In arriving at these ultimate decisions, the Committee was most concerned with carrying out a stated principle of our Union which is that “every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union.” In connection with the foregoing, we have also consulted with the Secretary-Treasurer who, under our Constitution, has the obligation to insure appropriate election procedures as legally required (Article XIII, Section 7). Our SecretaryTreasurer has further consulted with the Union’s Counsel as to the law applicable in Union nominations and elections. The following is a complete listing of all members who submitted their credentials to the Committee. Their names and the office or job for which they submitted such credentials are listed in the order in which this Committee feels they should be placed on the general ballot, that is, in alphabetical order under the office or job for which they run, and that the Ports, following the Headquarters offices, beginning with Piney Point, be arranged on the ballot geographically, as has been done in the past. After each member’s name and book number is his/her qualification or disqualification, followed by the reason for that decision. PRESIDENT Charles Collins, C-01652 Qualified Credentials in order Michael J. Sacco, S-01288 Qualified Credentials in order EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Augustin Tellez, T-00764 Qualified Credentials in order SECRETARY-TREASURER David W. Heindel, H-01443 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT George Tricker, T-00919 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Joseph T. Soresi, S-02658 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Dean E. Corgey, C-05727 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Nicholas J. Marrone, M-02308 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS Thomas Orzechowski, Jr, O-00601 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Kermett T. Mangram, M-02394 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT Joseph Mieluchowski, M-02933 Qualified Credentials in order Victor Nunez, N-00566 Disqualified - was not in continuous good standing for 3 years prior to time of nomination. George Perry, P-01978 Disqualified - did not have at least 100 days of seatime or Union employment between January 1 and time of nomination. Archie Ware, W-01169 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Nicholas A. Celona, C-01578 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Ambrose L. Cucinotta, C-01795 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Bryan Powell, P-01987 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS James P. McGee, M-05945 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Chester Wheeler, W-25058 Qualified Credentials in order PINEY POINT PORT AGENT Michael Murphy, M-02483 Qualified Credentials in order Patrick Vandegrift, V-00488 Qualified Credentials in order NEW YORK PORT AGENT Robert Selzer, S-01258 Qualified Credentials in order PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT Joseph Baselice, B-02795 Qualified Credentials in order Edward O’Connor, O-00599 Qualified Credentials in order BALTIMORE PORT AGENT Georg Kenny, K-01041 Qualified Credentials in order MOBILE PORT AGENT Thornton Elliot, E-15001 Qualified Credentials in order NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT Chris Westbrook, W-05787 Qualified Credentials in order HOUSTON PORT AGENT Kenneth Moore, M-06084 Qualified Credentials in order OAKLAND PORT AGENT Samuel Garrett, G-01534 Disqualified – was not in continuous good standing for 3 years prior to time of nomination. Tracey Mayhew, M-03487 Qualified Credentials in order ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT Rebecca J. Sleeper, S-02497 Qualified Credentials in order DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT Todd Brdak, B-02684 Qualified Credentials in order As you will note in the foregoing sections of the Committee’s Report, the provisions of the SIU Constitution governing election procedures made it mandatory that some of the nominees be disqualified. In light of these circumstances, the Committee wishes to call to the attention of all members the necessity of following all requirements and procedures which are established by our Constitution to govern eligibility for candidacy to Union office. However, at this time, the Committee particularly desires to point out the provisions of Article XIII, Section 2(c) of the Constitution, which spell out in detail the right of a disqualified candidate to appeal from the decision of the Credentials Committee and how he does it. In compliance with Article XIII, Section 2(b) of our Constitution, and in an attempt to give every nominee every consideration and to try to prevent any disqualifications by this Committee, Jerry Stillman, of the Credentials Committee, remained at the entrance of the Headquarters building of the Union until midnight of Friday, August 15, 2008, to receive any credentials that might have been delivered by hand after the closing of business hours by the Union. The Committee points out that in the President’s Pre-Balloting Report approved by the membership as per the Constitution and published in the May Seafarers LOG the exact offices and jobs for which nominations were to be made was set forth. In passing upon the credentials for certain of the nominees, this Committee had to make three (3) disqualifications, and the following are the details relative to each of those disqualifications: 1. Victor Nunez, Book No. N00566, Candidate for Assistant Vice President of Contracts & Contract Enforcement. Your committee noted the Continued on Page 7 September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:33 PM Page 7 REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at a Special Meeting held in Piney Point on August 14, 2008, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution submitted by our Executive Board. This Resolution, containing the proposed amendment, prior to its submission to us, was adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolution including its “WHEREAS” clauses, are contained in this report so that all members will have available to them its full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. Whereas, the current Constitution and By-Laws of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU currently provides for the election of members to serve on finance, credentials, tallying and constitutional committees; and Whereas, the relevant Constitutional provisions contain language pertaining to the payment of committee members during their time of service; and Whereas, the afore-mentioned Constitutional Sections have conflicting provisions relating to the payment of committee members when all such committee members are, in practice, routinely paid the same amounts which have been comparable to eight hours a day at prevailing contractual standby rates of pay; and Whereas, such pay rates no longer exist in the industry wide contracts and all Constitutional Sections providing for payment of committee members for these four committees should be identical; and Whereas, the committee members of these four committees are, in actuality, not being paid for work performed but are instead receiving a per diem from the Union to compensate them for miscellaneous expenses incurred over and above travel, meals and lodging; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The following language shall modify existing language or shall be added to existing language to reflect the intent and practices of the Union concerning members who serve on the Finance, Credentials, Tallying and Constitutional Committees: “Committee members shall receive a per diem in an amount determined by the Secretary Treasurer but in no event shall they receive an amount less than the AB Green hourly rate as specified in the current union industry wide contract for eight hours for each day of service commencing with the day subsequent to their election and ending on the day they complete their service or, if applicable, return to the Port from which they were elected.” To effectuate the above changes, Article X, Section 14(c), number 5 shall be amended by deleting the next to last sentence of the first paragraph and by adding in its place, the above quoted language; Article XIII, Section 2, shall be amended by adding a new subsection which shall be lettered (f) and which shall contain the above quoted language; Article XIII, Section 4, (c) shall be amended by deleting the last sentence of the first paragraph and by adding in its place the above quoted language and Article XXV, shall be amended by adding a new Section which shall be numbered 4 and which shall contain the above quoted language. In addition the following sentence shall also be added to this new Article XXV, Section 4 “When a Constitutional Amendment is being considered at the same time that an election for officers is taking place, there shall be only one tallying committee used for both tallies and that Committee will be the one elected to serve as per Article XIII Section 4.” We further recommend, if it is Committe Approves Candidates’ Credentials Continued from Page 6 receipt of a letter dated July 15, 2008, addressed to Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel in which Brother Nunez requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Assistant Vice President of Contracts & Contract Enforcement. Your committee noted that SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel issued a letter dated July 31, 2008 via overnight mail requesting Brother Nunez submit his proof of seatime as required by Article XII, Section 1 (c) of the Constitution. Brother Nunez did have the necessary seatime to qualify. Your committee also noted that Union records show that Brother Nunez paid his Second Quarter 2008 dues on June 12, 2008, whereas they should have been paid no later than May 1, 2008. Your committee also noted that Brother Nunez submitted seatime from vessels under the Marshall Islands flag. Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c) provide that seatime required to be eligible to run for office must be aboard American-flag vessels under contract with the Union. Based upon advice from General Counsel, the committee decided not to disqualify Brother Nunez based upon his seatime aboard Marshall Island flag vessels since they are covered by collective bargaining agreements with the Union. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (b), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIV, Section 9 previously carried herein, the committee did disqualify Brother Nunez for the job of Assistant Vice President of Contracts & Contract Enforcement solely as a result of not being in continuous good standing during the relevant time period. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the committee informed Brother Nunez of his disqualification and set forth the reason for such disqualification by certified overnight mail sent on August 18, 2008 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Nunez would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. 2. George Perry, Book No. P-01978, Candidate for Assistant Vice President of Contracts & Contract Enforcement. Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated July 12, 2008, addressed to Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel in which Brother Perry requested his name September 2008 be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Assistant Vice President of Contracts & Contract Enforcement. Your committee noted that SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel issued a letter dated July 17, 2008 via overnight mail requesting Brother Perry submit his signed certificate and proof of seatime as required by Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution. Your committee also noted that the overnight mail was returned to Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel following which an email was sent to Brother Perry on August 1, 2008 onboard the Alliance New York. Your committee noted that on August 11, 2008 Brother Perry responded by email stating that he faxed the signed certificate to Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel’s Office. Union records, however, indicate that Brother Perry does not have the required one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the committee informed Brother Perry of his disqualification and set forth the reason for such disqualification by certified overnight mail sent on August 18, 2008 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Perry would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. 3. Samuel Garrett, Book No. G-01534 Candidate for Oakland Port Agent Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August 8, 2008, addressed to Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel in which Brother Garrett requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Oakland Port Agent. Your committee noted that on August 14, 2008 an email was sent to Jeff Turkus, Port Agent in Guam, requesting that he go onboard the Horizon Hawk, which was expected to be in his port on Sunday, August 17, 2008 with a certificate that Brother Garrett could sign and that Jeff Turkus could then fax to SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel received an email from Jeff Turkus acknowledging that he would go onboard, have Brother Garrett sign and fax the certificate to SecretaryTreasurer Heindel. Your committee also noted that Union records show that Brother Garrett paid his Third Quarter 2005 dues on October 20, 2005 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2005. Union records also indicate that First Quarter 2006 dues were paid on June 8, 2006 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2006; Second Quarter 2006 dues were paid on June 8, 2006 whereas they should have been paid no later than May 1, 2006. It is for these reasons that Brother Garrett was disqualified. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the committee informed Brother Garrett of his disqualification and set forth the reason for such disqualification by certified overnight mail sent on August 18, 2008 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Garrett would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. Our committee was presented with a nomination of Brother Michael Murphy for the position of Piney Point Port Agent. After reviewing his credentials it appeared that he would be qualified to run for this position except for the fact that, when signing the certificate that gets attached to the nomination pursuant to Article XIII of the Constitution, Brother Murphy deleted the section which states he has not been a member of the Communist Party. Our committee, when evaluating Brother Murphy’s qualifications, sought the advice of Union General Counsel who advised us that provisions such as the one in question have been struck down by Courts and consequently, she recommended that it not be used to disqualify Brother Murphy. Based upon advice of counsel and the cited legal precedent the Committee has decided to qualify Brother Murphy by finding his credentials in order. In addition, our committee recommends that the Union consider amending its constitution in the future to remove the above quoted phrase from the nomination certification. All credentials received as of August 15, 2008, were turned over to the Committee in good order, and those received by mail subsequently, but not later than August 15, 2008, have similarly been furnished to the Committee in good order. All credentials have been examined in strict accordance with the Constitution. Any defect in the credentials disposed of by the Committee has been the sole responsibility of the sender and no person adversely affected by such defect has denied this to the Committee. Fraternally submitted Credentials Committee Dated: August 16, 2008 reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report containing the proposed Resolution and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, October 2008 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts and actions taken as of this time. In addition, we recommend that copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2008. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolution will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, Constitution Committee August 16, 2008 Procedure For Obtaining SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. Seafarers LOG 7 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:33 PM Page 8 Fourteen Stewards Complete Recertification Course Fourteen Seafarers recently completed their respective climbs to the summit of the merchant mariner culinary training ladder when they graduated from the steward recertification course offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. In recognition of their individual achievements, each of the graduates received a certificate during the Aug. 4 union membership meeting at the school in Piney Point, Md. Meeting and favorably satisfying the demands of their instructors were Chief Stewards Paul Isherwood, Leesther Collins, Alvin Major, Luis Caballero, Fidelis Oliveira, Donna Sailing, Robert Bostick, Francisco Delgado, Tina Knox, Rudolph Daniels, Clyde Thompson, Kenneth Mitchell, Eddie Taylor and Jack McElveen. Each of the recertified stewards spoke to the audience of SIU officials, fellow Seafarers, family members, friends and guests who attended the membership meeting. In addition to making complimentary remarks about the instruction they received and the training center staff and facilities, the recertified stewards collectively lauded the SIU leadership and offered words of encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices and upgraders who were in the audience. First to take the podium was Isherwood, who sails out of the port of Boston. “I joined the union in 2001 and have been going to sea for 30 years,” he told those in attendance. “I have learned a lot since being here for the steward upgrading course. The whole experience of being here this time (he upgraded at the school one other time) has opened my eyes to lot of things that I did not know before.” Specifically, he cited the course’s food safety block as being especially valuable. “It is essential in our jobs as chief stewards to keep up with food sanitation standards and keep everyone healthy aboard the vessel,” he said. “I can now implement the safety practices that I learned here on a daily basis aboard my vessel.” Isherwood expressed praise for the exceptional job the school’s vocational staff did and said all instruction was presented in a highly professional manner. He also thanked union officials for the exemplary fashion in which they are leading the union. “To the trainees, study and work hard while you are here,” he concluded. “There are a lot of opportunities out there for you.” Next to address the audience was Collins, whose home port is Jacksonville, Fla. “First of all, I’d like to thank God for this accomplishment,” she said. After thanking SIU President Mike Sacco, the SIU executive board, union administrators and everyone else who made her upgrade training possible, she reflected on her Piney Point experience. “I feel blessed to have gone through the SIU steward recertification program,” Collins said. “It has been an awesome experience for me and the instructors were great. They all were very patient with all of us and took time to answer all of our questions. Of particular importance, Collins said, was the knowledge she gained about the functions of the AFL-CIO, how the union’s pension and vacation plans work and the role SPAD plays in the political process with respect to the longevity and success for the maritime industry. She also noted that she was pleased to gain a broader prospective on the intricate duties of the chief steward aboard a vessel. “Be the best that you can be,” Collins told the trainees and other upgraders present. “Do your jobs with dignity and pride.” Members of the class pose with Jack Gallagher (seated, fifth from left) of the Addiction Rehab Center shortly after he briefed them on the center’s programs. She concluded, “Thank you SIU, I love you.” Major has been going to sea for more than 40 years and currently ships out of the port of Boston. “I have been a proud member of the SIU since 2001,” he said, “and I am extremely proud to be a member of this steward recertification class. “Having completed this advanced training, I am now more aware of how the union works and I am now able to do a much better job aboard ship.” Major enjoyed the experience of meeting department heads and staff members during his visit to SIU headquarters. “I had an opportunity to visit the SIU headquarters at Camp Springs and I am totally impressed with the organization, its efficiency and the dedication of everyone I met, especially our leadership.” Major said he was impressed with all of the programs that the Paul Hall Center has to offer and encouraged everyone in the audience to take advantage of them. “To the trainees, you have a great opportunity here,” he said. “You have great classes and great instructors who can help you make your dreams come true, but it’s up to you to make it happen. Do your jobs with pride and always be safety conscious, not just for yourselves but also for your shipmates.” Caballero joined the SIU in 2001 and calls New York his home port. “I would like to thank the union membership and the instructors at the school for all that they did for us in making it possible for us to be graduating today,” he said after taking the podium. “Training is very important for all of us. The training I received during my time here has helped me a lot and with it, I am sure I can now do a better job aboard the ship,” he said. “To the trainees, please study hard while you are here,” he continued. “Learn from your instructors and learn to work together with your classmates. When you get out to sea, work hard and never be afraid to ask questions. Remember, you are the future of our union.” Oliveira was next to address the audience. He sails out of the port of Boston, and like most of his steward recertification classmates joined the SIU in 2001. “I learned a lot and all of the instructors did a wonderful job,” he said. Reflecting on the quality of the Paul Hall Center’s programs, facilities and vocational staff, Oliveira noted, “The union officials have made this institution great and they deserve a great deal of credit. Being here and undergoing this training has been a very, very exciting experience for me, and I thank everyone involved.” Directing his attention to the trainees and other upgraders, he said “You have great instructors here and I urge you to take advantage of it.” The stewards improved their computer skills during the course. 8 Seafarers LOG Sailing is home-ported in Houston, Texas. Filled with elation, she took the podium. “It’s very nice to be here, finally,” she said. “Completing steward recertification training is a big step for all of us.” After welcoming her classmates who were former members of the NMU, she shared her Piney Point experience with those in the audience. “The experience of being here has been pretty amazing for all of us for sure,” Sailing said. “We gained an incredible amount of knowledge in a very short amount of time. And I am here to say thanks to all of our instructors and our leaders. We know that our union will say strong because of these people who back us on every front and work for us,” she said. “They all do a tremendous job.” “To the trainees,” she concluded, “congratulations, you’re here. Stay strong, work hard and have a great career.” Former NMU member Bostick began his presentation by expressing his gratitude to those responsible for the SIU-NMU merger. “I’d like to thank the leadership of the SIU for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this union,” said the New York home-ported mariner. “I have been a part of this union since 1989 and have been out there [at sea] for a long time. “I am very glad to be a part of the SIU because I think it is a very strong organization,” Bostick continued. “The people here are good people, they treat me and my family good and the same goes for all of my other family members [his classmates and their families]. “I would like to thank the rank-and-file as well, because without you all, I would not have gotten the opportunity to go through this training. I want to say to the trainees, I know you will make it because you are now in the same place I once was,” he said. “I encourage you to keep you heads up, stay sharp and focused and I’m sure you will achieve your goals.” Delgado sails out of the port of Boston and was next to address the audience. “I’ve been a proud member of the SIU since 2002 and have been going to sea for 30 years,” he said. He expressed this thanks to the union officials for making his upgrade training possible and lauded the school’s vocational staff for a job well done. “My experience here was great and I found the campus atmosphere to be very relaxing.” Delgado said that aside from his actual training, the most interesting part of his upgrading experience was the opportunity to visit SIU headquarters. “It was exciting to go around and meet all of the staff members who work in the different departments,” he said. “They all did a wonderful job explaining what they do…. It was nice to be able to put faces with names.” Knox hails from the port of Houston. “As everyone knows, I am no good reading from a paper so I’ll just go from my heart,” she told members of the audience. “I am so glad and honored to be a part of the SIU and to have been given the opportunity to come here to learn and grow. “Those who came up here before me have already said most of the things the things I wanted to say, so I won’t keep you,” Knox continued. “But to the trainees, I want you to stick together, believe in yourselves and if you have a handicap, don’t worry because this school is a great organization with great instructors. Don’t be too proud to step out and ask for help and above all else, help one another.” Daniels ships out of the port of New York. “I am former member of the NMU,” he said, “and I have been around for a long time.” Daniels said that his current trip to Piney Point was his second and that all of his experiences have been excellent. “The school offers a great opportunity for all of us to learn and upgrade our skills,” he continued, “and all of the instructors are willing to assist anyone who needs it. I’m thankful for this opportunity to be a member of the SIU and to be able to be here to improve myself.” Thompson, who sails out of the port of New Orleans, was the next to take the podium. “I’m a former NMU member who has been sailing for 19 years, 15 as chief steward,” he said. “Being here was a tremendous educational experience for all of us, and I think all of the instructors did a wonderful job.” He then acknowledged his classmates and spoke about the closeness they enjoyed as a group. “I love you all and I’ll never forget you,” he said. Thompson added that found the food safety aspects of the training especially beneficial and that the entire upgrading program gave him a lot to take back to his ship. “To the trainees, take your experience here seriously,” he said. “Take the training seriously and you will never be let down by any of your crew members aboard the ships. The steward’s door is always open to you, and when you hit the ship look for us.” Mitchell is home-ported in Wilmington, Calif., and has been sailing for nearly 30 years. “Becoming a member of a labor organization was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Bostick, who donned the Seafarers colors with the 2001 SIU/NMU merger “It has given me the opportunity to add value to my life. Value because it provides me an opportunity to travel the world, to take care of my family, put my children through college and see things that I thought I’d never be able to see. “I would like to say specifically to the trainees that your union leadership is totally professional,” Mitchell continued. “You are truly blessed to have a leadership that has a vision for your future as well as mine. Value the fact that what ever you do here today will add value to your life…. It’s imperative to be as professional a seaman as you possibly can so that people can say to someone else: ‘Go for SIU seamen,’ because they know that you are professional.” Taylor was next to address the audience. A veteran of more than 32 years at sea, he sails out of the port of New Orleans. “I thank God for the opportunity to come here to upgrade and to become part of the SIU family,” Taylor said. “I’d like to thank all of my classmates, the instructors, assistants and especially the galley department for all of your efforts and support. “I really want to say that before the merger, I heard many things about the SIU from NMU people,” Taylor said. “I must say, though, that I am very, very impressed with everything about the organization and how it runs.” Turning his attention to the trainees, he said, “Always remember that when you come out to the ship, don’t be scared of anything. Ask questions while you are there. All of us had to go the through the same thing that you are now experiencing – whether there was a training program or not. We all still had to learn our way to come up.” McElveen was the final recertified steward to address the audience. He sails out of New Orleans, has been going to sea for nearly eight years and has seen many ports around the world. After declaring himself as the youngest of the group, McElveen thanked his classmates for their support and encouragement. “We stuck together as a team and as a family during our training,” he said to them, “I am blessed to have been your presence and I will always remember each of you.” Focusing on the role which the union has played in his life, he said, “The union has been important. It has provided me a sense of value and a better understanding of my job. “I knew at an early age that I loved to cook, but a career in the traditional food industry was very unappealing,” McElveen continued. “But the union gave me a new interest and a greater desire to use my passion because it helped me along the way. The union has always been here to help protect each of us…. I believe in the union wholeheartedly and I think we all need to believe in them.” He advised the unlicensed apprentices to “continue to strive and do whatever it is that you need to do in order to be successful. It’s going to be hard and challenging, but anything in life worth having is worth fighting for.” September 2008 �50414_p01_24x:50414p 9/2/2008 2:20 PM Page 9 TWIC Deadline for Mariners April 15, 2009 Seafarers are reminded that April 15, 2009 is the deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in May announced the revised deadline; the original cutoff date was Sept. 25, 2008. By law, all U.S. Coast Guard-credentialed mariners with active merchant mariner documents (MMDs), licenses, and/or certificates of registry, with or without an STCW endorsement, must hold a valid TWIC in order to maintain their mariner credentials. Failure to obtain and continue to hold a valid TWIC may result in the suspension or revoca- tion of mariners’ credentials. After April 15, 2009, the Coast Guard will not issue a merchant mariner credential to an applicant who does not hold a valid TWIC. The SIU encourages members to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. To apply for a TWIC, a mariner must first enroll at any TWIC enrollment center. Pre-enrollment through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site (www.tsa.gov/twic) is supposed to expedite the processing time at the center. Mariners will need to pick up their TWICs, after being notified that they are ready, at the same enrollment center where they applied. Four Union-Contracted Companies Earn Safety Awards From AMS, Inc. Four SIU-contracted companies are among eight maritime transportation businesses that have been designated to receive maritime safety awards from American Maritime Safety, Inc. (AMS). Representatives from Maersk Line, Limited; Crowley Maritime Corp; LMS Ship Management (Waterman and Central Gulf); and Ocean Shipholding, Inc. on Oct. 16 in New York will be afforded recognition for their companies’ commendable maritime practices by the AMS Safety Advisory Committee. Specifically, Maersk will receive the Responsible Vessel Carrier Award; Crowley the Tanker Vessel Safety Award; LMS the Quality Ship Management Award; and Ocean Shipholding the American Maritime Safety Award. The awards will be presented during the AMS Membership Dinner at the Yale Club of New York City. Established in 1988, AMS is a maritime trade association built on facilitation of the maritime industry’s compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and international protocols. The AMS consortium administers maritime safety programs for U.S. and international vessels of all kinds, representing the interests of over 400 marine employers in the U.S. and abroad. AMS presents eight of its member companies with maritime safety awards in recognition of their commendable maritime practices. Dedicated to preserving the marine environment and to promoting safe vessel navigation and operation, the award winners exemplify the qualities AMS constantly looks for in its members. In order to ensure the information on TWIC applications is forwarded to the Coast Guard for the processing of individuals’ merchant mariner credential applications, they must identify themselves as mariners at TWIC enrollment centers. Mariners also must provide proof of citizenship and/or alien status along with Social Security number. Step-by-step instructions on the entire process have been published in the last few editions of the LOG; they also are available on the web both at www.seafarers.org and at the TSA web site. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. For instance, when the DHS announced the changed deadline, the SIU site immediately posted the news release on its home page and also distributed the information to all SIU halls. 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 (1-866-3478942) ■ By email: credentialing@dhs.gov Center Offers Career Advancement The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-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. Safety Course Spotlight Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing the school’s 37-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course, students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers effective communication between crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisite: Basic Fire Fighting Maersk Crews Complete Latest ‘Boot Camp’ The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education regularly hosts safety “boot camps” attended by mariners and shore-side employees from union-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). The two-day boot camps are part of Maersk’s ongoing efforts promoting workplace safety. Graduates from the August boot camp are pictured above, at the school in Piney Point, Md. SIU members completing the training included Steward Zein Achmad, QMED/Electrician Dennis Baker, Bosun Oliver Balico, QMED Charles Clausen, Bosun Mark Coleman, Bosun Basil D’Sousa, QMED/Electrician Shawn Deloach, QMED Nicholas Dippel, QMED/Electrician Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Bosun Lenar Ilagan, AB Joselier Itaralde, Chief Electrician Ron Kitlas, Bosun Anthony Maben, Bosun Karl Mayhew, AB Godofredo Milabo, Steward/Baker Natalie Nunes, AB David Perry, AB Clarence Poore, Chief Cook Gary Ramirez, QMED/Electrician Thomas Respicio, AB Joe Reynolds, Bosun Wilfredo Rice, AB Glen Rogers, QMED Steve Roseberry, MDR Jackson Senseney, Steward/Baker Stephanie Sizemore, Chief Cook Barbara Smith, Bosun Kenneth Steiner, Bosun James Walker, QMED/Electrician William Watterson, Bosun Wallace William and QMED/Electrician Alexander Zharkoff. September 2008 Seafarers LOG 9 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:33 PM Page 10 CIVMARS aboard Mercy, Grasp, Saturn ‘Show Hearts’ While civilian mariners have fulltime jobs and are ready for deployment to wherever the U.S. Military Sealift Command sends their ships around the world, CIVMARS aboard the USNS Mercy, USNS Grasp and USNS Saturn recently showed their hearts by using their spare time to help others through humanitarian acts. All three ships are crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Mariners from the hospital ship USNS Mercy are no strangers to helping those in need, but in an exercise called Pacific Partnerships 2008, they renovated a school’s facilities in Tinh Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. They added new handicapped accessible doors, sinks, light fixtures and handrails. Volunteers also painted window shutters and installed exhaust fans and a rubberized floor in common areas of the school. With a medical staff of 15 and 34 teachers, the center serves 152 students below the age of 15, most of whom are deaf or blind. Continuing their efforts at the Vinh Trung village health clinic, a five-room clinic staffed by three medical support personnel who serve 7,000 residents, the Mercy’s crew members updated lights, installed ceiling fans and repainted the clinic. Volunteers also built a steel metal awning that will be used as an outdoor patient waiting area, and they poured concrete to make a sidewalk outside of the building. Civil service mariners from the rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp completed three days and more than 445 man-hours of improvement projects at the Antigua School for the Deaf and the T.N. Kirnon School for the Blind Unit in Antigua. The Grasp arrived in Antigua July 4 as part of a four-month international outreach mission to the Caribbean. While the ship’s embarked team of 15 Navy divers conducted tailored training and security operations with military divers from Antigua, Dominica and St. Lucia, CIVMARS sought out an opportunity to do a goodwill project ashore. The 60-year-old, 3,400-square foot school is attended by 18 deaf and three blind children. From July 15-17, all 29 of the Grasp’s CIVMARS and the four sailors of the ship’s military detachment spent time, most of it volunteered, working at the school. Three of the embarked Navy divers also participated. The Grasp’s crew pressure washed the building’s exterior, painted all interior and exterior walls – a surface area of more than 11,000 square feet – removed nearly two-dozen 55-gallon lawn bags of trash and landscaped the school’s courtyard. Meanwhile, crew members from the combat stores ship USNS Saturn participated in a community relations project in Municipio de Ztapa, Guatemala, July 23. Nineteen sailors and civil service mariners from the Saturn took a day during the ship’s in-port maintenance period to deliver Project Handclasp medical supplies and hygiene products to the Centro de Salud Clinic. Additionally, they delivered toys and first aid kits to the Escuela oficial Urbana Mixta Tipo Minimo and Escuela oficial Urbana Mixta Puerta de Heirro elementary schools. Project Handclasp involves a collection of donated humanitarian, educational and goodwill items the Navy delivers to people in need around the world. Welcome Ashore, Brother Troy USNS Grasp AB Donald Barney (photo at left) pressure washes a school for the deaf and blind in Antigua. Mariners from the USNS Saturn (photo above) provided vital aid to a Guatemalan community. Crew members from the USNS Mercy helped refurbish a school in Vietnam. Union Continues EBIS Negotiations CIVMAR Feedback is Vital as New System ‘Goes Live’ Active and retired Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand July 2 to wish Houston Patrolman Robert Troy (right) a happy retirement. Brother Troy started sailing with the NMU in 1967, as a member of the engine department. He came ashore to work for the union in 1999 and remained there after the SIU-NMU merger in 2001. “It was a good, long run and I enjoyed every minute of it,” Troy said. “Now, I plan on spending a lot of time with my grandkids and greatgrandkids, plus doing a little fishing and golfing.” He added that his retirement party at the Houston hall was “wonderful. I’m surprised so many people showed up.” 10 Seafarers LOG On July 22, 2008, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) sent a notice to CIVMARS about a new benefit program called the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS). This program will allow CIVMARS to make benefit elections and thrift savings plan (TSP) changes electronically. Retirement counseling is also available. After September 30, CIVMARS will no longer be able to file benefit elections by submitting paper forms. All changes will have to be made electronically. Prior to sending an introductory notice, MSC and the union conducted discussions and negotiations about the impact of the program upon CIVMARS, about the CIVMAR notice and about other information which would be sent to CIVMARS. These negotiations are continuing. The union expressed many concerns about this program. A few of those were: whether CIVMARS would have access to the shipboard computers to do the necessary registration and changes during work hours; whether there would be enough computers on the vessels to accommodate CIVMARS needing to access EBIS; how long it would take to accomplish benefit changes and other transactions as a result of the slow speeds of the computers; how CIVMARS would confirm that important transactions were received and implemented; and, whether CIVMARS will be able to reach EBIS representatives by telephone from forward deployed areas around the world. During the negotiations the union proposed, and MSC agreed, that the timeframe for final implementation of the program would be 60 days and that if necessary, the EBIS phone line representatives would be available to CIVMARS at mutually arranged times after or before the regular phone line hours. The union hopes this will assist CIVMARS sailing in faraway time zones. While the union is hopeful EBIS will be as beneficial as MSC believes, the union still has many reservations about its use, especially for CIVMARS forward deployed. It is very important that the union hears from CIVMARS regarding their experiences with the implementation of EBIS. A timely response from CIVMARS is very important. As noted above, the union has submitted and will submit proposals to MSC that the SIU believes will help lessen the difficulties of using this new system, and negotiations will continue. If CIVMARS have e-mail access, they are asked to please send e-mail comments regarding concerns and experiences with the EBIS program to: civmarsupport@seafarers.org or send comments using the methods noted below. CIVMARS also may call their Government Services Division representatives. Starting in late July, the union began distributing a survey to CIVMARS to get a comprehensive picture of how the program is operating. Those surveys may be returned to union representatives. They also may be faxed to (301) 702-4411 or mailed to: CIVMAR EBIS Survey Response, Seafarers International Union, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20904. Additionally, the survey is available for download at www.seafarers.org, in the Member Benefits and Resources section. The full web address for the survey, which is in PDF format, is: http://www.seafarers.org/members/civmar/ebissurvey.pdf September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:34 PM Page 11 Pictured in the photos directly above, at right and those at bottom left and right on this page are SIU members attending the safety meeting. Jacksonville Hall Hosts Maersk Safety Meeting Strong attendance and helpful dialogue were evident at the Jacksonville, Fla. union hall as Seafarers and SIU officials on July 10 participated in a safety meeting conducted by Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) Director of Quality, Environment, Safety and Security (QESS) Patrick Callahan. The gathering took place immediately following the July membership meeting. It was part of an ongoing and far-reaching effort by MLL to promote safe operations and general wellbeing throughout its fleet. Topics ranged from common safety practices to specific experiences aboard various ships and in certain ports. For example, Recertified Bosun Pat Ray and SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter both noted that electricians from time to time need additional help on vessels that carry a lot of reefers. Recertified Bosuns James Saunders and Barry Carrano pointed out that the industry as a whole has experienced gradual reductions in crew sizes. Both mariners stated that putting more individuals aboard the ships would enhance safety. AB Todd Homer expressed concerns with some of the port and Coast Guard operations in Charleston, S.C., which he believes sometimes cause seemingly unnecessary delays for individuals traveling to and from the vessels, while AB Doug Hodges and Electrician Danilo Martin simply thanked Callahan for making the effort to keep Seafarers informed about the company’s various safety initia- tives. Many other safety-related subjects also were discussed. Besides the Jacksonville meeting and a few more assemblies that recently took place at other SIU halls, the union has partnered with MLL to advance safety via different activities. One such endeavor is MLL’s “Drive to Zero” program, a system which is designed to help mariners and shore-side personnel focus on safety and teamwork in order to make the workplace as safe as possible. The name reflects the program’s goal of driving down unsafe and environmental incidents as close to zero as possible or eliminating them altogether. The results have been very positive since inception in 2007. Maersk’s “Safety Boot Camps,” attended by MLL crew members, also continue generating desirable effects. Each boot camp is a two-day safety course conducted at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The most recent one took place last month. Other MLL safety components include monthly safety council meetings attended by company personnel; a recognition program involving cash awards to vessels reaching certain milestones without any lost-time accidents; a separate cash award program designed to reward individual crew members who go out of their way to promote safety aboard ship; and on-board safety training. Recertified Bosun James Saunders Recertified Bosun Pat Ray Recertified Bosun Barry Carrano AB Todd Homer Pictured from left to right (above) after the meeting in Jacksonville are AB Lydell Grant, Patrick Callahan of MLL, AB Charlene Edwards and SA Mary Young. AB Doug Hodges (right) thanks MLL’s Patrick Callahan for a safety presentation. Electrician Danilo Martin (right) follows up with MLL’s Patrick Callahan concerning shipboard safety. September 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:34 PM Page 12 Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting & Is Key Component of Paul H SIU-contracted companies and Seafarers have a myriad of services, training courses an benefit for mariners and the companies they work for is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. A founding principle of the SIU and its affiliated school, located in Piney Point, Md., i advancements in the maritime industry. With this in mind, the center offers state-of-themaritime trades. Much of the center’s safety and fire fighting curriculum is hands-on train Fighting and Safety School. The value of the school to Seafarers is it’s not only a basic and advanced fire fighting sch ing; damage control; confined-space safety training; basic safety training; CPR and firs small arms training and requalification; chemical, biological and radiological defense; an fighting. Many U.S.-flag operating companies depend on the Paul Hall Center to help ensure Sea their STCW certification. They often work closely with the school in developing company offered at the fire fighting and safety campus. Recent examples include the HAZMAT tr school continues hazwopper and oil spill containment training for inland and deep sea com training for the liquefied natural gas (LNG), cruise, gaming and towing industries. Accompanying this article are photos of some of the hands-on training the Paul Hall Fighting and Safety School. That facility is named after the late SIU Executive Vice Preside The U.S. Military Sealift Command last year formally approved the school’s “Shipboard Helicopter Fi Learning water survival as a team Recertified bosuns on the small arms range Students undergo CPR training at the school (above). The school includes a confined-space training maze (photo at left). The facility is normally dark and smoky during training, and students must stay low and feel their way through the maze as a team. Students combat a galley fire. 12 Seafarers LOG September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:35 PM Page 13 & Safety School l Hall Center s and capabilities at their fingertips. One such time Training and Education, which offers the Md., is to remain at the forefront of change and -the-art coursework and training in numerous training accomplished at its Joseph Sacco Fire ng school but a facility for water survival trainfirst aid; hazardous material safety training; se; and recently MSC-certified helicopter fire e Seafarers are trained and qualified to receive pany-specific curriculums, some of which are AT training developed for Harley Marine. The a companies, as well as safety and prevention Hall Center provides at the Joseph Sacco Fire esident Joey Sacco, who passed away in 1996. ter Fire Fighting Team Member” class. September 2008 Learning personal survival during water survival training A “wet trainer” facility is utilized during damagecontrol training. Seafarers LOG 13 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:35 PM Page 14 Snug Harbor Provides Housing, Care For Older Seamen Editor’s note: The following article on North Carolina’s Snug Harbor retirement community was submitted for publication in the LOG by Janet Grainge, marketing director. It has been lightly edited to conform to local style and space limitations. Tucked away in a small fishing village in coastal North Carolina is a beautiful piece of American history that few people are aware of. Sea Level, a small town in the “Down East” area of North Carolina, is home to the oldest retirement community in our nation. This home’s story is worth sharing, and for retired mariners across the world, worth knowing about. The Sailors’ Snug Harbor is the second oldest charitable trust in the United States, established in 1801 by a merchant and seamen from the city of New York, Capt. Robert Richard Randall. Randall’s father, Thomas Randall, was a prominent citizen and a member of the Committee of 100 that essentially established the United States. He was a coxswain on the barge that brought General Washington to the foot of Wall Street at the close of the Revolutionary War. Robert Richard never married and at the age of 51, as he became ill, summoned his family friend and attorney, Alexander Hamilton, to draw his will. Hamilton, the nation’s first secretary of the treasury, was privately practicing law in New York in 1801. He and his assistant, Daniel D. Tompkins, who would become fifth governor of New York and sixth vice-president of the United States, are credited with drafting Randall’s will. Randall, a sea captain more through possession of merchant ships than by actual merit, was involved in The Marine Society of New York and knew of the hardships bestowed upon seamen who were past their sailing prime. Older seamen who were no longer deemed useful on the merchant ships were often left at a port with no money or housing available. The vision set forth in Randall’s will would provide housing and care for these seamen, regardless of rank, religion, race, or nationality. Randall wished to bequeath his 21-acre farm to a perpetual trust. That trust was and still is managed by a board of trustees who were designated to serve based on the positions they occupied in the city of New York. Those named included the mayor of the city, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Marine Society of the City of New York, the first vice-president of the Marine Society of the City of New York, the senior rector of Trinity – Wall Street and the senior pastor of First Presbyterian. According to his Will, these trustees were charged with the responsibility of managing the estate that Randall left until the sum was such that it would create “a mariner asylum or hospital to care for aged, decrepit, and worn out seamen….”. The plan was to build the hospital on the family farm. Randall died within days upon signing his will. Five years later, the first recorded meeting of The Sailors’ Snug Harbor Board of Trustees was held in New York. It was not until 1833 that a facility was built and opened for the retired merchant seamen. The years Snug Harbor residents have a spacious dinning area (photo at left) and many lavishly decorated lounge areas (photo above) where they can relax. between Randall’s death and the facility’s opening proved beneficial to the trustees in finding a location for the facility. Although the will declared the Randall family farm as the site for The Sailors’ Snug Harbor, the city of New York had built up quickly around the land and the area became the heart of Greenwich Village. The trustees opted to build on Staten Island where smog and pollution were less invasive. The Randall land on Manhattan was divided up into rental properties to help nourish the perpetual trust. The Sailors’ Snug Harbor opened its doors on Staten Island in August 1833, and for 175 years the Trust has provided housing and medical care for retired merchant seamen. The original facility was a series of beautiful buildings along the Kill Van Kull (the body of water which separates Staten Island from New Jersey), said buildings being designed by Minard Lefever. The Sailors’ Snug Harbor structures, critically renowned for their Greek Revival architecture, were listed as historic with the Landmarks Preservation Commission in New York. The hospital, dormitories, and other buildings could not be altered under the historical commission’s guidelines, but by the 1970’s, were in dire need of health department and fire department code updates. Under the governance of Capt. Leo Kraszeski, plans were made to search for relocation of the facility. The search spanned from Virginia to Florida and was eventually narrowed down to South Carolina. Charleston was leading the search, and Kraszeski and board member Wilbur Dow made plans to visit the proposed site. Dow was scheduled to meet Kraszeski in Charleston after a business trip to Florida. Dow, an attorney by trade, visited a one-time legal client Dan Taylor, head of a Caribbeanbased family shipping business. Taylor, a native of Sea Level, N.C., shared with Dow his visions of building a retirement facility in Sea Level. Taylor had recently signed a contract with Duke Hospital in Durham for medical services at a hospital that Taylor started in Sea Level. His dream of a retirement facility intrigued Dow and he agreed to visit the Sea Level property with Kraszeski. Dow and Kraszeski visited the Sea Level property and found Dan Taylor’s offer too good to turn down. The architectural services of Edward H. Noakes & Associates were enlisted to create a modern retirement facility. Kraszeski is noted to have requested that the architects build him a “Cadillac” retirement home. The new Sea Level facility opened June 24, 1976, with a new administrative and medical staff. History is an integral part of Snug Harbor and is portrayed through the artifacts, ship models and paintings that adorn the hallways of this renowned retirement facility. The home has the look and feel of an elegant nautical museum rather than an institution due to its extensive maritime art collection, numerous model ships, and nautical artifacts. The home is adorned with 19th- and early 20thcentury art transferred from the Staten Island facility. The 102-acre property of Snug Harbor rests on the shores of Nelson Bay and is surrounded by Carolina pines and azaleas. The facility is more than 100,000 square feet and can comfortably house 120 residents. Three wings serve as residence areas, one wing for each level of care. Snug Harbor offers all-private accommodations in independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. The Trust established by Captain Randall has now positioned itself as an organization providing purely financial assistance to retired seamen in need. As the needs of so many seamen have changed over the years, the Trust will now provide stipendiary help to seamen to age wherever they choose. As a result, the members in New York saw fit to sell the facility, but still retain a working agreement with the new owners (management has stayed the same) to ensure that seamen who qualify for admission can continue to benefit from the Trust and come to Snug Harbor for the same excellent care and comfort that has been provided for nearly 200 years. The facility currently houses nearly 50 retired seamen and approximately the same number of non-seafarers–nurses, lawyers, and people from all walks of life. Mariners are now permitted to bring their wives. The decidedly nautical environment and decorating motif remains, but the resident population is quite diverse. Residents enjoy a variety of activities provided by a full-time recreation staff. Snug Harbor features a half-mile walking path around its building where residents can find a dock, greenhouse, garden, and woodworking shop. All residential, dining, and medical services are on one floor and under the same 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. 9/08 roof. Snug Harbor has two physicians on staff who visit residents once a week, each on different days. A full rehabilitative therapy program of physical, occupational and speech therapy is also available on site in Snug Harbor’s gymnasium. Many individuals in the community take advantage of respite and Medicare stays upon discharge from the hospital for short-term rehabilitation. Snug Harbor is among the top retirement homes in the nation and features one of the largest maritime art collections in the world. Each of the three residential wings is in a Tshape design where four hallways of resident rooms meet at a large skylight area with planted greenery at the base of its four brick walls. Each of the four hallways has either 10 resident rooms or up to five suites for married couples. At the end of every hallway is a lounge area with a screened-in porch. Each month, the recreation staff hosts lounge parties within each wing so that residents may socialize and meet new neighbors. One can reach Snug Harbor by taking Highway 70 East through Morehead City and Beaufort. Sea Level is about 26 miles east of Beaufort on Highway 70. A large statue of Capt. Robert Richard Randall, sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1883 for the Staten Island facility, now graces the front lawn of Snug Harbor on Nelson Bay. For information or to schedule a tour, contact the Janet Grainge of the Snug Harbor marketing department at (252) 225-4411, or visit the facility via the web at www.snugharborhome.com. SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 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. September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 9/2/2008 12:29 AM Page 15 Notice/Reminder NMU Vacation Benefits As reported at the August membership meetings and in previous editions of the LOG, the NMU Vacation Fund merged into the Seafarers Vacation Plan on Jan. 1, 2007. As a reminder, if a member had 30 days of covered employment up to and including Dec. 31, 2006, for which the member has not yet collected a vacation benefit from the NMU Vacation Fund, he or she is eligible to apply for such earned and uncollected benefits from the Seafarers Vacation Plan at any time on or before Dec. 31, 2008. Please be aware that the Seafarers Vacation Plan allows participants to collect accrued vacation benefits while working in covered employment and, thus, members will be eligible to collect the vacation benefits which they accrued under the NMU Fund at any time on or before Dec. 31, 2008, even if those members continue to work in covered employment. However, as of Jan. 1, 2009, all uncollected vacation benefits that members accrued under the NMU Fund will expire. For more information, contact the vacation/records department at headquarters: (301) 899-0675. October & November 2008 Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................Monday: October 6, November 3 Algonac .................................Friday: October 10, November 7 Baltimore............................Thursday: October 9, November 6 Boston ...................................Friday: October 10, November 7 Guam..............................Thursday: October 23, November 20 Honolulu .............................Friday: October 17, November 14 Houston..............Tuesday: October 14, Monday: November 10 Jacksonville........................Thursday: October 9, November 6 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea July 16, 2008 — August 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 Joliet...............................Thursday: October 16, November 13 Totals Mobile.........................Wednesday: October 15, November 12 Port New Orleans......Tuesday: October 14, Wednesday: November 12 New York .............................Tuesday: October 7, November 4 Norfolk...............................Thursday: October 9, November 6 Oakland ..........................Thursday: October 16, November 13 Philadelphia.....................Wednesday: October 8, November 5 Port Everglades ..............Thursday: October 16, November 13 San Juan .............................Thursday: October 9, November 6 St. Louis .............................Friday: October 17, November 14 Tacoma...............................Friday: October 24, November 21 Wilmington..........................Monday: October 20, November 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention Seafarers Another New Ship! SPAD Works For You! September 2008 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 All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 3 8 15 6 8 29 19 1 9 8 29 14 14 4 4 6 4 29 15 1 0 2 4 1 1 2 4 1 0 1 3 5 3 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 0 4 12 0 9 35 34 0 6 9 29 17 14 4 0 7 2 18 26 0 3 1 13 3 6 22 14 1 5 4 19 15 12 4 6 6 2 21 13 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 2 2 11 0 4 24 14 0 2 2 17 10 6 4 0 4 0 21 11 4 0 12 22 2 6 71 51 3 28 32 82 22 36 5 1 14 2 66 46 4 7 8 20 10 12 56 30 8 19 17 38 33 24 10 1 10 11 47 28 2 0 0 4 3 1 3 5 2 0 3 5 12 4 2 0 1 2 3 6 263 226 40 227 170 23 134 505 393 58 0 0 6 12 1 8 14 12 0 6 6 15 5 12 1 0 5 2 11 7 0 1 2 7 2 2 18 15 3 4 5 18 14 6 2 4 3 2 9 11 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 2 4 121 128 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 4 1 9 11 20 0 3 6 20 8 6 1 0 3 2 9 5 0 3 5 6 1 1 8 13 0 4 3 7 5 6 2 1 3 3 9 9 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 7 0 0 2 12 0 1 1 11 6 2 1 0 4 0 21 5 0 0 7 19 3 15 31 24 1 12 14 26 11 20 4 2 6 1 23 18 4 2 2 13 6 5 25 24 3 9 6 24 22 10 5 5 5 6 21 13 0 1 2 2 1 1 2 5 1 2 2 7 2 4 0 2 0 1 4 7 110 89 8 65 237 210 45 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 6 3 9 27 18 0 5 6 18 10 15 5 7 2 1 15 19 2 1 3 5 3 4 6 7 0 0 5 4 10 3 1 2 2 3 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 168 66 12 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 1 0 9 13 1 5 51 27 1 15 15 31 13 24 0 0 7 1 23 26 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 1 4 2 8 19 17 1 4 7 14 14 16 2 3 1 3 16 18 0 0 0 12 2 4 5 9 0 0 1 4 10 0 1 1 0 3 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 2 5 9 0 1 4 10 8 1 0 1 0 1 3 5 1 0 4 11 4 14 41 27 0 12 8 39 9 30 6 7 5 1 22 33 3 2 4 8 1 6 8 8 0 8 7 10 18 7 0 1 3 2 10 7 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 150 56 9 54 274 113 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 4 0 2 0 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 3 2 6 2 9 22 17 0 6 1 35 17 18 0 7 5 0 17 6 3 0 0 6 2 7 6 11 0 2 2 7 23 17 1 14 0 1 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 1 3 1 6 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 5 13 13 0 3 1 23 14 4 0 7 2 2 10 4 0 0 0 1 1 3 5 6 0 1 2 1 16 5 0 12 1 0 4 1 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 7 9 2 0 2 0 10 1 7 0 0 0 0 4 5 1 3 3 12 4 11 39 27 0 11 7 66 22 34 2 3 7 1 28 19 3 0 0 14 2 13 12 32 0 2 5 18 30 25 1 8 0 2 6 14 27 174 110 23 108 58 0 47 300 187 579 594 181 510 423 98 253 1063 1016 301 Seafarers LOG 15 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:40 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 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 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 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 The Flickertail State (photo at left) delivered the components of the temporary pier. Seafarers aboard the LMSR USNS Pililaau (photo above) contributed to the success of Pacific Strike 2008. SIU Crews Help Ensure U.S. Readiness Seafarers Participate in Military ‘JLOTS’ Exercise Numerous SIU-crewed ships were in full swing on July 29 in an exercise off the coast of California as part of Pacific Strike 2008 – a joint logistics over-the-shore (JLOTS) activity involving more than 3,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines and civilians as well as four U.S. ships under the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s operational control. Those vessels included the SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau. The Pililaau is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR) operated by American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA). During the exercise, it discharged more than 210,000 square feet of Army vehicles and cargo from an anchorage two miles offshore. The fleet also included the heavy lift ship Cape Mohican (operated by Ocean Ships), which delivered the Navy barges; the crane ship Flickertail State (operated by Interocean American Shipping), which delivered the components of the temporary pier; and the tanker Chesapeake (operated by Interocean American Shipping), which pumped more than 200,000 gallons of water to shore – demonstrating the ship’s ability to transfer fuel. The Chesapeake also supplied fuel to the 39 Navy and Army watercraft operating as part of the exercise. JLOTS is the U.S. military’s method of transporting military and humanitarian cargo to shore from ships at sea. This capability allows the Department of Defense to deliver cargo even where port facilities are nonexistent, damaged or inadequate. “The only way to move massive amounts of equipment to our military forces or to people in need is by ship,” said Brig. Gen. Mark MacCarley, deputy commander of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, which is responsible for oversight of this year’s exercise. “If there isn’t a port, we still need the capability to get our equipment to shore.” The Pililaau arrived off the coast of Camp Pendleton July 21, carrying nearly 1,000 wheeled and tracked vehicles and more than 500 containers of equipment belonging to the 3rd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division and the 45th Sustainment Brigade. Offload operations began the next morning and continued around-the-clock until just before midnight July 27. The equipment began its journey from the Pililaau’s cavernous cargo holds to shore in one of two ways. The Pililaau’s two shipboard, 110-ton cranes lifted containers from the weatherdeck onto barges that transported the equipment to shore. Concurrently, military personnel drove tanks, trucks and other vehicles down the ship’s stern and side ramps onto one of two floating platforms of shallow-draft barges. The vehicles were then driven onto various Army and Navy watercraft for transport to shore. At the beach, military personnel transferred the cargo to shore via a temporary pier that Navy Seabees built in the weeks leading up to the offload. Once ashore, soldiers staged the equipment, which traveled via local roads to the Army’s National Training Center in Ft. Irwin, Calif. Navy reservists for the Military Sealift Command orchestrated the movement of all four of these ships, coordinating directly with the exercise operations staff to ensure success. The Cape Mohican, Flickertail State and Chesapeake are all part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. When not deployed on a mission, these ships are maintained pier-side by a small crew. The Chesapeake (photo at left) pumped more than 200,000 gallons of water to shore – demonstrating the ship’s ability to transfer fuel. During the exercise, the Cape Mohican transported Navy barges. 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 was sent to the LOG by Trinidad Sanchez, a retired steward department member from Puerto Rico. Sanchez, second from left in the photo, is pictured with three of his U.S. Navy shipmates (full names not available) in the Navy Club in Sacebo, Japan. The photo was taken in 1958 while Sanchez and his mates were on liberty from the aircraft carrier USS Hancock, C.V.A. 19 (photo at right). After serving in the Navy, Sanchez joined the SIU in 1967. He sailed in the deep sea division for more than 25 years. 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 September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 9/2/2008 1:47 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 AMADO ABANIEL Brother Amado Abaniel, 67, was born in the Philippines. He became an SIU member in 1980. Brother Abaniel initially sailed on the Santa Juan in the deck department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities often at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Abaniel’s most recent voyage was aboard the Charger. He makes his home in Long Beach, Calif. ROGER BUENCONSENJO Brother Roger Buenconsenjo, 66, joined the union in 1993 while in the port of San Francisco. He first shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Buenconsenjo worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Buenconsenjo’s last vessel was the Blue Horizon. He is a resident of Houston, Texas. WILFREDO CRUZ Brother Wilfredo Cruz, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1986. He originally sailed aboard the USNS Wilkes as a member of the deck department. In 2000, Brother Cruz attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Cruz’s final trip to sea was on the El Morro. He resides in Yauco, P.R. department member was born in Mobile, Ala. Brother Flemings enhanced his seafaring abilities frequently at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed on the El Faro. Brother Flemings continues to live in his native state. ANTONIO HALL Brother Antonio Hall, 70, joined the union in 1991 while in the port of New Orleans. He initially shipped aboard the Cape Mendocino. Brother Hall worked in the steward department. He was born in Panama. In 2003, Brother Hall took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Piney Point school. His final trip was on the Cape Hudson. Brother Hall calls New Orleans home. HENNIE HAYLOCK Brother Hennie Haylock, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1993 from the port of New Orleans. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Courier. Brother Haylock sailed in the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Haylock’s most recent voyage was on the USNS Pollux. He makes his home in North Miami Beach, Fla. JUAN MAMARIL JAMES ELBE Brother James Elbe, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1982. His first voyage was aboard the Virgo. Brother Elbe was born in Bloomsberg, Pa., and worked in the deck department. He visited the Paul Hall Center in 1999 and 2000 to upgrade his skills. Brother Elbe most recently shipped on the Maersk Missouri. He settled in Euclid, Ohio. AUDRY FLEMINGS Brother Audry Flemings, 65, first went to sea in 1986 aboard the USNS Assurance. The steward September 2008 Brother Juan Mamaril, 65, became an SIU member in 2001. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. Brother Mamaril worked primarily aboard the Cape Edmont. He enhanced his seafaring abilities in 2001 and 2006 at the union-affiliated school. Brother Mamaril is a resident of Goose Creek, S.C. ABRAHAM MURRAY Brother Abraham Murray, 66, was born in North Dakota. He started shipping with the SIU in 1991. Brother Murray initially sailed on the Cape Mendocino. On numerous occasions, the deck department Seafarer upgraded his skills at the Piney Point training center. Brother Murray was last employed aboard the Horizon Reliance. He lives in Tacoma, Wash. The engine department member attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and 2001. Brother Powers settled in Victorville, Calif. INLAND JAMES HATTER DONALD OYOLA Brother Donald Oyola, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1965. His first voyage was on the Ocean Spray. Brother Oyola was born in Peru and worked in the engine department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Champion. Brother Oyola resides in Dundalk, Md. NELSON POWERS Brother Nelson Powers, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1999 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first vessel was the USNS Effective; his last was the Charger. Brother Powers was born in Springfield, Ohio. Brother James Hatter, 55, signed on with the SIU in 1975 while in the port of New York. He originally shipped on a Barge Harbor Towing vessel. Brother Hatter enhanced his abilities on two occasions at the Seafarersaffiliated school. He most recently sailed with G&H Towing Company as a member of the deck department. Brother Hatter calls Brazoria, Texas, home. JOHN TIPICH Brother John Tipich, 71, became a union member in Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1945 Another SIU mariner from World War II has received the coveted Meritorious Service Medal for his actions. Lex Fanjoy was aboard the SS Lawton B. Evans when it was anchored off the Italian coast at Anzio. A violent gale and electrical storm broke and Fanjoy volunteered to cut the static-charged cables holding a barrage balloon that threatened to ignite the gasoline cargo. Fanjoy went aloft, despite several electrical charges and cut the cable. Shortly afterwards he was struck by an electrical charge that caused him to fall, knocking him into the crosstrees. Luckily he was not seriously injured. 1984 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He mainly worked aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington as a member of the engine department. Brother Tipich upgraded frequently at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in his native state of California. EUGENE WOTURSKI Brother Eugene Woturski, 62, joined the SIU in 1966. His first ship was the Globe Carrier. Brother Woturski sailed in the deck department. In 1976, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his skills. Brother Woturski was last employed with American Towing of Virginia. He is a resident of Villas, N.J. ing formal ratification of an agreement reached last week between negotiators for the union and 32 Canadian inland shipping companies. Voting on the full agreement will be held aboard all ships within the next two weeks, according to Leonard McLaughlin, SIU of Canada president. Release of full details of the settlement must await formal membership ratification, McLaughlin said, but it involves an overall 34 percent increase for Seafarers over three years and provides for a basic work week of 40 hours, previously denied to seamen in Canada. The decision by the SIU members to return to work after an agreement was reached ended a 37-day strike in which the key issues in dispute were a 40-hour week, ship manning, the 24hour work span and paid leave. Although a wage increase was sought by the union, most of its demands centered in the area of fringe benefits. This Month In SIU History 1959 While loaded with sand dredged off Coney Island, the dredge Sand Captain’s bow lookout heard two men calling out into the night sky. Immediately the crew was roused from their sleep and swung into action. The crew lowered the ship’s lifeboat and with the vessel’s search light, they spotted the two men clinging to wreckage. The men’s small watercraft had swamped and the two men were afloat for five hours. The crew chipped in with clothes and money and deposited the two men at the captain’s anchorage in the Bronx. 1967 The 5,400 members of the SIU of Canada have returned to their ships pend- 1978 The SIU-manned ST Alliance was cited by the American Institute for Merchant Shipping and the National Safety Council for rescuing five people aboard a foundering sailboat off the Boston coast. The tanker was running eight miles off Boston Pilot Station in 10-foot waves and galeforce winds when the crew spotted a sloop-rigged sailboat that was without engine power and radio. The sailboat’s mast and sails were also in the water. After an hour, the 630-foot Alliance was able to move alongside the little boat and take the passengers aboard to safety. Seafarers LOG 17 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:41 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA GEORGE BARBER Pensioner George Barber, 63, passed away April 28. Brother Barber signed on with the union in 1966. He first sailed aboard the Red Arrow. Brother Barber was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Comet. In 2006, Brother Barber started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in San Diego, Calif. SAMUEL BROWN Pensioner Samuel Brown, 85, died May 8. Brother Brown donned the SIU colors in 1951. He was originally employed aboard the John Hanson. Brother Brown was a member of the steward department. His last ship was the Overseas Washington. Brother Brown went on pension in 1988. He continued to live in his native state of North Carolina. ERNEST COX Pensioner Ernest Cox, 65, passed away May 4. Brother Cox joined the Seafarers in 1969. He initially sailed on the Halcyon Panther in the engine department. Brother Cox was born in Harrisburg, Pa. His final trip to sea was aboard the Courier. Brother Cox made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. He began receiving his pension in 1999. KENT DOCTOR Brother Kent Doctor, 38, died May 25. He became an SIU member in 1994 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Doctor’s maiden voyage was with OLS Transportation. He was born in Indiana and worked in the deck department. Brother Doctor most recently sailed on the Ocean Atlas. He was a resident of Antwerp, Ohio. FREDDIE GOETHE Pensioner Freddie Goethe, 57, passed away May 20. Brother Goethe, a member of the deck department, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1971. He initially sailed aboard the Halcyon Panther. Brother Goethe was born in Lyons Ga. His last trip was on the Florida. Brother Goethe retired in 1998 and called Jacksonville, Fla., home. 18 Seafarers LOG SAMUEL GOODMAN Pensioner Samuel Goodman, 82, died April 29. He started shipping with the union in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Goodman was born in Arkansas. He originally worked aboard the Delta America in the steward department. Brother Goodman’s final journey was on the Voyager. He resided in Tacoma, Wash. GEORGE HAND Pensioner George Hand, 87, passed away April 7. Brother Hand signed on with the SIU in 1947 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard a South Hail Company vessel. Brother Hand sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1981, Brother Hand shipped on the San Juan. He was born in South Carolina but made his home in Towson, Md. LESLIE HARADA Pensioner Leslie Harada, 84, died May 14. Brother Harada joined the union in 1959 while in the port of New York. He initially shipped aboard the Navigator as a member of the engine department. Brother Harada was born in Hawaii. He last worked on the Horizon Navigator. Brother Harada went on pension in 1990. He lived in San Pedro, Calif. SHERMAN JARMAN Pensioner Sherman Jarman, 78, passed away April 23. Brother Jarman was born in Washington State. He began his MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) membership in 1975. Brother Jarman’s earliest trip was with States Steamship Company. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Jarman’s final ship was aboard the President Jefferson. He settled in Everett, Wash. JAMES JUZANG Pensioner James Juzang, 85, died April 27. Brother Juzang donned the SIU colors in 1944 in the port of New York. He was originally employed aboard the Del Rio. Brother Juzang was born in Alabama and shipped in the steward department. His final voyage was on the Cove Navigator. Brother Juzang was a resident of Prichard, Ala. He became a pensioner in 1986. JAMES KING Pensioner James King, 78, passed away May 6. Brother King began shipping with the Seafarers in 1956 from the port of Baltimore. The engine department member was born in North Carolina. Brother King initially sailed aboard the Marore. His last voyage was on the Lake. In 1985, Brother King started collecting his retirement compensation. He called Dundalk, Md., home. STEVE KOLINA Pensioner Steve Kolina, 85, died April 12. Brother Kolina became an SIU member in 1943 in the port of New York. His first vessel was the Alcoa Planter; his last was the American Condor. Brother Kolina was born in Pennsylvania. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Kolina resided in his native state and retired in 1987. in 1987. Brother Otero was a resident of Puerto Rico. MOHAMED SHAIE Pensioner Mohamed Shaie, 71, died April 25. Brother Shaie donned the SIU colors 1967. He initially shipped on the Warrior. Brother Shaie sailed in the engine department. His final journey was aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Shaie was born in Arabia but called Armona, Calif., home. He began collecting his pension in 2002. LOLA TORLAND Pensioner Lola Torland, 87, passed away April 27. Sister Torland became a Seafarer in 1978. Her first voyage was on the Santa Mercedes. Sister Torland was born in Los Angeles, Calif. The steward department member most recently sailed aboard the Maui. Sister Torland resided in San Francisco. She retired in 1988. Pensioner James Mannete, Jr., 71, passed away May 15. Brother Mannete was born in Pennsylvania. He started sailing with the SIU in 1958 while in the port of New York. Brother Mannete’s earliest trip to sea was on the Rose Knot. The deck department member last shipped aboard the Sugar Islander. Brother Mannete went on pension in 1994. He made his home in Gretna, La. RICHARD McCAUSLAND Pensioner Richard McCausland, 80, died April 26. Brother McCausland joined the union in 1966. His first voyage was on a Columbia Steamship Company vessel. Brother McCausland was born in Sharpsburg, Pa., and shipped in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Performance. Brother McCausland began receiving his retirement pay in 1993. He lived in Florida. JUAN OTERO Pensioner Juan Otero, 82, passed away April 5. Brother Otero signed on with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He originally sailed on the Robin Doncaster. Brother Otero was born in Puerto Rico. He worked in the steward department. Brother Otero most recently shipped aboard the San Juan. He became a pensioner JAMES CARAWAN Pensioner James Carawan, 78, died April 13. Brother Carawan became a union member in 1972. He was first employed with IBC Company. Brother Carawan was born in Pamlico, N.C. Before his retirement in 1994, he sailed with C.G. Willis Inc. Brother Carawan was a resident of Bayboro, N.C. He went on pension in 1994. MANUEL RIVAS Pensioner Patrick Turbidy, 91, died April 1. Brother Turbidy joined the MC&S in 1962 while in the port of San Francisco. He first shipped on the Santa Maria as a member of the steward department. Brother Turbidy’s final trip took place aboard the President McKinley. He went on pension in 1982 and lived in San Francisco. Pensioner Manuel Rivas, 69, died April 14. Brother Rivas started sailing with the SIU in 1988. He worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Rivas originally shipped on the Quality. The Cubanborn mariner most recently sailed with G&H Towing Company. Brother Rivas resided in Houston, Texas, and began collecting his pension in 2002. R. D. WHALEY HERBERT THOMPSON Pensioner R. D. Whaley, 82, passed away May 31. Brother Whaley was born in Middleton, Tenn. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Houston. Brother Whaley originally shipped on the York. He worked in both the steward and engine departments during his SIU career. Brother Whaley was last employed aboard the Independence. He made his home in Jackson, Tenn. Brother Whaley started receiving his retirement compensation in 1990. Pensioner Herbert Thompson, 71, passed away April 10. Brother Thompson donned the union colors in 1975. He first worked aboard a G&H Towing vessel. Brother Thompson was born in Austin, Texas. Before retiring in 1999, he shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation of Wilmington. Brother Thompson lived in Houston. PATRICK TURBIDY JAMES MANNETE JR. the Mt. McKinley. His final voyage was aboard the Bob-Lo Island. Brother Boyd retired in 1992 and called Sea Level, N.C., home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Age DOD MOSES WILLIAMS Betancourt, Roberto 81 Pensioner Moses Williams, 88, died April 26. Brother Williams signed on with the MC&S in 1958 while in the port of San Francisco. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by American Ship Management which included the President Madison and the President Fillmore. Brother Williams was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1983 and settled in Severn, Md. Bobie, Nicholas 83 April 22 Boivin, Roger 87 April 26 INLAND ALTON BOYD Pensioner Alton Boyd, 81, passed away May 13. Brother Boyd joined the SIU ranks in 1957 in the port of Detroit, Mich. He was born in Wilkes, N.C., and worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Boyd initially sailed on June 1 Cook, William 93 May 31 Fernandez, David 71 April 29 Greenidge, St Clair 85 June 26 Guidry, Herbert 81 May 20 Hughes, Willie 81 May 11 Johnson, Harry 80 May 19 Lovelady, Paul 87 July 1 Luke, Harold 84 May 30 Ramos, Louis 74 July 14 Severino, Anthony 84 July 16 Suissa, Elie 84 May 21 Wells, William 65 July 15 Williams, George 72 May 25 Woods, Charles 76 May 28 Zoldi, Julius 85 May 25 September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:41 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), June 8 – Chairman Christopher C. Chikwere, Secretary Denis W. Burke, Educational Director Dale D. Nesfield, Deck Delegate Pio L. Vili, Engine Delegate Dale D. Nesfield, Steward Delegate Wally J. Saul Jr. Chairman announced payoff in Lake Charles, La., on June 14. He encouraged mariners to read the Seafarers LOG. Secretary asked departing crew members to leave staterooms clean for arriving Seafarers and advised all members to keep dues paid up. Educational director urged crew to enhance skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He noted that TWIC cards must be obtained by April 15, 2009. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Concerns were expressed regarding air conditioning vents in crew mess hall. Steward department was thanked for excellent food and BBQs. Next ports: Lake Charles, La., Aquaba, Jordan, Alexandria, Egypt, and Houston. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), June 28 – Secretary Terry N. White, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate Andy N. Campollo. Secretary reported a safe trip and expressed gratitude to his fellow crew members for their hard work. He also thanked them for helping keep the ship clean and urged them to upgrade at the Piney Point school whenever possible. Treasurer stated $700 in ship’s fund which will be used to purchase movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new DVD player in crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for great food and service. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), June 19 – Chairman Darryl G. Smith, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Shawn L. Clark, Deck Delegate Chad B. Chivrell, Engine Delegate Jessie Canales Jr. Chairman reminded mariners to have their z-card ready for immigration and customs upon arrival in port. He read and posted TWIC extension information on bulletin board. Secretary was grateful for crew’s good attitude and cooperation while there was no air conditioning. She encouraged anyone needing cleaning supplies for their rooms to see her. Educational director discussed TWIC document and recommended mariners visit the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., to enhance seafaring abilities. Treasurer noted $524 in ship’s fund. It was reported that deck head and laundry room needed more attention as mentioned in sanitary inspection. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested pertaining to recent reduction in seatime requirements for medical eligibility. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), June 22 – Chairman September 2008 Wayne D. Casey, Secretary Glenn A. Taan, Educational Director David M. Parker, Deck Delegate Rodolfo Asopardo. Bosun informed members that seatime requirements for medical have been reduced to 125 days and that TWIC card deadline has been pushed back until April 15, 2009. Educational director stressed the importance of upgrading skills at the SIU-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that chairs in mess hall needed cleaning. Crew members were reminded to fill out completion of duty application. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), June 27 – Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr., Secretary Thomas D. Smith, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Steward Delegate Carlos Sanchez. Chairman thanked mariners for a safe, injury-free voyage. He encouraged crew to inform him of any problems. Educational director advised Seafarers to apply for TWIC card ASAP because some delays have been reported. Treasurer stated $3,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Electrician asked members to put clothes in washing machine evenly so it will operate smoothly during spin cycle. Crew extended vote of thanks to steward department for great job. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), June 22 – Chairman Victor M. Beata, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director Charles Sneed, Deck Delegate Fitsum Yohannes, Steward Delegate Hamin Sialana. Chairman announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas, on June 25. He thanked crew for a job well done and reminded them of TWIC card extension. Secretary reported that stores would be received June 25. He expressed gratitude to crew members for their help in keeping vessel clean. Educational director suggested mariners pre-enroll for TWIC card online. Treasurer reported $600 in ship’s fund; money will be used to purchase a TV and DVD player. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made regarding pension benefits. Crew members requested fans for state rooms. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), June 1 – Chairman Pablo O. Borja Jr., Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Educational Director Ronald F. Lukacs. Chairman notified crew that payoff would take place on June 6 in Pittsburg, Calif. He talked about how important it is to keep union dues current and thanked everyone for another safe trip. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall and lounge clean. He asked departing members to leave rooms clean for next mariner. Educational director urged Seafarers to enhance skills at the union-affiliated school and keep documents current. He also talked about the importance of 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. SA Jose Garcia (left), Chief Cook John Padilla (photo above) are shown in the President Adams galley. Pictured from left to right (photo at right) are Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda, 2nd Mate Chris Kalinowski (graduate of Paul Hall Center trainee class 500) and Chief Mate Nick Marcantonio (class 446). The Adams (photo below) loads cargo in Singapore. Snapshots from the President Adams Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda emailed these photos taken this summer during a 58-day round trip aboard APL Maritime’s President Adams. The voyage began (and eventually ended) in New York and included stops in Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Norfolk, Va.; Port Said, Egypt; Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE; Port Klang, Malaysia; Singapore; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Salalah, Oman. The vessel sailed through 13 different time zones. This photo of the Omani coastline was taken from the seamen’s club in Salalah, Oman. contributing to SPAD (Seafarers Political Action Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks were given to entire crew for all the hard work they performed. New full-size washing machine has been ordered. Next ports: Pittsburg, Calif., San Francisco, and China. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 8 – Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama. Chairman reported another smooth voyage with no LTA. He announced payoff in Newark, N.J., on June 16. Secretary thanked mariners for help keeping house clean. Educational director advised crew members to check expiration dates on necessary seafaring documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to vacation and pension benefits. Request was made for new mattresses. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Malaga, Spain. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line, Limited), June 23 – Chairman Daniel Laitinen, Secretary Christopher T. Hale, Educational Director Marcelino V. Cayabyab, Deck Delegate Larry A. Rawlins, Engine Delegate Matthew D. Wright. Bosun expressed gratitude for another safe voyage. He stated that ship and crew are to receive award for no LTAs in the past five years, which is a testament to the training they received at the Paul Hall Center. Educational director encouraged all mariners to upgrade at any chance you get; it will lead to a better life for you and your family. Treasurer reported $3,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Ulsan, Korea. MARILYN (Sealift Inc.), June 8 – Chairman Mohamed H. Mohamed, Secretary Jonathan L. Damphier, Educational Director Dennis N. Barbosa, Deck Delegate Kevin A. Kellum, Steward Delegate Meili W. Seegers. Chairman informed members of payoff on June 10 in Houston. He warned them not to forget to apply for their TWIC card. Secretary thanked Seafarers for keeping mess hall and lounge clean. He suggested everyone keep documents up-to-date and contribute to SPAD. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading and training offered in Piney Pont, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for an extra dryer and furniture for lounge. Next ports: Houston, New Orleans, and North Korea. OVERSEAS HOUSTON (OSG Ship Management), June 22 – Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Deck Delegate Marvin M. Chester. Chairman thanked crew for a great voyage and discussed manpower pool requirements for OSG Ships. Secretary expressed his gratitude to members for helping keep pantry and mess hall clean. He asked mariners to fill out new address cards and/or beneficiary cards. Educational director encouraged mariners to check expiration dates on all necessary seafaring documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase food budget and to install chalk board in crew lounge to post union information. Discussion was held on proper protocols to follow when resolving problems aboard vessel. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Cherry Point, N.C. Seafarers LOG 19 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:41 PM Page 20 Letters to the Editor Paul Hall Center Training Pays Off My name is Bill Boardman. I was a member of class 639 at the Paul Hall Center and wanted to thank the school for the excellent training I received there. I sailed as an AB for three years. On August 12, 2008, I was operating a charter fishing vessel (the Fat Cat) 80 miles off the coast of New Jersey. We received a mayday call from a sinking vessel (the 42-foot Made to Sea) less than five miles away from us, around 2 a.m. Thanks to the training I learned at Piney Point, I was able to help successfully rescue all five people of the sunken vessel out of their life raft. Thank you! I remember well as a student hearing about people who did great things with the training they received at the SIU-affiliated school, and I wanted to pass this on. Looking back on the rescue, I remember the appropriate questions coming from my mouth that I’d learned in Piney Point as if someone else was asking them. When faced with this emergency, my training came through and I was able to perform exactly as I was taught. He recently joined the ship in Jacksonville, and he elevated morale aboard the vessel. I had heard stories about the bosun prior to his signing on, but couldn’t believe he was that good. Well, was I in for a surprise! The bosun handles all of the crew with respect and appreciation. He capitalizes on people’s strengths while understanding their weaknesses. There is nothing he would ask of a crew member that he wouldn’t willingly do. He inspires loyalty and is a pleasure to work with and for. I was just hoping that through writing this letter to the LOG that he could be given a pat on the back and the recognition he deserves. AB Sue Fagan Aboard USNS Paul Buck Capt. Bill Boardman Belmar, New Jersey AB from USNS Buck Credits Bosun Corl This is a letter of appreciation from aboard the USNS Paul Buck for Recertified Bosun Philip Corl. Recertified Bosun Phil Corl Annual Funding Notice/SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 94-6061923 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2006 and ending July 31, 2007 (Plan Year). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was at least 100%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of August 1, 2006 was $130,406,267. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $9,042,135. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 14.4. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 14 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing 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 ´ $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 ´ 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 ´ $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 ´ 10). 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. 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 Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-8778339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-4007242). Additional Explanation Introduction The SIU Pacific District Pension Plan has added the information below to supplement the Annual Funding Notice (above) that is required by federal law. This additional information will be helpful in understanding how each part of the notice relates to the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan (Plan). Plan’s Financial Information The main purpose of the Annual Funding Notice is to ensure more open communication about a plan’s funding level. The Annual Funding Notice divides the Plan’s assets by its annual benefit payments to determine how many years the Plan’s assets may be able to pay benefits. This simple measurement does not take into account the Plan’s expected annual income. When the Plan’s assets and the annual addition of this income are taken into account, the Plan’s assets can be expected to pay benefits for years into the future. Rules Governing Insolvent Plans This section of the Annual Funding Notice applies only to severely financially troubled pension plans, which this plan is not. Because of the Plan’s greater than 100% funded status, it is not anticipated that the special rules regarding “plan reorganization” and plan insolvency would ever apply to this Plan. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The Trustees expect the Plan to continue to pay benefits for many years in the future. The Trustees are committed to maintaining the Plan’s funded status because, in their view, the Plan’s financial strength is the best guarantee that all participants and beneficiaries will receive all the Plan benefits they have earned. Thus, it is not expected that the PBGC benefit guarantees mentioned in this notice will ever become applicable. Where to Get More Information For more information about this Additional Explanation, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. 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. September 2008 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:41 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 2008. 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 Safety Specialty Courses Fast Rescue Boat September 8 September 12 Medical Care Provider September 8 September 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) September 22 November 10 September 6 October 3 November 21 September 12 Tankerman (PIC) Barge Steward Upgrading Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 29 November 10 October 23 December 5 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) October 6 November 17 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 November 14 December 19 GMDSS September 15 September 26 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 15 October 27 September 26 November 7 Radar September 22 November 3 October 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) October 27 December 8 October 27 December 8 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) October 20 October 31 Bosun Recertification Course November 3 October 14 Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) November 10 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) September 15 November 10 October 10 December 5 Firemen/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) October 13 November 6 Junior Engineer August 30 October 24 Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 Welding September 8 October 6 November 3 December 1 September 26 October 23 November 21 December 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ No Yes Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began September 1. 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. Online “Distance Learning” Courses 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 206740075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via email. 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. 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 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, 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: Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. 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 ________________________________________________ September 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. 9/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �50414_p01_24:50414p 8/29/2008 7:41 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 704 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 704 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Babbitt, William Bailey, Martin Baker, Daniel Balch, Reginald Berkes, Larry Byrd, Darrin Cobb, Angela Corbitt, Jason Crusing, Ezekiel Deas Jr., Daniel Devine, Timothy Garton Jr., Heather Hammons, Pacheco Hernandez, Aretta Jones, Ryan Kiefer, Daniel Kosnik, Kirby Landert, Lucian Lepadatu, Tierria Noble, Eric Pinto, Thomas Reed II and Stephen Wood. Their instructor, Ben Cusic, is standing second from left in the second row. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Nine Seafarers recently completed computer courses while undergoing upgrade training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Those completing various classes (photo above, standing left to right) were Sergio Cedeno, Sandy Santiago and Glenn McCullough. Vinvent Ippolito is kneeling. In photo at left, Jovita Carino posed with Rich Prucha, instructor. Graduates in the photo below (from left to right) include Adam Degleiter, Cornelius Smith, Philander Walton and Alfredo Mendoza. FOWT - The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on July 11 completed this course: Azad Ardeshirdavani, Victor Atkinson, Jovita Cario, Juan Castillo, Kevin Daughtry, Mohammed Elazzouzi, John Fraley, Daniel Griffin, Si Hughes, Arthur Kately III, Donnetta McLee, Joshua Montgomery, Pierre Norwood and Andres Nunez. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at far right. Government Vessels - Twelve upgraders completed this course July 24. Those graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Alyxi Alexander, Desmond Baptiste, Sergio Cedeno, Thomas Cyrus Jr., Raphael Dewberry, Michael Durago, Marc Escalona, Troy Fleming, Dale Harrison, Alex Mitchell, Sandy Santiago and Alfredo Silva. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG Fast Rescue Boat - Five individuals on July 18 completed training in this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Denis Burke, Jovita Carino, Ashby Furlough, Bernabe Pelingon and David Turinski. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at left in the far back. (Note: Not all are pictured.) September 2008 �50414_p01_24x:50414p 9/2/2008 2:24 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization - Twenty-one phase three apprentices on July 11 graduated from this course. Those completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Stephen Amthaner, Ryan Bernal, Keithan Bland, Tyesha Boyd, Adam Brubeck-Galloway, Ashley Carmichael, Louise Digman, Jack Forde, Marcus Gramby, Joshua Johnson, Tanaka Junior, Joseph Loureiro, LaToya Lunford, Jasper McNeill, John Monaco, Travis Odom, Robert Orloff III, Ronnie Rodriguez, John Wahl, Pamela Wilson and Sean Wilson. STCW (Hawaii) – The following students (above, in no particular order) on July 18 completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Nubia Acevado, Willie Beamer, Douglas Campbell, Victor Dorobantu, Leslie Dunning, Jason Evans, D’Andre Evans, Aaron Lade, Vincent Pickney, Cortez Smith, Sergey Tikhonov, Luke Carrico, Chelsy Burns, Yomar Diaz, Connie Dietrich, Christopher Haughey, Mario Monroy, Victor Rivera, Beth Thomure and Bobbi Wells. BST - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) recently completed this course: Rene Alfaro, Raphael Dewberry, Troy Fleming, Lonnie Jones Jr., Michael Munoz, Jermaine Robinson, Alexander Rodriguez and Dana Wilks. Their instructor, Joe Zienda is at far left. Welding - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on June 27 graduated from this one-week course: Tony Beasley, Patrick Bradley, John Chapin, Douglas Duvak, Dante Mungioli III, Cecil Williams and Charles Wisler. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is second from left. Celestial Navigation – Ten individuals on June 27 completed this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Philip Corl, Frank Guido, Chad Noda, Leslie O’Hair, James O’Meara, Jason Pinsky, William Ray, Errol Soderquist, Lawrence Soulier and Mike Wiley. Their instructor, Stacy McNeely, is standing at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Firefighting – Nine upgraders on July 11 Water Survival – Four upgraders on July 4 completed this 60-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Albert Beneman, Luis Irias, Kirk Moffett and Manes Sainvil. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) September 2008 completed this course. Those graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Marie Acosta, Darryl Alexander, Adam Begleiter, Brian Gauntt, Vincent Ippolito, Glen McCullough, Eddie Taylor, Olson Thorne and Philandar Walton. Their instructor, Steven Stockwell, is at far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �50414_p01_24x:50414p 9/2/2008 2:24 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 9 September 2008 Mariners Need TWIC by April 15, 2009 - Page 9 Letter from Senator Obama to SIU President Sacco Following is the text of a letter sent late last month to SIU President Michael Sacco by U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.). The letter was sent in response to the SIU’s endorsement of Senator Obama’s bid for the presidency – the union’s press release is printed at lower left. August 28, 2008 Dear President Sacco: It is an honor to have the endorsement of the Seafarers International Union and its members. Working Americans like you at the SIU have throughout our history been the backbone of the American economy, and your commitment and effort this election cycle will help restore a sense of shared prosperity and security to the nation. America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine. That is why you and your members can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act (which also includes the Passenger Vessel Services Act) and the continued exclusion of maritime services in international trade agreements. American Merchant Mariners always have answered the nation’s call from the first days of the Revolutionary War to today. In peace and in war, our Mariners have stood with us and my Administration will stand with them. To make sure our Armed Forces have the equipment and ammunition they need at the time the materiel are required, my Administration will solidly support the continuation of the Maritime Security Program. The MSP has proven itself since being enacted in 1996, making sure our troops deployed overseas have no worries about when their supplies will be delivered. A strong U.S.-Flag commercial fleet needs our nation’s Cargo Preference laws. Whether it is carrying needed goods to those overseas in distress or moving government-generated cargo, American Mariners aboard American ships make sure the job is done. People around the world look to the U.S. Flag as a symbol of hope and determination. Ships flying Old Glory with American crews are important icons of our resolve. Those programs set a firm foundation for America’s Merchant Mariners by providing opportunities for decent wages, good benefits and fair treatment. Certainly, a strong union movement has been and will continue to be a major contributor to the achievement of this essential national goal. I am proud to stand with and for you and your members. I consider the SIU endorsement a significant statement about what we can do, working together, for change and progress that improves the quality of life for working families. Sincerely, Barack Obama SIU Endorses Senator Obama for President August 13, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Seafarers International Union (SIU) is proud to endorse the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama of Illinois for President of the United States. The union – which represents American merchant mariners who work aboard deep sea, Great Lakes and inland waters vessels – made the decision based on the candidates’ positions on matters that directly affect SIU members. “Senator Obama has stood with the Seafarers and the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine on the vitally important issues of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference,” stated Seafarers President Michael Sacco. “Senator Obama has confirmed that an administration led by him would continue to fight for these programs in order to maintain and grow our country’s merchant fleet.” Sacco noted the SIU has a strong history of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. “Our union traditionally does not take party affiliation into consideration when it has endorsed. In making this endorsement, the SIU is considering what it always has when making such a decision – the primary concerns of the membership,” he added. “The American Merchant Marine serves as the nation’s fourth arm of defense. In these uncertain times, the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces need to know their supplies will be delivered efficiently and on time. Senator Obama understands this,” said Sacco. The Seafarers International Union was founded in 1938. Its 82,500 members live throughout the country. Election Day: November 4, 2008 Register to Vote! Make Sure Your Voice is Heard! Don’t Sit This One Out! This page has been paid for by the Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD) 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 This page was not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. � 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 September 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES GEN. DUNCAN MCNABB CONFIRMED AS U.S. TRANSCOM COMMANDER SEAPOWER SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN EMPHASIZES SUPPORT FOR JONES ACT AFL-CIO ELECTS 3 TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL UNION-CONTRACTED FLEET ADDS MAERSK MICHIGAN PHILLY FERRY CREW RESCUES WOMAN IN DELAWARE RIVER TANKER CONSTRUCTION MOVES FORWARD AT SHIP FACILITIES IN SAN DIEGO, PHILADELPHIA PANEL REVIEWS NOMINATION PETITIONS FOR ELECTION GOV. GREGOIRE CREDITS ATC HAWAII SUPERFERRY RIDERSHIP GROWS BY 40 PERCENT IN JULY NTSB ISSUES FINAL REPORT ON MAJESTIC BOAT GROUNDING MISSISSIPPI RIVER OIL SPILL RENEWS CONCERNS AMO’S CRANGLE DIES AT AGE 71 CREDENTIALS APPROVED FOR CANDIDATES TO 25 UNION OFFICES FOUR UNION-CONTRACTED COMPANIES EARN SAFETY AWARDS FROM AMS, INC. CIVMARS ABOARD MERCY, GRASP, SATURN ‘SHOW HEARTS’ UNION CONTINUES EBIS NEGOTIATIONS JACKSONVILLE HALL HOSTS MAERSK SAFETY MEETING JOSEPH SACCO FIRE FIGHITING AND SAFETY SCHOOL IS KEY COMPONENT OF PAUL HALL CENTER SNUG HARBOR PROVIDES HOUSING, CARE FOR OLDER SEAMEN SIU CREWS HELP ENSURE U.S. READINESS SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN MILITARY ‘JLOTS’ EXERCISE LETTER FROM SENATOR OBAMA TO SIU PRESIDENT 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 09/01/2008 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. 9 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/13b961ad3f1eb51ce8a25a3c81092e77.pdf 2ff195d422e41c337994a480285a538a PDF Text Text 50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:38 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 10 October 2008 SIU-Contracted Ocean Ships Inc. To Operate Watson-Class LMSRs SIU jobs aboard the eight Watson-class LMSRs are secure as Seafarers-contracted Ocean Ships, Inc. has been awarded the contract for operating the vessels (including the USNS Soderman, above, and the USNS Charlton, left). The agreement spans five years, including a series of one-year options. Page 3. Union Reaches 70th Anniversary This month, the SIU turns 70. Pictured from left to right are members in Marcus Hook, Pa., during the general strike in 1946; trainees and officials at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., in 1983; and then-SIU President Paul Hall (sitting third from left) with former President Harry Truman (seated closest to camera) in 1960. For a year-by-year summary of the union’s history – along with more photos from different eras – turn to pages 13-16. U.S. Shipping Adds ATB U.S. Shipping Partners in late August announced the completion of its second articulated tug-barge (ATB) unit (shown above) as the barge Petrochem Producer was delivered in Wisconsin. The ATB’s tugboat, the Galveston, was delivered in July following construction in Florida. Collectively known as the Galveston Bay, the ATB entered service in September. Page 3. Ships Mobilize Due To Hurricanes Page 2 SIU Election Info. Pages 6-11 SIU CIVMAR News Pages 4, 17, 20 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:38 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Recovering, Rebuilding after Hurricanes There is no shortage of important news this month, but let me begin with the most significant item: the safety of SIU members and their families. I am relieved to report that all indications are no SIU members were among the dozens of reported casualties in the U.S. from Hurricane Ike or Hurricane Gustav. Of course, that doesn’t mean the storms didn’t affect the SIU family. As reported elsewhere on this page, Seafarers answered the call before and during both hurricanes. They crewed up ships and tugboats and performed in the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. I applaud every one of you. Unfortunately, some members suffered terrible material losses. I know of at least one Seafarer who went to check on his house in Texas after Ike, and he literally couldn’t find a trace of it. That situation isn’t the only instance of storm-related loss experienced by the membership, and that is why we have restarted the voluntary Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund. The SDRF came into existence after hurricanes Rita and Katrina back in 2005. It’s something we wish we didn’t need, but at times like this one, the SDRF is a helpful, practical way for union members, officials and employees to reach out and assist each other in difficult circumstances. If you are interested in donating to the fund, contact your port agent or call union headquarters at (301) 899-0675. Meanwhile, I again commend those who stepped up during the activations, and I extend my most heartfelt best wishes to our brothers and sisters who are rebuilding after the storms. Setting the Record Straight on EFCA Unless you completely avoid television, newspapers and radio, you know it is the season – the season for political ads, that is. And more ads and more ads, it seems. There is one series of attack ads in particular that has caught my attention lately, and from what you’ve told me, many of you have questioned it as well. It involves deception on the part of those who oppose the Employee Free Choice Act. Maybe you’ve heard their lies about how EFCA supposedly would eliminate the secret ballot from union representation elections. Brothers and sisters, don’t buy into that baloney. The legislation would not – I repeat, would not – eliminate secret-ballot elections. It simply would leave it up to workers to decide whether they wanted to vote by secret ballot or instead use card-check recognition, which is a perfectly legal, straightforward system already in use in some organizing campaigns. Right now, the deck is stacked against workers who want to join a union. Employers can and do get away with breaking the law – firing pro-union employees, bullying them into voting against union representation, and refusing to negotiate a first contract even after a majority of workers votes for the union. These tactics must stop. The Employee Free Choice Act will restore fairness to the process. Don’t let the anti-worker liars con you. The EFCA is a good bill for employees all across our nation. Get Out the Vote Seafarers are turning out in large numbers to support pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates in next month’s elections. Keep it up! This is an especially important election year for the U.S. Merchant Marine. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Our livelihoods depend on electing people who will support our industry. In case you didn’t check out last month’s LOG or you missed the announcement on our web site, the SIU has endorsed Barack Obama for president. Senator Obama has come out very, very strong in support of our industry’s key laws and programs, including the Jones Act, cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program. He’s got my vote. Seafarers Weather Ike, Gustav Union Reactivates Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund SIU members mobilized ships and tugboats as storms battered the Gulf Coast in late August and again in mid-September. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike didn’t cause as much damage as Rita and Katrina three years earlier, but Ike in particular left devastation in its wake. For example, Seafarers-contracted Moran Towing lost its office facilities in Port Arthur, Texas, while Seabulk Towing (also based in Port Arthur) and G&H Towing (Galveston) sustained significant water damage to their respective offices. Individual Seafarers also suffered losses ranging from complete destruction of homes to lesser but still serious damage. With that in mind, the union has reactivated the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for members, pensioners, employees and family members of the SIU as well as the affiliated unions the United Industrial Workers (UIW) and the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). Donations may be sent to: Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund, c/o Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, SIU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers also may make a one-time donation to the fund from their vacation check, via a special check-off. Vacation applications and check-off forms are available at all SIU halls. Also, cash donations to the fund are being accepted at all SIU halls. Anyone making a cash donation will receive a receipt. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible. For more information about the fund, contact headquarters at (301) 899-0675, extension 4438. Members who have sustained damages to their personal property or are in need of assistance should contact their local officials to make application. The fund will review the needs of applicants and up to the extent of the fund’s resources, make a one-time cash donation to qualified applicants up to $500 to assist in temporary housing and/or repairs. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey reported that Seafarers employed by G&H Towing went “beyond the call of duty” when Ike struck. Four ships (none of them SIU-contracted) were stuck in port during the storm. One broke loose, but the Seafarers-crewed tugs “got lines up and pushed her up into the mud in extreme conditions. Additionally, there were numerous barges and small vessels that were secured to maintain the safety of the port.” More SIU crew members were dispatched to the Cape Victory, Cape Vincent, Cape Taylor, Cape Trinity and Cape Texas in the Houston area before the hurricane arrived. The SIU-crewed USNS Bellatrix and USNS Altair crewed up in New Orleans before the storm. Also, Maersk Line, Limited praised Seafarers aboard the Maersk Nevada who weathered Ike’s full force while protecting the vessel, cargo and (in the words of the company) “most importantly, the crew.” Ike “was a scary thing,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, whose home sustained major damage. “It sounded like a freight train coming through my house.” The Houston hall closed for a few days afterward but reopened in time for a rescheduled monthly membership meeting Sept. 19. Earlier, Seafarers reported for duty aboard a number of ships activated on Labor Day weekend before Gustav arrived. Members climbed the gangways to the Altair, Bellatrix, Cape Kennedy, Cape Knox, Cape Victory, Cape Vincent, Cape Taylor, Cape Texas and Cape Trinity. They secured the ships during the storm and prevented damage. Seafarers Rally with Obama, Biden SIU members last month turned out for separate events showing support for Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. The event for Senator Biden took place Sept. 19 in Sterling, Va., while the rally for Senator Obama happened Sept. 20 in Jacksonville, Fla. Clockwise from right, Senator Barack Obama addresses the crowd in Jacksonville, while Senator Joseph Biden (left) is greeted by Seafarer Daniel Duncan, who serves as president of the Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation. SIU members participating in the Jacksonville rally included (kneeling, from left) Lamont Robinson, Juan Colon, Jose Garcia, Anthony Thomas, Kenneth Benton, Dannal Williams, (standing) Karen Pride, Emil Norales, Danyelle Boman, Brian Jackson, Mary Young, John Bimpong, Breon Lucas and Charles Ferguson. Seafarers and others listen to the message in Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park. The SIU Turns 70 Lastly, I encourage all Seafarers to take a look at the SIU timeline contained in this edition as our union reaches its 70th anniversary. This is a great milestone, and I salute the leadership of our past presidents – Harry Lundeberg, Paul Hall and Frank Drozak – along with the steady professionalism of our rank-and-file membership for helping the SIU not just survive but prosper in an often turbulent industry. Looking back on our history, we have a lot to be proud of. Looking ahead, we have a bright future – as long as we remain willing to work for it. That has never been a problem in the SIU and I know it never will be. Volume 70, Number 10 October 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. 2 Seafarers LOG October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 3 Ocean Ships Inc. Wins LMSR Contract SIU Jobs Expected to Increase as Some Vessels Bump Up to FOS The Defense Department in mid-September announced that SIU-contracted Ocean Ships, Inc. (OSI) has been awarded a contract to operate the eight Watsonclass LMSRs. Altogether, the agreement spans five years, including a series of one-year options. The award is major news for the SIU in more ways than one. First, Seafarers retain their jobs aboard all of the vessels – the USNS Watson, USNS Watkins, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, USNS Charlton, USNS Dahl and USNS Pomeroy. Additionally, over the life of the operating contract, each of the vessels will transition to full operating status (FOS). Currently, two of the ships are in FOS, while the others are in reduced operating status (ROS) carrying smaller crews. “More than 80 companies were solicited for this bid and 10 proposals were received, according to the government,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “There certainly was no guarantee that the award would go to an SIU-contracted company, so this is excellent news for Seafarers. The jump to FOS is a very big part of the story, too. Not only are we keeping the unlicensed jobs, we’ll actually be gaining.” OSI President and COO James P. McGregor said the turnover was slated to start in early October, probably with the USNS Sisler. “We’re hitting the ground running and we’re delighted the Navy and TRANSCOM (the U.S. Transportation Command) have the level of confidence in our company to award this contract,” McGregor said. “I’m personally encouraged that the Navy, TRANSCOM and the Marine Corps are working together to get these ships back to FOS and back into prepositioning.” He added that the award reflects well on the SIU and AMO mariners already serving in the company’s fleet (aboard vessels including the Lawrence Gianella, Richard Matthiesen, Paul Buck, Samuel Cobb, Cape May and Cape Mohican). “I firmly believe we don’t go it alone when we bid these contracts,” McGregor stated. “The capabilities of the unlicensed Seafarers and licensed officers from AMO, and our ability as a team to go forward and provide service the customers demand are vital.” According to the Defense Department announcement, when in ROS, the ships will be stationed on the U.S. East Coast. When in FOS, they will operate “in the Diego Garcia and Guam/Saipan areas in support of Army and Marine Corps prepositioning missions.” LMSR stands for large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel. The ships covered under this contract were built at NASSCO in San Diego from 1998 to 2002. Each of the vessels is 950 feet long, with a beam of 105 feet. Each is equipped with two 110-ton single pedestal twin cranes, making it possible to load and unload cargo where shoreside infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. Additionally, each ship is equipped with six decks and a cargo-carrying capacity of about 393,000 square feet. The Military Sealift Command pointed out that each vessel can carry an entire U.S. Army Armor Task Force including 58 tanks and 48 other tracked vehicles, plus more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles. Seafarers will remain aboard the USNS Charlton and the other Watson-class LMSRs. The USNS Soderman’s discharge ramp is used to load equipment onto a Navy lighterage system during an exercise in Guatemala last year. An amphibious assault vehicle is lifted by crane into a cargo bay aboard the USNS Charlton while the vessel is docked in Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Shipping Partners Adds ATB Galveston Bay Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners in late August announced the completion of its second articulated tug-barge (ATB) unit as the barge Petrochem Producer was delivered by Bay Shipbuilding at Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The ATB’s tugboat, the Galveston, was delivered in July following construction at Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Fla. The ATB – collectively known as the Galveston Bay – entered service last month. A third ATB is scheduled for delivery to U.S. Shipping in November while a fourth ATB is slated for November 2009. The company’s Seafarers-contracted fleet also includes the ITBs Groton, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Mobile and Jacksonville, the Houston, Sea Venture, Chemical Pioneer, Charleston and ATB Freeport. In addition to the new ATBs, U.S. Shipping expects the first in a series of tankers being constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego to be delivered in January 2009. NASSCO also built the Alaska-class tankers operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. and currently is constructing the T-AKE vessels that are crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The new ATB consists of the tug Galveston and the barge Petrochem Producer. Pictured near the new vessel are (from left) Capt. Chris Mercier, ABs Edilberto Guerrero, Romeo Codillero and Robert Taylor, 3rd Asst. Engineer Paul Braemer, 1st Asst. Engineer David Marshall, Chief Engineer John Francis, Chief Mate Robert Corbett and U.S. Shipping VP Jan Ziobro. NY Waterway Crews Handle Two Rescues Seafarers employed by NY Waterway recently performed two rescues in the Hudson River. The first incident occurred Aug. 13 as the ferry Frank Lautenberg pulled into a pier at Jersey City. Deckhands Nestor Martinez and Cruz Marcano descended the ship’s ladder and rescued a man who was struggling in the water, while Captain Thomas Colomara contacted local authorities. According to news reports, the man had intentionally jumped from the ferry and wasn’t initially cooperative in the rescue. No such resistance took place on Aug. 22, when a local October 2008 man was rescued from the river as his motorboat took on water. Captain Vincent Lombardi and Deckhand Thomas Lennane (aboard the Admiral Richard Bennis) were sailing between the New York locations of Haverstraw and Ossining when they received a distress call from the smaller boat via a Coast Guard frequency. Lombardi answered the call, and the agency – upon learning that the SIU-crewed vessel was close to the distressed 26-foot boat – directed the ferry to its location. Moments after the Seafarers assisted the boat owner in climbing aboard, a private towboat arrived to pump and tow the foundering vessel. Seafarers sailing onboard NY Waterway passenger ferries recently rescued two people. Seafarers LOG 3 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 4 Union Testifies on Inland Waterway Safety SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez testified Sept. 16 at a hearing conducted by a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee that focused on inland waterway safety in general and a July 23 accident and oil spill in New Orleans in particular. Tellez’s panel also included representatives from the National Mariners Association (formerly Gulf Coast Mariners Association), American Commercial Lines, Northeast Maritime Institute and American Waterways Operators. The other panel consisted of Rear Adm. James Watson of the U.S. Coast Guard and David Westerholm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The hearing was conducted in Washington, D.C., by the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, which is part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Much of the testimony focused on details of the oil spill – a widely publicized disaster involving a nonunion tugboat which pushed a barge into the path of a Liberian-flag tanker. The tugboat Mel Oliver didn’t have a captain aboard when the incident occurred; it was illegal for the steersman apprentice at the helm to operate the boat without the captain’s presence in the wheelhouse. The spill that resulted from the barge splitting in half dumped more than 282,000 gallons of oil into the Mississippi River near New Orleans. Tellez urged the subcommittee to push for inland documentation for all crew members (a position the union has advocated for many years). He also said it is past time to sensibly regulate the entire inland industry, rather than just segments of it. “In a perfect world, the self-policing culture prevalent in the tug and barge industry on the inland waterways may have some value,” Tellez said. “Unfortunately, in the real and imperfect world, there are companies that will choose short-term commercial expedience and financial gain above marine safety and protection of the environment, to the detriment of responsible carriers who make the effort to provide safe marine transportation on the rivers of the United States. “While the investigation into the Mel Oliver incident is ongoing and not all penalties have been assessed, what are the immediate consequences to the company stemming from the self-policing culture of the towing industry? The company’s membership in a private asso- U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings begins the hearing. ciation which acts as the de facto regulator of the towing industry has been revoked because of its failure to pass a third-party safety audit and failure to submit a letter agreeing to mandatory annual audits. However, despite this action, the company can still operate in the inland marine environment along with hundreds of other operators that do not participate in the program.” The SIU official pointed out that while the Coast Guard is responsible for promoting marine safety and protecting the environment on the inland waterways, the agency “has been unable to adequately regulate the towing industry, due to lack of sufficient resources.” He said that manpower shortages in the inland sector have led some companies to skirt the rules (such as in the case of the Mel Oliver) and cut back on training. “The result can be seen in an inexperienced steersman operating a vessel that runs right down the Mississippi River through New Orleans and causes a catastrophe.” In an aside, he mentioned that the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers comprehensive training for inland boatmen. Tellez also credited SIU-contracted inland companies for consistently promoting high levels of personal shipboard safety and environmental standards. Finally, he pointed out that the Coast Guard’s own five-year “Marine Safety Performance Plan” categorizes the towing industry under the heading “Significant Residual Risks.” He said the designation “makes it abundantly clear that the U.S. Coast Guard must regulate all aspects of the tug and barge industry. Their marine safety program for towing vessels must include on-site towing vessel inspections, documentation for all crew members, setting of manning levels, establishing training requirements and standards, etc. The Coast Guard should work with the tug and barge industry in a mutual cooperative effort to enhance safety on the inland waterways. But under no circumstances should the towing and barge industry be permitted to practice self-policing in crucial areas.” Subcommittee Chairman U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) in his opening statement noted that DRD Towing, the Mel Oliver’s operator, “has a history of operating vessels without properly licensed personnel. Less than two weeks before the accident involving the Mel Oliver, DRD was apparently illegally operating the towing vessel Ruby E with a person holding only the apprentice mate’s license when the vessel sank. DRD Towing has also been cited by the Coast Guard for operating towing vessels without properly licensed personnel on several previous occasions.” The company also failed its American Waterways Operators safety audit in May, he added. He further charged that American Commercial Lines, the tugboat’s owner, chartered the vessel to DRD not to generate revenues but instead to apparently allow “ACL to operate its vessel at the cheapest possible costs, by shifting maintenance responsibilities and, more importantly, the hiring of crew members onto DRD, a firm that was obviously ill-prepared to meet these responsibilities but with which ACL had nonetheless done business for a decade.” U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), who chairs the full committee, said, “The Coast Guard has 100 Notices of Proposed Rulemakings that are backlogged, and the rulemaking that will create an inspection process for towing vessels is amongst those that have been overdue for over four years…. When laws are not created based on lessons learned from the past, it allows accidents like these to continue to happen where they may have been prevented if the law was in place.” CIVMAR-Crewed Lewis and Clark Wins Navy Safety Excellence Award The U.S. Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark, which carries an unlicensed crew of SIU Government Services Division members, won the 2008 Department of the Navy safety excellence award in the MSC category, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced on Aug. 20. The 689-foot ship is currently operating out of Norfolk, Va., and is crewed by 124 civil service mariners and a military detachment of 11 active-duty Navy sailors. In announcing the award, MSC said the Lewis and Clark’s crew “was recognized for developing new operational procedures upon delivery of the new class of ship that set the standard for on-board, high-risk operations across the entire class of T-AKE ships and have became a prototype model for the maritime industry. MSC’s engineering directorate lauded the crew for stepping up to the task of identifying, assessing and addressing safety issues during the ship’s break-in period.” “This award reflects a collaborative effort from the crew, who made sure to implement realistic safety standards as a social norm,” said Capt. Randall H. Rockwood, the Lewis and Clark’s civil service master from October 2007 to August 2008. “My goal was to set up a positive environment for my crew to develop safe operational procedures and in it, we made sure that each crew member understood the inherent dangers on board the ship.” The Department of the Navy safety excellence award program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps teams, ships and installations for exceptional commitment to safety and operational risk management, according to MSC. Winter’s message to the crew said in part, “Your integration of mission first, safety always into your command culture was superlative and your commitment to the safety of one another has no doubt prevented the loss of life and precluded numerous injuries and damage to our material assets.” Delivered in 2006, the Lewis and Clark is the first of a new class of 14 ships dedicated to MSC’s Naval Fleet The USNS Lewis and Clark, built at NASSCO, was delivered in 2006. Auxiliary Force. These ships are designed to operate for extended periods at sea and to deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s carrier strike groups and other naval forces worldwide. CIVMARS Provide Humanitarian Relief to Georgian Hotspot Carrying on the U.S. tradition of helping those in need around the world, SIU Government Services Division CIVMARS aboard the USS Mount Whitney, along with members of the MEBA and MM&P, respectively, delivered humanitarian relief supplies to the people of Poti, Georgia, Sept. 5, 2008 in support of “Operation Assured Delivery.” The delivery is part of the larger U.S. response to the Georgian government’s request for humanitarian assistance after the conflict with Russian forces. Overall, the Mount Whitney was expected to deliver more than 17 tons of aid, including 4,000 blankets donated by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Other cargo included juice, powdered milk and hygiene products. According to news accounts, Russian troops kept a close watch on the delivery. The Associated Press report- 4 Seafarers LOG ed that a Russian warship trailed the Mount Whitney across the Black Sea, and Russian military personnel on shore (approximately three miles from where the vessel docked) observed the cargo operations. From late August to early September, the USS McFaul and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Dallas carried more than 115 tons of humanitarian supplies to the port in Batumi, Georgia, while U.S. Navy C-9, C-40 and C-130 aircraft flew 20 continuous missions airlifting 325 tons of humanitarian aid into the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. The USS Mount Whitney carries a hybrid crew of U.S. Navy sailors and civilian mariners, and is home-ported in Gaeta, Italy. The ship is 636 feet long, with a beam of 108 feet. It can travel at up to 23 knots. CIVMARS aboard the USS Mount Whitney assisted in delivering aid to the people of Georgia after a Russian invasion. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 5 Ads Explain Why Nation Needs Free Choice Act Big Business Tries to Hoodwink Public with ‘Secret Ballot’ Claims On Labor Day, a leading worker advocacy group found that 68 percent of middle class Americans wish their launched a national television advertising campaign to member of Congress had voted in favor of the bill. “Despite the millions of dollars already spent to deceive educate the public on critical issues facing America’s voters on the Employee Free Choice Act, the American middle class. The ads, which begin airing on Sept. 1, are designed public isn’t buying it.” says Maxwell. “The reality is a to build on the broad public support for the Employee majority of Americans want policies like the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a bipartisan bill in Congress Free Choice Act that will help restore the middle class. that will help workers achieve the American dream by These ads will show viewers the truth.” Publicly, the most common tactic of EFCA opponents giving them the freedom to choose a union. In announcing the campaign, American Rights at has been to suggest that the legislation somehow would Work noted it is releasing these ads “in celebration of deprive workers of the right to vote by secret ballot in Labor Day as part of a huge, new coordinated effort union elections. In reality, the bill would require employers among workers’ rights advocates, progressives, and to honor an already legal system called majority sign-up or labor unions to champion this legislation, which passed card-check recognition. Under that process, when more the House last year and garnered majority support in than 50 percent of workers sign cards indicating they want the Senate. The effort includes paid advertising through to join a union, the employer may honor their wishes withnational cable outlets and states throughout the coun- out the additional steps involved in an election. But, worktry…. As workers’ paychecks shrink and health care ers may still opt for an election. Pro-labor groups point out that since 2003, more than costs skyrocket out of control, CEOs average $6,153 an hour and their overall salaries have soared to 180 times half a million Americans formed unions through majority that of an average worker. The Employee Free Choice sign-up. Although commonly misrepresented by the bill’s Act will help level the playing field for America’s workers by giving them a fair and direct path to form unions. It will also help employees secure a contract in a reasonable period of time and toughen penalties against employers who violate the law.” According to Mary Beth Maxwell, executive director of American Rights at Work, “When workers are free to choose to join a union, our economy can work for everyone again.” The national ad campaign also comes out to set the record straight in response to antiunion, corporate-funded front groups stopping at nothing to mislead the American public about the EFCA. The corporate special interests that are against improving workers’ standard of living do not represent a majority of the public. A poll released in late August Aboard the Pride of America, AB Gary Hunt (left) and Asst. Refrigeration by the nonpartisan Drum Major Institute Michael Jones sign postcards supporting the Employee Free Choice Act. opposition as a radical proposal, these findings show that majority sign-up is a widely used and proven means of organizing, giving hundreds of thousands of workers free choice and a fair chance to form a union. Further, the EFCA does not eliminate the option of a secret-ballot election. As noted by a spokeswoman for American Rights at Work, “While anti-union interests claim the National Labor Relations Board election system protects the right to vote, the grim reality remains that our broken system denies an overwhelming number of employees the opportunity to ever have a choice. According to [recent] research, employers engage in such rampant violations of the law to fight the union that in four out of 10 cases, workers never even get a chance to vote for a union. It’s not that 40 percent of the time, unions lose. It’s that our labor laws are so broken that 40 percent of the time after saying they want a union, workers never get a chance to even have a vote.” Additionally, in 46 percent of elections, workers report that employers interfere with the NLRB-supervised election process by firing pro-union employees, cutting back on workers’ hours, making groundless demotions, and using other intimidating tactics. The EFCA fixes these problems by guaranteeing recognition of a union if a majority of workers want one; establishing stronger penalties for employers who break the law; and cutting out employers’ delay tactics so that workers can have a straightforward path to securing a contract once they form a union. As previously reported, many SIU members have stepped up in support of the AFLCIO sponsored Million-Member Mobilization, a grassroots campaign to get at least 1 million signatures in support of the EFCA. As part of that project, postcards were sent to union halls around the country Engineer and overseas providing Seafarers the opportunity to offer their signatures. MarAd Reports Examine State of Industry Agency: Maritime Laws Help Generate Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs, Billions in Revenue According to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), the future looks bright for seafarers and the maritime industry – but the industry also must take the lead in developing and protecting the nation’s shipping and waterways. The agency recently issued two new reports – one an annual submission, the other titled “Strategic Plan for 2008-2013.” In the latter document, MarAd explains, “The industry is in a period of renewal and expansion, with a 24-percent increase in industry fixed assets and more than 10,000 jobs added in the past five years.” Since 2000, says that report, the total value of international trade has risen by over 40 percent, and it is becoming a larger part of the national economy. The combined value of foreign trade (imports and exports) represented 13 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 1990, rising to nearly 22 percent in 2006. According to MarAd, if this trend continues, it is projected that the value of U.S. foreign trade will be equivalent to 35 percent of the nation’s GDP in 2020, and 60 percent in 2030. What this means to the maritime industry is that marine transportation will become even more important to the nation’s economy, since 95 percent of America’s foreign trade is moved by ship. America’s network of waterways moves more than 2.3 billion tons of domestic and foreign cargo each year. The top 50 ports in the U.S. handle about 84 percent of all waterborne domestic and international cargo tonnage (more than 1.9 billion tons annually). In the coming years, demand at almost all U.S. ports will at least double, according to the agency. The domestic Jones Act component, a fleet of more than 38,000 vessels, is “Made in America” and represents an aggregate $48 billion investment, states the report. Building and maintaining the Jones Act fleet sustains roughly 150,000 jobs throughout the U.S. economy, MarAd observes. This fleet is being continuously upgraded and renewed, with domestic maritime carriers moving almost one billion tons of cargo annually along U.S. coasts, rivers and lakes, on the Great Lakes, and both to and from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam. October 2008 In addition to commercial functions, says MarAd, U.S.-flag ships and the connecting intermodal systems play an integral but often unheralded role in bringing critical supplies to military missions across the globe. The nation’s sealift assets, strategic ports and supporting infrastructure are key links in the defense-logistics chain and the projection of American power. The U.S.-flag industry also brings life-saving food to the world’s most impoverished people, the agency points out. U.S. ships furnish support during times of need, such as using vessels in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to support first responders and those involved in the rebuilding efforts. In the strategic report, MarAd says it is developing a framework to help guide involvement and investment in the overall marine transportation system. One of the items of importance the agency points out is that there is too much congestion in U.S. ports and the gateways. MarAd states that more private and public funds are required for port development improvements such as dredging. Repeating its previous calls, MarAd says there is a need for targeted, regional, major freight corridor cooperation involving water and ground transportation. The agency also calls for development and improvement of the nation’s intermodal waterways – what it describes as “marine highways.” MarAd also encourages global connectivity along with an increase of global trade to sustain American growth and the American shipping industry. “It is critically important to encourage and sustain American involvement and investment in it. This is important for the economy during times of peace and a matter of survival during times of war or national emergency,” the agency notes. “The maritime industry is also an important source of jobs and positive revenue for America’s balance of payments,” it continues. “The Maritime Administration must preserve and expand the U.S. maritime industry and increase investment in U.S. marine transportation infrastructure, including domestic shipping, shipyards and maritime personnel.” Concerning the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, shipbuilding loan guarantees, tax-deferred funds, training of entry–level licensed mariners, and enforcement of U.S. cabotage laws, MarAd says these programs are intended to foster a strong merchant marine and protect American jobs and investment. Cargo preference is a good example of how these programs can succeed. For example, says the agency, in 2007, 118 U.S.-flag vessels carried preference cargoes. That figure translated to more than 5,500 shipboard jobs and a larger number of shore-side maritime and transportation-related jobs. The cargo preference programs generated more than 10 million tons of cargo and $1.4 billion of ocean freight revenue, according to U.S. government figures. These cargoes represent from seven percent to more than 50 percent of some U.S. carriers’ annual revenues and are vital to retaining vessels under the U.S. flag. The U.S.-flag domestic fleet of more than 38,000 vessels transports about a billion metric tons of cargo between U.S. ports on the oceans and along the coasts, inland waterways and the Great Lakes. The business opportunities provided by U.S. cabotage laws including the Jones Act have encouraged large investments in vessels, shipyard modernization and other marine transportation assets, says MarAd. The agency in its strategic plan says the U.S. marine transportation system must meet the some of the following critical needs now and in the future: ♦ It must move a larger volume of goods and people with high levels of reliability and efficiency ♦ It must be safe, flexible, resilient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ♦ It must encourage the constant renewal of a highly qualified workforce that fully meets systemic needs for skilled labor ♦ It must promote innovative financing mechanisms and investment in partnership with the private sector to improve and expand U.S. maritime infrastructure ♦ It must ensure a stable shipyard industrial base to effectively build and repair the ships, vessels and barges that serve the marine transportation system ♦ It must be available to serve American interests in time of national or international emergency ♦ It must preserve and promote American economic interests and encourage American content and participation. To read the report and plan, go to MarAd’s web site: www.marad.dot.gov Seafarers LOG 5 �50928x1:January 08 9/29/2008 12:57 PM Page 6 Information for the 2008 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU Balloting Begins Nov. 1 for Union Officers Voting starts Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Dec. 31, 2008. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officials for the 2009-2012 term are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. The ballot will list the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this district-wide election. A sample of this ballot appears on pages 7 and 8. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 16, and submitted to the membership at the September monthly meetings, indicated 29 candidates had qualified to run for 25 positions. (The committee’s report was published in the September 2008 Seafarers LOG.) The 25 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents. 21 Polling Places The election will be conducted by mail ballot as provided by the union’s constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” and postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to fullbook members in good standing at 21 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday through Saturday, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be marked with the word “Voted” and the date. If a member does not present his or her book, or if there is a question in regard to his or her eligibility to vote, the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenged.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. Full-book members in good standing who need to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. VOTING LOCATIONS ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 BOSTON 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 Secret Ballots JOLIET 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes. he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope is sealed by the member and then dispatched in the mail. These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rankand-file committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene in early Jan. 2009. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36605 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 PHILADELPHIA 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 PINEY POINT Seafarers Harry Lindeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Santurce, PR 00907 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union St., Tacoma, WA 98409 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 Procedures for Voting Seafarers LOG Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2008 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2008. Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 103B, 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 One part of the article of the SIU constitution covering rules for elections concerns the election of candidates who are unopposed for the office in question. The section states that those candidates who are unopposed for any office or job shall be considered elected to that office or job and that the tallying committee shall not have to count the votes for any such candidate. The entire section, contained in Article XIII, Section 5 of the SIU constitution reads as follows: “A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee.” 6 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU GUAM Notice on Unopposed Candidates All Seafarers eligible to vote in the union’s 2008 election of officers and job holders for the term 2009-2012 may vote by secret ballot from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008. Secret ballots, together with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing, will be available at union halls to all eligible voters. Seafarers are eligible to vote in the union’s election if they are full-book members in good standing. Details of the election procedure are spelled out in Article XIII of the SIU constitution, which is printed verbatim on pages 9 and 10 of this issue of Seafarers LOG. In summary, here is the procedure for voting: ■ Eligible Seafarers may pick up ballot and mailing envelopes from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Monday through Saturday, excluding legal holidays, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 at designated union halls (see list on this page). ■ When a full-book member arrives to vote, he or she should present his or her book to the port agent of his duly designated representative. ■ The member will be asked to sign a roster NOTICE OF 2008 ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2009-2012 OFFICERS sheet indicating the date, the number of the ballot given the member and his or her book number. ■ The member will have his book stamped with the word “Voted” and the date. ■ At the same time, the member will receive a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope. The mailing envelope has the address of the depository printed on it, making it selfaddressed. It also has the postage pre-paid. ■ The top part of the ballot above the perforated line will be retained by the port agent or his duly designated representative. ■ In case where a member does not produce his or her book, or if there is a question about the member’s good standing or other eligibility matters, the member will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenge.” His or her book will also be stamped “Voted Challenge” and the date. ■ After a member has voted, he or she puts the ballot in the mailing envelope which is addressed to the bank depository and stamped. The mailing envelope should then be put in the mail. Procedure For SIU Absentee Ballots In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote absentee. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing service. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 7 ELECTION NOTICE OF 2008 ELECTION Section 401 (e) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) requires the mailing of an election notice to each member entitled to vote at his last known address. This notice is being sent to you in compliance therewith and, in addition, contains information of interest to all candidates and members. SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING LOCATIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS No. 00000 08 20 st, 1 3 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAAtlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU S RS BER ICE EM F EC OF 12 GH D 0 2 9– OU 00 HR 2 T OF 008 N IO st, 2 T EC ER 1 EL R EMB O F OV N D O RI E P OFFICIAL BALLOT For Election of 2009–2012 Officers and Constitutional Amendments MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL A PRESIDENT Vote for One 1 Charles Burdette Collins, C-1652 2 Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 3 Augustin Tellez, T-764 SECRETARY-TREASURER (Vote for One) 4 David W. Heindel, H-1443 Vote for One Archie Ware Jr., W-1169 Vote for One P Bryan D. Powell, P-1987 17 BALTIMORE PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 23 Chester Wheeler, W-25058 MOBILE PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 24 25 26 27 NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Chris Westbrook, W-5787 HOUSTON PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Kenneth Moore, M-6084 Tracey Mayhew, M-3487 ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 28 Rebecca J. Sleeper, S-2497 DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Thomas Orzechowski, Jr., O-601 NOTE: Because of the appeals deadline, the final version of the ballot may be different than this sample ballot. If so, the updated ballot will be printed in the November 2008 issue of the Seafarers LOG. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 See Reverse Side for Voting Locations and Proposed Constitutional Revisions Todd R. Brdak, B-2684 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 Thornton H. Elliott Jr., E-15001 OAKLAND PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 29 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 October 2008 Georg Kenny, K-1041 E VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS (Vote for One) Edward J. O’Connor, O-599 James P. McGee, M-5945 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (Vote for One) Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 22 L 16 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST (Vote for One) Joseph T. Baselice, B-2795 Ambrose L. Cucinotta, C-1795 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS (Vote for One) Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 21 Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST (Vote for One) 15 Robert Selzer, S-1258 PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST (Vote for One) 13 NEW YORK PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 20 Vote for One 12 14 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST (Vote for One) 9 Patrick Vandegrift, V-488 Joseph Mieluchowski, M-2933 Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 8 19 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST (Vote for One) 7 Kermett T. Mangram, M-2394 11 George Tricker, T-919 6 Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 PINEY POINT PORT AGENT ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT (Vote for One) 5 18 M EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (Vote for One) 10 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (Vote for One) OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 G TIN VO VOTING PERIOD NOVEMBER 1st, 2008 THROUGH DECEMBER 31st, 2008 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS—In order to vote for a candidate, mark a cross (X) in voting square to the left of name. If you vote for more candidates for office than specified herein, your vote for such office will be invalid. Seafarers LOG 7 �50928x2:January 08 9/29/2008 7:00 PM Page 8 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 ELECTION NOTICE OF 2008 ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2009-2012 OFFICERS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Election will be conducted by secret mail ballot. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence on November 1st, 2008 and shall continue through December 31st, 2008. NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK OAKLAND PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT 3911 LaPalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 1121 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 2604 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 1057 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, Santurce, PR 00907 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Avenue, Wilmington, CA 90744 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 VOTING LOCATIONS 520 St. Clair River Drive, Algonac, MI 48001 721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 2315 Essex Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 1221 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 422 W. O’Brien Dr., Cliffline Office Ctr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 606 Kalihi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 1221 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002 3315 Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 ALGONAC ANCHORAGE BALTIMORE BOSTON FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM HONOLULU HOUSTON JACKSONVILLE JOLIET MOBILE OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU met on February 27, 2008 to discuss the current needs and conditions of the Union, its membership and the maritime industry in this country; and WHEREAS, among their discussions and deliberations was the subject of proposed revisions in the Union’s Constitution which would enable the Union to function more efficiently and to continue to fulfill its obligations to the membership; and WHEREAS, the majority of the membership concurred with the proposed amendment at the regular membership meetings in May 2008; and WHEREAS, a Constitutional Committee was elected on August 14, 2008, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. They studied the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution and unanimously concurred on all proposed constitutional revisions; and WHEREAS, the report of the Constitutional Committee was approved by the membership at the regular membership meetings in September 2008. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTIONALLY ADOPTED PROPOSITIONS, TO BE VOTED UPON, IF ADOPTED, WOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSITION #1 Are you in favor of amending Article X, Section 14 (c) 5; Article XIII, Section 2; Article XIII, Section 4 (c) and Article XXV to include the following language relating to union members who serve on union finance, credentials, tallying and constitutional committees. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 “Committee members shall receive a per diem in an amount determined by the Secretary-Treasurer but in no event shall they receive an amount less than the AB Green hourly rate as specified in the current union industry wide contract for eight hours for each day of service commencing with the day subsequent to their election and ending on the day they complete their service or, if applicable, return to the Port from which they were elected.” OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 PLACE "X" IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE NO ❏ YES ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 Seafarers LOG OFFICIAL BALLOT 2009 - 2012 8 Be advised, however, that when a constitutional amendment is being considered at the same time that an election for officers is taking place, there shall be only one tallying committee used for both tallies and that Committee will be the one elected to serve as per Article XIII, Section 4. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 9 Information for the 2008 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU SIU Constitution Spells Out Rules on 2008 Elections The section of the union’s constitution outlining voting procedures in the SIU’s elections, which are held every four years, appears here and on page 10 in its entirety. Article XIII Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant VicePresident, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes. Dated ____________________________ Signature of Member Book No. _________________________ Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. Section 2. Credentials Committee (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at either the regular meeting in August of the election year or at a special October 2008 meeting convened in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist of six (6) full book members in attendance at the meeting with two (2) members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Steward Departments. No officer, Assistant VicePresident, or Port Agent, or candidate for office of the job of Assistant VicePresident, or Port Agent, shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any Committee member is unable to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice-President or the Secretary-Treasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the Port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Committee’s results shall be by majority vote with any tie vote being resolved by a majority of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be marked “qualified” or “disqualified” according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked “disqualified,” the reason therefore must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be noted with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes and then posted on the bulletin board in each Port. On the last day of nominations, one (1) member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in Headquarters by midnight of closing day. (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery, or an equivalent mail service at the address listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing their reasons for such disqualification by airmail, special delivery, registered or certified, to the mailing address designated pursuant to Section 1(b) of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the Committee’s election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (2) days after the day on which the telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery or an equivalent mail service is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification. The Committee’s report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time set forth in this Constitution and still reach the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any disqualification by the Credentials Committee in which event the one so previously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job of Assistant VicePresident or Port Agent has met all the requirements of Section 1(a) of Article XII. Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (a) Balloting in the manner hereafter provided shall commence on November 1st of the election year and shall continue through December 31st, exclusive of Sundays and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the City of which the Port affected is located. If November 1st and December 31st falls on a holiday legally recognized in a Port in the City in which that Port is located, the balloting period in such Port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, for the purpose of full book members securing their ballots, the Ports shall be open from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. (b) Balloting shall be by mail. The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots without partiality as to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within each category with book number and job seniority classification status. The listing of the Ports shall first set forth Headquarters and then shall follow a geographical pattern commencing with the most northerly Port of the Atlantic Coast, following the Atlantic Coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Ports is exhausted. Any Port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be no write-in voting and no provisions for the same shall appear on the ballot. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon place at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that portion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. (c) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding paragraphs and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto, shall be maintained by the SecretaryTreasurer who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send to each Port Agent a sufficient amount of blank opaque envelopes containing the word, “Ballot” on the face of the envelope, as well as a sufficient amount of opaque mailing envelopes, first class postage prepaid and printed on the face thereon as the addressee shall be the name and address of the depository for the receipt of such ballots as designated by the President in the manner provided by Article X, Section 1, of this Constitution. In the upper left-hand corner of such mailing envelope, there shall be printed thereon, as a top line, provision for the voter’s signature and on another line immediately thereunder, provision for the printing of the voter’s name and book number. In addition, the Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of mailing envelopes identical with the mailing envelopes mentioned above, except that they shall be of different color, and shall contain on the face of such envelope, in bold letters, the word, “Challenge.” The Secretary-Treasurer shall further furnish a sufficient amount of “Roster Sheets” which shall have printed thereon, at the top thereof, the year of the election, and immediately thereunder, five (5) vertical columns designated date, ballot number, signature full book member’s name, book number and comments, and such roster sheets shall contain horizontal lines immediately under the captions of each of the above five (5) columns. The SecretaryTreasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of envelopes with the printed name and address of the depository on the face thereof, and in the upper lefthand corner, the name of the Port and address, and on the face of such envelope, should be printed the words, “Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs”. Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots when received to insure that the amount sent, as well as the number thereon, conform to the amount and numbers listed by the Secretary-Treasurer as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and the numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded for all the aforementioned election material actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspection of the same at the office of the Secretary-Treasurer and shall be turned over to the Union Tallying Committee. (d) Balloting shall be secret. Only full book members in good standing may vote. Each full book member may secure his ballot at Port offices from the Port Agent or his duly designated representative at such Port. Each Port Agent shall designate an area at the Port office over which should be posted the legend “Voting Ballots Secured Here.” When a full book member appears to vote he shall present his book to the Port Agent or his aforementioned duly designated representative. The Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall insert on the roster sheet under the appropriate column the date, the number of the ballot given to such member and his full book number, and the member shall then sign his name on such roster sheet under the appropriate column. Such member shall have his book stamped with the word, “Voted” and the date, and shall be given a ballot, and simultaneously the perforation on the top of the ballot shall be removed. At the same time the member shall be given the envelope marked “Ballot” together with the prepaid postage-mailing envelope addressed to the depository. The member shall take such ballot and envelopes and in secret thereafter, mark his ballot, fold the same, insert it in the blank envelope marked “Ballot,” seal the same, then insert such “Ballot” envelope into the mailing envelope, seal such mailing envelope, sign his name on the upper left-hand corner on the first line of such mailing envelope and on the second line in the upper left-hand corner print his name and book number, after which he shall mail or cause the same to be mailed. In the event a full book member appears to vote and is not in good standing or does not have his membership book with him or it appears for other valid reasons he is not eligible to vote, the same procedure as provided above shall apply to him, except that on the roster sheet under the column “Comments”, notation should be made that the member voted a challenged ballot and the reason for his challenge. Such member’s membership book shall be stamped “Voted Challenge”, and the date, and such member instead of the above-mentioned mailing envelope, shall be given the mailing envelope of a different color marked on the face thereof with the word, “Challenge.” At the end of each day, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall enclose in the envelope addressed to the depository and marked “Roster Sheets and Ballots Stubs,” the roster sheet or sheets executed by the members that day together with the numbered perforated slips removed from the ballots which Continued on page 10 Seafarers LOG 9 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 10 Information for the 2008 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU Article XIII Constitutional Rules Continued from page 9 had been given to the members, and then mail the same to such depository. To insure that an adequate supply of all balloting material is maintained in all Ports at all times, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative, simultaneously with mailing of the roster sheets and ballot stubs to the depository at the end of each day, shall also make a copy of the roster sheet for that day and mail the same to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all election material and shall not release any of it until duly called for and shall insure that no one tampers with the material placed in his custody. (e) Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel’s schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period provided for in Section 3(a) of this Article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 P.M. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested or an equivalent mail service, to the address so designated by such member, a “Ballot,” after removing the perforated numbered stub, together with the hereinbefore mentioned “Ballot” envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words “Absentee Ballot” and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words “Challenged Absentee Ballot.” The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member’s ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The Secretary-Treasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent. (f) All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than the January 5th immediately subsequent to the election year and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight December 31st of the election year. Section 4. (a) At the close of the last day of the period for securing ballots, the Port Agent in each Port, in addition to his duties set forth above, shall deliver or mail to Headquarters by registered or certified mail, attention Union Tallying Committee, all unused ballots and shall specifically set forth by serial number and amount the unused ballots so forwarded. (b) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of twenty (20) full book members. Two (2) shall be elected from 10 Seafarers LOG each of the ten (10) Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Detroit-Algonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. The election shall be held at the regular meeting in December of the election year or, if the Executive Board otherwise determines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid Ports, on the first business day of the last week of said month. No officer, Assistant VicePresident, Port Agent, or candidate for office, or the job of Assistant VicePresident, or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to the duties herein set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amount and with each total broken down into Port totals. The Union Tallying Committee shall have access to all election records and files for their inspection, examination and verification. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details. In connection with the tally of ballots there shall be no counting of ballots until all mailing envelopes containing valid ballots have first been opened, the ballot envelopes removed intact and then all of such ballot envelopes mixed together, after which such ballot envelopes shall be opened and counted in such multiples as the Committee may deem expedient and manageable. The Committee shall resolve all issues on challenged ballots and then tally those found valid utilizing the same procedure as provided in the preceding sentence either jointly or separately. (c) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall, after their election, proceed to the Port in which Headquarters is located, to arrive at that Port no later than January 5th of the year immediately after the election year. Each member of the Committee not elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals, and lodging expenses occasioned by their traveling to and returning from that Port. Committee members elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be similarly reimbursed, except for transportation. All members of the Committee shall also be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay from the day subsequent to their election to the day they return, in normal course, to the Port from which they were elected. The Union Tallying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Constitution, adopt its own procedures. All decisions of such Committee and the contents of their report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at ten (10). The Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain all mailed ballots and the other mailed election material from the depository and to insure their safe custody during the course of the Committee’s proceedings. The proceedings of the Committee, except for their organizational meeting and their actual preparation of the closing report and dissent therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member provided he observes decorum. Any candidate may act as an observer and/or designate another member to act as his observer at the counting of the ballots. In no event shall issuance of the above referred to closing report of the Committee be delayed beyond January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. In the discharge of its duties, the Committee may call upon and utilize the services of clerical employees of the Union. The Committee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its report as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to this Article, the Committee shall be reconstituted, except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefore shall be elected from the appropriate Port at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible. (d) The report of the committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two (2) copies shall be mailed by the Committee to each Port Agent and the SecretaryTreasurer no later than January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. As soon as these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one (1) copy of the report on the bulletin board in a conspicuous manner and notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, as to the date of such posting. This copy shall be kept posted until after the Election Report Meeting which shall be the March regular membership meeting immediately following the close of the election year. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (e) Any full book member claiming a violation of the election and balloting procedure or the conduct of the same, shall within seventy two (72) hours of the occurrence of the claimed violation notify the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, in writing by certified mail, of the same, setting forth his name, book number and the details so that appropriate corrective action, if warranted, may be taken. The Secretary-Treasurer shall expeditiously investigate the facts concerning the claimed violation, take such action as may be necessary, if any, and make a report and recommendation, if necessary, a copy of which shall be sent to the member and the original shall be filed for the Union Tallying Committee for their appropriate action, report and recommendation, if any. The foregoing shall not be applicable to matters involving the Credentials Committee’s action or report, the provisions of Article XIII, Sections 1 and 2 being the pertinent provisions applicable to such matters. All protests as to any and all aspects of the election and balloting procedures or the conduct of the same not passed upon by the Union Tallying Committee in its report, excluding therefrom matters involving the Credentials Committee’s action or report as provided in the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, but including the procedure and report of the Union Tallying Committee, shall be filed in writing by certified mail with the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters to be received no later than the February 25th immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. It shall be the responsibility of the member to insure that his written protest is received by the SecretaryTreasurer no later than such February 25th. The Secretary-Treasurer shall forward copies of such written protest to all Ports in sufficient time to be read at the Election Report Meeting. The written protest shall contain the full book member’s name, book number, and all details constituting the protest. (f) At the Election Report Meeting the report and recommendation of the Union Tallying Committee, including but not limited to discrepancies, protests passed upon by them, as well as protests filed with the Secretary-Treasurer as provided for in Section (e) immediately above shall be acted upon by the meeting. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constitution shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote, unless reported discrepancies or protested procedure or conduct found to have occurred and to be violative of the Constitution affected the results of the vote for any office or job, in which event the special vote shall be restricted to such office, offices and/or job or jobs, as the case may be. A majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings may order a recheck and recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three (3) or more members of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the contingencies provided for in this Section 4(f), the closing report shall be accepted as final. There shall be no further protest or appeal from the action of the majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings. (g) Any special vote ordered pursuant to Section 4(f) shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the first day of the month immediately subsequent to the Election Report Meetings mentioned above. The depository shall be the same as designated for the election from which the special vote is ordered. And the procedures shall be the same as provided for in Section 3, except where specific dates are provided for, the days shall be the dates applicable which provide for the identical time and days originally provided for in Section 3. The Election Report Meeting for the aforesaid special vote shall be that meeting immediately subsequent to the report of the Union Tallying Committee separated by one (1) calendar month. Section 5. Elected Officers and Jobholders. A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee without change. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one (1) person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determinations shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs and assume the duties thereof at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the results as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as provided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at that time, not withstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office the provisions of Article X, Section 12 shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 11 REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at a Special Meeting held in Piney Point on August 14, 2008, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution submitted by our Executive Board. This Resolution, containing the proposed amendment, prior to its submission to us, was adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolution including its “WHEREAS” clauses, are contained in this report so that all members will have available to them its full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. Whereas, the current Constitution and By-Laws of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU currently provides for the election of members to serve on finance, credentials, tallying and constitutional committees; and Whereas, the relevant Constitutional provisions contain language pertaining to the payment of committee members during their time of service; and Whereas, the afore-mentioned Constitutional Sections have conflicting provisions relating to the payment of committee members when all such committee members are, in practice, routinely paid the same amounts which have been comparable to eight hours a day at prevailing contractual standby rates of pay; and Whereas, such pay rates no longer exist in the industry wide contracts and all Constitutional Sections providing for payment of committee members for these four committees should be identical; and Whereas, the committee members of these four committees are, in actuality, not being paid for work performed but are instead receiving a per diem from the Union to compensate them for miscellaneous expenses incurred over and above travel, meals and lodging; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The following language shall modify existing language or shall be added to existing language to reflect the intent and practices of the Union concerning members who serve on the Finance, Credentials, Tallying and Constitutional Committees: “Committee members shall receive a per diem in an amount determined by the Secretary Treasurer but in no event shall they receive an amount less than the AB Green hourly rate as specified in the current union industry wide contract for eight hours for each day of service commencing with the day subsequent to their election and ending on the day they complete their service or, if applicable, return to the Port from which they were elected.” To effectuate the above changes, Article X, Section 14(c), number 5 shall be amended by deleting the next to last sentence of the first paragraph and by adding in its place, the above quoted language; Article XIII, Section 2, shall be amended by adding a new subsection which shall be lettered (f) and which shall contain the above quoted language; Article XIII, Section 4, (c) shall be amended by deleting the last sentence of the first paragraph and by adding in its place the above quoted language and Article XXV, shall be amended by adding a new Section which shall be numbered 4 and which shall contain the above quoted language. In addition the following sentence shall also be added to this new Article XXV, Section 4 “When a Constitutional Amendment is being considered at the same time that an election for officers is taking place, there shall be only one tallying committee used for both tallies and that Committee will be the one elected to serve as per Article XIII Section 4.” We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report containing the proposed Resolution and mem- bership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, October 2008 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts and actions taken as of this time. In addition, we recommend that copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2008. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolution will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, Constitution Committee August 16, 2008 PROCEDURE FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote absentee. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. All Seafarers who believe they will be at sea during the voting period Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 should request an absentee ballot. Here’s how to be sure your vote counts. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing service. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelopes marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. October 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 12 Nine Seafarers Complete Recertification ber of SIU-contracted companies for the Nine Seafarers recently graduated difference they have made in his life. from the steward recertification One “salt of the sea” who recertified course offered at the SIU-affiliated was Wilson, who joined the SIU in 1993 Paul Hall Center for Maritime in Jacksonville when he retired from the Training and Education. U.S. Navy after 23 years. “I couldn’t Successfully completing the resist the opportunity SIU gave me to go course were Denis Burke, Michael back to sea,” he explained. “We are paid Carello, Willie Massaline, Audrey well and the union gives me life securiBrown, Rachael Figueiredo, Joel ty. This is a great and professional Molinos, Mohamed Shibly, Carlos school with the highest standards. The Sanchez and Wayne Wilson. SIU and the school are a wonderful famEach of the graduates received a ily. I encourage anyone who gets the certificate during the Sept. 8 union chance to come here and take advantage membership meeting at the school in of it. Piney Point, Md. “To my fellow members, stay clean, In keeping with tradition, the work hard, ask questions, contribute to steward addressed their fellow members, SIU officials, school employees The recertified stewards stand with Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan (second from SPAD and vote. They’re all vital to our right) following the September membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right lives and to labor.” and guests at the meeting. are Wayne Wilson, Michael Carello, Audrey Brown, Rachael Figueiredo, Willie Massaline, Joel “The union has stood by me and my Carello, who was a member of the Molinos, Denis Burke, Mohamed Shibly, Nolan and Carlos Sanchez. family during some difficult times,” National Maritime Union until its said another Paul Hall Center veteran, merger with the SIU in 2001, stated, affiliated school as “a wonderful experience that all memFigueiredo, who ships from Brooklyn. “I have always “If it wasn’t for the SIU, I probably wouldn’t be sailing. bers should take advantage of any chance they get. The had a family here at the school and in SIU. My six-yearI’ve been to Piney Point twice for BST (basic safety school and the union have changed my life. Thanks so old twins and I are grateful for the quality of life union training) and once for gallery operations and I realize much to the SIU leadership for keeping us strong and keepmembership has given us.” the importance of the education this school affords. This ing jobs plentiful. To the apprentices in attendance, don’t Figueiredo said that her experiences at the school is the best way to improve ourselves.” be afraid to ask questions – it could save lives.” have taught her a lot about the importance of unions in Speaking about the union, Carello, whose home port Another veteran of the school, Sanchez (who sails from the maritime industry, along with helping her hone her is Boston, said, “I’ve learned how important the SIU is San Juan) said he would have never had the opportunity to job skills. to all of us. If it wasn’t for the strength of the SIU, I see the world if he hadn’t gone to sea with the SIU. Molinos ships from Wilmington, Calif., and joined think none of us would be sailing today. Six months ago “This has been the greatest opportunity in my life!” he the SIU in 1992 in Honolulu. He has been to the Piney I made my will and included the SIU Scholarship Fund exclaimed. “I’ve learned how to be a leader and have seen Point on numerous occasions and says every time he as a recipient because the program and the SIU are that how wonderful the people are on board. The union gives all attends he learns more. “I feel truly blessed that I was important to our families and our future.” of us the chance to get ahead by being the best we can be selected for this recertification program and to be an Shibly has in-depth knowledge of the benefits of the and encourages us. You have everything with the SIU.” SIU member.” SIU not only because he joined the union in Seattle in Commenting on the school, Sanchez said, “Everyone Molinos mentioned that he has learned so much 1984, but also because his daughter graduated from here is the best. From the instructors to the people on the about the industry and the union that he feels qualified George Washington University in Washington, D.C., phones trying to help, to the learning material to the equipto help fellow shipmates who have questions. “I share with the help of a Seafarers scholarship grant. “The SIU ment, they are the best.” what I learn with my shipmates. The more everyone is an inspiration to us all,” said Shibly, who has upgradBurke has been sailing out of Honolulu since 1982 and learns, the better we all are off.” ed three times in Piney Point. “We’ve learned to work is a regular at the Paul Hall Center, having upgraded many Massaline, who ships from Jacksonville, has seen a hard together and it helps our families’ future. I’ve times. “The SIU has opened a lot of doors for me,” he said. lot during his career. He was an NMU member until the learned a lot about our union and industry at the school “I was swinging pizza before I went to sea. I left the indusmerger with SIU and this was his second trip to the and feel I’m equipped to help answer my shipmates’ try once and missed it so much, I went back.” school. “I’m glad to be a part of this union,” he said. questions.” Burke noted that he learns something different and use“SIU officials do an outstanding and clear job explain“All of the courses I have attended have helped me ful about his job every time he visits the school. “I feel coning how the union, management and industry work. learn how to make a safer and more pleasant work envi- fident to help teach my shipmates,” he stated. “I’ve also Everyone here was very helpful and detailed in their ronment,” explained Brown, who ships out of Mobile, learned about the importance of our contributions to the training and what is expected on the job.” Ala., and was brought into the SIU by her older brother Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) program and Massaline also stressed the value of the coursework 19 years ago. “The SIU has been good to me and has how essential they are to our existence. When it comes to on food safety and prevention of food-borne illnesses. enabled me to lead a good life. I used to work three jobs hands-on training to supplement our hands-on careers, you The three-week recertification class blends practical but now the SIU has given me good job and life stabil- can’t do better than this school.” training with classroom instruction. ity.” During the ceremony, Burke thanked SIU officials for Brown described her three times attending the SIU- all they do and thanked family, friends, mentors and a num- Hands-On Training During Recertification The recertified steward class includes safety coursework in CPR and resuscitation (left), and fire extinguisher training, among other practical components. 12 Seafarers LOG October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 13 Ready Then, Ready Now! SIU Marks 70 Years of Promoting Mariners’ Rights, Serving as Part of America’s Fourth Arm of Defense On October 14, the Seafarers International Union will reach its 70th anniversary. This page and the three that follow contain a sampling of events and images from the union’s history. SIU President Michael Sacco’s column on page 2 of this edition also spotlights the anniversary and the union’s steady progress. The headline on this page is a tribute to the SIU’s early history – specifically, an homage to the Seafarers who sailed in World War II. “Ready Then, Ready Now!” is the title of an old pamphlet written by the late SIU historian John Bunker. That booklet chronicles SIU members’ efforts and sacrifices in the war. Altogether, 1,235 Seafarers lost their lives. But World War II certainly wasn’t the only time SIU members stepped up as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. In every conflict since then, Seafarers reliably have answered the call and delivered the goods – from Korea to Vietnam to the first Persian Gulf War, right through to today’s Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. They have mobilized with equal dependability and professionalism during numerous humanitarian missions around the world. Remaining equipped to “turn to” in peace and war requires the SIU keep up with constantly changing demands from various components of the industry. Heading that list are training requirements – and on that score, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education takes a back seat to no one. The school enjoys a well-earned reputation for staying ahead of the industry’s needs, and currently offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses in addition to academic support. Grassroots political action also remains a must in this industry. Here again, SIU members historically have understood how politics affects their livelihoods. Accordingly, they volunteer their time and resources in support of not only maritime but also the labor movement as a whole. The timeline below touches on other important activities, including the union’s efforts in international affairs. Where the SIU is concerned, perhaps the one thing that hasn’t been altered since 1938 is the union’s foremost objective. President Sacco summed it up 10 years ago, when the union turned 60, and his words are just as fitting today: “The SIU remains dedicated to providing jobs and job security to its membership. That is something that never has changed, and it never will change.” 1938 – American Federation of Labor (AFL) presents an international charter for mariners to Harry Lundeberg on October 14. The union is known as the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA). It consists of three separate districts: Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes, which will be referred to as SIU. Department to give maritime-related unions equal status with the Building Trades and Metal Trades departments. The SIU shuts down the nation’s ports with a general strike when negotiated wage increases are rejected by the federal Wage Stabilization Board. After eight days, the board approves the increases, which match those approved for West Coast unions, and the strike is called off. 1939 – First contracts with shipping companies (Savannah Line, P&O Steamship and Colonial Navigation) are signed. Among the issues won by members are overtime pay for work on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays, two weeks of vacation and hiring through the union hall. Union gains war bonuses for crews sailing into dangerous zones. Also, delegates from the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes districts approve the SIU’s first constitution. 1940 – SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf districts merge after ratification by membership. The SIU overwhelmingly wins an NLRB-conducted representation election for the crew of Calmar Line vessels. 1941 – John “Whitey” Hawk is elected to head the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District as its secretary-treasurer. A German submarine sinks the SIU-crewed SS Robin Moor on May 21, the first time an American-flag vessel is torpedoed. Crew members were given 20 minutes to abandon ship. 1942 – The SIUNA holds its first convention. Harry Lundeberg is elected president. The SIU joins with the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific to oppose attacks on the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law. War Shipping Administration takes control of U.S.-flag merchant fleet. 1943 – Union members continue war effort risking life SIU’s first president Harry Lundeberg visits the crew on the Invader in 1942. and injury to deliver needed supplies to troops around the globe. 1944 – SIU fights effort by Maritime War Emergency Board to cut mariners’ wages. With bonuses and overtime included, the average seaman’s salary is $32.25 a week. The SIU opens its new building at 51 Beaver Street, combining the New York hiring hall with the Atlantic and Gulf District headquarters. 1945 – The SIU creates the position of Director of Organizing to prepare for the battle to recruit new members and sign non-union companies at the war’s end. New York Port Agent Paul Hall is appointed. The SIU and other maritime unions fight an attempt by the U.S. Coast Guard to control the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in peacetime. The campaign to represent crews aboard the Isthmian fleet begins. 1946 – Membership approves committee to investigate the possibility of establishing an upgrading training school in New Orleans. Voting for representation begins aboard Isthmian ships. The AFL creates the Maritime Trades The New York union hall, shown in 1946, also housed SIU headquarters. October 2008 This World War II Memorial to SIU members is located in Piney Point, Md. 1947 – Paul Hall is elected to secretary-treasurer of SIU, the union’s highest position. The SIU wins the campaign to represent Isthmian crews and signs a contract with the company, completing the two-year campaign. Seafarers march with members of the United Financial Employees to help them in their strike against the New York Cotton Exchange. This began the SIU’s commitment to helping other non-maritime unions in time of need. 1948 – Cities Service unlicensed tanker crews vote for SIU representation with more than 83 percent saying yes to the union. The vote followed a yearlong organizing effort which met with stiff opposition from the company. However, labor laws call for another ballot to be conducted. New agreements with contracted companies retain the union hiring hall, a major issue during the negotiations. 1949 – The forerunner of today’s United Industrial Workers (UIW) is chartered by the SIU as the Marine Allied Workers Division. The SIUNA charters the SIU of Canada to restore democratic trade unionism in that country following threats of a communist takeover. Despite the anti-union campaign waged by Cities Service, 89 percent of the crew again voted for SIU representation. The company continues to fight despite NLRB certification that the SIU is the bargaining agent. Congress passes separate bill backed by the SIU calling for 50 percent of military cargo going to non-communist A lifeboat class in New York Seafarers LOG 13 �50928x2:January 08 9/29/2008 7:02 PM Page 14 countries as well as 50 percent of goods headed to Europe under the Marshall Plan to be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessels. lent of two weeks’ vacation pay for each 12 months of service. Union headquarters moves from Manhattan to 675 Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. eliminate cargo preference provisions for carrying American grain to the Soviet Union. President Lyndon Johnson creates the Maritime Advisory Committee. 1950 – The SIU becomes the first mariners’ union to negotiate a company-financed welfare plan for its members. The plan would provide Seafarers with a $500 death benefit and $7 per week hospital benefits. Just days before a Senate hearing looking into Cities Service’s anti-union campaign, the company signs a contract with the SIU, thus ending the union’s four-year effort to organize the tanker fleet. Korean Conflict begins and SIU-crewed ships are delivering the goods to U.S. troops. 1952 – The first of three projected upgrading schools opens for Seafarers. Operating out of headquarters in Brooklyn, the first class qualifies members to obtain their AB certificates. Plans call for training to start soon for both engine and steward department members. Welfare plan expanded to include maternity and disability benefits. SIU membership overwhelmingly approves new constitution. Union implements scholarship program for members and their dependents. 1965 – SIU fights attempts to weaken the Jones Act by allowing foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto RicanU.S. mainland trade. The SIUNA testifies before Congress on the need to build new U.S.-flag bulk carriers to make the fleet more competitive in the world market. Training programs operating under as the Andrew Furuseth Training School change their name to the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in memory of the SIUNA founder. 1953 – Two unions join the growing ranks of the SIUNA: the Marine Firemen, Oilers and Watertenders Union (MFOW) and the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). AFL calls on the Seafarers to help in the creation of a new longshoremen’s union after the International Longshoremen’s Association is removed from the national labor federation on corruption charges. 1966 – As the war in Vietnam calls for an increase in shipping, the SIU works with MEBA-District 2 to enable engine department Seafarers to upgrade their skills and obtain an engineer’s license. SIU meets the manpower need created when vessels are broken out for the war effort. 1951 – The SIU gains an industry-wide vacation plan for its members. The program provides for the equiva- 1954 – SIU protests the transfer of 80 U.S.-flag Liberty ships (including 26 under contract to the SIU) to runaway flags by the U.S. maritime administrator. The union terms the action a “torpedo to the midships of the American Merchant Marine” because it not only means the loss of thousands of American jobs but also places the vessels in competition with the U.S. fleet. Frank Drozak (left), the union’s third president, is pictured with Sen. Joseph Biden during MTD meetings in 1987 in Bal Harbour, Fla. 1967 – U.S. Coast Guard approves lifeboat training offered by the Lundeberg School. SIU President Hall 1955 – The SIU adopts its seniority system of A, B and C book membership. Welfare plan expands to include hospital and surgical benefits as well as doctors’ visits at home for spouses and dependents. Union negotiates an industrywide health and safety plan to establish clinics in all ports. The SUP, MFOW and MC&S – all SIUNA affiliates –begin work as the SIU Pacific District. Andrew Furuseth Training School opens in Mobile, Ala., to go along with upgrading facilities in Brooklyn and New Orleans. The AFL merges with the Congress of Industrial Organizations to form the AFL-CIO. 1956 – Dr. Joseph B. Logue named medical director of the Seafarers Welfare Plan Medical Program. First of four health centers is ready to open near the Brooklyn headquarters. The SIU, maritime labor and the shipping industry defeat a proposal in the Senate to weaken the nation’s cargo preference laws. The hospital ship Comfort is crewed by SIU CIVMARS. 1957 – SIUNA Founder and President Harry Lundeberg dies. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall elected to replace him. Brooklyn clinic opens; others set for Baltimore, Mobile and New Orleans. Members’ families are eligible to use the facility. 1958 – Optical benefits for members cover free eye exams and glasses. The SIU and National Maritime Union (NMU) launch campaign to combat runaway-flag shipping situation with the help of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The Great Lakes District votes to affiliate with the Atlantic and Gulf District. SIU and NMU members picketing in support of a higher minimum wage 1959 – SIU implements blood bank program for members and their families. The union provides additional training facilities at headquarters so members can obtain lifeboat tickets. Also, ordinary seamen and wipers are given upgrading opportunities. SIU headquarters moved to Maryland in 1982. 1960 – The membership approves a revision to the SIU constitution. Under the changes, the membership meetings will be held monthly, the presiding officer’s title goes from secretary-treasurer to president and the district’s name becomes the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A committee of galley gang members recommends creation of a recertification program for chief stewards. 1961 – SIU optical plan coverage expanded to include members’ spouses and dependents. Welfare plan now includes provisions for Seafarers who become sick or injured off the job. Union negotiates first pension plan for deep sea members. Aboard the Steel Maker in 1953 1962 – Agreement allows SIU-contracted ship to carry fresh canned milk, now available because of technology changes, aboard vessels. This means steward departments will not have to take chances by purchasing milk in foreign lands. First steward recertification class gets under way at headquarters. SIU marches with other maritime unions in support of ILA strike in Atlantic and Gulf ports. 1963 – SIU-crewed Floridian strafed by Cuban jets 50 miles north of the island nation. Seafarers fly to Germany to crew the world’s largest cable ship, the Long Lines. The SIU wins the first union contract to cover crew members aboard an oceanographic research vessel, ending a three-day strike aboard the Anton Brunn. An early union meeting 14 Seafarers LOG 1964 – The union begins its seniority upgrading program so B book members can gain their A books. The SIU attacks efforts by the U.S. government and grain companies to The Horizon Falcon announces the purchase of property in southern Maryland to serve as a consolidated training center for SIU members. The Lundeberg School moves to Piney Point, Md., where members can upgrade their skills and newcomers can learn the skills to become mariners. 1968 – Campaign launched by the SIU and MTD to rebuild the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Union blasts cuts in federal budget directed at the Maritime Administration as reflecting “a lack of awareness of maritime’s essential role in our defense efforts and our peacetime economy.” 1969 – Members concur with a headquarters resolution to create a ship’s committee – composed of a chairman, secretary and delegate from each of the three departments – aboard each SIU-contracted vessel and to hold regular shipboard meetings. The Nixon administration October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 15 unveils its maritime program. It is designed to build new ships, encourage increased private investment and guarantee more government cargo for U.S.-flag vessels. 1970 – Congress passes and President Richard Nixon signs into law the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, the first major piece of maritime legislation enacted since 1936. The measure calls for 300 ships to be built. The Lundeberg School institutes a reading program to help members who are slow readers increase their literacy skills. The school also is accredited by the state of Maryland to conduct high school diploma equivalency (GED) tests. The union commences a series of crew and pensioner conferences. 1971 – SIU and MTD fend off congressional attacks on both Jones Act and funding for U.S. Public Health Service Hospitals. Congress approves law that eliminates the need of mariners to pay withholding tax in more than one state. SIU-contracted companies Waterman Steamship and Delta Steamship receive subsidies to build new vessels under provisions of the 1970 Merchant Marine Act. 1975 – Alcohol Rehabilitation Center opens in Valley Lee, Md., near the campus of the Lundeberg School. The crew of the SIU-contracted Mayaquez is held captive for 72 hours by Cambodian rebels. The crew was released unharmed following action by U.S. armed forces. QMED upgraders can take advantage of new shipboard automation course at Piney Point. 1976 – Following a vote of the memberships, the Inland Boatmen’s Union merges with the AGLIWD. SIU signs vacation plan with Steuart Petroleum, the first in the inland industry. 1977 – Seafarers crew the first LNG carrier built in the Western Hemisphere, the LNG Aquarius, constructed at the shipyard in Quincy, Mass. Later in the year, SIU members climb the ladder aboard the first privately constructed and operated hopper dredge, the Manhattan Island. SIU-crewed tankers carry some of the first loads from the Trans-Alaska pipeline. Sea-Land’s Galveston transported the first oil from the pipeline in a 30-gallon drum to Seattle where the crude was divided into souvenirs. 1978 – MC&S votes to merge with the AGLIWD, the first time East Coast and West Coast shipboard jurisdiction is united. Coast Guard recognizes upgrading time at Lundeberg School for on-the-job credit. New three-year pact with Interstate Oil Transport establishes new benefits for inland members, including major medical coverage for dependents. aboard Lavino Shipping oceanographic vessels. 1987 – The AGLIWD and SIU of Canada along with other shipping unions and companies urge representatives from the two countries to keep the nations’ maritime laws out of a U.S.-Canada free trade agreement. The Overseas Joyce becomes the first U.S.-crewed (and SIU-crewed) car carrier to bring Japanese automobiles to America. 1988 – SIUNA and SIU President Frank Drozak succumbs to cancer. Michael Sacco succeeds him as the head of both organizations. After many years of fighting, World War II-era mariners are granted veterans’ status. However, the action is limited to sailing between December 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945 rather than December 31, 1946, as is the case for other veterans. 1989 – SIU-crewed vessels deliver food and other aid to former Communist-bloc countries in Eastern Europe as the Iron Curtain comes down. The grounding of the Exxon Valdez (crewed by what amounted to a company union) in Valdez, Alaska, sets in motion a series of new regulations that will affect Seafarers for years to come. The Lundeberg School initiates an oil spill prevention and containment course. 1979 – Seafarers crew UST Atlantic, the largest vessel built in the Western Hemisphere, at the Newport News (Va.) shipyard. Great Lakes members man the new thousandfooter, Indiana Harbor. The Coast Guard backs off its attempt to eliminate a certified tankerman as part of crew on tank barges under tow. The SIU had been fighting this action for five years. The SIUNA-affiliated Atlantic Fishermen’s Union merges with the AGLIWD. A change in the SIU Welfare Plan allows members to use either the U.S. Public Health Service hospital or a private facility for covered care. Fire Fighting training at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School at the Paul Hall Center Seafarers on parade during Memorial Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C., in 2007 1980 – SIUNA and SIU President Paul Hall passes away. Frank Drozak takes the helm of both organizations. Seafarers climb the ladder for the first diesel-powered SeaLand containership, the Sea-Land Patriot. On June 21, the SIU-crewed Oceanic Independence set sail from Honolulu, marking the return of the U.S.-flag to deep sea passenger ships after a nearly 10-year absence. Crewmembers train at Piney Point prior to manning vessel. The Overseas Houston is part of a new tanker build program. 1981 – AFL-CIO announces support for five-point U.S.-flag program to increase manpower and vessels in fleet. Reagan administration eliminates U.S. Public Health Service hospitals from budget, cuts funding for new vessels called for in 1970 Merchant Marine Act. Seafarers Welfare Plan restructures because of the loss of the hospitals, which had provided treatment for mariners since the start of the nation. The SIUNA-affiliated Military Sea Transport Union merges with the AGLIWD. 1982 – Union headquarters moves from Brooklyn to the Washington, D.C. suburb of Camp Springs, Md. in order to be closer to the government to continue the fight for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet. 1983 – The Lundeberg School continues to meet the everchanging needs of the maritime industry. The first shiphandling simulator is installed while basic and advanced computer training is offered. But the change that caught the eyes of most in Piney Point was the opening of the six-story, 300-room Seafarers Training and Recreation Center. The Reagan administration completely eliminates the shipbuilding provisions of the 1970 Merchant Marine Act from the budget. SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries were on hand to help evacuate workers who were in New York City during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. 1972 – Bilateral agreement reached between U.S. and Soviet Union calls for one-third of cargo between two nations to be carried aboard U.S.-flag vessels. New, faster containerships – the SL-7s – begin sailing with Seafarers as the crew. 1973 – The bosun recertification program begins at the Lundeberg School. Seafarers take over as the crew for formerly military-manned Military Sealift Command tankers. Legislation approved to start work on TransAlaska oil pipeline. President Nixon addresses SIUNA convention, reaffirming his strong support for the U.S.flag fleet. 1974 – Lundeberg School launches training program for liquified natural gas (LNG) tankers. SIU fights for oil cargo preference legislation. The measure is passed by Congress, but vetoed by President Gerald Ford. October 2008 1984 – SIU members crew a series of military supply and prepositioning vessels, including the fast sealift ships (former SL-7s). Members attending a deep sea crew conference and an inland conference outline a series of proposals designed to carry the SIU into the future. Among the calls adopted by the union was a change in pension credits for members who have sailed more than 3,000 days; the need for continued grassroots support as well as contributions to the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD); a standardized set of procedures for obtaining military contracts; and supporting the union’s effort to organize the unorganized. 1985 – The union moved forward by continuing to crew military-support vessels, thus providing new jobs for members. The Lundeberg School updates its curriculum to include courses that will assist Seafarers working on these vessels, including underway replenishment, crane operations and helicopter operations. 1986 – The SIU works with others in labor, maritime, environment and consumer groups to defeat a proposed oil pipeline from Baton Rogue, La., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The effort saves hundreds of jobs in the tanker industry. The union gains recognition to represent the unlicensed crews Crowley continues to add new tonnage. 1990 – Seafarers respond to the nation’s call to sail materiel to U.S. troops stationed in Saudi Arabia after Iraq overruns Kuwait. The Maritime Administration breaks out the Ready Reserve Force fleet, but no SIUcrewed vessel sails shorthanded. The union works with the Bush administration to keep maritime out of the world trade talks, known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). 1991 – The Persian Gulf War lasts 43 days as United Nations (UN) forces repel Iraq from Kuwait. Seafarers continue to supply troops in the region and then return the goods when the fighting is over. The action of the U.S.-flag fleet draws high praise from government and military officials. It also calls attention to the need to revitalize the fleet. Donning the union’s traditional white caps, SIU members march with the U.S. armed forces in the national victory parade in Washington, D.C. On the anniversary of Paul Hall’s birth, the grounds of the Lundeberg School are named in memory of the late SIU president – the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The Seafarers Welfare Plan holds benefits conferences in each of the union’s ports. The SIU, along with the other maritime unions, sues the Coast Guard to prevent the implementation of user fees for zcards. Seafarers LOG 15 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 16 1992 – In testimony before Congress, the Bush administration outlines a program to revitalize the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Seafarers crew two new cable ships, the Global Sentinel and the Global Mariner. SIU Pacific District members climb aboard the first new containership built in the U.S. since 1987, the R.J. Pfeiffer. UIW members win campaign to keep Queen Mary in Long Beach, where they work aboard the hotel. Nearly 20 SIU-crewed vessels are deployed to Somalia to assist a U.S.-led, UN relief effort to the war-torn nation. 1993 – The House of Representatives passes a maritime revitalization bill. Negotiations for the new standard tanker and freightship agreements lift the cap on pensions for eligible Seafarers. Mariners aboard 16 Dyn Marine oil spill response vessels vote to join the SIU. Center opens the world-class Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. SIU crews continue supplying materiel to U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Balkans. SIU and NMU members vote to proceed with talks for a proposed merger. 2000 – The Paul Hall Center installs a new simulator, opens a safety school in Honolulu and announces planned construction of single-occupancy dorm rooms on the Piney Point, Md., campus. The union opens new halls in Baltimore and Guam and completely refurbishes the facility in Wilmington, Calif. It was a huge year for new job opportunities, as SIU-contracted companies either begin operating or announce plans to build no fewer than 20 new ships, Z- 2004 – SIU members continue delivering the goods in the next phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as in Operation Enduring Freedom. NCL America’s Pride of Aloha sets sail in July. Construction continues on the first two T-AKE vessels, to be crewed by CIVMARS. Seafarers reelect Michael Sacco as union president in an election that ends Dec. 31, 2004. The union wins organizing campaigns in Philadelphia, San Juan and Cleveland. Health care benefits dominate contract talks across the country (for all unions). The U.S. Merchant Marine is included in the new National World War II Memorial. The SIU pushes for enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act. The union mourns the losses of retired Vice President West Coast George McCartney; Major Ken Conklin, founder of the Paul Hall Center’s trainee program; Ed Turner, retired executive vice president; Steve Edney, retired UIW national director; Keith Terpe, retired SIU of Puerto Rico president; and others. 1994 – President Bill Clinton becomes the first U.S. chief executive to tour the Paul Hall Center when he attends a luncheon at the facility. Seafarers crew vessels assisting U.S. troops in Haiti restoring democracy to the Caribbean nation. SIU members also sail to the Persian Gulf to support the nation’s armed forces when Iraq threatens to invade Kuwait. Union members play an active role in oil spill clean-up operations in San Juan and Houston. The Clinton administration unveils a new maritime revitalization program. Although it passes the House, it is blocked by farm-state legislators in the Senate. Boatmen for New Orleans-based E.N. Bisso Co. vote for SIU representation. The Lundeberg School conducts EPA-approved refrigerant handling courses in each of the union’s ports. 1995 – Congress passes and President Clinton signs SIU-supported legislation allowing the export of Alaskan North Slope oil as long as it is carried aboard U.S.-flag tankers. More new jobs along the rivers are created when the paddlewheel steamboat American Queen begins sailing. The vessel is the first overnight passenger ship built in a U.S. yard in 40 years. Seafarers crew the first two Army prepositioning ships, the SP5 Eric G. Gibson and the LTC Calvin P. Titus. 1996 – Congress passes and President Clinton signs the Maritime Security Act of 1996, a 10-year, $1 billion maritime revitalization program that will help fund approximately 50 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. Seafarers meet with, call and write members of Congress to express support for the nation’s cabotage laws. Members ratify new five-year standard tanker and freightship agreements that include a money purchase pension plan, 100 percent medical coverage for Seafarers and their dependents, dental coverage for dependents, wage increases and much more. The Maritime Administration announces a program to build five double-hulled tankers in U.S. shipyards. SIU members will crew the ships. The SIU-crewed American Queen and American Republic carry the Olympic torch in preparation for the Atlanta games. 1997 – The Paul Hall Center overhauls its curriculum to meet the needs of Seafarers for the 21st century. The center develops and issues a Coast Guard-approved Training Record Book to help members satisfy the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The Paul Hall Center launches an LNG recertification program and tankerman (PIC) barge course. The steward department upgrading schedule is rewritten. Finally, the school creates an all-new, ninemonth unlicensed apprentice program for people entering the maritime profession to replace the old trainee program. Seafarers crew the first three of eight newly built prepositioning ships to be operated by Maersk Lines. Other new jobs are provided by several reflagged vessels as well as new Crowley tractor tugs. The SIU launches its web site, www.seafarers.org. 1998 – SIUNA and NMU announce talks under way to affiliate NMU with SIUNA. Seafarers Welfare Plan initiates prescription plan that eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for qualified pensioners. SIU joins fight with other unions to stop nationwide effort to limit the ability of the labor movement to participate in political activities. Paul Hall Center breaks ground for state-of-the-art firefighting school, named in memory of the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco. WWII mariners scored another overdue victory when the cutoff date for veterans’ recognition was extended to match that which applies to the armed forces. 1999 – SIU members climb the gangways to new car carries (the Green Dale and the Tanabata) as well as other new vessels. Expansion of the U.S.-flag cruise ship fleet becomes more promising as the president of American Classic Voyages and the president of Ingalls Shipbuilding sign a contract in the U.S. Capitol to build two vessels for the Hawaiian trades. The Paul Hall 16 Seafarers LOG bill that includes a 10-year extension of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The SIU makes no fewer than 20 additions to its contracted fleet. More jobs are on the horizon as Norwegian Cruise Lines unveils plans to start a U.S.-flag division. In an historic decision, consolidation of the east and west coast CIVMAR units is approved by the Federal Labor Relations Authority – benefiting both mariners and the agency. The union opens a new hall in Joliet, Ill. The Paul Hall Center, SIU and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao make history in developing and approving the first ever National Apprenticeship Standards for the maritime industry. The SIUNA welcomes the AMO as its newest autonomous affiliate. The USNS Red Cloud offloads materiel in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seafarers have been vital in delivering the goods to our troops fighting wars. drive tugs and ATBs. (Editor’s note: The nation somehow survived widespread concern about the so-called Y2K bug, which turned out to be not much of a problem after all.) 2001 – SIU members are among the first to respond to the terrorist attacks of September 11. Seafarers aboard NY Waterway ferries transport an estimated 168,000 people from lower Manhattan, while members of the union’s Government Services Division crew up the hospital ship USNS Comfort when it activates in response to the attacks. Earlier in the year, the NMU merges into the SIU, following approval by the memberships of both unions. Intermittent merger talks between the two unions had gone on since the mid-1950s. Seafarers welcome numerous gains that were secured in new contracts, including the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Members crew up newly contracted military support ships and other new vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard approves the Paul Hall Center’s new global marine distress and safety system (GMDSS) course. 2002 – Seafarers support U.S. troops involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. The union stands up for mariners’ rights during hearings and forums in the U.S. and abroad examining port and shipboard security – a result of September 11. The union gains jobs aboard military support ships, passenger ferries, a hopper dredge, a heavy-lift ship and an oceanographic survey vessel, among others. SIU members perform several daring rescues at sea. The union continues its work with the ITF. The Seafarers Pension Plan issues check No. 1 million. Work is completed on the new hotel near the Paul Hall Memorial Library. 2003 – More than 2,000 Seafarers crew up dozens of RRF ships and mobilize prepositioning vessels in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. President Bush signs a Defense 2005 – The year begins with Seafarers mobilizing to support victims of the tsunami which struck in the last days of the prior year, and ends with members still on duty in the U.S. Gulf Coast where they helped provide relief for hurricane victims. SIU members continue sailing in OIF and OEF. SIU-contracted OSG announces it will operate 10 new tankers to be built in Philadelphia. NCL America launches the Pride of America. Matson orders two additional containerships, while the second and third Alaska class tankers are delivered. The union establishes the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund. The Paul Hall Center’s vessel security officer (VSO) course becomes the first such curriculum approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Adjustments administered to benefits through the SHBP reflect a nationwide crisis. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay dies at age 73. 2006 – President Bush delivers his Labor Day address at the Paul Hall Center. U.S. Shipping Partners and NASSCO announce plans to build nine tankers. Horizon Lines reveals plans to charter five new U.S.-flag ships for 12-year terms. NCL America adds the Pride of Hawaii to its fleet. Crowley christens the first of six new 185,000barrel ATBs. Seafarers continue supporting our troops and are recognized in ceremonies conducted by MarAd and MSC. Seafarers approve new standard contracts that improve wages, maintain medical benefits and preserve jobs. CIVMARS crew up new ammunition ships. More than 7,000 students train at the Paul Hall Center. Assistant Vice President Contracts Steve Judd, 45, and retired Vice President Contracts Angus “Red” Campbell, 84, are among those mourned by the union. 2007 – The SIU introduces a 401(k) savings plan. Seafarers climb the gangways to new ships and replacement tonnage including the first three Veteran class tankers, the third and fourth T-AKE ships and five new Horizon vessels. Delegates to the SIUNA convention plot a course consistent with the event’s theme: Mapping Out a Brighter Future. They reelect Michael Sacco as president. The union continues to weigh in on the new Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The Paul Hall Center celebrates its 40th anniversary. MSC approves the school’s helo fire fighting training. The school upgrades its simulators and makes other improvements. The Horizon Falcon rescues Chinese sailors in the North Pacific. 2008 – Seafarers deliver life-saving MRAPS for our troops. CIVMARS perform rescues at sea. Progress continues in the new tanker build programs in San Diego and Philadelphia. Maersk Line, Limited adds three new vessels. The Paul Hall Center begins offering online courses. During MTD meetings, U.S. military leaders powerfully declare support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. More new tankers and T-AKE ships are delivered. Alaska Tanker Company achieves safety milestone of 12 million man hours without a lost-time injury. The USNS Mercy begins a fourth-month humanitarian mission. The TWIC deadline for CIVMARS is extended to April 2009. Hawaii Superferry’s Alakai joins the SIU-crewed fleet. Certain Paul Hall Center courses are approved for college credits. The union endorses Senator Barack Obama for president. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 17 Important Notice to CIVMARS On August 28, 2008 the union was notified by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) that approximately 1,400 CIVMARS were affected by a personal and financial information breach. The breach occurred when SF 50 forms (a basic personnel form that includes Social Security numbers, names, addresses, wages and other detailed personal information) was sent to wrong addresses. Protecting your credit is very important. A compromised credit report may affect your ability to obtain or keep a security clearance. Failure to maintain good credit may also affect your ability to get a mortgage, financing for other purchases or may drive up the interest rate for these items, since it is difficult to obtain credit without a good credit rating. If you are a victim of identity theft or if you think that you may become a victim, there are steps that you can take to protect your credit rating, some of which are spelled out in this notice. The union immediately requested that Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) take a number of actions to protect all the CIVMARS affected by this breach. In summary, the union requested a) that MSC implement a credit monitoring program for all affected CIVMARS; b) that MSC pay for a credit security “freeze” for each affected CIVMAR, or reimburse each CIVMAR for the cost of such freeze and associated costs of the credit freeze process; c) that MSC provide assurances to the union that each affected CIVMAR’s security clearances will not be affected by the unauthorized disclosures of personal and financial information in the SF 50s; and d) that CIVMARS be afforded sufficient official time and access to computers aboard vessels to monitor their credit. As a result of strong, timely union advocacy, MSC has agreed to implement the credit monitoring program for affected CIVMARS. Please note that MSC has advised the union that they have determined that no West Coast CIVMARS were affected by this breach in personal information. The union is waiting to hear what other steps MSC will be taking and we anticipate that there will be continued changes to this situation. As a result of MSC’s failure to implement certain protections for CIVMARS, the union has filed grievances in the hope that MSC will take appropriate action, and if not, request that an arbitrator award CIVMARS the protections the union has requested and provide a monetary award under the Privacy Act. The results of these grievances may take time. The SIU wants to assist affected CIVMARS. The union would like you to know that there are ways you can protect yourself now. Here are the steps you can take. Review Your Credit Reports Regularly To protect yourself against identity theft you should regularly review your consumer credit reports for suspicious activity utilizing the credit monitoring service MSC has agreed to purchase. If you need further assistance you can also contact your union representative. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports You can limit the likelihood of someone fraudulently opening credit in your name by requesting that a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports. By requesting a fraud alert, creditors who review your report will know that you either suspect identity theft or are actually a victim of identity theft. Knowing this, creditors are less likely to open a new account without first verifying the identity of the person applying for credit. There are two types of fraud alerts. You may place a 90day fraud alert on your credit reports or you may place a seven-year fraud alert on your credit reports. By requesting a seven-year alert you also will be removed from various telephone and mailing marketing lists for a period of five years. To request a fraud alert you need only contact one of the three credit reporting services. They will notify the other two. Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Reports A security freeze is a very high level of identity theft protection. You will not need to check your credit reports as often if you place a security freeze on your credit reports. You can prevent someone from fraudulently opening credit in your name by requesting that a security freeze be placed on your credit report. When you “freeze” your report, creditors will not have access to your credit information. Since creditors will not issue new credit to someone without first reviewing his or her credit report, an imposter will be unable to obtain credit using your name. When you request a security freeze, the credit reporting service will issue you a unique Personal Identification Number. With your PIN you can “thaw” or lift the security freeze for a particular creditor or specific period of time. In most states, you can place a security freeze on your report free of charge if you have been a victim of identity theft. However, if you only suspect identify theft, you may have to pay a fee to “freeze” and “thaw” your credit report. The exact amount that you may be charged depends on the state where you live. Visit http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns//learn_more/ 003484indiv.html for more information on security freeze fees. Other Steps to Protect Yourself Monitor bank and credit-card accounts regularly to spot any questionable charges and report them immediately. You October 2008 can spot fraud more quickly by checking online instead of waiting for monthly statements. Open what appears to be credit-card junk mail before tossing it. Make sure that it isn’t a letter alerting you about new accounts opened in your name or an address change that you haven’t authorized. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Shred documents with personally identifying information, such as driver ’s license and financial-account numbers, before discarding them. Helpful Resources Credit reporting services and addresses: Equifax: 1-888-567-8688 Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834 Victim Assistance Department: 1-800-680-7289 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 To receive your free annual MIB consumer file compiled by US life insurance companies go to www.mib.com or call 866-692-6901. If you find lists of medical conditions and tests that do not belong to you, this may be an indication of ID theft. To stop prescreened credit card offers, call toll free: 888-567-8688 To be removed from many lists for marketing mail, calls and email, visit: h t t p : / / w w w. d m a c o n s u m e r s . o r g / c g i / o f f m a i l i n g l i s t h t t p : / / w w w. d m a c o n s u m e r s . o r g / c g i / o f f t e l e p h o n e http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumers/optoutform_emps.shtml For information on the federal “Do Not Call” list to avoid telemarketer calls, see: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx Privacy Rights Clearinghouse step-by-step information for identity theft victims: http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm; http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17-it.htm. For information in Spanish for victims of identity theft: http://www.privacyrights.org/spanish/pi17(g).htm. Para información en español para victimas del robo de identidad: http://www.privacyrights.org/spanish/pi17(g).htm. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (a nonprofit organization) provides more in-depth information at: http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17a.htm Federal Trade Commission toll-free consumer identity theft hotline: 877-IDTHEFT or (877) 438-4338; http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft (online consumer complaint form). Comprehensive consumer brochures for ID theft prevention and for victims of identity theft: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheftmini.ht m, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm If you need additional assistance you can call or email your union representatives: Kate Hunt: khunt@seafarers.org, 718-499-6600 Ext: 223 Maurice Cokes rcokes@seafarers.org, 757-575-9716 USNS Pathfinder Participates in Demonstration The U.S. Military Sealift Command oceanographic survey ship USNS Pathfinder, operated by Seafarerscontracted Horizon Lines, finished a 10-day demonstration of at-sea capabilities on the Black Sea with Ukraine’s Department of Underwater Heritage Sept. 17. During the demonstration, civilian surveyors from the Naval Oceanographic Office Institute for Exploration and Ukraine’s Department of Underwater Heritage were scheduled to work together to search for downed vessels. According to the Institute for Exploration’s preliminary cruise report, at least 15 shipwrecks were identified during the mission, including German World War II submarine U-18 and World War I Russian minelayer RUS Prut. U-18 was the first target the oceanographers identified using underwater video capabilities with a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV. The Pathfinder is one of seven oceanographic survey ships operated by Horizon for MSC. These noncombatant ships are a unique part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet tasked with learning more about the world’s oceans and undersea environment, according to the agency. “For the crew, this is an opportunity to take the ship somewhere we have not been before, and that is always a very exciting event,” said the Pathfinder’s civilian master, Capt. Troy Erwin. “The data we will collect in Ukrainian territorial waters will improve the navigation- The SIU-crewed USNS Pathfinder is operated by Horizon Lines. al accuracy of charts used in this area for many ships.” In May 2008, the Pathfinder collaborated with Estonian naval forces to search for the Kaleva, a commercial aircraft that exploded over the Gulf of Finland after taking off from the Tallinn airport in June 1940. The Naval Oceanographic Office employs approximately 1,100 civilian, military and contract personnel and is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to the U.S. Department of Defense. Paul Hall Center Offers Career Advancement The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-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 25 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Deck Department Spotlight Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes; —OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Seafarers LOG 17 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:39 PM Page 18 Your Vote is Vital on November 4 Election Day, November 4, is a critical day for all Americans. It’s the day the nation’s citizens will decide the course of the country for years to come. This Election Day, America will not only select a president and vice president but also members of the Senate, House of Representatives and officials at the state and local levels. Seafarers understand how politics affects their livelihoods. They know it’s important to ask which candidates support the Jones Act, cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program. They know it’s vital to identify which candidates support working families. As always, the union encourages members to support pro-maritime, pro-labor candidates on Election Day. In addition to the information published on this page, Seafarers may take advantage of election-related resources offered on the internet. They include the AFLCIO web site, www.aflcio.org. Some issues and positions cited as critical by the federation include: The Employee Free Choice Act The AFL-CIO notes that America’s working families are struggling to make ends meet and the middle class is disappearing. The best opportunity working people have to get ahead economically is by joining together in unions to bargain with employers for better wages and benefits. But the current system for forming unions and bargaining is broken. Employers routinely intimidate, harass, coerce and even fire workers who try to form unions and bargain for economic wellbeing. The Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800, S. 1041) would level the playing field for workers and employers and restore our freedom to choose a union. Health Care America has a health care crisis. Forty-seven million Americans have no health insurance, while millions more are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing costs and inadequate coverage. The system needs serious, comprehensive reform that will provide guaranteed, affordable health care for all. Trade & Manufacturing U.S. trade deals in recent years have cost America’s workers millions of jobs and lowered living and working standards for workers globally. The next president must fight for a trade policy that supports working families here and abroad. Retirement Security After a lifetime of work, retirees deserve a basic level of security. But, employer-provided pensions are disappearing and Social Security is under threat. The next president must strengthen Social Security and not allow dangerous privatization schemes. Additionally, workers’ pensions and retirement savings must be protected. Education Every child deserves a world-class public education and access to affordable higher education. America's future – our ability to compete globally and grow economically – depends on what we’re willing to provide to our children. Where to Turn? There are resources available to help make the voting process easier. Two components of voting concerning members in the maritime industry are voter registration and absentee voting. The AFL-CIO’s web site contains a section titled Working Families Vote 2008. The section is an online center to provide a comprehensive voter guide that fosters civic participation among working people and encourages them to register and vote by informing and engaging them on key working family issues and the presidential candidates’ records and positions on the issues. The full web address is: https://ssl.capwiz.com/aflcio/e4/nvra/ Voters may also turn to the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s web site: www.fvap.gov The program helps military members, mariners and others who cannot vote in their state of residence register to vote and also provides assistance with absentee voting. Also, information on voter registration and absentee voting was sent to all SIU halls last month. State Voter Registration Deadlines Alabama - Friday, Oct. 24 Alaska - Sunday, Oct. 5 (postmark by Saturday, Oct. 4) Arizona - Monday, Oct. 6 Arkansas - Monday, Oct. 6 California - Monday, Oct. 20 Colorado - Monday, Oct. 6 Connecticut - Tuesday, Oct. 21 Delaware - Saturday, Oct. 11 District of Columbia - Monday, Oct. 6 Florida - Monday, Oct. 6 Georgia - Monday, Oct. 6 Hawaii - Monday, Oct. 6 Idaho - Register at Polls Illinois - Tuesday, Oct. 7 Indiana - Monday, Oct. 6 Iowa - Friday, Oct. 24 Kansas - Monday, Oct. 20 Kentucky - Monday, Oct. 6 Louisiana - Monday, Oct. 6 Maine - Tuesday, Oct. 21 Maryland - Tuesday, Oct. 14 Massachusetts - Wednesday, Oct. 15 Michigan - Monday, Oct. 6 Minnesota - Tuesday, Oct. 14 Mississippi - Monday, Oct. 6 Missouri - Wednesday, Oct. 8 Montana - Monday, Oct. 6 (or same day at elections office) Nebraska - Friday, Oct. 24 (mail by Fri, Oct. 17) Nevada - Tuesday, Oct. 14 New Hampshire - Same Day New Jersey - Tuesday, Oct. 14 New Mexico - Tuesday, Oct. 7 New York - Friday, Oct. 10 North Carolina - Friday, Oct. 10 North Dakota - N/A 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— 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 18 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. 10/08 Ohio - Monday, Oct. 6 Oklahoma - Friday, Oct. 10 Oregon - Tuesday, Oct. 14 Pennsylvania - Monday, Oct. 6 Rhode Island - Saturday, Oct. 4 South Carolina - Saturday, Oct. 4 South Dakota - Monday, Oct. 20 Tennessee - Monday, Oct. 6 Texas - Monday, Oct. 6 Utah - Monday, Oct. 6 or in person Tuesday, Oct. 28 Vermont - Wednesday, Oct. 29 Virginia - Monday, Oct. 6 Washington - Monday, Oct. 4 (or Mon, Oct. 20 in person) West Virginia - Wednesday, Oct. 15 Wisconsin - Wednesday, Oct. 15 (or Mon, Nov. 3 at office) Wyoming - Can register at polls SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 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. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:40 PM Page 19 Notice/Reminder NMU Vacation Benefits As reported at the August membership meetings and in previous editions of the LOG, the NMU Vacation Fund merged into the Seafarers Vacation Plan on Jan. 1, 2007. As a reminder, if a member had 30 days of covered employment up to and including Dec. 31, 2006, for which the member has not yet collected a vacation benefit from the NMU Vacation Fund, he or she is eligible to apply for such earned and uncollected benefits from the Seafarers Vacation Plan at any time on or before Dec. 31, 2008. Please be aware that the Seafarers Vacation Plan allows participants to collect accrued vacation benefits while working in covered employment and, thus, members will be eligible to collect the vacation benefits which they accrued under the NMU Fund at any time on or before Dec. 31, 2008, even if those members continue to work in covered employment. However, as of Jan. 1, 2009, all uncollected vacation benefits that members accrued under the NMU Fund will expire. For more information, contact the vacation/records department at headquarters: (301) 899-0675. November & December 2008 Membership Meetings Piney Point.......................Monday: November 3, December 8 Algonac .............................Friday: November 7, December 12 Baltimore......................Thursday: November 6, December 11 Boston ...............................Friday: November 7, December 12 Guam.............Thursday: November 20, Friday: December 26 Honolulu .........................Friday: November 14, December 19 Houston..........................Monday: November 10, December 15 Jacksonville...................Thursday: November 6, December 11 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea August 16, 2008 - September 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 Joliet............................Thursday: November 13, December 18 Totals Mobile......................Wednesday: November 12, December 17 Port New Orleans.............Wed.: November 12, Tuesday: December 16 New York..........................Tuesday: November 4, December 9 Norfolk..........................Thursday: November 6, December 11 Oakland .......................Thursday: November 13, December 18 Philadelphia...............Wednesday: November 5, December 10 Port Everglades ...........Thursday: November 13, December 18 San Juan ........................Thursday: November 6, December 11 St. Louis .........................Friday: November 14, December 19 Tacoma ...........................Friday: November 21, December 26 Wilmington......................Monday: November 17, December 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 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 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 All Departments October 2008 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 3 5 8 19 3 9 26 19 0 7 12 19 21 13 3 18 18 4 27 22 0 0 0 3 1 1 2 6 1 3 2 5 3 2 2 0 0 0 2 5 1 0 5 15 3 2 38 21 2 13 9 33 11 17 3 3 3 2 37 17 2 4 2 6 5 8 26 14 0 7 11 16 15 11 4 4 4 2 21 10 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 13 13 0 6 5 18 6 17 3 1 4 1 18 10 4 1 12 13 2 11 63 55 1 23 31 82 16 47 5 0 13 0 68 54 4 6 11 30 6 12 39 36 5 15 12 37 29 21 8 9 17 10 36 37 1 0 0 1 1 1 3 8 1 1 3 7 8 1 2 0 2 2 2 8 294 251 39 233 177 26 119 501 380 52 0 0 3 4 0 7 15 12 1 5 6 9 11 12 4 2 4 0 21 9 2 2 6 6 2 4 7 15 0 2 3 9 18 10 2 4 3 3 18 9 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 5 7 2 9 13 20 0 7 7 9 8 9 4 1 2 0 6 9 1 0 4 5 3 3 11 13 0 2 5 8 16 4 0 3 4 1 12 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 7 0 3 4 7 0 1 2 6 6 8 0 1 1 0 6 6 0 0 3 11 1 11 27 24 1 9 9 21 13 18 4 2 7 1 35 15 2 4 3 10 3 6 16 24 2 7 3 20 19 12 4 5 4 8 22 16 0 1 2 2 1 1 2 5 0 1 2 3 4 4 0 2 0 0 1 7 125 128 16 108 100 15 52 213 190 36 3 0 1 6 3 14 11 15 0 6 8 21 6 24 4 3 1 0 14 26 2 0 2 5 3 4 10 7 1 3 4 10 9 5 1 2 3 0 8 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 174 84 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Attention Seafarers Trip Reliefs 1 1 9 10 4 9 34 30 0 13 14 50 6 33 3 0 0 1 47 26 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 2 0 0 4 2 7 18 13 0 6 5 20 10 13 2 3 1 1 11 20 1 1 3 12 2 1 6 2 1 3 5 4 7 3 1 2 1 1 8 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 5 3 6 0 2 1 10 2 8 1 0 0 0 8 6 2 0 4 11 4 18 29 31 0 9 9 35 7 36 7 6 3 0 24 36 3 1 1 8 1 7 10 13 0 3 5 13 20 8 0 1 4 1 8 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 143 54 6 56 274 118 12 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 9 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 3 1 2 7 7 4 5 16 17 0 2 3 27 15 14 1 10 2 1 20 11 1 0 0 6 0 5 6 8 0 4 1 7 7 6 1 11 0 0 6 9 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 5 2 0 3 4 2 2 3 13 13 0 5 4 16 10 7 0 8 1 0 16 3 1 0 0 3 0 4 6 8 0 2 2 3 5 3 0 10 0 0 4 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 4 5 3 0 2 0 10 1 7 0 0 0 0 4 4 1 2 5 13 6 11 38 29 0 7 3 61 23 35 2 3 7 1 26 21 3 0 0 10 2 11 9 24 0 3 2 14 29 19 1 8 0 1 7 15 26 165 79 23 110 54 0 41 294 158 619 628 143 507 441 101 227 1029 982 258 Seafarers LOG 19 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:40 PM Page 20 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 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 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 TWIC Deadline for Mariners: April 15, 2009 Seafarers are reminded that April 15, 2009 is the deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in May announced the revised deadline; the original cutoff date was Sept. 25, 2008. By law, all U.S. Coast Guard-credentialed mariners with active merchant mariner documents (MMDs), licenses, and/or certificates of registry, with or without an STCW endorsement, must hold a valid TWIC in order to maintain their mariner credentials. Failure to obtain and continue to hold a valid TWIC may result in the suspension or revocation of mariners’ credentials. After April 15, 2009, the Coast Guard will not issue a merchant mariner credential to an appli- cant who does not hold a valid TWIC. The SIU encourages members to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. To apply for a TWIC, a mariner must first enroll at any TWIC enrollment center. Pre-enrollment through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site (www.tsa.gov/twic) is supposed to expedite the processing time at the center. Mariners will need to pick up their TWICs, after being notified that they are ready, at the same enrollment center where they applied. In order to ensure the information on TWIC applications is forwarded to the Coast Guard for the processing of individuals’ merchant mariner credential applications, they must identify themselves as mariners at TWIC enrollment centers. Mariners also must provide proof of citi- zenship and/or alien status along with Social Security number. Step-by-step instructions on the entire process have been published in prior editions of the LOG; they also are available on the web both at www.seafarers.org and at the TSA web site. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. 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 ■ Phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) ■ By email: credentialing@dhs.gov USNS Byrd Joins 7th Fleet The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd entered the waters of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet on July 24, marking the first Lewis and Clark-class multi-product combat logistics support ship in service to the 52 million-square-mile region. The Byrd replaces MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls, which has been forward-deployed supporting 7th Fleet since 1994. The USNS Byrd’s crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. Though the entry into the fleet’s territorial waters was unceremonious, it signaled a significant change for Logistics Group Western Pacific, also know as Commander Task Force 73, which will operationally control the ship while in theater. “This ship will enable our command to provide the warfighter with a level of support that is unprecedented,” said Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, CTF 73 commander. “It brings a much more robust capability to the fight.” The 689-foot-long underway replenishment vessel, known as a T-AKE, replaces the current capability of the Kilauea-class ammunition ships and Mars-class combat stores ships, and it also possesses the capability to refuel ships at sea. “The combat stores ships are extremely capable and SIU CIVMARS are sailing aboard the USNS Byrd, one of MSC’s newest vessels. have developed a real ‘can-do’ culture for any mission in 7th Fleet. However, having the T-AKE as a one-stop logistics ship in the Navy’s largest theater will significantly improve the flexibility of our operations,” said Capt. Jim Smart, CTF 73 assistant chief of staff for logistics. “While we say a sad farewell to Niagara Falls and honor her many years of fine service and her reputation for professional excellence, we welcome and are glad to have Byrd and its crew on the Navy team in the Western Pacific.” The Byrd has a crew of 124 civil service mariners working for MSC as well as a military detachment of 11 sailors who provide operational support and supply coordination. When needed, the vessel can also carry a supply detachment. Keel Laid for New Missile Range Instrumentation Ship Shipyard workers at VT Halter Marine Inc., laid the keel for the Navy’s newest missile range instrumentation ship (T-AGM 25) during a ceremony Aug. 13 in Pascagoula, Miss. Assistant Secretary of State for Verification, Compliance and Implementation Paula A. Desutter authenticated the keel laid “straight and true.” The T-AGM 25 eventually is scheduled to replace the Seafarers-contracted USNS Observation Island, a 50-yearold Mariner-class ship converted in 1980 for its current role. According to the Defense Department, the stillunnamed T-AGM 25 will collect ballistic missile data in support of international treaty verification using the Cobra Judy Replacement radar system being jointly developed by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. “The proliferation of advanced ballistic missile technology around the world guarantees that this ship will be a vital asset to the United States and its allies,” said Bilyana Anderson, the program manager for auxiliary ships, small boats and craft in the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office for Ships. “USNS Observation Island has ably served the Navy and the nation in this role for more than two decades, and T-AGM 25 will continue that proud tradition for years to come.” The T-AGM 25 is scheduled for delivery in 2010. Pics-From-The-Past 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 20 Seafarers LOG Getting out the vote is nothing new for the SIU, as shown in these undated file photos. 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 October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:41 PM Page 21 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 JESSE GREER Brother Jesse Greer, 67, joined the union in 1964 while in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Del Norte. Brother Greer 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 Greer’s last vessel was the Buenos Aires. He is a New Orleans resident. RICKIE JUZANG Brother Rickie Juzang, 54, signed on with the Seafarers in 1970. Brother Juzang was born in Alabama. He attended classes often at the Piney Point school. The U.S. Army veteran worked in the steward department. Brother Juzang’s final trip was aboard the Maersk California. He now resides in Phenix City, Ala. the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed in the steward department on the Gulf Reliance. Brother Saloom is a resident of Brewton, Ala. became a Seafarer in 1971. He initially sailed aboard the George Goble as a member of the deck department. Brother Root was born in Wisconsin. He attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in 2002. Brother Root’s most recent voyage was on the Presque Isle. He is a resident of Ashland, Wis. ROBERT STEPHENS ANTHONY WILLOUGHBY Brother Robert Stephens, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1979. He primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Stephens continues to live in his native state of North Carolina. Brother Anthony Willoughby, 62, was born in Duluth, Minn. He donned the SIU colors in 1968. Brother Willoughby was first employed with Zenith Dredge Company. His final voyage was aboard a Great Lakes Towing Company vessel. Brother Willoughby calls Superior, Wis., home. GREAT LAKES LARRY DAHL Brother Larry Dahl, 62, joined the union in 1970 while in the port of Duluth, Minn. He originally shipped on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Dahl was born in Minnesota and sailed in the deck department. In 2002, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his skills. Brother Dahl most recently worked aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He settled in Superior, Wis. SANTOS PASTORIZA Brother Santos Pastoriza, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. He became an SIU member in 1964. Brother Pastoriza initially sailed on the Commander in the engine department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities in 1985 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Pastoriza’s most recent voyage was aboard the Santa Clara. He makes his home in Staten Island, N.Y. RICHARD PICKETT Brother Richard Pickett, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1962. His first trip to sea was on a ship operated by AH Bull Steamship Company. Brother Pickett was born in New York and worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Guayama. Brother Pickett calls Franklin Square, N.Y., home. INLAND JIMMY SALOOM Brother Jimmy Saloom, 54, first went to sea in 1990 with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville. He was born in Alabama. Brother Saloom upgraded frequently at October 2008 Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), recently went on pension. ROBERT HAMMER Brother Robert Hammer, 66, signed on with the union in 1962. His earliest trip to sea was on the Lemmerhirt. Brother Hammer sailed in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard a Great Lakes Towing Company vessel. Brother Hammer resides in Tonawanda, N.Y. DAVID MATTHES Brother David Matthes, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1990 while in the port of Algonac, Mich. The engine department member was born in Alpena, Mich. Brother Matthes’ first ship was the St. Clair. He upgraded in 2003 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Matthes last shipped on the St. Mary’s Challenger. He continues to make his home in Michigan. WILLIAM ROOT BERNARD FANUNICIAL Brother Bernard Fanunicial, 67, began his seafaring career in 1975 from the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Texaco Wisconsin. Brother Fanunicial was born in the Philippines and shipped in the engine department. His last vessel was the Horizon Tiger. CHARLES HAGGINS Brother Charles Haggins, 64, joined the NMU in 1994. He was born in Hot Springs, N.C. Brother Haggins originally sailed aboard the Sea Isle City. He most recently worked in the deck department on the USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin. Brother Haggins lives in Newport, Tenn. ANTHONY MONTOYA Brother Anthony Montoya, 60, signed on with the NMU in 1964 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip was aboard the Beria Victory. Brother Montoya was born in San Francisco. His final voyage was on a vessel operated by U.S. Lines. LUCIO PIRES Brother Lucio Pires, 62, first went to sea in 1980. He initially shipped aboard the American 1939 On Wednesday, October 2, 1939 in Savannah, Ga., delegates from the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes Districts met for the purpose of drafting a constitution for the Seafarers International Union. In addition to the basic constitution, issues to be voted included the shipping rules, hospital and strike assessments and a constitutional amendment that provided that in order to become a member, a man must be a citizen. The constitution was adopted by a vote of 1,225 in favor and 180 opposed. The votes on the constitutional amendment, the shipping rules and the assessments likewise carried by large majorities. Eagle. Brother Pires was born in Cape Verde. The steward department member last sailed on the Green Ridge. Brother Pires resides in Providence, R.I. ARCHIE SANKAR Brother Archie Sankar, 66, started sailing with the NMU in 1975 from the port of New York. He was born in South America. Brother Sankar’s first ship was the Export Courier; his last was the Tyco Decisive. He is a resident of Kissimmee, Fla. ROBERT TROY Brother Robert Troy, 65, became a union member in 1967 while in Port Arthur, Texas. He originally shipped on the Gulf Lion as a member of the steward department but later switched to the engine department. Brother Troy is a Texas native. His most recent voyage was aboard the Lykes Discoverer. He came ashore to work for the union in 1999 and remained there after the SIU-NMU merger in 2001. heroism” in rescuing a shipmate from drowning in shark-infested waters off Iraq. Velazquez was bosun aboard the Steel Worker when James Downey had fallen overboard off a stage while spot chipping and landed in the water unconscious after hitting the ship and dock as he fell. Velazquez dove into the shark-infested water after Downey. When he couldn’t find Downey he went under water again and was able to grab his arm and pulled him to the surface. According to the citation, “Without hesitation, with utter disregard of your personal safety but knowing a current existed and the area was infested with sharks, you immediately jumped into these dangerous waters and were successful in locating and saving the unconscious man.” This Month In SIU History 1945 Final triumph over Japan involved heavy cost to the American Merchant Marine in ships and men, reports the War Shipping Administration. A total of 130 merchant vessels were sunk in the Pacific over the duration of the war by Japanese suicide fliers, shell fire, torpedo attacks and bombings, plus another 128 were lost off the Philippines and 30 off Okinawa. Other ships were sunk in the Indian Ocean by both Japanese and Nazis. General Douglas MacArthur said of the merchant marine, “They have brought our lifeblood and they have paid for it with some of their own.” 1957 Seafarer William Velazquez was awarded a Coast Guard citation for “exemplary conduct and 1973 The crew of the SIU-manned Falcon Princess was praised by the U.S. Navy for conducting the first-ever, at-sea refueling of an amphibious vessel by a civilian charter tanker. The tanker pumped more than 158,000 gallons of oil to the USS Blue Ridge in just one hour and 10 minutes. The transfer was part of a Military Sealift Command program examining the feasibility of using civilian owned and manned vessels to support the operation of military vessels under MSC’s Charger Log IV Program – a test program that helped set the stage for future civilian charter ship and military vessel cooperation. Brother William Root, 56, Seafarers LOG 21 �50928x1:January 08 9/29/2008 12:54 PM Page 22 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA SAID ABDULLAH Brother Said Abdullah, 44, passed away May 29. He started shipping with the union in 1990. Brother Abdullah was born in Yemen. He sailed in the steward department, originally on the Independence. Brother Abdullah was last employed aboard the Horizon Falcon. He called Dearborn, Mich., home. ment in 1996, he worked aboard the El Faro. Brother Mason settled in Jackson, Tenn. LARRY MORGAN Brother Larry Morgan, 59, passed away April 23. He was born in Maryland. Brother Morgan began sailing with the SIU in 1978 while in Seattle. His first ship was the Golden Monarch; his last was the Marilyn. Brother Morgan was a member of the deck department. He called Dallas home. SAMIR BECKFORD Brother Samir Beckford, 37, died May 18. He donned the SIU colors in 1999. Brother Beckford’s first voyage was on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He worked in both the engine and steward departments. Brother Beckford was born in Honduras. He most recently shipped aboard the Observation Island. Brother Beckford lived in Pembroke Pines, Fla. RICHARD ERBE Pensioner Richard Erbe, 84, passed away May 11. Brother Erbe, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1952. He initially shipped from the port of New York on an Interocean American Shipping vessel. Brother Erbe was born in Ohio. His last trip to sea was aboard the Del Mar. Brother Erbe retired in 1975 and made his home in Shepherd, Texas. EDWARD GOOCH Pensioner Edward Gooch, 69, died June 17. Brother Gooch joined the union in 1967. He first worked on an Anchorage Tanker Corporation vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Gooch was born in the Philippines. His final voyage was aboard the El Faro. Brother Gooch began receiving his pension in 2003 and resided in Puerto Rico. GUY LEARY Brother Guy Leary, 38, passed away May 30. He became an SIU member in 1989 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Leary’s earliest trip was on the USNS Desteiguer. The engine department member was born in Edmonds, Wash. Brother Leary most recently sailed aboard the North Star. He was a resident of his native state. BILLIE MASON Pensioner Billie Mason, 76, died May 27. Brother Mason signed on with the Seafarers in 1952. His earliest voyage was on the Edith. Brother Mason was born in Tennessee and shipped in the deck department. Prior to his retire- 22 Seafarers LOG JOHN NASH Pensioner John Nash, 89, died June 27. Brother Nash donned the SIU colors in 1943 while in the port of New York. He was originally employed on the Catherine as a member of the steward department. Brother Nash was born in Elizabeth, N.J. His final trip was aboard the Market. Brother Nash went on pension in 1981. He made Maitland, Fla. home. MICHAEL O’NEAL Brother Michael O’Neal, 39, passed away May 24. He joined the Seafarers in 2005 while in Seattle. Brother O’Neal initially sailed on the Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon. The deck department member most recently shipped aboard the Global Patriot. Brother O’Neal lived in his native state of Washington. ALAN RAFFINAN Brother Alan Raffinan, 49, died May 12. He started sailing with the union in 1995. Brother Raffinan primarily sailed on the Independence during his career with the SIU. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the deck department. Brother Raffinan resided in California. ALFRED SALEM Pensioner Alfred Salem, 85, passed away June 1. Brother Salem became an SIU member in 1952 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Andrew Jackson in the steward department. Brother Salem was born in the Philippines. Before his retirement in 1986, he worked on the Cape Washington. Brother Salem was a resident of Pearland, Texas. WILLIAM SLUSSER Pensioner William Slusser, 82, died July 12. Brother Slusser donned the SIU colors in 1956 in the port of Seattle. The Virginiaborn mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Slusser originally shipped with Sinclair Oil Corporation. His final trip was on the SLMP-853 Tacoma. Brother Slusser retired in 1994 and made his home in Seattle. INLAND JOSEPH KADAK Pensioner Joseph Kadak, 63, passed away July 15. Brother Kadak began sailing with the union in 1973, initially on a Dixie Carriers vessel. He was born in Louisiana. Brother Kadak was a member of the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Pacific Reliance. Brother Kadak went on pension in 2006 and lived in Sevierville, Tenn. JAMES KIRCHHARR Pensioner James Kirchharr, 85, died July 14. Brother Kirchharr started sailing with the SIU in 1962. He primarily shipped with Dravo Basic Materials Company. Brother Kirchharr continued to reside in his native state of Alabama. WILHELM KRISTIANSEN Pensioner Wilhelm Kristiansen, 87, passed away June 1. Brother Kristiansen signed on with the union in 1979. He was born in Norway and shipped in the steward department. Brother Kristiansen last sailed with Allied Towing Company. He called Chesapeake, Va., home. EUGENE LEDET Brother Eugene Ledet, 56, died April 5. He was born in Louisiana and joined the SIU in 1977. Brother Ledet mainly shipped aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing of New Orleans. The deck department member made his home in Avondale, La. CARSON MATHEWS Pensioner Carson Mathews, 92, passed away June 28. Brother Mathews donned the SIU colors in 1960 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He initially worked on a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessel. Brother Mathews was born in North Carolina. His final trip was with Allied Towing Company. Brother Mathews started collecting his pension in 1981. He continued to live in his native state. JULIAN McALPIN Pensioner Julian McAlpin, 71, died June 4. Brother McAlpin began sailing with the union in 1970. He was employed mainly with Hvide Marine aboard the Seabulk Tanker. Brother McAlpin was born in Tennessee but settled in Courtland, Miss. He became a pensioner in 1999. STEVEN MELLON Brother Steven Mellon, 58, passed away June 29. He joined the Seafarers in 2004. Brother Mellon worked with Maritrans Operating Company for the duration of his career. He was born in Parkersburg, W.Va., and sailed in the steward department. Brother Mellon resided in Ohio. MARBLE NELSON Pensioner Marble Nelson, 84, died July 11. Brother Nelson signed on with the union in 1941 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. He briefly sailed in the deep sea division aboard an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Nelson was a member of the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 1985, he shipped with Crescent Towing of Mobile. Brother Nelson made his home in Alabama. department member was born in Russell, Ky. Before retiring in 1997, Brother Sellers was employed aboard the St. Clair. He was a resident of Ohio. NORMAN SMALL Pensioner Norman Small, 85, died May 26. Brother Small became a union member in 1960. He was born in Duluth, Minn. Brother Small last worked with Great Lakes Associates in the deck department. In 1982, he retired and settled in Mountain Lake, Minn. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Alburty, James Age DOD 82 July 14 Alvarez, Marcelino 85 June 11 Arriola, Freddy 49 July 12 Brown, Robert 69 June 20 Brown, Vincent 84 June 30 EDWARD QUINN Castro, Jesus 82 June 5 Pensioner Edward Quinn, 84, passed away July 13. Brother Quinn became an SIU member in 1974. He initially shipped with Dixie Carriers in the deck department. Brother Quinn was last employed on a Moran Towing of Texas vessel. He went on pension in 1994 and lived in Texas. Choo, Lian 93 July 25 JOSEPH SONNIER Pensioner Joseph Sonnier, 87, died July 11. Brother Sonnier began sailing with the SIU in 1964. He primarily sailed aboard Higman Barge Lines vessels. Brother Sonnier worked in the deck department. He retired in 1985 and resided in Louisiana. Clay, Clarence 85 June 17 Duarte, Aguinel 89 June 12 Dugas, Charles 85 May 27 Gonzalez, Eliseo 72 July 31 Haisten, Howard 80 July 25 Hamilton, Bennie 90 June 12 Hendy, Aubrey 86 May 11 Hickey, Michael 80 June 13 Hopkins, Bird 75 June 19 Johnson, Carey 71 July 1 Johnson, Lehwald 81 June 24 Kuilan, Miguel 100 June 8 Laria, Angel 80 June 12 Lopez, Manuel 95 June 14 Messali, Mitch 77 May 23 Moreira, Isaac 86 July 30 Myers, James 79 May 24 Nyland, Harold 75 June 25 Pinckney, Willis 85 June 5 Ramirez, Arcadio 89 June 23 Ramos, Armando 88 June 7 DAVID WIERSCHEM Richen, O’Connell 89 May 25 Pensioner David Wierschem, 60, passed away July 29. Brother Wierschem was born in Missouri. He joined the union in 1974 while in the port of St. Louis. Brother Wierschem first sailed on vessels operated by Inland Tugs. He worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Wierschem most recently shipped with OLS Transport Company. He called St. Louis home. Rivera, Gasper 88 June 23 Smith, Clyde 82 June 1 Thomas, Jerry 72 June 17 Tomczak, Joseph 82 June 17 Tyler, Roy 75 April 25 Walker, Julius 90 July 7 Walter, Clifton 86 June 16 Wells, Joseph 77 July 18 White, Arthur Jr. 68 June 19 Youngblood, Dick 91 June 14 GREAT LAKES JOHN SELLERS Pensioner John Sellers, 71, passed away June 14. Brother Sellers started his SIU career in 1960, initially shipping on the Trent. The deck October 2008 �50928x1:January 08 9/29/2008 12:53 PM Page 23 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS (Maersk Line Limited), July 26 – Chairman Michael J. Proveaux, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Geoffrey L. James, Deck Delegate Ruben Rivera. Chairman reported a smooth voyage and excellent crew. Secretary thanked members for their help keeping ship clean. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He also requested educational movies for crew to view. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was stated that dryer needs to be fixed or replaced. Next ports: Galveston, Texas, Brunswick, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., and Baltimore, Md. ATLANTIC (Maersk Line Limited), July 20 – Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Rene R. Rosario, Deck Delegate Dominic Marco, Engine Delegate Wade Jordan, Steward Delegate Allen Van Buren. Chairman announced payoff on July 24 and expressed his gratitude to crew for safe journey. Secretary asked departing members to leave fresh linen for arriving Seafarers and thanked everyone for keeping areas clean. Educational director urged crew members to check expiration dates on all necessary seafaring documents and file for TWIC card. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to increase pension benefit amounts and to get new DVDs. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid), July 29 – Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Mark Davis. Chairman reported payoff would take place in Lake Charles, La., on Aug. 1. He also informed crew of extension on TWIC card deadline. Secretary thanked everyone for their part in keeping ship clean and urged fellow crew members to support SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Treasurer noted $855 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion was held pertaining to problems with TWIC cards. All mariners were encouraged to register to vote. Thanks were given to the steward department for good food and keeping mess hall clean. Members were reminded that no sandals, hats or tank tops were to be worn in the messhall during meal hours. Next port: Lake Charles, La. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), July 6 – Chairman Lee October 2008 Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev, Deck Delegate John G. Salarda, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty, Engine Delegate Gary M. Bartlett. Chairman notified crew members of TWIC deadline extension and reduction in seatime requirements for benefits. They were also reminded to leave rooms clean when departing. Bosun thanked steward department for July 4 cookout and deck department for cleanup. Educational director recommended mariners visit the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., to enhance seafaring abilities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Portland, Ore. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), July 20 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Shawn L. Clark, Deck Delegate Chad Chivrell, Engine Delegate Jesse Canales Jr., Steward Delegate Mohamed H. Ghaleb. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and advised crew to have z-card ready for customs and immigration. Secretary urged crew members to see her for any cleaning supplies needed and expressed gratitude for help keeping ship clean. She asked that those departing vessel clean cabins before leaving. Educational director talked about TWIC card extension and suggested those who have z-cards about to expire, renew z-cards first and get a reduced fee. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Kudos given to electrician for installing fans in cabins, work spaces and messhall. Motion was made to include provision for members to make two trips on and then take two trips off in new standard contracts. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif., Honolulu, and Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), July 13 – Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Joel A. Molinos, Educational Director Frank P. Sena, Engine Delegate Ely Hermano, Steward Delegate Ceasar Santos. Chairman discussed reduction in seatime requirements for medical coverage and read the president’s report from the Seafarers LOG. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade at the union-affiliated school and keep documents current. He also noted that TWIC cards must be obtained by April 15, 2009. Treasurer stated $665.19 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), July 27 – Chairman Amante V. 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. Snapshots from the Great Lakes The SIU-crewed tugboat Ivory Coast (above), operated by Hannah Marine, pushes a barge that houses seven showrooms of technological product displays. The exhibit is constructed from dozens of cargo shipping containers. AB Eric Johnson (photo at right) shows his support for the Maritime Defense League while aboard the Detroit Princess. In photo at lower right, AB Luther Willis and DEU Ahmed Algalham are pictured near where their tugboat will notch into the barge exiderdome No. 1. Steward department members (photo below) aboard the John J. Boland include (from left) SA Wilson Peniston, 2nd Cook Khaled and AMO Relief Steward Ben. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Melvin L. Kerns, Deck Delegate Luis F. Alvarez, Engine Delegate Victor L. Sapp, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Bosun stated payoff would be upon arrival in Jacksonville, Fla., on Aug. 1. He noted change to seatime required for medical coverage reduced to 125 days. Anyone who was denied coverage with 125 days or more should resubmit their claims. He requested that anyone having a beef or problem should bring it to the attention of the ship’s chairman or union. Educational director stressed the importance of enhancing skills at the SIUaffiliated school. Treasurer reported $985 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made regarding pension and medical benefits. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Elizabeth, N.J. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), July 25 – Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Anthony J. Kimbrell, Deck Delegate Patricio C. Libre, Engine Delegate Romeo Rivera, Steward Delegate Patricia Geras. Bosun announced payoff upon arrival in Long Beach, Calif., on July 28. He thanked all those going on vacation for a great voyage. Secretary asked mariners leaving to clean rooms and round up any dirty linen so it can be sent ashore. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to those involved in lowering the seatime requirements to 125 days for medical benefits. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., Oakland, Calif., and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line Limited), July 13 – Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Jessy G. Sunga, Educational Director Brian S. Leach. Chairman thanked Seafarers for smooth sailing. Treasurer noted $3,448 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from the Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. Planned purchase of TV and DVD player discussed. MAERSK ALABAMA (Maersk Line Limited), July 17 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Educational Director Stephen P. Roberts, Deck Delegate Gary Cardillo, Engine Delegate Carlos Dominguez, Steward Delegate Cheryl Lynch. Chairman reminded crew to keep documents up-to-date and clean house. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading and training offered in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made pertaining to dental and optical coverage. It was note that dishwasher needed repairers and new chairs need to be purchased for messhall. Next port: Mombasa, Kenya. Seafarers LOG 23 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:41 PM Page 24 Letters to the Editor With Seafarers at the Ft. Lauderdale Hall These photos were taken at the August membership meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Kudos to Seafarer Redinger STOS Bill Redinger recently completed his first trip, aboard the National Glory, after graduating from the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. He also is a carpenter – an excellent one at that – and has his own business. After semi-retiring, Bill decided on some adventure in what he thought would be a totally different lifestyle by going to sea. Any bosun in his right mind would be happy to use his carpentry skills, as I have aboard the National Glory. Bill’s outstanding work included beautiful wood trim along the inside ladder wells; gorgeous frames for the electrical switches on the bridge; a perfect waterproof radio holder for the captain’s shower; and help in building shelves for the bosun’s locker. All of this was done in addition to days consisting of sanitary; splicing pendants, making monkey fists, running mooring winches, relieving the helm and helping out in the galley; stripping and waxing; picking up the slack as needed; and, on his own time, making pencil holders for other crew members. Bill, did you actually think I would not know about these extra jobs you did? You learned to be an excellent shipmate well before coming to the National Glory. I truly hope this is published in the LOG in its entirety. We will all surely miss you. In closing, Bill has been an outstanding shipmate and an excellent example of the caliber of people Paul Hall, Mike and Joe Sacco, Red Campbell, Augie Tellez and others have envisioned in the manning of SIU-crewed ships. Recertified Bosun Donald Rezendes Aboard the National Glory Electrician Ruben Raino displays his “B” book. FOWT Tomas Merel AB Ron Webb Chief Cook Heath Bryan Recalling a Life at Sea My name is Lawrence A. Hendricks. I am a retired merchant seaman, formerly with the NMU for 22 years. I was delighted to receive the Seafarers LOG because it connected me with my years at sea. Recently, I completed my autobiography about my life as a mariner. The book is titled “All at Sea – A Seaman’s Story of Passion and Intrigue.” I believe my experiences in the merchant marine taught me how to be a man, and I hope the book will appeal to readers who are searching for identity. Here is a brief excerpt: “We left Copenhagen and went to Kotka, a small town in Finland. When we arrived, it was to find a town completely covered with snow. It was a very quiet place with not much to do, or many things to see. No one wanted to go ashore, so I hired a taxi and decided to see what little there was. He took me to a spot that had a magnificent view. In spite of the cold weather, the reflection of the moonlight on the snowcapped mountains was a thing of beauty. I was so mesmerize with this picturesque mountain scenery that I could hardly move. When I did, after what seemed to be a very long time, we returned to the ship. At this time my only thought was to be alone, and retain this feeling of peace and tranquility.” The 264-page book is available in paperback at www.authorhouse.com or by calling 888-280-7715. It’s also available on amazon.com and may be ordered through your local book seller. Lawrence A. Hendricks San Diego, California Secretary Clara Rampersadsingh AB Dean Stanley Electrician Joe Gutierrez Bosun Virgilio Rosalas, SA Tiburicio Garcia, AB Nelson Montoya Seafarers Alex Bonilla, Luis Irias, Jhon Moreno 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. 24 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. October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:43 PM Page 25 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 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) 9940010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 10 December 5 Advanced Container Maintenance November 11 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) October 6 November 17 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 November 14 December 19 Lifeboatman/Water Survival October 27 November 7 Radar November 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) October 27 December 8 October 27 December 8 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) October 20 October 31 Bosun Recertification Course November 3 October 14 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 October 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. Online “Distance Learning” Courses 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 206740075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via email. 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. 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. Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) November 10 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) November 10 December 5 Firemen/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) October 13 November 6 Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 Welding October 6 November 3 December 1 October 23 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Tanker Assistant (DL) November 10 November 21 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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, 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 ___________ E-mail ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ 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 ________________________________________________ October 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. 9/08 Seafarers LOG 25 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:43 PM Page 26 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Classes Four Seafarers recently completed computer courses while upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Those completing various classes (photo above) were Michael Munoz (left), Gabrial Albino (right), Leslie McGirt (left in photo below) and Azad Ardeshirdavani (right in photo below). Their instructor, Rich Prucha, is pictured in the center of both photos. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 705 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 705 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in no particular order) were Christopher Coombs, Michael Correa, Jason Davis, Ronald DeHoog, Stanford Drakes, Joshua Hansen, Bryan Alflen, Benjamin Arroyo Rodriguez, Robert Blunt, Michael Brannon, Phillip Clemon, Vicki Coats, Kevin McCrea, Douglas McLaughlin, Joshua Milton, Twanna Moody, Robert Rothwell, Adam Sanders, Joshua Sanders, Kenneth Summerford, Jesse Sunga, Lezlie Vehikite, Aleksey Vigovskiy and Rickey Yancey. Their instructor, Forest McGee, is second from the left. Small Arms Training – Four individuals completed this course Aug. 22. Graduating from the training (above, in alphabetical order) were Sergio Centeno, Cholley Moses, Paul Pitcher and Kenneth Steiner. Their instructor, Stephen Stockwell, is at the far right. Advanced Firefighting – Eleven individuals from G&H Towing on Aug. 8 completed this training. Graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Bryan Albrecht, Leslie Anderson, Bruce Beam, David Callis, Erich Engelbrecht, Luis Irias, Hubert Joseph, Albert Keech, David Philyaw, Mike Shanks and David Spaulding. Government Vessels – Eight mariners on July 25 completed training in this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Marie Acosta, Azad Ardeshirdavani, Vic Atkinson, Casimiro Gavza Jr., Vincent Izzo, Leslie McGirt, Michael Penkwitz and Timothy White. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at the far right. 26 Seafarers LOG Government Vessels – Nine Phase III students on Aug. 1 completed this course. Finishing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were Stephen Amthauer, Keithan Bland, Jack Forde, Joseph Loureiro, John Monaco, Ronnie Rodriguez, Junior Tanaka, John Wahl, and Sean Wilson. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is standing at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) October 2008 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:44 PM Page 27 Paul Hall Center Classes Pumpman – Four Seafarers on Aug. 22 completed this course. Upgrading their skills and graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Harold Gerber, Scott Spilman, Philander Walton and Richard Wright. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is second from the right. STOS – Ten individuals graduated from this course Aug. 15. Completing their training (above, in alphabetical order) were Stephen Amthauer, Keithan Bland, Joherky Concepcion, Jack Forde, Joseph Loureiro, John Monaco, Ronnie Rodriguez, Junion Tanaka, John Wahl and Sean Wilson. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at the far right. Water Survival – Six individuals completed training in this course Aug. 15. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Omar Aswad, Milton Ballard, Eric Clotter, Eric Coleman, Ruben Fiel and Mark Wertz. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at the far right. Crowd Management (Hawaii) - Sixteen Seafarers on Aug. 11 finished requirements for graduation from this class aboard the Pride of America. Those graduating (above, in nor particular order) were: Zedediah Strout, Hal Thomas, Coralde Noel, Michael Lais, Jeffrey Bach, Jelford Lawrence, Kenya Kwaw, Aurora Kirkwood, Virgilio Punzalan, Joemarie Aboy, Elkeik Madgy, Eugene Ajoste, Darrell Bennett, Justin Johnson, Montree Nakwichet and Xavier Cain. Advanced Firefighting (Hawaii) - The following Seafarers (above, in no particular order) on Aug. 15 completed their requirements for graduation from this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Christopher Powers, James Carras, Kalani Low, Keoki White, Calvin Kaawa, Joshua Ano, Jonathan Brunold, and Quirino Bangloy. October 2008 Machinist – Six upgraders on Aug. 8 completed training in this course. Enhancing their skills and graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert, Harol Gerber, Scott Spilman, Philandar Walton and Richard Wright. Steve Harver, their instructor, is at the far right. BST (Hawaii) - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Aug. 22 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Edward Ortiz III, Matthew Kuirinij, Justin Hantz, Dustin Teeman, Tyrone Danials, Chi Fai Hau, Angel Grisales, Joseph Aranda, Kimberly Meyer, Michelle Brown, Tara Timko, Courtney Sutton, Kristopher Williams, Quintin Mitchell, Christian Zrvizu, Hilary Howser, John Marshall, Adam Walker, Patrick Kelly, Joshua Klene, Freddy Foster II and German Miranda. Welding – Three mariners upgraded their skills in the course and graduated July 25. Those completing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Sergio Cedeno, Alfredo Mendoza and Mark Wertz. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is second from the left Marine Refrigeration - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Aug. 22 graduated from this course: James Donohue and Joseph Krajnik. Their instructor, Calvin Beal, is in the center. Seafarers LOG 27 �50928x:January 08 9/26/2008 10:45 PM Page 28 Volume 70, Number 10 October 2008 Mariners Need TWIC by April 15, 2009 - Page 20 Around the Ports with the SIU RALLY WITH USWA – Seafarers and other trade unionists didn’t let oppressive weather prevent them from marching in support of United Steelworkers Local 8888 during an Aug. 15 rally in Newport News, Va. The Steelworkers represent roughly 7,000 workers at Northrop Grumman’s Newport News Shipyard who were preparing to negotiate a new contract. (The existing agreement expires in late October.) Approximately 500 people participated in the rally, some of whom are shown in the photos directly above and below. The event also had a political flavor, as former Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner addressed the crowd while local officials and candidates also attended. CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES -- Receiving their GED graduation certificates from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on Sept. 8 are (left to right) Richard Noto, John Curran and David Brady. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – AB Omar Almaklani (above left photo) is happy to report that his son Saber (above right) recently celebrated his second birthday. The Seafarer asked that these photos be shared in the LOG. SEAFARERS UPGRADE – SIU Santurce Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left in photos directly above and below) congratulates Seafarers Diego Hatch (top photo) and Jaime Baretty, respectively, for recently securing their third mate’s licenses. The photos were taken at the union hall in Puerto Rico. ABOARD THE COAST RANGE – This photo was taken in mid-August aboard the Coast Range while the vessel was in Port Everglades, Fla. Pictured are Bosun T. Banks, AB Rick Wiemer, AB T. Stringer, OS Brian Deans, OS Basil McMillan, Chief Steward Tran Nee and AB Michael Cousin. SAFE OPERATIONS – Early last month, Seafarers at Crowley-Petty’s Island celebrated a laudable achievement: one year of accident-free operations (and counting). Some of the members are pictured above. They work with roll-on/roll-off ships and handle mechanical work on barges. Petty’s Island is located in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. � 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 October 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS WEATHER IKE, GUSTAV UNION REACTIVATES SEAFARERS DISASTER RELIEF FUND OCEAN SHIPS INC. WINS LMSR CONTRACT SIU JOBS EXPECTED TO INCREASE AS SOME VESSELS BUMP UP TO FOS U.S. SHIPPING PARTNERS ADDS ATB GALVESTON BAY NY WATERWAY CREWS HANDLE TWO RESCUES UNION TESTIFIES ON INLAND WATERWAY SAFETY CIVMAR-CREWED LEWIS AND CLARK WINS NAVY SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD CIVMARS PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GEORGIAN HOTSPOT ADS EXPLAIN WHY NATION NEEDS FREE CHOICE ACT BIG BUSINESS TRIES TO HOODWINK PUBLIC WITH ‘SECRET BALLOT’ CLAIMS MARAD REPORTS EXAMINE STATE OF INDUSTRY INFORMATION FOR THE 2008 ELECTION OF OFFICERS NINE SEAFARERS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION USNS PATHFINDER PARTICIPATES IN DEMONSTRATION YOUR VOTE IS VITAL ON NOVEMBER 4 USNS BYRD JOINS 7TH FLEET KEEL LAID FOR NEW MISSILE RANGE INSTRUMENTATION SHIP 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 10/01/2008 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. 10 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/55e752121318b79a36a3afdd57c52012.pdf 7b2e834d05dbcaf9b515d6dd463b90b0 PDF Text Text 52060x:January 08 10/27/2008 1:31 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 11 November 2008 New Tonnage Here! SIU-Contracted Fleet Adds Tanker, ATB, Ammo Ship The union recently welcomed new vessels from coast to coast. At Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, the Overseas Texas City (photo at lower right) became the latest addition to the Seafarers-crewed OSG fleet. In Tampa, Crowley Maritime Corporation christened an articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel consisting of the 9,280-hp boat Courage and barge 650-5 (right). Some of the crew members are pictured directly below with Crowley President and CEO Thomas B. Crowley Jr. (sixth from left, wearing jacket). In San Diego, NASSCO launched the newest vessel in the Lewis and Clark class: the USNS Carl Brashear (bottom). That ship will be crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Page 3. HSV Swift Crew Trains at Paul Hall Center Before reporting to the newly contracted HSV Swift, SIU crew members completed safety training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Their course work included the school’s MSCaccredited helicopter fire fighting class (right) as well as chemical, biological and radiological defense. Page 11. SIU Election News TWIC Updates and Reminders NS Savannah Feature Pages 12-13 Page 4 Page 7 �52060x:January 08 10/27/2008 1:34 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Vice Adm. Rondeau Tours School After Election Day By the time most Seafarers receive this edition of the LOG, Election Day will have passed. Citizens will have elected a new president and vice president along with choosing members of the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. They will have voted in state and local elections, too. No matter the outcomes, I believe that just about everyone except advertising salespeople would agree that one of the better aspects of post-Election Day life is we’ll all get a break from the recent bombardment of political ads. As I write this column in late October, there is no escape from those ads if you turn on the TV or radio for even a few minutes. That’s par for the course in a presidential election year. Something else that doesn’t change is the SIU’s appropriately aggressive effort to promote the U.S. Merchant Marine to new and returning officeholders, regardless of political party. I can assure every Seafarer that no matter who came out on top in the Election Day voting all across the country, your union will remain tireless in working for the betterment of the membership and indeed the entire American-flag fleet. That’s par for the course, too. Over the years, some of you may have heard me acknowledge the political savvy of the rank-and-file membership. Simply put, the brothers and sisters of the SIU get it. You understand that without grassroots political action, our industry would be dead in the water. That’s why you were so terrific in volunteering your time leading up to November 4 to help pitch in and support pro-maritime candidates. That’s why your voluntary support of the SPAD, the union’s political action fund, is so consistently strong. We rarely have to look very far to find examples of how politics affects our livelihoods. That was the case again last month and at the end of September, as two pieces of legislation were enacted that have a big impact on maritime. There is no need to go into great detail here about those measures, but just consider some of the basic elements which were supported by the SIU. The U.S. Maritime Administration received additional authority in certain matters concerning cargo preference, a vital program. Another component of one of the bills strengthens protection of the Jones Act, which is a bedrock of the U.S.-flag fleet. The Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee program, crucial for our shipyards, got significant funding for the next fiscal year – a significant improvement compared to the last several years. And there were other positive developments, too. That’s just a snapshot of why the SIU went all-out in backing pro-maritime candidates this year (and why we do so in every election). Whether we like it or not, politics affects practically every part of our jobs – from documentation and training requirements to the survival of federal programs which help keep the American flag flying on the high seas. Even without knowing who won and who lost on the first Tuesday in November, I thank the membership for your overwhelmingly positive support of the union’s efforts. Your grassroots activities have made a difference, and your enthusiasm is inspiring. As we look ahead to the 111th Congress, I believe we can all rest assured that we did everything reasonably possible to elect the people who will support the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 70, Number 11 Vice Admiral Ann E. Rondeau, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), toured the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on Oct. 9. These photos were taken during the tour at the Piney Point, Md.-based school. Clockwise starting at bottom right, Vice Adm. Rondeau checks out the fire fighting and safety campus with Instructor Bobby Dean; chats with students in the full mission bridge simulator; and takes a hands-on turn in the crane simulator, flanked by Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman (left) and Instructor Tom Truitt. During the tour, she spoke with upgraders and unlicensed apprentices in various classes, encouraging them in their studies. TRANSCOM includes three component commands – the Navy’s Military Sealift Command, the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command and the Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command – which provide intermodal transportation across the spectrum of military operations. Signs of Support During the final weeks leading up to Election Day, many Seafarers demonstrated their support for Democrat presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.). In Honolulu (top photo) early last month, Seafarers (from left) Editho Barraca, Robert Borro and Luis Balatbat hang a banner at the union hall, which is located at a busy intersection. Below, Seafarers and other supporters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., are pictured on Oct. 11 volunteering for a “labor walk” aimed at disseminating information about key issues affecting working families. SIU Ft. Lauderdale Port Agent Kenneth Moore led the effort and coordinated communications with the state labor federation and local central labor council. “We could not have pulled it off without the support and teamwork of all our union brothers and sisters,” noted SIU Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand. “It was hard work, but we had some fun, too.” November 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, 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 © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG November 2008 �52060x:2060p0 10/27/2008 1:35 PM Page 3 Crowley Maritime Christens ATB Courage Seafarers and SIU officials joined in the celebration Oct. 1 in Tampa as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened an articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel consisting of the 9,280-hp boat Courage and barge 650-5. SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware and Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand represented the union. Joining them were the ATB’s first crew, consisting of Seafarers Capt. Mark Tilly, Capt. Bruce Walsh, 2nd Mate Joel Anderson, AB Jared Smith, Chief Mate Bill Harvell, OS/Utility Sean Leeson, Cook/Utility Artis Pilgrim, 2nd Mate Trainee Greg Palmer, Asst. Engineer Leif Frappied, Asst. Engineer Mike Citarelli, Chief Engineer Ryan Taylor Hogge, AB James Robenson and Asst. Engineer Chris Reems. The 135-foot Courage is the fifth of 10 new 185,000barrel ATBs that the company expects to take delivery of by the end of 2010. During ceremonies conducted at the Tampa Port Authority Cruise Terminal on Channelside Drive, Jane Collar, wife of Steve Collar, senior vice president and general manager, technical services, christened the Courage, while Kim Michel Case, wife of Tracy Case, Terminals, Transport and Marine manager, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC, christened the 587-foot barge 650-5. The vessel was designed and built by Crowley’s technical services group at VT Halter and is being operated by Crowley’s petroleum services group with a time charter to Marathon. Crowley already has eight ATBs in operation and has announced plans to build three larger 750-series (330,000barrel capacity) ATBs for delivery by the middle of 2013. Once all vessels are received, the fleet will stand at 17. “It’s always a happy occasion when we welcome new tonnage into the SIU fleet,” stated Ware. “Crowley’s growth reflects well not only on the company but on the SIU crews who have earned their confidence through safe, reliable, efficient work over many years.” “While Marathon currently charters two tankers - Blue Ridge and Coast Range - from Crowley, this marks their first foray into our ATB fleet,” said Bill Taylor, vice president, Crowley Atlantic and Gulf services. The 650-5, like its sister vessels the 650-3 and 650-4, has been certified by Lloyds Classification Society as complying with the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Green Passport program. This certification ensures that any and all potentially hazardous materials that went into the original construction of the barge have been identified and will be properly disposed of The barge 650-5 (above) and tug Courage (right) are new additions to Crowley’s SIU-crewed fleet. when the barge ceases trading at the end of its useful life. The ATBs are the newest and most environmentally friendly vessels in Crowley’s fleet, according to the company. In announcing the latest christening, Crowley pointed out, “They have an impressive record of zero spills during their 1,000-plus voyages while boasting other environmentally friendly traits as well. The Reliance Class ATBs were designed to reduce immediate environmental effects such as emissions and wastewater, while others are designed to protect the environment in the unlikely case that a large spill occurred.” The tug’s design incorporates the use of wing ballast tanks, engine room inner bottoms, and a fuel tank cascade overflow system. The barges were designed and equipped with a dual emergency retrieval system (one in the bow and one in the stern). These systems provide two separate retrieval hawsers (thick ropes or cables used to tow a ship) in the event of an emergency. In the unlikely event that the tug should separate from the barge, the dual systems can be utilized to prevent the barge from getting to the beach or being breached resulting in a spill. The tugs are designed and outfitted with grey water holding tanks to capture all grey water (non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) when in port to reduce pollution. All engine and slop water including produced water, ballast water from oil cargo and deck water are all discharged ashore to licensed waste disposal contractors even though the vessels are equipped with OWS Oily Water Separators in the event of an emergency. 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 tank vessel. The barge 650-5 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Courage 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 can also 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 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. 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 operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There is an inert gas generator 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 Spectra-type 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 heavy fuel oil 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. NASSCO Launches Carl Brashear Tanker Overseas Texas City Delivered to American Shipping Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Commences Construction on Ninth Tanker of Twelve The new tanker build program at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is continuing efficiently and on schedule, as reflected by two recent events. On Sept. 18, a traditional naming ceremony took place at the shipyard for the Seafarers-contracted Overseas Texas City (the fifth new tanker delivered to American Shipping Company). The ceremony was conducted six days after the shipyard’s 10-year anniversary and was attended by representatives from the SIU, American Shipping Company, OSG America, and BP. SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and New York Safety Director Joseph Baselice represented the union. The vessel’s sponsor, Mrs. Jane Baldry, broke a champagne bottle against the wing of the bridge to formally christen the ship. According to the shipyard, the Overseas Texas City is the first vessel built there to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest Tier II requirements. The vessel was modified to incorporate three improved diesel powered electrical generating sets to run the ship’s electrical system, which will result in lower levels of pollutants while in operation. Three other November 2008 vessels are currently under construction at the yard, all of which will include these modifications. President and CEO of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Jim Miller stated, “Aker Philadelphia is proud to deliver this remarkable ship in conjunction with the yard’s 10-year anniversary. Ten years ago, there was no shipbuilding taking place here in Philadelphia. Today, we deliver our ninth vessel and deliver it as promised. These actions are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our skilled shipyard employees.” Ten days after delivery of the Overseas Texas City, the shipyard started construction on the ninth tanker of 12 for American Shipping Company. Construction officially began when two Aker Philadelphia employees, Jesus Sabando and Alan Oreszak, made the initial cut utilizing the yard’s state-ofthe-art plasma cutter. The employees were chosen to represent the shipyard based on their contributions to its employee suggestion program (initiated a few years ago to seek input from employees on ways to improve production). Currently there are three other vessels under construction at the yard. The previously delivered tankers include the SIU-crewed Overseas New York, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas Houston and Overseas Long Beach. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard also constructed four containerships for Seafarers-contracted Matson. The USNS Carl Brashear, which will be the newest ship in the U.S. Navy’s Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships, was christened and launched during a ceremony Sept. 18 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. After a series of tests and sea trials, the ship will be delivered to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command for operations next year. The vessel will be crewed in the unlicensed departments by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The 689-foot ship slid into the water for the first time as Lauren Brashear, granddaughter of the ship’s namesake and the ship’s sponsor, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow, christening it USNS Carl Brashear. The ship honors Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and was a Navy pioneer, becoming one of the first African Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and the first to qualify and serve as a master diver on active duty. After being severely injured in a diving accident, Brashear’s leg was amputated. Almost two years later, after strenuous rehabilitation and rigorous testing, he became the first person to be certified or recertified to dive as an amputee. “This ship will stand for the same values of honor, courage and commitment that inspired and motivated Master Chief Brashear,” said MSC Command Master Chief Kenneth Green, one of the ceremony’s guest speakers. Included among the nearly 3,000 in attendance were Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa and actor Robert De Niro, who starred in the movie “Men of Honor,” which depicts the life and Navy career of Brashear. “USNS Carl Brashear will carry his spirit with it for years to come,” said Roughead. The auxiliary dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) slides into the San Diego Bay during the christening and launch ceremony Sept. 18 at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. “The ship’s motto of ‘Boldly, Proudly, Fearlessly,’ are the core of Master Chief Brashear and the inspiration for this ship’s crew.” The USNS Brashear is the seventh of the Navy’s new T-AKE class of ships. These vessels deliver ammunition, provisions, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to U.S. Navy vessels and other ships at sea, allowing them to stay underway and combat ready for extended periods. The ship is crewed by approximately 124 civil service mariners working for MSC along with 11 U.S. Navy sailors, who provide supply coordination. Construction began on the Brashear in May 2007. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the second quarter of 2009. The Navy expects to build 14 T-AKEs, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics ships. The remaining three are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force. Seafarers LOG 3 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:42 AM Page 4 Union Election Voting Began Nov. 1 The voting process for officers of the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU is under way. Eligible SIU members began casting their secret ballots at union halls Nov. 1. That process will go on until Dec. 31, as members may continue to vote at these locations or make their selections via absentee ballots in the mail. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election – which will determine union officials for the 2009-2012 term – are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is outlined in the union’s governing document, the SIU constitution. The ballot, a sample of which appeared on pages 7 and 8 of the October 2008 edition of the Seafarers LOG, lists the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this district-wide election. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 16, and submitted to the membership at the September monthly meetings, indicated 29 candidates had qualified to run for 25 positions. (The committee report also was published in the October 2008 LOG.) The 25 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents. 21 Polling Places The election will be conducted by mail ballot as provided in the union’s constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” and postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 21 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) Absentee Ballot Procedures In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote absentee. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Following is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing service. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots between 9 a.m. until noon, Monday through Saturday, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot along with the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be marked with the word “Voted” and the date. If a member does not present his or her book, or if there is a question in regard to his or her eligibility to vote, the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenged.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. Full-book members in good standing who need to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters: 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The SIU Constitution lists all acceptable reasons for obtaining an absentee ballot. Balloting Process Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope is sealed by the member and then dispatched in the mail. These steps help ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rankand-file committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene in early January 2009. Voting Locations For 2008 Election Of 2009-2012 Officers Seafarers International Union of North America Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2008 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2008. Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Boston Ft. Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington VOTING LOCATIONS 520 St. Clair River Dr. 721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C 2315 Essex St. 5 Drydock Ave. 1221 South Andrews Ave. Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 103B, 422 West O’Brien Dr. 606 Kalihi St. 1221 Pierce St. 3315 Liberty St. 10 East Clinton 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 3911 Lapalco Blvd. 635 Fourth Ave. 115 Third St. 1121 7th St. 2604 South Fourth St. Seafarers Harry Lindeberg School of Seamanship 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave. 4581 Gravois Ave. 3411 South Union St. 510 North Broad Ave. Algonac, MI 48001 Anchorage, AK 99503 Baltimore, MD 21224 Boston, MA 02210 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Hagatna, Guam 96910 Honolulu, HI 96819 Houston, TX 77002 Jacksonville, FL 32206 Joliet, IL 60432 Mobile, AL 36605 Harvey, LA 70058 Brooklyn, NY 11232 Norfolk, VA 23510 Oakland, CA 94607 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Piney Point, MD 20674 Santurce, PR 00907 St. Louis, MO 63116 Tacoma, WA 98409 Wilmington, CA 90744 Seafarers, ITF Team Up to Aid Stranded Mariners Inspector Secures Back Pay for Crew In Separate Case Two separate incidents which occurred this past summer underscore both the effectiveness of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) when it comes to assisting mariners as well as the alertness and compassion of SIU members. In one case, Seafarers and AMO officers aboard the Alliance Norfolk in early July were approaching Umm Qasr, Iraq, when they learned that the runaway-flag bulk carrier M/V Nirmal Bhushan was abandoned in port. Indian and Filipino crew members aboard the Panamanian-flag ship had been stranded since January and were running extremely low on food, drinking water and fuel for ship’s power, to say nothing of not having received wages for many months. At that time, Alliance Norfolk Capt. Seth Harris noted, “The crew has been abandoned by both the vessel’s owners and the manning agency. The crew is existing under deplorable conditions.” Mariners aboard the U.S.-flag ship wasted no time coming to the aid of their foreign counterparts. Recertified Steward Joseph Gallo and Chief Mate Jan Waalewyn packaged stores and other provisions for the Nirmal Bhushan crew and then 4 Seafarers LOG transported it with the assistance of SA Rolando Batiz and Third Mate Jennifer Flounders. AB Jordan Polon acted as an observer and interpreter and obtained copies of statements from the stranded mariners. Gallo also contacted SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who in addition to his duties with the union also serves as an elected officer with the ITF. Heindel immediately mobilized the ITF Actions Unit, and positive results soon followed throughout the ensuing weeks. Ultimately, the officers and crew of the Nirmal Bhushan received their back pay and repatriation. The ship, which had been under arrest, was released by an Iraqi court and resumed sailing. “The crew of the Alliance Norfolk deserves credit for their compassion and commitment to an old seafaring tradition, which is coming to the aid of another seafarer,” said Heindel, first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. “Certainly, their actions hold true to our motto in the SIU: Brotherhood of the Sea.” In the other case, which happened in August, SIU ITF Inspector Arthur Petitpas recovered more than $44,000 in back pay for multinational mariners aboard the Maltese-flag Isis, another runaway-flag ship that was docked in Baltimore. In addition to the back-wages issue, the vessel, loaded with a cargo of aluminum, faced other problems. Its main engine was malfunctioning, and the ship was running very low on stores. Petitpas repeatedly contacted the ship operator, but only received what turned out to be empty promises to pay the crew and repatriate those who wanted to sign off the vessel. Finally, some of the crew members went on strike. Petitpas continued pressing for fair treatment of the crew, and eventually reached a verbal agreement with an attorney for the charterer. The cargo then was unloaded and the Russian and Ukrainian seafarers received their pay and repatriation. The ITF is a global federation of 681 transport trade unions (including the SIU) which collectively represent 4.5 million workers in 148 countries. A runaway-flag or so-called flag-of convenience (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 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.” November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:42 AM Page 5 United Nations, IBF Move to Combat Piracy The United Nations Security Council early last month passed a resolution aimed at combating the growing piracy crisis off Somalia. The council asked nations with military capacity in the region to “actively fight piracy” on the high seas. Days earlier, the international shipping industry – speaking through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) – issued a strongly worded statement calling attention to the emergency and also urging military action. “The pirates are now attacking ships on a daily basis with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades…. The pirates are operating with impunity, and governments stand idly by,” the IBF pointed out. The council said it “called upon states with naval vessels and military aircraft operating in the area to use, on the high seas and airspace off the coast of Somalia, the necessary means to repress acts of piracy in a manner consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” It further urged suitably equipped states to cooperate with Somalia’s transitional federal government “in conformity with the provision of resolution 1816 (2008) of 2 June, which allowed states cooperating with the government, for a period of six months, to enter Somalia’s territorial waters and use ‘all necessary means’ to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea in a manner consistent with international law.” The council indicated it may renew that provision for an additional period. The resolution was sponsored by the U.S., Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain and the United Kingdom. It noted in part that the council is “gravely concerned by the recent proliferation of acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea against vessels off the coast of Somalia, and by the serious threat it poses to the prompt, safe and effective delivery of humanitarian aid to Somalia, to international navigation and the safety of commercial maritime routes, and to fishing activities conducted in conformity with international law.” In response, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary David Cockroft stated, “We’re delighted the security council has responded to our, the shipping industry and the IMO’s direct appeal for this action. It is further support for those naval forces seeking to close with the pirates who have turned the Gulf into a war zone – and a reminder to those navies who haven’t done so that it is now time to act.” The IBF, consisting of representatives from a number of key interna- The United Nations Security Council in session tional maritime organizations, including the ITF, sought to put the crisis in perspective when it noted, “If civil aircraft were being hijacked on a daily basis, the response of governments would be very different. Yet ships, which are the lifeblood of the global economy, are seemingly out of sight and out of mind. This apparent indifference to the lives of merchant seafarers and the consequences for society at large is simply unacceptable…. The shipping industry is utterly amazed that the world’s leading Union Says ‘No’ to Invasion of Privacy The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently mandated that merchant mariners must strip to the waist and be supervised when taking return-to-duty and follow-up urine drug testing, a new procedure change that the DOT slipped into its routine without consulting mariners or the industry. The SIU vehemently opposes the procedure change as an unjustified invasion of privacy. These new procedural requirements are spelled out in DOT’s 49 CFR Part 40.7(i) and say that employees must now “raise their shirts, blouses, or dresses/skirts above the waste, and lower their pants and underpants, to show the observer, by turning around, that they do not have a prosthetic device on their persons. After this is done, they may return their clothing to its proper position.” While the SIU agrees drug testing is necessary in the transportation industry, seafarers already have to comply with security, safety and substance dependency testing and rules that most Americans never face. In a letter to the DOT, SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez called the procedural change an “unreasonable assault on employees’ privacy. The Department has not provided any data with respect to the maritime industry that documents or even suggests that there is widespread or even sporadic falsification of return-to-duty or follow-up test specimens, particularly those which may have resulted in serious marine incidents or injury.” He continued, “Mariners remain the most routinely and frequently drug-tested working populations in the U.S. In addition to those who test positive, mariners are required to be randomly drug tested aboard vessels at rates of 50 percent per vessel. “In the past five years,” Tellez added, “the preemployment drug testing positive rates among SIU members has been less than one percent each year. Based upon this excellent track record of maintaining a drug-free workforce, we believe the department should return to the status quo and permit marine employers and their designated representatives the discretion to waive the intrusive, directly observed procedures and the language in this new procedure be withdrawn. The SIU firmly believes that the goals of substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation which are designed to promote and enforce personal responsibility are seriously undermined by the department’s approach in these provisions.” November 2008 In formal comments on the same issue, the Transportation Institute, an association representing U.S.-flag vessel owners and operators engaged in all aspects of the nation’s marine transportation industry, stated that the DOT “has not viably demonstrated the need for such a change given the fact that the basis for the requirement has not been verified by any factual information and appears to be based solely on assumption.” The association also noted, “In mandating direct observation testing and removing the marine employers’ discretion, the Department is requiring that private sector collectors engage in the new, more invasive procedures for the seven required tests that many collectors may be reluctant to perform. Concerns have been raised regarding this situation to the extent that reports have been received that a major nationwide laboratory collector with hundreds of collection sites will refuse to collect drug screens under the newly defined directly observed procedures.” The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD) also recently urged the DOT to reverse course on the procedures. In one communication to the agency, the department noted, “In promulgating Section 40.46(b), which now mandates collection under direct observation for return-to-duty or followup tests, DOT’s failure to provide notice and opportunity for comment is even more blatant. Nowhere in the NPRM or its preamble did DOT even discuss expanding direct observation for these types of tests. As such, DOT failed to put the public on notice that it was considering this regulatory change; failed to offer any rationale for expanding the circumstances in which this most intrusive form of testing will be required; and failed to allow any public comment on the matter. Greatly expanding the number of direct observation collections required, as this new provision will do, is even more onerous in light of the changes DOT has made to the manner in which direct observation testing must now be performed. Additionally, this new requirement will add burdens to employers who, under these provisions, will need to have trained individuals of the appropriate gender available to conduct these collections. By failing to provide the requisite notice and opportunity for comment, DOT deprived interested parties of any opportunity to discuss these issues or the impact expanded direct collections will have on the industry.” nations, with the naval resources at their disposal, are unable to maintain the security of one of the world’s most strategically important seaways, linking Europe to Asia via the Red Sea/Suez Canal.” The organization continued, “The international shipping industry, in the strongest possible way, urges governments to commit the necessary navy vessels now, and to ensure they have the freedom to engage forcefully against any act of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.” New NMC Medical Guidelines Become Final; SIU, Other Unions ‘Go to Bat’ on Mariners’ Behalf Earlier this year, SIU headquarters distributed to all ports new medical guidelines and hearing and vision standards that the National Maritime Center (NMC) began using to evaluate applications for original and renewal merchant mariner documents and licenses. Those guidelines have now been made final. The guidelines underwent an extensive review (over a three-year period) by a merchant marine personnel advisory committee that included representatives from the SIU and other unions; the final draft recommendations were forwarded to the Coast Guard in the spring. The SIU worked especially hard to ensure the new guidelines were the least burdensome on mariners as possible. The new guidelines are considerably more rigid than the old, officially to help ensure safety and productivity. They include conditions and categories such as hearing and vision loss; body mass index; alcohol and drug dependency/abuse; and a long list of other medical conditions that will require a waiver. Many of the medical conditions on the list are new with the new guidelines. To download the lists of conditions covered in the guidelines, go to NMC’s web site: www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/2000s.asp#2008 For a waiver form go to: www.uscg.mil/nmc/downloads.asp Mariners with questions are encouraged to contact NMC’s Medical Evaluation Branch via e-mail at: marinermedical@uscg.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888427-5662). Following are some tips from the Coast Guard when getting a medical evaluation: ■ Start early – The Coast Guard recommends starting the process six months prior to the expiration of the seafarer’s merchant mariner documentation. Some of the reasons are that mariners may need follow-up examinations, time to get reports and appointments, etc. ■ Be sure to get copies of any recent evaluation reports and medical records concerning current and active conditions. ■ Always tell the truth during the process. Non-disclosure of conditions or falsifying statements is not only a federal offense but will result in not receiving credentials when caught. ■ If issued a waiver that has conditions or additional requirements, follow up on the recommendations fully and right away. ■ If the MMD/z-card is denied, appeal immediately. There is a 60-day deadline to appeal after the denial. A denial letter will be sent by the NMC with instructions for subsequent steps. Seafarers LOG 5 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:42 AM Page 6 Study: U.S. ‘Marine Highways’ Offer Many Benefits Echoing the sentiments of the SIU, the U.S. Maritime Administration and other maritime organizations and experts, the Institute for Global Maritime Studies (IGMS) released a study in September further stressing the need for renewal of marine highway/short sea shipping. The IGMS grew out of the Maritime Studies Program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. The aim of the non-profit educational organization (based in Gloucester, Mass.) is to explore a wide range of policy issues relating to the sea, and to disseminate findings to the general public through reports, articles and speeches. Its new study, “America’s Deep Blue Highway,” focuses on the need for investment and new policy toward coastal shipping from U.S. port to U.S. port. One of the realities of today’s economy is the need to ease pressure on the nation’s heavily congested highways and its weakened infrastructure, the report asserts. Another point in favor of utilizing America’s waterways reiterates a line of reasoning that SIU President Michael Sacco advanced in his column in the August Seafarers LOG – namely, that with the rising costs of energy, America must rely more on its own resources such as off-shore oil and liquefied natural gas. Those are resources that will depend heavily on American short sea shipping to various U.S. ports. “America can reduce the nation’s overall dependency on imported oil,” explains the institute. “Thus coastal shipping could help the nation deal with its oil addiction, and help the U.S. achieve a longstanding goal of reducing its oil imports from dangerous regions of the world.” According to the institute, “Transportation is fundamental to the economy, a major issue in our lives. We must return to the sea to get freight moving. The now-underused deep blue highway could provide resilience and improve the environmental performance of the nation’s transportation system. Coastal shipping could complement, not compete with, trucking and rail. This is especially critical given current pressures on the trucking industry, such as rising fuel costs.” The study points out the Federal Highway Administration estimates that freight tonnage will be 70 percent higher in 2020 than its 1998 level. Increased landside congestion slows the pace of economic productivity. The institute says in its research it has found a “growing chorus from numerous and diverse constituencies eager to move freight off the land and onto the water. “Rails and roads along most of America’s coastlines are at or beyond capacity,” says the study. “Making them better will be huge- ly expensive. The Society of Civil Engineers estimates that improving the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure would require $155.5 billion annually. The total price tag to shore up this failing system will cost trillions of dollars.” The institute’s study explains that transportation consumes more than two-thirds of the petroleum Americans now use – petroleum that is increasingly expensive and volatile in price. “Trucks use far more oil than trains or ships. On a ton-mile basis, ships are far more efficient users of energy than trucks.” Shipping is Safer and Reliable A second compelling reason for reviving coastal shipping, says the study, is national security. “Moving freight offshore would add resiliency to a brittle American transportation system. Our coastwise land transportation grids now suffer from infrastructure fatigue and vulnerability to disruption,” explains the study. “The American Society of Civil Engineers rates over 25 percent of our country’s 599,893 bridges as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Today, even in ordinary circumstances, many American highways are at a breaking point, offering little resilience in the event of any unusual event…. “A relatively modest investment in our nation’s coastal sea routes would provide some redundancy, offering a prudent strategy to mitigate the impact of a disaster, be it an accident, storm, or terrorist attack.” Looking at coastal shipping as a means to help protect public safety, the study examines New York during the 9/11 attack. “In the face of this challenge, a fleet of NY Waterway Ferries, New York City police and fireboats, Coast Guard ships, commercial tugs and concerned local mariners supported and successfully executed a mass evacuation of lower Manhattan Island. With Manhattan’s subways and roadways not moving, NY Waterway nearly quintupled its daily average of 34,000 passengers to an astounding 158,500 that fateful day. Within a week of the incident, much of the New York ground transportation systems remained closed while the city’s surrounding waters increased their daily capacity to handle 250,000 commuters, over seven times the NY Waterway’s normal operating capacity. The mass exodus from Manhattan in the wake of this disaster is a powerful illustration of the national security value of coastal shipping.” (NY Waterway is an SIUcontracted company.) “Shipping offers a cheaper and safer means of carrying hazardous materials,” explains the institute. “It promises fewer accidents, reduces the risk to population centers, and would reduce wear and tear on roads. Trucks may account for only 10 percent of vehicle miles traveled but they cause over 75 percent of the Federal Highway Administration’s pavement maintenance costs.” It’s the Economy . . . The institute points at the economy as the third category of benefits from increased coastal and river shipping. It says policy goals should include reducing highway congestion, lowering highway maintenance costs, and increasing cargo flows between domestic ports. “Small ports, now underused, could enjoy all the benefits of a new economic enterprise. We currently spend more than $40 billion per year on highways,” says the study. “It would take a fraction of that amount to jumpstart coastal shipping. This would be a small yet prudent investment in the nation’s infrastructure that would bring substantial benefits to the American taxpayer.” Equally important, the institute predicts increased short sea shipping would boost national productivity. The study explains, “Federal, state and local governments should create a policy environment enabling entrepreneurial shipping companies to thrive. Moving freight quickly, cleanly, and safely is both good for free enterprise and good for the American public. It is in everyone’s interest to avoid landside transportation gridlock. Our vision is a vibrant system of sea highways connecting a network of American ports and interacting with the land-bound network.” Ships Use Less Energy According to the institute, “Medium and heavy trucks consume far more petroleum than do the rail and maritime sectors in the freight industry. In 2006, freight trucks accounted for over 18 percent of transportation’s oil consumption, second only to passenger cars and light trucks.” Based on its findings, the institute presents some of the following recommendations for public and private sector decisionmakers. This text was extracted directly from the study: ■ Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Strategic Transportation Vision. This vision should be national, and perhaps even continental, in scope. It should approach the system from an intermodal perspective, appreciating how road, rail, and water transportation can fit together to move freight and passengers more efficiently. Building on the recently released National Strategy for the Marine Transportation System, we argue that this vision needs a strong maritime component fully leveraging coastal shipping’s potential to be part of a national transportation solution. Accordingly, there should be real federal support to help make this mode a reality. ■ Eliminate the Harbor Maintenance Tax on Coastal Shipping. The domestic movement of containers accounts for only 0.2 percent of the total HMT collected, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust fund is running a $4 billion surplus that is expected to reach $8 billion by 2011. ■ Invest $150 million of Federal Funds in Prospective Coastal Shipping Ports. This should come in the form of grants to state and local transportation and planning departments managing working waterfronts to prepare piers, truck staging lots, and access ramps to landside transportation networks. This amount, equivalent to the cost of constructing only about 20 miles of expressway, would be sufficient to jumpstart coastal shipping services on the Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific, and Great Lakes coasts and should be above and beyond any support from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This investment could be part of the Marine Highway Corridor Program identified in the recently released National Strategy for the Marine Transportation System. ■ Preserve Working Waterfronts. Industrial ports are in short supply, and will become more important as traffic congestion increases on America’s interstate highways and rail networks. Once a working waterfront is lost to housing or retail shops it is nearly impossible to bring it back. These ports are an undervalued but vital national resource and foresight is required to prevent their gentrification so that they will be ready to serve America’s revitalized deep blue highway. ■ Incorporate America’s Marine Highway into Homeland Security and Infrastructure Protection Plans. Adding to environmental and economic gains, coastal shipping also stands to bolster national security. Remembering the maritime evacuation of Manhattan on 9/11, we should think of coastal shipping as a vital national resource that will make America’s transportation network more resilient in times of emergency. ■ Encourage Hazardous Materials to be Carried Offshore and Away From Population Centers. 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials occur within the U.S. each day. Moving potentially dangerous cargoes offshore would not only help alleviate landside congestion but it would also spur coastal shipping operations. By removing the transportation of hazardous materials through some of the nation’s most crowded urban centers, it would also make sense from a safety and security perspective. Lake Carriers’ Assoc. Says Malfunction Stresses Need For Second Poe-Sized Lock A malfunction of the Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on Sept. 24 has illustrated the pressing need for Congress to appropriate the funds to build another lock capable of handling the largest U.S.-Flag Great Lakes freighters, according to a key industry group. Although the vessel delays totaled only about three hours, had the problem been more severe, cargo movement on the Lakes would have slowed to a trickle, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). The group on Sept. 30 pointed out those U.S.-flag Lakers whose length and/or beam restrict them to the Poe Lock represent 70 percent of U.S.-flag carrying capacity. “The Poe Lock that connects Lake 6 Seafarers LOG Superior to the lower Great Lakes is the single point of failure that can cripple Great Lakes shipping,” said James H.I. Weakley, LCA president. “In 2007, the Poe Lock handled nearly 65 million tons of cargo. Without that lock, America’s steel industry is cut off from its major source of iron ore. Without that lock, Great Lakes basin utilities are denied access to clean burning, low-sulfur coal. There just aren’t enough ships that are small enough to transit the MacArthur Lock to make up for loss of Poe-class vessels.” The LCA represents 16 member companies which operate 63 U.S.-flag selfpropelled vessels and integrated tug/barge units. The need for a second Poe-sized lock (Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Shown from left to right at the Soo Locks are the MacArthur, Poe, Davis and Sabin locks. was recognized as long ago as 1986, according to the association. The Water Resources Development Act of that year authorized construction, but a lengthy debate over funding followed. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of Congressman James L. Oberstar (DMinn.), the funding logjam was broken last year when Congress authorized construction at full federal expense,” the Continued on Page 7 November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:42 AM Page 7 Cleanup equipment is unloaded in Galveston, Texas, from the SIUcontracted Alliance New York, photo at left. In photo above, some of the Seafarers sailing aboard the Alliance New York are pictured last month. Seafarers Help in Hurricane’s Aftermath G&H Towing Praises SIU Members’ ‘Dedication and Commitment’ SIU members are helping with relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region following Hurricane Ike. Among other activities, crews from the Alliance New York recently transported cleanup equipment to Galveston, Texas, while Seafarers temporarily assigned to the training ship Texas Clipper (also docked in Galveston) are providing food and housing for some of the families displaced by the hurricane. Meanwhile, SIU boatmen employed by Galvestonbased G&H Towing Company recently were commended by the company for their outstanding efforts before, during and after the storm, which struck the area in mid-September. In a communication last month to the crews and the union, G&H praised the Seafarers’ performance and announced issuance of “a one-time special compensation” to be paid to eligible mariners. In its letter to the crew, the company noted, “We sailed over 80 ships from the Ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City, Freeport and Corpus Christi in advance of the hurricane. Our crews then towed laid-up tugs to safe mooring locations, repositioned tugs to their assigned locations and made final preparations for the hurricane’s arrival. Through your efforts all of our tugs made it through the storm undamaged. “Following the storm, we coordinated a crew change of the entire fleet of tugs based in Houston at Jacintoport. The cooperation and can-do attitude of all crew members following the storm was inspiring…. Many personnel offered to work extra, since their homes were damaged or without utility services. Your dedication and commitment was evident and appreciated.” Seafarers temporarily assigned to the training ship Texas Clipper are using their skills to assist local families. TWIC Clock Continues to Tick Association Cites Need For Second U.S. Mariners Need Credential by April 15, 2009 Poe-Sized Lock Continued from Page 6 association pointed out in a news release. “We were lucky this time,” said Weakley. “There was unusually light traffic and the Corps was able to respond quickly. Nonetheless, the Poe Lock is nearly 40 years old. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does a fantastic job of maintaining the locks at the Soo, but mechanical problems are inevitable as the infrastructure ages. Great Lakes shipping is the raw-materials lifeline for America’s industrial heartland. We must twin the Poe Lock as soon as possible; $17 million has been appropriated to begin in-depth design work and build coffer dams, but in total, the project will cost more than $340 million and could take as much as 10 years to complete. Every day we wait puts America’s economy at risk. The railroads don’t have the rolling stock to haul the cargo that moves on the Great Lakes. Even if they did, ships burn less fuel and produce fewer emissions than trains (and trucks). Loss of the Poe Lock won’t just hurt the economy, it will harm the environment.” Many of the ships operated by LCA member companies carry SIU crews. These vessels transport 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, the ships can transport more than 115 million tons of cargo a year when high water levels offset the lack of adequate dredging of Great Lakes ports and waterways (another ongoing fight cited by the LCA and others). November 2008 While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated that it has begun enforcing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program at various U.S. ports, the deadline for mariners to acquire this new document remains the same: April 15, 2009. In the interim, as reported numerous times, a valid zcard/merchant mariner document is considered sufficient documentation for mariners to comply with the TWIC requirements. Many Seafarers already have acquired their TWICs or at least have enrolled for them. Based on feedback both at monthly membership meetings and via other communications, the process has been decidedly mixed for SIU members and officials. Nevertheless, the TWIC is not optional for U.S. mariners – it is a federally mandated card required for unescorted access in ports and aboard ships. With that in mind – and in part because of what generously may be described as occasional hiccups in the enrollment process – members are urged to apply for their TWICs as soon as possible. As of mid-October, there was no official word on implementation of another critical component of U.S. seafarer credentialing – the merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC), which eventually is supposed to replace the current z-card/MMD. Before the TWIC deadline for mariners got bumped from September 2008 to April 2009, the government had announced plans to issue a final rule on the MMC program. Interim communications indicated that the MMC may be a paper document rather than one in the traditional z-card style; would cost less than today’s z-card; and may be acquired entirely by mail, without having to visit a Coast Guard regional examination center. (Most or all of the information currently submitted in person at one of the RECs already would have been submitted at a TWIC enrollment center when an individual applied for a TWIC, removing the need, though not eliminating the option, to apply for an MMC in person.) Since then, there has been a shortage of information about the MMC program but the union is monitoring the situation and will publicize the details as they become known. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security early last month reported that more than 576,000 individuals had pre-enrolled for TWICs, while more than 363,000 cards had been activated. The latter figure is far below the projected 1 million-plus individuals who are estimated to need a TWIC, which has renewed concerns throughout the industry about effective implementation and enforcement. ■ Pre-Enroll For more information On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-3478942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov 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 card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Step-by-step instructions 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/TWIC WebApp/ 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. ■ 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 Seafarers LOG 7 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:42 AM Page 8 The USNS Mercy (photo above) is pictured near Weno Island, Micronesia. Humanitarian assistance was vital to the people who live in Papua, New Guinea, part of which is visible in the foreground of the photo at right. CIVMAR-Crewed USNS Mercy Completes Deployment The U.S. Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy, carrying an unlicensed crew of SIU Government Services Division members, returned to San Diego Sept. 25 after completing Pacific Partnership, a four-month humanitarian, civic assistance and theater security cooperation mission, conducted with countries from the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. According to MSC, throughout the 2008 Pacific Partnership mission, the Mercy served as an enabling platform for military and nongovernmental organizations to coordinate and carry out relationship-building work in the Republic of the Philippines, Vietnam, the Federated States of Micronesia, TimorLeste and Papua New Guinea. During this year’s mission more than 90,000 patients were treated by the medical teams from the Mercy. Among those treated were more than 14,000 dental patients and more than 1,300 surgery patients in various locations throughout the Western Pacific. “With thousands of people who benefited from the mission, it’s humbling to think that only 67 civilian mariners drove the ship,” said the Mercy’s civil service master, Capt. Robert Wiley. “While the Mercy’s focus was primarily medical, the mission wouldn’t have been possible without the civil service mariners getting the ship were it needed to go.” The civil service mariners or CIVMARS embarked for the deployment were responsible for the Mercy’s navigation, propulsion and engineering services. Because of the Mercy’s size, it wasn’t able to pull pierside in any of the countries, so CIVMARS also operated two 33-foot utility boats that were used Cook Drew Stanley (right) serves lunch to Bosun Gerald Butch. to ferry patients and mission personnel between ship and shore. “The mariners were the first that patients saw and the last when they departed,” said Navy Capt. Jim Rice, the Mercy’s embarked Military Treatment Facility commander. “They left a lasting impression.” In addition to running the ship and transporting patients, the Mercy’s CIVMARS contributed to Pacific Partnership’s community outreach, the agency noted. They assisted Navy Seabees with engineering projects that improved life for people in the host countries. The projects ranged from repairing plumbing, playground equipment and lighting in a local school and health clinic in Vietnam to fixing air conditioning in a hospital in Papua New Guinea. “Throughout Pacific Partnership, the Government Services Representative Kate Hunt speaks with crew members. professionalism of Mercy’s civilian mariners and the support of Military Sealift Command were vital to the success of the mission,” said Navy Capt. William Kearns, Pacific Partnership mission commander. The Mercy’s military treatment facility included personnel from public health/preventive medicine; U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force medicine; and U.S. Public Health Service. Nongovernmental organizations also embarked to provide medical support throughout the mission. The USNS Mercy is one of two U.S. Navy hospital ships owned and operated by MSC. In 2007, the Mercy’s sister ship, the USNS Comfort, deployed on a similar four-month humanitarian mission that treated more than 98,000 people in 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Bosun Gerald Butch pitches in to sweep the deck. With SIU CIVMARS Aboard the USNS Comfort These photos were taken in mid-September aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort in Baltimore. The vessel carries an unlicensed crew of SIU Government Services Division members. AB Curtis Watson III runs a deck resurfacer. 8 Seafarers LOG The vessel includes this mock-up of an operating room. SIU Baltimore Acting Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (left) and SIU Government Services Division Representative Kate Hunt are pictured near the ship. November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 November 2008 1:42 AM Page 9 Seafarers LOG 9 �52060x:2060p0 10/27/2008 1:38 PM Page 10 Members are sworn in as they receive their books in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. From left to right are Julio Marcone, Lorenzo Alvarez, Robert Rocanelli and Johnny Palencia. Alvarez received his “B” book; the others, their respective “A” books. Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale – Attendance was very strong at the September membership meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where the photos on the top portion of this page were taken. In addition to the presentation of the regular reports, representatives from the Florida AFL-CIO addressed the membership and encouraged everyone to register and vote. Among those present (clockwise from above) were Seafarers Alfredo Rodriguez, Allan Green, Errol Mullings and Randolph Scott; ACU German Solar Sr. and QMED Gerardo Vega, and OMU Hipolita Rochez and ACU Elena Lee. Safety Director Kevin Marchand (right) conducts orientation at the hall. Topics included the unlicensed apprentice program at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU Safety Award – Lifeboat Drill in Philly – OS Veronica Hernandez recently submitted these photos of a lifeboat drill aboard the new tanker Overseas New York. The drill took place last spring while the vessel was docked at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, site of its construction. Recertified Bosun Dan Laitinen (above right) recently earned a cash award from Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) for his safety-related efforts aboard the Maersk Rhode Island. Capt. James H. Walker (above left) reports that the bosun “earned the safety award for leading his crew on safely chipping and painting the above-deck cargo pipelines. This was a particularly difficult job to do safely since the pipelines are about three meters above the cargo deck and don’t offer any convenient flat surface from which to work. Mr. Laitinen’s leadership was instrumental in getting this job done safely and effectively. It is an honor to have such a fine leader and professional in the deck department aboard the Maersk Rhode Island.” The award is part of an overall safety program aggressively implemented by MLL with support from maritime labor. Celebrating a Milestone – In early September, Seafarers at Crowley-Petty’s Island (including those pictured above) observed a praiseworthy milestone. Specifically, they celebrated one year of accident-free work. Seafarers at the facility, located in the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, work with barges and RO/ROs. Seafarers Deliver – Capt. Garry Matthews in late August sent this picture of the SIU-crewed tugboat American Patriot (left) delivering cranes in Lagos, Nigeria, for APM Terminals. The cranes are secured on an unmanned barge. The tug is operated by American Marine Corporation. 10 Seafarers LOG November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:43 AM Page 11 The Seafarers-contracted Swift, pictured near the battleship USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is a versatile vessel that can sail at up to 42 knots. In this U.S. Navy photo from 2004, the HSV Swift passes through the drawbridge portion of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge en route to Alexandria, Va., just up the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Following Safety Training, Crew Says, ‘We’re Ready’ Nine Seafarers who recently completed safety training at the Paul Hall Center said the coursework substantially helped prepare them for upcoming assignment aboard the HSV Swift, operated by Sealift, Inc. Because the Swift has a helicopter flight deck and is involved in operations for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), Sealift asked the union-affiliated school to arrange for helicopter fire fighting training and chemical, biological and radiological defense (CBRD) training for the crew members. Toward the end of their instruction in early October, the experienced Seafarers Bosun Richard Fugit, AB Leo Batiste, AB Vladimir Filip, QMED Bryan Fletcher, QMED Russell Lino, QMED Oscar Pena, Chief Cook Rafael Chow, Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova and Chief Cook Andres Cruz said they were ready to go to the ship for the first time. (The high-speed vessel is a relatively new addition to the Seafarerscontracted fleet.) They all said they appreciated the top-notch training they received at the Piney Point, Md.-based school. While most of the members have been on MSC-related vessels before (for example, Cordova recalled how he helped prepare and serve 2,500 meals a day during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts), they look forward to the new experience aboard the Swift and believe this round of training has prepared them for the special mission of the ship. “MSC and Sealift are really getting their bang for the buck at this school,” said Fugit. “I can’t wait to get on board.” “Unique” is a word many people use to describe the Swift. The 331-foot long catamaran was first deployed under contract with Military Sealift Command in 2003 and has done a myriad of U.S. Navy task force operations varying from delivering cargo to humanitarian missions around the world. The Swift’s wave-piercing catamaran hull is capable of more than 42 knots, according to MSC. It was developed as a support ship as part of the Navy’s sea-basing, prepositioning strategy and is slated for upcoming assignments in Central and South America. The Paul Hall Center established its helicopter or helo fire fighting course to meet the unique needs of MSC. Last year, the course – which blends practical training with classroom instruction – received formal accreditation from the agency. Helicopter fire fighting training includes main topics such as fire chemistry; flight quarters organization; personal protective equipment; fire fighting equipment; helicopter types; and helicopter fire fighting tactics (including practical exercises on combating engine fires, cargo fires and more). CBRD is an eight-hour course designed to inform students of the dangers associated with weapons of mass destruction, how best to protect themselves and their vessels, and their responsibilities in a CBR environment. As quoted from the MSC guideline for the class: “The primary focus of this course is the knowledge of personal protection equipment, with an emphasis on survivability of the individual and the ship, and to impart confidence in their ability to survive and exist in a contaminated environment.” Earlier this year, when Sealift was awarded the contract to operate the Swift, the company noted that the ship will be deployed worldwide in support of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and the war on terrorism. The vessel also will be used for “emerging operational concepts such as sea-basing and the Global Fleet Station,” the latter of which is a military operation directed by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. In these three photos, students engage in hands-on training in Piney Point, Md., prior to signing on aboard the HSV Swift. The coursework took place at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a component of the Paul Hall Center. Paul Hall Center Offers Career Advancement 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 state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Following 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. November 2008 Deck Department Spotlight Government Vessels This three-week class is open to mariners sailing in any department. The course is structured as three one-week, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses. (Prerequisites: No additional.) Seafarers LOG 11 �52060x:2060p0 10/27/2008 1:39 PM Page 12 SIU crew members are working aboard the Savannah to decommmission, “safe store” and preserve the historic landmark. They are (above, left to right): GVA Yvonne Swann, GVA Therman Ames and Electrician Charles Wharton. The NS Savannah (photo at right) currently is moored in Baltimore. The vessel’s commissioning plaque (photo inset) provides a wealth of information about its history. Seafarers are ‘Part of History’ Aboard NS Cutaway model of the Savannah’s nuclear reactor “Not many SIU members can say they are part of this history,” said Charles Wharton, electrician aboard the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant vessel, the NS Savannah. The four SIU members on the Savannah are working for Keystone Shipping Services Inc. at the Port of Baltimore to decommission, “safe store” and preserve the historic landmark. The Savannah, a combination cargo and passenger ship, was named by President Dwight Eisenhower in memory of the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic in 1819. It was conceived in the 1950s as part of Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” program in which the president proposed research programs for peaceful uses of atomic energy. The ship was designed, constructed and operated as a joint research and development project of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). MarAd supplied the ship and the AEC contributed the reactor and related nuclear systems. Its sponsor was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. The keel of the Savannah was laid in Camden, N.J., and, of course, its home was the Port of Savannah, Ga. Its sleek design and steam generators allowed the 595-foot long ship to reach a cruising speed of 21 knots. The Savannah had spacious lounges, passenger rooms, a dance floor, a bar, a barber shop a huge state-of-the-art galley with an original RadarRange microwave oven (which is still onboard), plus a hospital and a swimming pool. The crew didn’t have it bad either. Crew cabins were spacious by the standards of the era and were shared by two crew members. The ship’s interior included plenty of stainless steel and tile, and an art deco flair. But, while the Savannah may look and sound like a luxury ride, it has a 9,400 deadweight ton cargo capacity and three now-operational cranes thanks to the crew. The ship’s reactor was first brought to power in 1961, with seagoing trials following in 1962. The AEC ended its participation in the project in 1965, transferring liability and title of the reactor to MarAd. The Savannah was operated in experimental and commercial demonstration service throughout the 1960s. Having carried hundreds of passengers (many given passage at no cost) and thousands of pounds of cargo along and east and west coasts and through the Panama Canal, it completed its research and development objectives, and was removed from service in 1970. When alternative uses for the ship failed to materialize, its nuclear power plant w defueled, partially decommissioned, a prepared for long-term lay-up under c temporary best practices. From 1981 to 1994 the vessel was bareboat chartered to the Patriots Poi Development Authority of Charleston S.C., for public display. During that p od the PPDA was designated a “colicensee” for the reactor and exercise custody of the ship – but ownership remained with MarAd and still does today. The ship’s charter was termina by mutual agreement in 1994 when th vessel was removed from Charleston drydocking. Then, the Savannah was placed in MarAd’s James River Rese Fleet for long-term retention in accor dance with the circa 1970 lay-up plan MarAd has no present plans to dis pose of the ship. It is a registered National Historic Landmark, and in t future the agency hopes to develop a program for its long-term preservatio Keystone is currently working toward decommissioning which will include up to 10-year project of removing the reactor and scheduled preservation w MarAd’s goal is to make the ship ava A mural of the ship’s reactor room (photo at left) was painted in the vessel’s entrance passageway for passengers to see when they came aboard. The ship’s original veranda opened (above) to the swimming pool. At right is a photo of one of the ship’s original dining areas. Notice the model of the SS Savannah at left. 12 Seafarers LOG November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:43 AM Page 13 Clockwise from above, Electrician Wharton stands next to the ship’s reactor control board. The remaining photos show the Savannah’s engine room, control board, and hospital. S Savannah s When ed to ant was ned, and nder conl was s Point eston, that pericorcised ship does minated hen the eston for was Reserve accorp plan. o disd d in the op a vation. oward its lude an ng the on work. p avail- able for preservation through its Ship Donation Program. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducts regular inspections and has deemed the ship safe. “The nuclear material was taken off years ago and the NRC has many safeguards. There’s no risk to us [the crew] and I really enjoy being part of history and doing something not many get a chance to do,” says GVA Yvonne Swann. “This is going to be another SIU job well done,” exclaimed GVA Therman Ames about serving aboard the Savannah. “This is a great job because there’s always something different for each of us to do.” According to the SIU members who were on board in September, the many different jobs have included removing mold and mildew, electrical work, chipping, painting, getting furniture reupholstered, replacing old floor tile and many mechanical jobs in effort to help preserve the landmark and get the sleek ship as near to original condition as possible. They are also in the process of installing an air conditioning system and just finished reconstruction of some cargo winches. “It’s an exciting labor of love that we’re all proud to do,” said Swann. The ship’s barbershop is shown above while the photo at immediate right shows a typical crew cabin. The main reactor room hatch, complete with radiation indicator, is depicted at far right. The hatch is inspected regularly by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. An original RadarRange microwave oven (above, left) is still in the Savannah’s galley (above, right). November 2008 Seafarers LOG 13 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:44 AM Page 14 SIU Plan Offers Eight Scholarships For 2009 Seafarers, Dependents May Apply The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan each year offers scholarships to qualified Seafarers and dependents who are interested in furthering their education. Designed to ease the financial challenges associated with college and vocational studies, the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program will offer eight awards: three will be designated for Seafarers and five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the scholarships reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a fouryear, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000 apiece. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to send for the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. The package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. To obtain a copy of this handout, simply complete the form which appears below and return it to the address provided. As an alternative to requesting a package through the mail, they also are available at SIU halls. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria to determine if they are eligible to participate. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be received by April 15, 2009. Items that need to be incorporated in the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since some institutions respond slowly in handling transcript needs, requests should be made as early as possible. Letters of recommendation – solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals – should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate are also required and should accompany the package. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2009. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Don’t allow the rapidly increasing costs of higher education prevent you from realizing your goals—the SHBP Scholarship Program can make a real difference. Please send me the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name ................................................................................................................................ Street Address ................................................................................................................. City, State, Zip Code ...................................................................................................... Telephone Number ..........( This application is for: ).................................................................................... Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 14 Seafarers LOG 11/08 Union Plus Scholarship Program Makes Starting, Continuing Education Affordable Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $2.5 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. More than 1,700 families have benefited from this commitment to higher education. The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. The students selected for university, college, trade school or technical scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Eligibility for Scholarships Because the SIU participates in Union Plus, current and retired SIU members, their spouses and their dependent children (including foster children, step children, and any other child for whom the individual member provides greater than 50 percent of his or her support) can apply for a Union Plus Scholarship. (Participating union members from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible.) Members do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or participate in any Union Plus programs to apply for the scholarships, and scholarship awards are not based upon participation in a Union Plus program. The individual must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Note: Graduate students are now eligible. Evaluation criteria The scholarship program is open to students attending or planning to attend a college or university, a community college, or a technical college or trade school. Applicants for scholarships are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. Scholarship applications are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators. Applications are first reviewed by a panel of independent career professionals. Semi-finalists are chosen based on a point scale, and their applications are then provided to judges for further review and selection of finalists and awards. Program judges include representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Scholarship award amounts The amount of the award ranges from $500-$4,000. This is a one-time cash award sent to individual winners for study beginning in the fall of the same year. How to apply For information about obtaining the Union Plus Scholarship application, visit the Union Plus web site at www.unionprivilege.org/benefits/education/scholarships/u p.cfm or call 1-800-452-9425. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2009. Selected scholarship recipients’ names will be announced May 31. Due to the high volume of applications, only winners receive notification. Deadline: All applications must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2009. November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:44 AM Page 15 December 2008 & January 2009 Membership Meetings Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea September 16, 2008 — October 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point..........................Monday: December 8, January 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Algonac ................................Friday: December 12, January 9 Port Baltimore.........................Thursday: December 11, January 8 Boston ..................................Friday: December 12, January 9 Guam..................Friday: December 26, Thursday, January 22 Honolulu ........................... Friday: December 19, January 16 Houston.............................Monday: December 15, January 12 Jacksonville..................... Thursday: December 11, January 8 Joliet...............................Thursday: December 18, January 15 Mobile.........................Wednesday: December 17, January 14 New Orleans...........................Tuesday: December 16, January 13 New York.............................Tuesday: December 9, January 6 Norfolk.............................Thursday: December 11, January 8 Oakland ..........................Thursday: December 18, January 15 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 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: December 10, January 7 Port Port Everglades ..............Thursday: December 18, January 15 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 San Juan ...........................Thursday: December 11, January 8 St. Louis ..............................Friday: December 19, January 16 Tacoma................................Friday: December 26, January 23 Wilmington...........................Monday: December 22, January 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals Idania Pearson is looking for SIU member Kendrid Jackson. She asks that Jackson contact her as soon as possible at (773) 651-7583. Alicia Rios would like Albert Rios (formerly of Denver, Co.) or anyone who sailed with him to contact her at (801) 414-8468. Albert began sailing with the SIU in the late 40’s. Holiday Closures Please be advised that—unless an emergency arises—SIU Headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 for the observance of Veterans’ Day, and Thursday, Nov. 27 for the observance of Thanksgiving. Normal business hours will resume at all affected locations the following workdays after the respective holidays. Dig up some SIU treasures online at the Slop Chest: www.siustore.com Visit the store and place your order today! November 2008 Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 2 0 5 17 3 8 50 27 1 17 21 44 21 20 5 0 10 5 32 19 3 5 4 7 5 8 22 29 2 5 4 31 24 13 3 7 5 7 29 21 0 2 0 3 3 1 5 3 1 1 2 5 3 1 2 0 0 0 4 5 0 1 4 5 2 3 31 27 2 11 14 27 12 23 3 0 8 0 27 23 1 3 10 13 5 7 16 9 0 4 4 12 16 9 0 3 6 5 18 17 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 16 15 0 3 16 8 3 6 1 1 2 0 19 12 3 0 12 25 3 16 74 49 0 24 31 88 22 40 4 0 12 5 66 40 5 7 6 20 5 14 43 41 3 11 12 50 29 21 9 11 12 9 39 35 1 2 0 3 3 0 7 5 1 2 4 10 7 3 4 0 1 0 3 10 307 234 40 223 158 16 108 514 382 66 0 0 3 8 1 5 13 22 0 4 11 15 11 9 2 0 4 1 8 6 0 0 3 7 1 1 17 12 1 4 2 12 9 5 0 3 6 4 20 11 0 0 1 0 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 123 118 20 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 Totals Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 1 5 1 3 12 8 1 4 0 7 8 3 2 3 3 1 8 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 15 0 2 1 4 3 5 1 1 3 1 8 5 0 0 3 14 1 12 29 31 1 8 17 24 14 11 3 0 5 2 28 16 1 3 6 11 3 3 21 30 1 6 5 22 24 13 2 4 8 9 29 21 0 1 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 2 3 6 3 0 0 1 0 3 3 92 75 12 48 219 222 32 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 2 7 1 3 23 17 0 4 6 19 11 13 1 1 0 0 12 22 2 0 1 10 2 0 6 9 0 2 2 5 16 4 0 0 0 1 6 7 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 143 73 13 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 0 0 3 3 1 5 7 13 0 5 4 7 9 13 2 2 4 0 10 4 1 0 2 3 2 6 12 17 0 5 5 16 7 12 3 3 1 0 14 11 3 0 0 2 1 0 6 5 0 0 1 2 10 3 0 1 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 7 0 1 1 7 3 9 1 2 0 0 6 7 1 0 3 15 4 14 36 30 0 7 10 34 11 34 4 2 1 0 21 44 3 0 1 14 3 4 10 13 0 4 5 13 21 7 0 0 4 2 6 8 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 4 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 120 44 6 47 271 119 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 4 0 1 2 6 0 7 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 3 8 0 2 25 17 1 5 6 25 16 12 0 6 4 0 12 8 3 1 1 10 1 5 3 11 1 5 1 12 12 9 1 17 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 0 1 1 4 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 7 0 2 13 12 0 4 2 16 9 7 1 6 0 0 10 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 5 4 0 2 0 3 6 1 0 19 1 0 1 3 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 3 9 3 0 1 1 10 1 5 0 0 0 0 6 5 2 1 5 13 4 8 39 43 1 6 7 60 25 29 0 3 10 1 26 21 6 1 1 14 2 11 12 5 1 7 1 17 29 23 2 3 0 0 8 13 29 156 106 19 95 52 0 38 300 163 602 581 179 454 372 86 203 1042 1023 279 Seafarers LOG 15 �52060x:2060p0 10/27/2008 1:41 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 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 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 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 16 Seafarers LOG ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of Seafarers Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 13-6100329 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. 1 This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007 (Plan Year). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was more than 100%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of January 1, 2007 was $676,381,358. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $32,262,397. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 21.0:1. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 21 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer 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 1-800877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1800-400-7242. Rules Governing 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). 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. 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. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 51-6097856 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing 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, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007 (Plan Year). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 134.9%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of January 1, 2007 was $8,253,399. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $401,162. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 20.6. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 21 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing 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 ´ $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 ´ 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 ´ $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 ´ 10). 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. 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 office of the Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, 301-899-0675. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer 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 1800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242). November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:44 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 SALIH ALI Brother Salih Ali, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1981. He was born in Yemen and attended classes on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Ali’s first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Horizon Consumer. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Ali resides in Dearborn, Mich. GREG BLASQUEZ Brother Greg Blasquez, 57, was born in California. He joined the union in 1970, initially sailing on the Trans Oneida. Brother Blasquez was a member of the engine department. He upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. Brother Blasquez’s final trip was aboard the Oakland. He makes his home in Concord, Calif. GABRIEL BONEFONT Brother Gabriel Bonefont, 63, became an SIU member in 1964. Brother Bonefont’s first voyage was on the Thetis. He was born in San Juan and worked in the deck department. Brother Bonefont enhanced his seafaring abilities frequently at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the ITB Mobile. Brother Bonefont is a resident of Houston. MIKE BUBAKER Brother Mike Bubaker, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He originally shipped on the Inger as a member of the steward department. Brother Bubaker was born in Yemen. In 1987 and 2000, he completed classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bubaker last sailed aboard the Great Land. He calls Detroit home. OSVALDO CASTAGNINO Brother Osvaldo Castagnino, 70, first went to sea as an SIU member in 1987 on the USNS Prevail. He was born in Rojas, Ariz. November 2008 Brother Castagnino upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked aboard the Cape Trinity. Brother Castagnino lives in Houston. RALPH GIBBS Brother Ralph Gibbs, 71, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1961 while in the port of New York. He initially sailed with Cape Waterways Inc. Brother Gibbs was born in Pennsylvania. The deck department member’s final voyage was on the Cape Hudson. Brother Gibbs often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the SIU-affiliated school. He settled in Fairfield, Calif. RICHARD HANNON Brother Richard Hannon, 64, signed on with the SIU in 1966. His earliest trip to sea was on an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Hannon worked in the engine department. He upgraded his skills frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Hannon last shipped aboard the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus. He continues to reside in his native state of Alabama. GORDON HILTBRUNER Brother Gordon Hiltbruner, 72, started sailing with the union in 1990 while in the port of Seattle. He originally worked on the Chief Gabao, in the engine department. Brother Hiltbruner was born in Washington State. He enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and 2003. Brother Hiltbruner’s most recent voyage was aboard the Great Land. He makes his home in Fife, Wash. CHARLES JOHNSON Brother Charles Johnson, 64, was born in Virginia. He joined the SIU in 1961, initially shipping on the Good Fellow. Brother Johnson was a member of the engine department. He attended classes on two occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Johnson’s final trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Producer. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. JOHN “EYE BALL” LANDRY, SR. Brother John Landry Sr., 65, became a Seafarer in 1974 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Monticello. Brother Landry was born in Texas and sailed in the deck department. He upgraded in 1979 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Landry’s last ship was the Liberty Wave. He calls Port Arthur, Texas, home. DANIEL LOBRANDON Brother Daniel LoBrandon, 51, began shipping with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1987 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member first worked aboard the Delta Queen. Brother LoBrandon enhanced his seafaring abilities numerous times at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the Manoa. Brother LoBrandon was born in Louisiana and settled in San Francisco. GUY PRECOTT Brother Guy Precott, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He was primarily employed with American Overseas Marine during his seafaring career aboard vessels such as the USNS Curtiss and the Dewayne T. Williams. Brother Precott upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. The steward department member continues to live in his native state of Florida. KENNETH SMITH Brother Kenneth Smith, 71, started his SIU career in 2001 while in the port of Seattle. He originally sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. Brother Smith was born in Los Angeles and sailed in the engine department. In 2001 and 2002, he attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Smith last shipped aboard the 1st Lt. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1950 Statistics about the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet show that in the 90 days following the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, U.S. merchant shipping shifted gears from normal world trade overnight and sent more than 80 privately owned ships streaming to Korea laden with war supplies. At the same time, American seamen were called upon to take from the boneyard more than 130 government-owned idle ships, fit them out, load cargo and rush westward to the battle zone. Of these ships, 33 privately owned vessels and 13 government-owned ships were manned by SIU crews. During this critical period the U.S. ships carried 80 percent of the three million tons of cargo – exclusive of petroleum products – delivered. The vessels carried 300 times the amount carried by air. Baldomero Lopez. He resides in Franklin, Tenn. ANGEL SOTOMAYER Brother Angel Sotomayer, 65, joined the union in 1969 while in the port of New York. His earliest voyage was with OMI Bulk Corporation. Brother Sotomayer, who sailed in all three shipboard departments, was born in Puerto Rico. He enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the SIUaffiliated school. Brother Sotomayer’s final voyage was on the El Morro. He makes his home in Levitown, P.R. 1972 At approximately 10 a.m., the Steel Designer’s fire alarm sounded. The ship was transporting a load of sodium hydroclorite 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 oxygen-starved blaze. This Month In SIU History 1961 A dress rehearsal session for fuel-loading procedures for the NS Savannah, the first nuclear-powered merchant ship, went off without a hitch in Camden, N.J. The practice loading procedures were complete in every way but one – no atomic fuel was used. The four-hour run-through was designed to help ensure complete safety when the actual loading of reactor fuel takes place. 1986 After 45 days in a small rickety boat, 15 Vietnamese refuges were finally plucked from the ocean by the LNG Aries. The refugees said several ships had passed them during their weeks at sea and none had stopped except the Aries. The Aries’ SIU crew donated clean, dry clothes to the refugees as well as fixing them a top-notch meal. Seafarers LOG 17 �52060x:2060p0 10/27/2008 1:51 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA CLARENCE BURGO Pensioner Clarence Burgo, 81, passed away July 28. Brother Burgo joined the union in 1966. He first worked on the Peco as a member of the deck department. Brother Burgo was born in Hawaii. His final voyage was with Ocean Carriers Inc. Brother Burgo began receiving his pension in 1990 and continued to reside in Hawaii. JAMES COLSON Pensioner James Colson, 75, died July 29. Brother Colson, a member of the deck department, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1963. He initially shipped on the Madaket. Brother Colson was born in Seattle. His last trip to sea was aboard the Voyager. Brother Colson retired in 1997 and made his home in Chehalis, Wash. ARTHUR HINZ Pensioner Arthur Hinz, 87, passed away April 7. Brother Hinz donned the SIU colors in 1964. His first voyage was on a Bulk Transport Inc. vessel. Brother Hinz worked in the deck department. He was born in Minnesota. Brother Hinz most recently shipped aboard the Overseas Alice. He lived in San Francisco and went on pension in 1987. CHARLES HOWELL Pensioner Charles Howell, 63, died Aug. 20. Brother Howell became a Seafarer in 1964 while in the port of New York. The deck department member’s earliest trip was on the Cape Washington. Brother Howell was born in Fayette, Ala. He last worked aboard the Endurance. Brother Howell was a resident of El Paso, Texas. He became a pensioner in 1998. JEFFERY JENKINSON Brother Jeffery Jenkinson, 55, passed away July 29. He was born in Alabama. Brother Jenkinson began sailing with the SIU in 2003 while in 18 Seafarers LOG Seattle. His first ship was the Cleveland; his last was the USNS Roy M. Wheat. Brother Jenkinson was a member of the deck department. He called Alaska home. PERCY KENNEDY Pensioner Percy Kennedy, 83, died Sept. 9. Brother Kennedy signed on with the Seafarers in 1951. His earliest voyage was on the Alcoa Pioneer. Brother Kennedy, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Pearl River, La. Prior to his retirement in 1987, he worked aboard the Archon. Brother Kennedy continued to live in Louisiana. ARTHUR LANG Pensioner Arthur Lang, 71, passed away Sept. 6. Brother Lang started shipping with the union in 1968. He was born in Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Lang sailed in the engine department, originally on the Longview Victory. He was last employed aboard the Achiever. Brother Lang began collecting his pension in 1999. He made his home in Florida. ERNESTO MARDONES Pensioner Ernesto Mardones, 88, died Aug. 3. Brother Mardones joined the SIU in 1972 while in the port of New York. He initially shipped on the R. D. Conrad. Brother Mardones was born in Chile. The engine department member most recently sailed aboard the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Mardones settled in Shellville, Ga. He retired in 1991. JOHNNIE McCREE JR. Pensioner Johnnie McCree Jr., 82, passed away Sept. 2. Brother McCree donned the SIU colors in 1951. He first worked with Ore Navigation Corporation as a member of the steward department. Brother McCree was born in Alabama. His final trip was on the Horizon Pacific. Brother McCree went on pension in 1994 and resided in San Pablo, Calif. VINCENT TARALLO Pensioner Vincent Tarallo, 84, died, Aug. 4. Brother Tarallo became a Seafarer in 1951. His first voyage was aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Tarallo was a New York native. His final trip was on the Albany, where he shipped in the engine department. Brother Tarallo started receiving his retirement compensation in 1989 and called San Bruno, Calif., home. INLAND PAUL EVANS Pensioner Paul Evans, 81, passed away Aug. 11. Brother Evans started shipping with the SIU in 1969. During his seafaring career, he worked as a member of the deck department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Evans originally sailed aboard an Allied Transportation Company vessel. His last trip to sea was on the Cape Flattery. Brother Evans went on pension in 1992 and made his home in North Carolina. CECIL FERRELL Pensioner Cecil Ferrell, 81, died Aug. 28. Brother Ferrell was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He began sailing with the union in 1964. Brother Ferrell primarily worked aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. He retired in 1988 and continued to live in Texas. HENRY MEAD Pensioner Henry Mead, 81, passed away Aug. 29. Brother Mead signed on with the SIU in 1961. He was initially employed with Pennsylvania Railroad, Port of Norfolk. Brother Mead was born in Jersey City, N.J. Before retiring in 1989, he shipped on a New York Cross Harbor vessel. Brother Mead was a resident of New Jersey. ELLIOTT WHITE Pensioner Elliot White, 97, died Sept. 16. Brother White joined the union in 1962. He mainly sailed with McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother White was born in North Carolina but settled in Glen Burnie, Md. GREAT LAKES DONALD BLESENER Pensioner Donald Blesener, 85, passed away Aug. 2. Brother Blesener donned the SIU colors in 1961 while in Duluth, Minn. The deck department member worked with Great Lakes Towing Company for the duration of his career. Brother Blesener continued to reside in his native state of Minnesota. ROBERT KURKERWICZ Pensioner Robert Kurkerwicz, 80, died Aug. 27. Brother Kurkerwicz became a union member in 1947 while in the port of Detroit. He originally worked with Inland Lakes Management as a member of the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 1988, Brother Kurkerwicz shipped aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He was born in Alpena, Mich., and called Wilson, Mich., home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Butt, Jack Cortes, Eriberto Dash, James Friedman, Rueben Garcia, Victor Gomez, Eberto Gomez, Marcos Gonzalez, Luis Griffith, Albert Guity, Fernando Harris, Alphonse Hause, James Holcombe, Raymond Huertas, Roberto James, Horacio Johnson, Alfred La Ferriere, Joseph Larrosa, Hugo Macias, Gonzalo Martinez, Andrew Nater, Victor Nevarez, Octavio Packer, Lewis Paddyfut, Ira Peres, Manuel Perez, Victor Peters, Francis Pumarejo, Heriberto Rios, Emeraldo Robinson, William Roussell, Henry Smith, Frank Sutton, Paul Taman, William Viola, Norberta Williams, Alan Age 92 104 89 82 90 82 86 96 92 76 92 82 86 81 81 65 82 83 89 85 90 77 79 75 92 51 83 81 89 86 86 82 80 82 90 55 DOD Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Aug. 28 Aug. 20 Sept. 11 Aug. 28 Aug. 7 Aug. 27 Aug. 24 Aug. 20 Aug. 1 Aug. 7 Sept. 5 Aug. 30 Aug. 10 Aug. 10 Sept. 9 Aug. 7 Aug. 21 Sept. 10 Aug. 21 Aug. 9 Aug. 17 Aug. 5 Sept. 13 June 18 Sept. 12 Sept. 14 Sept. 6 June 27 Sept. 6 Aug. 22 Aug. 3 Aug. 26 Aug. 3 Sept. 14 November 2008 �52060x:2060p0 10/27/2008 1:43 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HARRIETTE (Sealift Tankers Inc.), Aug. 17 – Chairman Moises Ramos, Secretary George Quinn, Deck Delegate Annie D. Walker, Steward Delegate George Quinn. Chairman discussed TWIC cutoff date and email to be sent to the union pertaining to payoff. Educational Director advised crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made regarding penalty rate of pay. Next ports: New Orleans and Houston. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 3 – Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Daniel D. Gaffney. Chairman thanked everyone for a smooth, safe voyage. Secretary stated that stores for 50 days will be purchased in Norfolk, Va. Educational director urged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to pension and vacation benefits. Request was made to purchase a universal DVD player for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 10 – Chairman Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Kristin L. Krause, Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr. Chairman talked about TWIC cards. Secretary asked crew to separate trash from plastics. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New dryers to be pur- chased in Norfolk, Va. Crew members expressed their gratitude to union for reducing requirements to qualify for benefits. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 24 – Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Williams J. Hiawatha, Deck Delegate James Burns, Engine Delegate Albert Riollano, Steward Delegate Jose F. Manandic. Chairman reported safe trip and thanked crew for working well together. Secretary asked departing Seafarers to leave rooms clean for next person. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the union-affiliated school had to offer. Treasurer stated $3,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase vacation days. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Malaga, Spain. SEABULK PRIDE (Seabulk Tankers), Aug. 29 – Chairman Philip B. McGeoghegan, Secretary Orlando A. Hill, Educational Director Cary G. Pratts, Engine Delegate Marino C. Callejas. Chairman discussed benefits of union membership. Educational director relayed message from port agent pertaining to the frequency of union meetings. He also informed all about TWIC deadline being pushed back until April 2009. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, more pillows, 2 standup refrigerators, new linen for twin beds, new treadmill and exercise bike. 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. More Snapshots from Crowley Christening As reported elsewhere in this edition, Crowley Maritime Corporation last month christened a new ATB consisting of the tugboat Courage and barge 650-5. Here are two more photos taken before the event, which was conducted in Tampa. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), Aug. 3 – Chairman Paul Wade, Secretary Robert S. Davis, Educational Director Randy D. Slue, Engine Delegate Gregory H. Holsey. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 8 in Jacksonville, Fla. He also informed members that after discharge, ship would be going to the Norfolk, Va., shipyard for at least four days for repairs. Secretary reported that captain would have another inspection on Aug. 7 and advised crew to clean rooms well, especially those getting off vessel. He also reminded mariners that communications are posted on the bulletin board outside bosun’s With Seafarers on the Antares As of the beginning of October, eight Seafarers-contracted fast sealift ships officially became part of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. While custody of the eight vessels (Algol, Altair, Antares, Bellatrix, Capella, Denebola, Pollux, and Regulus) was transferred from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command to MarAd on October 1, 2007, the title was only transferred at the start of Fiscal Year 2009. As part of the official changeover, MarAd conducted a “stack unveiling ceremony” aboard the Antares (right) on Oct. 1 in Baltimore. Pictured below are some of the Seafarers and officers in attendance along with other SIU members and officers from the nearby Denebola: OS Dennis Uchic, Bosun Jerry Costello, AB Mike Kanga, Capt. Tom Casey, AB James Roy, Bosun Francisco Bravo, GUDE Lamont Stewart II, AB Leander Garrett, Wiper Albert Marshburn, 2nd Engineer Mike Phillips and Bosun H. Walter. room. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions concerning completion of duty requirements for extra pay were discussed and answered. Crew was asked to respect “no noise” ordinance in crew quarters area such as no slamming doors, long conversations in passageways and don’t use buzzer on dryer. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., and Norfolk, Va. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 2 – Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Engine Delegate John Day, Steward Delegate Patrick L. Durnin. Chairman reported payoff would take place on Sept. 22 and went over ship’s itinerary. Secretary encouraged crew members to keep all necessary seafaring documents up to date. Educational director stressed the importance of enhancing skills at the SIU-affiliated school. He urged everyone to notify him of any lighting or electrical problems so he could take care of them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made pertaining to base wage. Bosun thanked all crew members for helping keep inside of house clean and everything running smoothly. Discussion was held regarding emergency towing exercise in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, on Aug. 30. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska, and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 12 – Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Steward Delegate Frank A. Ramones. Chairman announced payoff on Sept. 13 at sea. He urged everyone to register to vote and vote for the candidate of your choice but make your voice heard this election year. Secretary reminded those departing vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for new members coming aboard. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills often at the Piney Point school and watch expiration dates on all MMDs. He suggested apply- November 2008 ing early for TWIC cards to avoid the rush as April 2009 is approaching quickly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made concerning pension benefits. Crew thanked Wiper Tony Kpodovia for keeping laundry room and passageway spic and span. Chief cook was also thanked for a job well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif., and Honolulu. HORIZON FALCON (Horizon Lines), Sept. 14 – Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Charlfred M. Autrey, Educational Director Mathala Anwan, Deck Delegate Earl F. Sparkes, Steward Delegate Crista L. Ali. Bosun read president’s report from the Seafarers LOG. Secretary advised eligible rotary crew members to ask captain for the letter to file with their vacation applications to receive extra vacation pay if they meet the requirements. Educational director recommended Seafarers visit the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., to enhance seafaring abilities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made and carried pertaining to increasing vacation benefits and reducing retirement requirements. Seafarers expressed gratitude to steward department for good food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. USNS LAWRENCE H. GIANELLA (Ocean Ships Inc.), Sept. 28 – Chairman Bernardino R. Eda, Secretary Philip F. Lau, Educational Director David W. Badah, Engine Delegate James R. Summers, Steward Delegate Linda J. Barber. Chairman reminded members about wage increase that takes effect next month. He asked crew to sign movies in and out from the bridge. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade whenever possible at the union-affiliated school. Educational director asked crew leaving ship to make sure rooms were clean and sanitized. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Cherry Point, N.C., and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Seafarers LOG 19 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:45 AM Page 20 SEAFARERS EVERYWHERE PLEASE TAKE NOTE! Seafarers Health And Benefits Plan -Cobra Notice Are You Receiving All of Your Important Mail? To help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives the Seafarers LOG—as well as other important mail— 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 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. 11/08 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. 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. November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:45 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 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) 9940010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 10 December 5 Advanced Container Maintenance November 11 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) November 17 November 21 Celestial Navigation November 24 December 19 Radar Renewal (one day) December 8 December 8 Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) November 10 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) November 10 December 5 Welding November 3 December 1 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Basic Firefighting November 10 December 8 November 14 December 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) November 10 November 21 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 November 3. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No 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. Online “Distance Learning” Courses 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 206740075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via email. 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. Upgrading Course Guide Coming Soon A future edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to students in 2009 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training & Education in Piney Point, Md. 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 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, 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: Academic Department Courses 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 ________________________________________________ November 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. 11/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:45 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 706 - Unlicensed apprentices from Class 706 recent- Fast Rescue Boat – The following individuals (above, in no ly completed the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order were): Aurelio Anderson, Collins Brooks, Jeffery Caraway, Melvin Cooper, Diogenes Derecho, Jarrell Dorsey, Christopher Funderburk, Ian Harding, James Martin, Bryan Mash, Marqualis Matthews, Deven McCoy, Nakesha Miller, Jeremy Paschke, Maurice Reine, Chenequa Rodriquez, Brittany Ruffin, Steve Shaffer, Marcus Thorton, Charles Wescott, Germarr Williams, Mykael Willis and Paul Witwicki. (Note: Not all are pictured.) particular order) on Sept. 12 completed their requirements for graduation from this course: Weston Beres, Alonzo Griswell, John Lee, Richard Lydon, Anthony McNeil, Kenneth Steiner, and Randall Brown. The instructor, Stan Beck, is standing at the back, right. Advanced Firefighting – Six individuals on Sept. 5 completed this 41-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Lennart Bergstrom, Stanley Castro, Felix Garcia, Orlando Herrera, Douglas Maravelias and Michael Watkins. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at the far right. AB – Sixteen mariners on Sept. 12 graduated from this course. Those completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were David Bernstein, Farren Blackwell, Eric Coleman, Preston Grant, Terry Hester Jr., Anson John, Roderick Kelly, DeMond Lindsey, Joshua McAtee, Fadel Mohamed, Robert Raymond, Tommy Rodgers, Arvid Rutledge, Dominic Tuccio, Josean Villarrubia and Falando Williams. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at the far right. Computer Classes FOWT – Fifteen upgraders completed this course Sept. 12. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Kenneth Bricker Jr., Bryan Clark, Moriah Collier, Andrew Cooper, Jose Encarnacion, Ruben Haynes, Anthony Irizarry, Stanley Jackson Jr., Joel Jones, Richard Jones, Thaddeus Kilgore, Richard Murray II, DeAnthony Owens, Marcos Ramos-Mejias and Joshua Zelensky. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at the far right. 22 Seafarers LOG Three Seafarers recently completed computer training courses while upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Those completing various classes (photo above) were Dallon Garnett (left), Robin Bourgeios (right) and Omar Aswad (left in photo at right). Their instructor, Rich Prucha, is in the center in photo above and at the right in the photo at right. November 2008 �52060:January 08 10/24/2008 1:45 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization - Two classes of Phase III trainees completed this 63-hour course Sept. 5. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Joseph Bankhead, Virgil Beasley, David Brady, Dustin Brantley, Victor Chevalier, Mitchell Childress, Daryl Corbett, Angela Corbit, Daniel Cortez, Peter Crane, John Curran, Hubert Dennis, James East, Darrell Goggins, Yuri Hernandez, Braden Horne, Richard Howard, Brian Jackson, Damonte Jones, Eric Kirkland, Matthew Martel, Cory Mulligan, Richard Noto, William Pakkala, Teresa Peterson, Thomas Quinlan, Rondell Richardson, Lazaro Rivera Rodriguez, Keith Rogers, Troy Smith, Mark Turner, Timothy Van Pelt II, Bernard Wade II, Charles Wagner, Nicole Walton, Oshema Watson, Nathan White, Jovan Williams, Enoch Winrod and Igor Yakunkov. BST (HAWAII) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Sept. 27 completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Michael McMullin, Justin Dickey, Cynthia Smith, Eric Smith, Jeff Robinson, George Garland, Whitney Dupont, Andrae Lane, William Carty, Ashley Castillo, Kyle Thompson, Iisa Gorman, Lucas Stoyanoff, Mario Cartagena, Stephanie Wray, Ryan Akers, Drew Hess and Julie Esparza. BST (HAWAII) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Sept. 19 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Samatha Arang, Melissa Mazza, Christine McClure, Hugh Brown, Yoerkis Gamboa, Charlie Lenier, Paul Murray, Daniel Feder, Matthew McConnell, Wenday Ling, Nicholas Murphy, Paul Haneishi, Destiny Winekoff, Stephanie Doty, Matthew Bonney, Jordon Butler, Sean Thomas, Rhandy Abrere, Ricky Santos, Janessa Ruiz, James McDonald and Casey LeBlanc. Medical Care Provider – Five individuals on Sept. 12 completed this 21-hour course. Those graduating (above in alphabetical order) were Cirico Geonanga, Orlando Herrera, Peter Madden, Ryan Neathery and Michael Watkins. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at the far right. Junior Engineer – The following individuals completed this course Aug. 29. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Antoine Best, Alfonso Bombita, Robin Bourgeois, Trevor Cohn, Carmelo Collazo, Sterling Cox, Dallon Garnett, Paula Gomez, Janis Kalnins, Scott Martin, Alexander Rhodes, Keith Riddick, James Summers, Jesse Turner, Furman Watson, Ronald Westerfield, Eeric White and Steven Wilson. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) November 2008 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. Seafarers LOG 23 �52060x:January 08 10/27/2008 1:32 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 11 November 2008 TWIC News And Reminders - Page 7 U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin Unions Rally in Baltimore for Obama Hundreds Show Labor Unity and Strength in ‘Charm City’ Bosun Isaac Vega Mercado shows where he stands on the presidential race. The rally was a highly spirited event from start to finish. Clockwise from above, Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown addressed those in attendance as did Ernie Grecco, president, Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO. Union members packed the IBEW hall in Baltimore for the rally. U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes also was among the speakers who addressed the more than 500 who attended. Seafarers are pictured with Sen. Ben Cardin (middle row, third from left) and Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO President Ernie Grecco (middle of same row) after the rally. Standing next to Grecco in the same photo is SIU Baltimore Acting Port Agent Elizabeth Brown. Amidst the cheers, poster waving and camera flashes, 30 unlicensed apprentices and recertifying bosuns receiving training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., were on hand in Baltimore on Oct. 16 to lend their voices for a rally for SIU-endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama. The SIU endorsed Sen. Obama because of his staunch support and record on maritime and America’s merchant mariners (see his endorsement in the September 2008 edition of the Seafarers LOG). The event was hosted by the Metropolitan Baltimore Council of the AFL-CIO and was attended by more than 500 brothers and sisters from numerous unions, and various elected officials. “We’re here because we look out for those who look out for us,” said UA Jordache Hunter when talking about Obama and his support of maritime. More of the trainees chimed in explaining how Obama and his running mate, Joseph Biden, have an excellent track record of supporting U.S. shipping, including backing for the Jones Act and cargo preference. “We are going to make history during this election,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and a major maritime and SIU supporter. “If it wasn’t for unions, we probably wouldn’t have health care, the wages we have today or education for our families. We wouldn’t be where we are today without unions. This ticket is the answer to our future.” National leader on health care and SIU supporter Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Judiciary, Environment and Public Works, Budget and Small Business Committees. He said, “Sen. Obama stands up for working families and will invest in mainstream America, not corporate America. He understands the needs of working families and will work for our concerns.” Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) noted she wears the union label “on her clothes and in her heart.” She is a major supporter of maritime and especially her home port of Baltimore, and is Senate chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science. “Unions are jobs and justice for workers,” she said. “We need change and a President Obama would never substitute a stimulus package for Wall Street for union jobs.” � 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 Novemeber 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CROWLEY MARITIME CHRISTENS ATB COURAGE NASSCO LAUNCHES CARL BRASHEAR TANKER OVERSEAS TEXAS CITY DELIVERED TO AMERICAN SHIPPING UNION ELECTION VOTING BEGAN NOV. 1 SEAFARERS, ITF TEAM UP TO AID STRANDED MARINERS UNITED NATIONS, IBF MOVE TO COMBAT PIRACY UNION SAYS ‘NO’ TO INVASION OF PRIVACY NEW NMC MEDICAL GUIDELINES BECOME FINAL; SIU, OTHER UNIONS ‘GO TO BAT’ ON MARINERS’ BEHALF STUDY: U.S. ‘MARINE HIGHWAYS’ OFFER MANY BENEFITS LAKE CARRIERS’ ASSOC. SAYS MALFUNCTION STRESSES NEED FOR SECOND POE-SIZED LOCK SEAFARERS HELP IN HURRICANS AFTERMATH TWIC CLOCK CONTINUES TO TICK CIVMAR-CREWED USNS MERCY COMPLETES DEPLOYMENT FOLLOWING SAFETY TRAINING, CREW SAYS, ‘WERE READY’ SEAFARERS ARE ‘PART OF HISTORY’ ABOARD NS SAVANNAH UNIONS RALLY IN BALTIMORE FOR OBAMA 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 11/01/2008 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. 11 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/525f4e0935f97a1109dbf053efd353d9.pdf 76defee7ecef4a8f340bc07bff45eb15 PDF Text Text 51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:44 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 12 December 2008 Have A Safe & Happy Holiday Season National Election Coverage Pages 2, 3, 11-14 SIU Crews Honored Pages 4, 5 Beck Notice Page 6 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:44 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t NY Port Council Salutes 3 The Future is on Our Radar Screen With Election Day behind us, I extend to all active and retired Seafarers and their families a most sincere congratulations and thank you for your efforts supporting organized labor’s unprecedented nationwide mobilization to back the candidates who support America’s working families. From the White House to state houses your work to get out the vote was successful, as many pro-worker, pro-maritime candidates were elected. The elections were tremendously important to our SIU family. But this was just the beginning. Ahead, all of us need to continue educating our elected leaders on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and other programs important to our nation and its economy. We will deliver the message that our industry, including greater use of our shipyards and marine highways, can help rebuild the U.S. economy. Also on the horizon, if not closer, are potential expansion of offshore drilling and an increase in the use of liquefied gas, including LNG. Here again, these components of the energy industry may prove vital not only to the overall economy but to the American-flag fleet. While maritime is always our first priority, it’s not the only thing on our radar screen. For the last few years, organized labor’s top legislative goal has been enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). I know Seafarers are familiar with this important legislation because during the past several months, you helped the AFL-CIO achieve its goal of collecting one million signatures in support of the bill. In fact, one of the people coordinating the federation’s “million-member mobilization” for the EFCA recently praised the SIU for contributing a significant number of signatures. Once again, I extend my appreciation for your efforts. And I should mention that the signature drive isn’t over, so if you haven’t already done so, please add your name to the long list of EFCA supporters. (More information is available on our web site and at the union halls.) This is going to be a red-hot topic in the months ahead. For those unfamiliar with the legislation, the EFCA would restore some balance to the system of forming unions and bargaining by giving workers – not bosses – the option of deciding how they will choose whether to form a union. The legislation also creates real penalties for employers who illegally interfere with organizing efforts and sets up a system to ensure that workers get a first contract once they’ve chosen union representation. The EFCA passed in the House in 2007 but got stalled in the Senate. President-Elect Barack Obama, Vice President-Elect Biden and numerous members of Congress have pledged to support the bill and see it through so it becomes law. Our grassroots efforts will continue for as long as it takes. While I have this opportunity, I want to wish all members and their families happy, safe holidays. One of the challenges of making a living at sea is that the job sometimes requires long periods away from loved ones, at times including the holiday season. The dedication required at this time of year is a credit to all Seafarers and is not taken for granted. My very best to each of you. Finally, I ask that you keep our troops around the world – and the Seafarers actively supporting them in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere – in your thoughts and prayers. May they all enjoy successful missions and return home safe and sound. Volume 70, Number 12 December 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, 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 © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Maritime Trades Department’s Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity, AFL-CIO, recently honored three individuals during the organization’s annual awards dinner. This year’s honorees were U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz and Keystone Shipping Company Executive VP Philip W.J. Fisher. Cummings could not attend the Oct. 4 event in New York because of urgent work back on Capitol Hill. Pictured in the group photo (from left) are Gralewicz; his wife, Elaine; Suzanne Fisher; and Phil Fisher. In the two photos at the top of the page, Fisher (left) and Gralewicz address the attendees. Cummings received the port council’s Government Man of the Year Award. Gralewicz was presented with the Paul Hall Award of Merit (an honor named in memory of the late Paul Hall, an outstanding past president of the SIU). Fisher received the Herb Brand Memorial Man of the Year Award (named after the late Herb Brand, a longtime advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine who worked in various capacities with the SIU and later served as president of the Transportation Institute). Maritime Labor Mourns AMO’s Ed Kelly The SIU joins its affiliated American Maritime Officers in mourning the death of Edward V. Kelly, AMO vice president at large. Kelly passed away Nov. 16 at his home in Bethesda, Md., after a long illness. He was 75. Besides doing outstanding work specifically on behalf the AMO, Kelly was a respected and well-known presence when it came to promoting American maritime labor in general. Based in Washington, D.C., he often represented the AMO in interactions with (among others) the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Transportation Command, Maritime Administration, National Defense Transportation Association, Navy League of the United States, AFL- AMO VP at Large Ed Kelly 1933-2008 CIO and the federation’s Maritime Trades Department. “Ed Kelly was a familiar figure to many in the federal government for many years,” said AMO National President Tom Bethel. “He knew the regulatory agencies like few others, and he earned the friendship and respect of four-star Navy admirals and top-tier defense logistics planners. But Ed was most proud of his association with the licensed civilian American merchant mariners he represented so well as an AMO official.” Kelly, a U.S. Navy veteran and a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., is survived by his wife, Barbara S. Kelly; daughters Barbara Ann Kelly Myers and Megan Kelly Ambrosi; two brothers, two sisters and eight grandchildren. Interment took place last month at Arlington National Cemetery. The AMO is affiliated with the SIU through the Seafarers International Union of North America. December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:44 PM Page 3 Union Support Proves Vital on Election Day Seafarers Across Nation Rally for Pro-Maritime Ticket of Obama-Biden Headlined by the historic election of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) as president, Election Day proved to be a great success for American’s working families. Union households played crucial roles in electing Sen. Obama and running mate Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) along with many other pro-worker candidates. Seafarers from coast to coast did their part in the weeks leading up to Nov. 4, voluntarily participating in numerous grassroots efforts to demonstrate support and help get out the vote. The union itself also went all-out in backing the ObamaBiden ticket, issuing a powerful endorsement in mid-August and following up with membership outreach that included unique, colorful campaign signs and stickers. (See related coverage on pages 2, 11-14.) According to the AFL-CIO (the national federation of trade unions to which the SIU is affiliated), post-election polling clearly showed that union voters delivered a critical bloc of support in swing states that helped propel Obama and other working-family candidates to victories. High turnout among working-class union voters in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan formed a foundation of support for Obama. In new battleground states like Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the federation mounted a bigger effort than ever before, voting by large margins for Obama, and “joined young people and other new voters to build a new majority for economic fairness.” AFL-CIO union members across battleground states supported Obama by a whopping 68-30 margin, according to an election night survey conducted for the AFL-CIO by Peter D. Hart Research Associates. “More than 250,000 union volunteers took to the streets in the largest independent voter mobilization in history,” AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair and AFSCME President Gerald McEntee said. “People volunteered because they want a president who will fight for America’s working families. In the critical battleground states, workers gave Sen. Obama the winning edge.” Calling the victory in the presidential race and the expansion of majorities in the House and Senate a working families’ mandate for broad-based economic change, AFL-CIO leaders vowed to continue the large-scale mobilization to push through broad economic reform. “Led by a candidate with an uncommon ability to inspire hope, we reclaimed our country from those who are serving corporate interests and the privileged at the expense of everyone else,” Sweeney said. “We have taken the first crucial steps to build a better future for our children and grandchildren. And what we’ve seen – the stunning voter participation and the common call for change – is an indication of the history we can continue to make together.” Other key findings from the electionnight survey include: ■ Obama won among white men who are union members by 18 points while losing that group by 16 points in the general public; ■ Obama won among union gun owners by a 12-point margin while losing that group in the general public by 25 points; ■ Union veterans voted for Obama by a 25-point margin. He lost among that group in the general public by nine points; ■ Sixty percent of union members identified the economy and jobs as their top issue, with 84 percent saying strengthening the economy was the most important factor in their vote; ■ Union members identified protecting pensions and Social Security and reducing health care costs as the top priorities for the new administration; ■ Seventy-five percent say the new president and Congress have a mandate to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and reform health care; ■ Eighty-one percent of union members support passing the Employee Free Choice Act (legislation backed by Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden). This year’s campaign was the largest and broadest effort in AFL-CIO history, according to the federation, whose affiliated unions collectively represent 10.5 million workers. The program reached union members, members of union households, retirees and mem- bers of Working America, the AFL-CIO’s community affiliate for workers who don’t have a union on the job. In all, the AFL-CIO’s program reached out to more than 13 million union voters in 24 battleground states. The AFL-CIO was engaged in 13 Senate races and 60 House contests as well as the presidential race. More than 250,000 AFL-CIO volunteers – including SIU members, retirees, officials and employees – gave up countless evenings and weekends throughout the course of this campaign to talk to co-workers, neighbors and other union members about the stakes in this election. In the final four days of the election, the AFL-CIO’s “Final Four” getout-the-vote program reached millions of union voters in battleground states. Over the course of the campaign, volunteers made 76 million phone calls, knocked on 14 million doors and delivered 29 million flyers at worksites. The AFL-CIO and its affiliate unions sent 57 million pieces of mail to union households this year. As a result of this effort, 84 percent of union members in battleground states said they heard from their union this election cycle. Working America played a central role in delivering working-class union voters this election. Working America grew to 2.5 million members this year, including 800,000 members in Ohio alone. The organization ran a year-long mobilization, engaging its members – mostly working-class moderates and independents – on health care, green jobs and other issues important to working families. In the final days before the election, more than 1,000 full-time canvassers fanned out across 11 battleground states. In total, Working America knocked on 1.65 million doors to encourage members to vote and educate them on the candidates’ positions on working family issues. The 2008 effort relied heavily on sophisticated targeting designed to increase voter turnout for Obama and other working family candidates among exurban and rural voters in key states. Since identifying more than 3 million undecided voters in August, the AFL-CIO’s intense communications among swing groups like retirees, veterans and gun owners shifted the landscape in states such as Ohio. The AFL-CIO also carried out a ninestate voter protection program to ensure every vote would count on Election Day. The My Vote, My Right voting rights protection program worked for several months to educate citizens about their voting rights and train polling monitors and worked closely with secretaries of state on election administration plans, AFL-CIO Political Director Karen Ackerman said. On Election Day, the program deployed more than 2,700 volunteer polling monitors nationwide, including 800 in Michigan and 500 in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. When the SIU endorsed Sen. Obama, SIU President Michael Sacco noted the senator’s strong support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. In a subsequent letter to the SIU president, Sen. Obama emphatically reiterated that support, writing in part: “America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine. That is why you and your members can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act (which also includes the Passenger Vessel Services Act) and the continued exclusion of maritime services in international trade agreements…. In peace and in war, our Mariners have stood with us and my Administration will stand with them. “To make sure our Armed Forces have the equipment and ammunition they need at the time the materiel are required, my Administration will solidly support the continuation of the Maritime Security Program…. A strong U.S.-Flag commercial fleet needs our nation’s Cargo Preference laws. Whether it is carrying needed goods to those overseas in distress or moving government-generated cargo, American Mariners aboard American ships make sure the job is done…. Those programs set a firm foundation for America’s Merchant Mariners by providing opportunities for decent wages, good benefits and fair treatment. Certainly, a strong union movement has been and will continue to be a major contributor to the achievement of this essential national goal.” Voting Continues in Union Election Voting began last month and will continue through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU. Balloting is taking place at 21 SIU halls throughout the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union One of Guam’s claims to fame is that it’s known as the place where America’s day begins, due to its time zone. With that in mind, Oiler James Short (right) is believed to have been the first Seafarer to vote this year in the union’s election. He is pictured Nov. 1 at the SIU hall in Guam, signing the log book as Port Agent John Hoskins observes. December 2008 officers for the 2009-2012 term. The ballot also includes a proposed constitutional amendment concerning members who serve on union finance, credentials, tallying and constitutional committees. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. until noon, Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions) along with the proposed constitutional amendment. At the union halls, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where bal- lots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January and will tabulate and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations, the constitutional committee’s report and other related information appears on pages 6-11 of the October 2008 issue of the Seafarers LOG. A list of voting locations and balloting procedures (including absentee ballot information) is available on the internet at www.seafarers.org, in the Seafarers LOG section. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Patrolman Greg Stone (second from right) assists members at the Oakland hall. With him are Seafarers John Bennett, Richard Paulson, Thomas White, Abdul Muflihi, Majed Alsunbahi and Muthana Koraish. Obtaining their respective ballots at the hall in Oakland, Calif., are (from left) Seafarers Abdulhamid Musaed, Ali Suwaileh and Robert Borro. Seafarers LOG 3 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 4 SIU Crews Land Honors During AOTOS Event SIU crews from five Seafarers-contracted vessels, a union bosun, a pair of maritime executives and a U.S. Air Force general officer formally were recognized Nov. 7 during the United Seamen’s Service (USS) 2008 Admiral of Ocean Sea Awards in New York. Hundreds of maritime industry leaders, including SIU President Michael Sacco and other union officers, attended the dinner and dance gala at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. The annual outing has come to be regarded as one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. Receiving recognition in the form of the form of the AOTOS Mariner’s Plaque were SIU crew members who on specific dates were sailing aboard Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham; Interocean American Shipping Corporation’s MV Courage; and MSC’s USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort. Joining the crews in the award circle and receiving the AOTOS Mariner’s Rosette was Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham for actions taken while sailing aboard Liberty Maritime Corporation’s MV Liberty Star. Recipients of the 2008 USS AOTOS Award were James A Capo, U. S. Maritime Alliance, Ltd.; Michael D. Garvey, Saltchuk Resources, Inc.; and Gen. Norton A, Schwartz, U. S. Air Force Chief of Staff. The event was packed with examples of deeds performed by the honored mariners who epitomize “brotherhood of the sea.” It was narrated by the Honorable Helen Bentley, who remarked that she had never missed an AOTOS event or passed on the opportunity to congratulate an honored seafarer. The individuals and crews honored, along with synopses of the actions for which they were recognized were as follows: AOTOS Mariner’s Plaque Recipients ■ The captain and crew of the USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham on June 23, while under way near Manila, were directed by the U.S. Pacific Command to render search and rescue assistance and humanitarian aid to the MV Princess of the Star, a ferry. The Princess at the time was traveling from Manila to Cebu City with 849 passengers Recipients of the United Seamen’s Service 2008 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (left to right) were Air Force General Norton Schwartz, Michael Garvey and James Capo. The awards were presented Nov. 7 in New York. aboard. With the sudden onslaught of Typhoon Fengshen, which was packing winds in excess of 140 kilometers per hour, the vessel capsized. She sank with great loss of life off Romblon Island in the Sibuyan Sea. Under the command of Captain Perry Seyler, the Stockham arrived three miles off of the partially submerged ferry. After the winds calmed, the captain ordered rigid hull inflatable boats to be launched from the Stockham to search for survivors and assist Navy divers assessing the wreckage. Helicopters from the Stockham flew sorties some 34 hours and covered 17,000 square miles of ocean looking for survivors. The helicopter crews relayed coordinates of survivors found in the water or seen stranded on a remote island to the Philippines Coast Guard. One helicopter transported a victim to a nearby island for emergency medical treatment. The Stockham on June 29 was deployed off Panay Island to assist with humanitarian aid. Helicopter crews then flew 36 hours helping the USS Ronald Reagan Strike Group, delivering 17,350 pounds of rice and other supplies. The Stockham and her crew remained in the area and assisted with relief efforts until July 3. During this period, the captain and crew rendered around-the-clock assistance in the best tradition of service at sea. ■ While traveling eastbound on the Atlantic west of the Azores, the MV Courage on June 9, 2008 received a request from the U.S. Coast Guard to assist the French sailing vessel SV Motus which hours before had signaled distress while situated some 100 nautical miles away. Courage Capt. Scott Wiegand altered course and six hours later located the sailing vessel. After establishing radio communication with the distressed vessel, Captain Wiegand maneuvered the Courage alongside. Chief Mate Sean Morrisey then boarded the Motus where he found its captain had been knocked unconscious by the boom the previous day and was still unsteady. A doctor ashore reviewed the situation by radio interview, and determined that the captain be evacuated from the sailing vessel. The other two persons aboard the Motus had little sailing experience and were reluctant to continue the voyage without their injured captain. All three crew members were taken aboard the Courage and the sailing vessel was abandoned in the open ocean. Third Mate Alex Ramirez, the Courage medical officer, attended to the injured captain, and consulted the Maritime Medical Advisory Service. The agency advised that the treatment onboard the Courage was sufficient to allow it to continue to Bremerhaven where the rescued sailors were safely placed in the custody of the French Consulate. The entire operation was a tribute to the emergency response preparedness and the skilled seamanship of the MV Courage’s officers and crew. ■ The master, chief engineer and crew of the MSC hospital ship USNS Mercy from May through September 2008 distinguished themselves during a 148-day humanitarian deployment to the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia. During this period, U.S. military medical professionals, non-government organizations, U.S. Public Health Service workers and 10 partner nations aboard treated nearly 90,000 patients and performed more than 1,350 surgical procedures. In actions which extended beyond shipboard duties, the Mercy crew joined forces with Navy Seabees and engineers from partner nations to renovate schools, medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region for a total of 16 major construction projects ashore. The ship’s mission could not have been successful without the dedication of 67 civil service mariners who navigated the ship between ports and ensured the onboard hospital was Continued on next page Ashes of Late Bosun ‘Snake’ Williams Are Scattered at Sea The ashes of late SIU Bosun Rowland “Snake” Williams were buried at sea Aug. 28 from aboard the Cape Wright, the last vessel on which he sailed before retiring. The ceremony, held off the North Carolina coast between Morehead City and Sunny Point, was conducted by a contingent of U.S. servicemenbers (Navy and Marines) who were aboard the vessel as it headed out to sea during a training mission. Brother Williams, who spent nearly 50 years sailing with the SIU, passed away April 18 while working around his home in Baltimore. He was 80. After retiring in 1991 following the conclusion the Persian Gulf War, Brother Williams spent the next 14 years of his life pitching in to help out at the SIU hall in Baltimore and aboard union-contracted ships which called on the port. Clockwise from left, members of the burial detail prepare to lay Williams’ ashes to rest while Sailors and Marines look on from their formation on deck. Following the burial, Capt. Robert Silva presented the American flag to AB David Martz of the SIU. Martz was a close friend of Williams. 4 Seafarers LOG December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 5 Dacuag Earns Agency’s Highest Honor for Civilians A Seafarer from Hawaii recently received a highly coveted award from the U.S. Coast Guard for his actions in a lifesaving rescue of a foreign mariner on the high seas. AB John Dacuag on Oct. 24 was presented the U.S. Coast Guard’s Gold Lifesaving Medal—the highest Coast Guard Award for civilians—during a formal ceremony at the Fourteenth Coast Guard District’s headquarters in Honolulu for his part in the lifesaving event which took place in the Pacific Ocean while sailing aboard the SIUcontracted Horizon Falcon. Dacuag and his fellow Falcon shipmates on July 27, 2007 were en route from Guam to Yantian, China, when they received a radio message from the U.S. Coast Guard. The communication advised the captain to divert course in order to come to the aid of a vessel, the bulk carrier Hai Tong No. 7, which was carrying a cargo of logs. The storm surge of Typhoon Man-Yi had caused the Hai Tong No. 7’s cargo to shift. The vessel foundered and its Chinese crew had already been in the water for two days before any ship reached the scene. The Horizon Falcon was first to arrive. Captain Tom McDorr skillfully navigated his large vessel through rough seas filled with floating logs to attempt to locate and rescue survivors. A lifeboat with the chief mate and three seamen aboard was dispatched despite high winds and 24-foot swells. One Chinese survivor was pulled from the water, but as the lifeboat was being recovered by Horizon Falcon, a large swell nearly swamped the craft while damaging its motor. The lifeboat was ordered abandoned, but its crew and the survivor were able to climb to safety up the containership’s 40-foot pilot ladder. A second Chinese seaman was spotted in the water near the containership. At this juncture, Dacuag harnessed himself to the pilot’s ladder and, using a grappling hook, was able to snag and rescue the man. Around the same time, another vessel on the scene picked up 11 other crew members from the foreign-flag vessel. The Horizon Falcon, by now joined by a Navy P3 Orion aircraft and another merchant ship, continued the search for additional survivors, but no others were located. The containership was eventually directed to resume its voyage. The rescued Chinese seamen were delivered to the port of Yantian, where representatives of the Chinese government expressed their thanks to the captain and crew of the containership. The determined efforts and the professional and brave actions of the captain and crew of Horizon Falcon, under most difficult conditions, undoubtedly prevented the further loss of life in the sinking of Hai Tong No. 7. Rear Adm. Manson K. Brown, commander, Fourteenth Coast Guard District, presented Dacuag with his award. The citation which accompanied the medal—written by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen—in part said of Dacuag, “His unselfish actions and valiant service, despite imminent personal danger, reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of humanitarian service.” “Thank you. I’m very honored,” said Dacuag to the group of 100 Coast Guardsmen who attended the ceremony. “I am humbled to receive this award from the U.S. Coast Guard,” concluded Dacuag, whose extensive safety and rescue training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., unquestionably came in handy during the rescue at sea. Dacuag over the years has been a frequent upgrader at the maritime training facility, which places paramount importance on safety. Many, if not all, of his shipmates aboard the Horizon Falcon also have attended and/or returned to the school to broaden their backgrounds and hone their skills. Dacuag and his shipmates – Bosun Steven Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, 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— in the near future will again be honored for their extreme bravery demonstrated during the rescue. They are slated to receive the International Maritime Organization’s 2008 Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea Award. Rear Adm. Manson K. Brown, commander, Fourteenth Coast Guard District, presents the Coast Guard’s Gold Lifesaving Medal to AB John Dacuag during a ceremony at the unit’s Honolulu headquarters. NASSCO Delivers USNS Earhart to U.S. Military Sealift Command The U.S. Military Sealift Command on Oct. 30 accepted delivery of the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (left) in San Diego. The ship, to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, was built by General Dynamics NASSCO. Named in honor of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, the vessel is the sixth in the Lewis and Clark-class of underway replenishment ships. According to MSC, these vessels – called T-AKEs – deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups, thereby “allowing them to stay at sea, on station and combatready for extended periods of time.” Mariners Garner Recognition at 2008 AOTOS Ceremony Continued from Page 4 fully functioning with electricity and a constant supply of fresh water throughout the deployment. The mariners ferried thousands of patients and passengers to and from the ship aboard its utility boats. The collective actions of the Mercy’s captain and crew brought new hope to thousands of families and individuals throughout Southeast Asia and Photo by Frank Cianciotti Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham (left) receives congratulations from Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, MSC commander, and others at the AOTOS ceremony. December 2008 Oceania by improving their quality of life. ■ The master, chief engineer and crew of the MSC hospital ship USNS Comfort—from June through October 2007—provided assistance to more than 98,000 people in 12 countries. The goodwill deeds came during a humanitarian assistance deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean. The hard work of the crew enabled the ship’s medical personnel to provide extensive medical coverage including more than 1,000 surgeries, 24,000 pairs of eyeglasses, 32,000 immunizations and 122,000 pharmaceuticals to people in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname. The 70 civil service mariners aboard the Comfort were an integral component of the mission— navigating the ship safely to each port, providing a constant supply of fresh water and electricity to the hospital and transporting patients, mission personnel and equipment between the ship and shore in two 33-foot utility boats. In addition, in Ecuador, the crew assisted Seabees in constructing two wheelchair ramps and installing 18 ceiling fans at a school. The Comfort’s master and crew represented the nation proudly and contributed significantly to a highly successful humanitarian outreach program that improved the lives of thousands of people. AOTOS Mariner’s Rosette Winner ■ Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham, while aboard the MV Liberty Star on March 13, 2008 reacted quickly and efficiently in saving the life of a fellow mariner aboard his vessel. Heginbotham was near the CO2 compartment on the ship when a subcontractor began to service the bank of CO2 bottles. In the process, the worker inadvertently started a series of potentially deadly events that began with the discharge of stored CO2 gas into the engine room. Heginbotham quickly realized that the first engineer was in the engine room and proceeded to his assigned emergency station. Along the way, he stopped to report the situation via radio to Capt. Clancy Faucheux. Heginbotham then donned his self-contained breathing apparatus and returned to the engine room, which by then was hazy due to the CO2 venting. Upon entering the room, he found the first engineer and took prompt action to place an emergency escape breathing apparatus on him and gave him chest compressions that saved his life. AOTOS Award Recipients ■ This award was presented to James A. Capo, chairman & CEO of U.S. Maritime Alliance, Ltd., and Michael D. Garvey, a founding partner and past chairman of Saltchuk Resources, Inc. A Special AOTOS Award was given to U.S. Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, former commander of the United States Transportation Command and now USAF Chief of Staff. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and President Emeritus of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO, said of the three 2008 USS AOTOS Award winners: “We have an impressive group of honorees this year. Jim Capo has been a friend and colleague across the negotiating table for many years and his leadership skills command respect by all who know him.” Bowers continued, “As a founder of Saltchuk, Mr. Garvey has helped to build one of America’s leading maritime shipping organizations, including Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Sea Star Line, that continues to employ many U.S. seafarers. General Schwartz has led USTRANSCOM through a difficult time with amazing operational results and he deserves a very special recognition.” The USS continues to provide community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces, and seafarers of the world. A non-profit agency established in 1942, the USS operates centers in eight foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. Seafarers LOG 5 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 6 Summary Annual Report NMU 401K PLAN Summary Annual Report Seafarers Pension Trust Editor’s note: Data in some of the summary annual reports published in this edition of the Seafarers LOG reflect 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 Seafarers Pension Trust, (Employer Identification No. 13-6100329, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 $40,009,453. These expenses included $7,747,056 in administrative expenses and $32,262,397 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,823 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $976,131,266 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $676,260,582 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $299,870,684. This increase 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 $64,231,729, including employer contributions of $28,274,071, losses of $582,427 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $35,687,748. 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. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 4. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.65 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. 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: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. The report also can be examined 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. Summary Annual Report NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan Editor’s note: Data in some of the summary annual reports published in this edition of the Seafarers LOG reflect 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, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 $26,137,302. These expenses included $2,397,279 in administrative expenses and $23,740,023 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 7,042 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $0 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $296,628,713 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $296,628,713. 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 $19,296,758, including gains of $12,992,599 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $4,885,493. MINIMUM FUNDING STANDARDS Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract pro- 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 6. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of NMU Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.50 for the full report, or $0.10 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 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. This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU 401K Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-6592643, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 an arrangement providing benefits exclusively through insurance and/or annuity contracts. Plan expenses were $356,927. These expenses included $356,927 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 544 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $4,040,970 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $3,751,535 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $289,435. This increase 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 $646,362, including employee contributions of $374,903 and earnings from investments of $271,459. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Board of Trustees of the NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.50 for the full report, or $0.10 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 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. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act posals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2007 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 87.92 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $439.60 (four hundred thirty-nine dollars and sixty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2009 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009 will have this calculation applied to their 2009 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2010, your objection must be received by December 1, 2009. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2007. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, SecretaryTreasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the SecretaryTreasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 7 Bosuns Commend Union, School 12 Seafarers Complete Recertification in Piney Point It might be an understatement to describe the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., as an uplifting occasion for the union’s newest class of recertified bosuns. Twelve Seafarers received their respective graduation certificates Nov. 3 during the meeting at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They successfully completed the three-week class which is considered the highest level of vocational education available at the school to members of the deck department. As they took turns speaking from the auditorium’s stage, the Seafarers shared stories of inspiration and gratitude. They said the course taught them new skills and refreshed others, which will help them do a better job aboard ship. The group consisted of Bosuns Joseph Casalino (whose home port is New York), David Dinnes (Mobile, Ala.), Frederick Gathers (Jacksonville, Fla.), David Graves (Houston), Renato Govico (Honolulu), Leslie “Jake” Jacobs (Houston), Jose Jimenea (Houston), Scott Krajniak (Algonac, Mich.), Theodore “Ted” Lukawski (Jacksonville), Michael Moore (Norfolk, Va.), Lon Oliver (Tacoma) and Isaac Vega-Mercado (San Juan, P.R.). Besides complimenting the instruction they received, the new recertified bosuns had high praise for the training center’s staff and facilities. Collectively, they lauded the SIU leadership for the fashion in which it is conducting the business of the union and keeping the best interests of its rank-and-file members on the front burner. Each of the graduates also offered words of encouragement to unlicensed apprentices and upgraders who are attending the school. They urged the apprentices to work hard, pay attention and to be good shipmates when they go to their first vessel. Upgraders were advised to continue taking advantage of their opportunities to enhance their skills at the school and to freely share their knowledge with others. “I come from a family of Seafarers and this has been a great experience and a privilege to attend,” said VegaMercado. “Every time I’ve been to this school, the more I learn and the better it makes me.” “I was born in Guyana and used to ship with the Greeks,” explained Graves. “I jumped ship and was able to come to the U.S. and join the SIU. The union has changed my life tremendously, enabling me and my family to live better lives. Thank God for the SIU.” “This coursework is the milestone of my career,” said Krajniak. Talking to the trainees in the audience, he said, “You are our future. Stay involved in your career and union. There is no limit to what you can do.” “I thank my family and all SIU families for their patience and understanding in helping us reach this level in our careers,” said Jacobs. “Thanks to the SIU for giving me the opportunity and tools to achieve.” “I’ve sailed to all the continents and in two wars,” said Casalino, “And there is no one who fights for us like the SIU. The SIU teaches us brotherhood and integrity and how to work together at sea.” “I’ve learned so much here,” explained Jimenea about the school. “The course answered a lot of questions that Pictured from left to right following the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., are Recertified Bosuns Isaac Vega-Mercado, Leslie Jacobs, Fred Gathers, Lon Oliver, Renato Govico, Michael Moore, Jose Jimenea, Ted Lukawski, David Graves, David Dinnes, Joseph Casalino and Scott Krajniak. me and my shipmates have. Now I feel confident as a recertified bosun to go back to sea and explain a lot to my shipmates.” “The program is very well thought-out,” said Lukawski about the recertification course. “What we learned is very enlightening and it will certainly help me serve the membership as ship’s chairman.” “I became a Seafarer in Boston years ago with the National Maritime Union,” commented Moore, “and I think I’ve learned more in one month here than I had throughout my career. The SIU is a true teacher about the industry and the importance of components such as the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) to the future of all Seafarers.” “My life has changed since I joined the SIU,” said Govico. “Things are looking good for me and my family and I work in an industry where all have equal rights, no matter race, color, or origin. This is truly the American dream.” “This experience has been great,” exclaimed Gathers. “We’ve learned about the industry and how to be more effective in our jobs, especially how to be more effective communicating to our shipmates as leaders.” “This is a fantastic school,” said Dinnes. “We are fortunate to have it. It was a great vision Paul Hall and the leadership had when they developed it. The school continues being a vital part of U.S. shipping.” Oliver stated, “Every time I come to this school I learn so much. I learn to better appreciate my shipmates, the union and the sacrifices my family makes.” The bosun recertification course blends hands-on training and classroom instruction. It also includes meetings with representatives from the Seafarers Plans and various SIU departments. Topics include fire fighting and other safety training; sealift operations; the amended STCW convention; small arms; computer skills; water survival; other international maritime conventions and more. Given the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role supporting American troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, small-arms training in recent years has taken on added importance. Here, Instructor Robbie Springer (left) assists Bosun David Graves during hands-on training. December 2008 Bosun Jose Jimenea (left) assists Unlicensed Apprentice Anthony Badajos. Computer training is part of the recertification course. Seafarers LOG 7 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 8 Guidance Aims to Facilitate Shore Leave A high-ranking Coast Guard official recently delivered noteworthy comments concerning shore leave for mariners in the United States. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Brian M. Salerno, assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship, said he knows about problems mariners have experienced when trying to take shore leave or receive visitors in U.S. ports. Some ports have restricted leave and even prevented seafaring ministries from visiting ships, ostensibly in the name of security. According to Salerno, since the implementation in 2004 of certain components of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), the Coast Guard has received reports of regulated maritime facilities refusing to grant shore leave to mariners holding properly issued visas. Crew change-outs have been denied, too. The agency has also received reports of chaplains, seafarer welfare organizations and unions being denied access to ships. In some cases, seafarers have been faced with exorbitant transportation rates through facilities for leave or visitation. The Coast Guard further states that in many cases passage was denied for security reasons or fears of safety and liability by the ports. Salerno last month presented a Coast Guard commandant-approved memorandum to captains of the ports throughout the U.S., explaining new guidance. That memo says the agency “specifically urges facility operators and owners to provide means to facilitate shore leave access for mariners and visits to vessels by seafarers’ welfare organizations.” The memo further explains, “Although the acquisition of a valid visa for seafarers does not automatically guarantee access if Customs And Border Protection (CBP) determines that access may compromise security, the denial of access by a regulated facility to those holding a valid visa and having clearance from CBP for the purpose of shore leave as well as the denial of access to representatives of seafarers welfare organizations runs counter to the intent of our regulations. “As a maritime service, the Coast Guard recognizes the importance of shore leave and access to seafarer welfare organizations as an important aspect of maintaining crew morale, readiness and wellbeing. Individuals seeking access through facilities for the purpose of shore leave or for the purpose of providing service to the seafarer community should not find artificial barriers imposed by a minority of facilities within our regulated stakeholder base.” The memo continues, “Regardless of the implementation of the TWIC regulations or the ultimate position taken by the United States on the Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed on News, Issues Affecting Their Livelihoods Seafarers Identity Document (SID) as proposed in ILO 185, captains of the port should encourage, support, and facilitate vigorously any accommodations at regulated facilities, including but not limited to escort provisions, to make shore leave and access to seafarer welfare organizations possible. These accommodations should not impose an undue burden on the seafarer or seafarers’ welfare organization representative seeking access by way of exorbitant fees, extreme limitations in hours of availability, or other unreasonable restriction to the movements of these persons unless exigent, confirmed security concerns dictate such restriction is necessary. Additionally, in order to obtain greater clarity on the issue the Coast Guard has recently chartered a working group under national maritime security advisory committee to explore the problem and recommend solutions.” Fr. Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member who is president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, described the guidance as “a significant shift by the Coast Guard on shore leave. This new letter shifts the burden more clearly on the facilities to demonstrate why they need to deny shore leave. This is a reversal of the earlier position that in principle did not oppose shore leave, but did not proactively ensure that the facilities allow shore leave.” Attending monthly membership meetings is a key avenue through which Seafarers can remain current on news that directly affects them. Conducted in each SIU hall around the country, these forums keep members aware of key union and maritime issues, many of Summary Annual Report Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $20,487,709 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $18,176,080 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,311,629. This increase 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 $62,085,737. This income included employer contributions of $60,529,110, realized gains of $447,976 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,081,014. Plan expenses were $59,774,108. These expenses included $6,021,248 in administrative expenses and $53,752,860 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: 1. An accountant’s report; and 2. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.30 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. 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: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The report also may be examined 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. which could affect their livelihood and those of their family members. Below is the schedule of meetings which will be held in 2009. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two monthly meetings that have been scheduled for each port. Union Membership Meetings in 2009 Port Traditional Date January February March Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 5 2 2 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 6 3 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 7 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday Norfolk April May June July August September October November December 6 4 8 6 3 *8 5 2 7 3 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 3 8 4 4 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 4 9 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 5 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 5 10 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 12 10 7 11 9 6 11 Boston Friday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 12 10 7 11 9 6 11 Houston Monday after second Sunday 12 9 9 13 11 15 13 10 14 *13 9 14 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 13 10 10 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 10 15 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 *12 16 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 12 17 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 12 17 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 12 17 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 19 17 14 18 16 13 18 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 19 17 14 18 16 13 18 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday *20 *17 16 20 18 22 20 17 21 19 16 21 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 22 19 19 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 19 24 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 23 20 20 24 22 26 24 21 25 23 20 *28 *Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King Day holiday and President’s Day hoilday; *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday; *Houston change created by Columbus Day holiday; *Mobile change created by Veterans Day holiday; *Tacoma change created by Christmas Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 9 Members, Families Volunteer To Help ‘Paint Tacoma Beautiful’ Seafarers recently continued their tradition of giving something back to their community as SIU members and families in Tacoma, Wash., again volunteered to help the Paint Tacoma Beautiful program. Paint Tacoma Beautiful is an annual program through which community members and local organizations pool their resources and volunteer manpower to help those who can’t help themselves. Through that program, 36 SIU members, employees, family members and friends in the Tacoma area washed, scraped, sanded, caulked and painted the home of Charlie McQueen and wife Janet. Altogether, they devoted more than 200 hours of volunteer manpower. For Mr. McQueen, this wasn’t his first interaction with mariners. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II and sailed to Europe for D-Day aboard a Liberty ship. “It was a cramped, long trip but the guys working on the ship made us as comfortable as they could, including us who didn’t have our sea legs,” he explained. “I’m a disabled vet and don’t get around too well and for almost 50 years I’ve been able to paint the house but I can’t anymore, so their help and the program were just great. There were people of all nationalities who drove as many as 60 miles to help. Many of them were just coming back from sea and some were about to go out. When I asked them why they were going out of their way to help, many said, ‘Because I care about my neighbors.’ Imagine that – some drove 60 miles to help others who they didn’t even know. Janet and I are very thankful of these great people and the brotherhood they showed.” Recertified Bosun Ben Born said finding motivation to volunteer for Paint Tacoma Beautiful was easy. “Doing something to help somebody else is a pretty good thing, and we all should do more of it,” said Born, a 33year Seafarer who was joined by his son, AB Billy Born, during the project. “I enjoyed it. The house and garage were in pretty bad shape when we first got there. I’m just glad the union is doing things like this. I really am.” Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo said of the SIU volunteers, “It takes heart to get out into the community and reach out to people who are on fixed incomes or who have reached a point in their lives when they can no longer do for themselves and spend time with them in their homes. The good will this creates is invaluable and is remarkable.” This is the second straight year that Seafarers have volunteered for the program. The following is a list of SIU members, family and friends who participated in Paint Tacoma Beautiful in 2008: Chief Steward Clark Williams Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin Chief Cook Leslie McGirt Bosun Chris Tizon GUDE Reynaldo Agbulos GUDE Joseph Hilario AB Dante Dizon AB Ben Picar GUDE Saleh Al Ajji Chief Cook Joey Lata AB Rex Simbre Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed Recertified Bosun Ben Born AB Billy Born Recertified Bosun Salvador Villareal GUDE Santos Lopez Recertified Steward Lincoln Pinn GUDE Virgil Todorache Recertified Bosun Paul Cadran reaches above and beyond to help. SIU Tacoma Safety Director Ryan Palmer puts his chipping and scraping skills to the test. Recertified Bosun Ben Born displays his painting technique. GUDE Saleh Al Ajji tackles the top of the job. Recertified Steward Lincoln Pinn GUDE Joseph Hilario reaches new heights when painting. Recertified Bosun Salvador Villareal breaks out the caulk OMU Oscar Luis December 2008 The SIU’s “Paint Tacoma” team worked on the home of a U.S. Army veteran. Chief Cook Lamberto Palamos GUDE Joseph Lacaden Chief Steward Boualem Habib GUDE Henry Egaran Recertified Bosun Paul Cadran SA Rene Caballero OMU Oscar Luis GVA Hernando Basilan STOS Eduardo Jorge Chief Cook Abdul Saleh AB Ausberto Laspinas AB Leo Torrenueva AB Gene Hoehn Sharalea Broin Port Agent Joe Vincenzo Safety Director Ryan Palmer Secretary Brenda Flesner Emilia Flesner Seafarers LOG 9 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 10 Formally dedicating a monument to mariners outside MSC’s new facilities in Norfolk, Va., are (from left) Rear Adm. Robert Reilly (MSC commander), Steward Utility Yoland St. Clair, AB Terrance Dumas and Jack Taylor, director, Military Sealift Fleet Support Command. CIVMARS Help Dedicate New Complex in Norfolk The SIU participated in a recent ceremony conducted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) as the agency dedicated a new headquarters complex at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. – Breezy Point. SIU Government Services Division Representative Maurice Cokes and SIU CIVMARS attended the event, which took place Oct. 30. Approximately 400 people were on hand for the dedication. Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, MSC commander, joined Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Director Jack Taylor to officially dedicate MSFSC’s facilities. According to the agency, this move brings to an end 10 years of MSC’s Tidewater, Va., presence being split between facilities on Naval Station Norfolk and “temporary” offices 28 miles away at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach. MSFSC’s headquarters will provide office space for approximately 450 personnel. As part of the dedication ceremony and in appreciation for the service of civil service mariners, Reilly and Taylor along with CIVMARS AB Terrence Dumas and Steward Utilityman Yoland St. Clair, both of USNS Sacagawea, unveiled a granite monument depicting mariners during an underway replenishment of a Navy combatant ship. The monument, intended as a constant reminder of the dedicated service given by MSC’s mariners, will serve as a focal point and central feature to the new headquarters complex, the agency noted. The text on the monument reads, “We Pay Tribute To United States Merchant Mariners And Their Patriotic Service To Our Navy And Our Nation.” Speaking about mariners, Reilly stated, “It is those people who hoist the colors, stand the watches, and deliver the goods we should remember we are obliged to serve as we occupy these buildings and meet our commitments. That is why we have chosen to grace this location with a commemorative marker here in front of these colors. To remind us of our mission, to recognize those who have served, and those who continue to serve, MSC and our Navy.” April 15 Marks TWIC Deadline for Mariners Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun enforcing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program at various U.S. ports, the deadline for credentialed mariners to acquire this new document remains the same: April 15, 2009. In the interim, as reported numerous times, a valid z-card/merchant mariner document is considered sufficient documentation for mariners to comply with the TWIC requirements. The Department of Homeland Security in early November reported that more than 641,000 individuals had pre-enrolled for TWICs, while more than 405,000 cards had been issued. The latter figure is far below the projected 1 million-plus individuals who are estimated to need a TWIC, which has renewed concerns throughout the industry about effective implementation and enforcement. At press time the DHS couldn’t release the number of cards activated because from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, it had problems in the activation process due to a power outage in its main TWIC processing facility. For more information On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866347-8942) 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 identification card. at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ 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. ■ 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. Health Care, Life Insurance Reminders to CIVMARS This is the time of the year that talk about federal government health, life insurance and retirement programs abounds. Civil service mariners are reminded that they must be enrolled in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program for at least five years prior to retirement in order to carry it into retirement and ensure Uncle Sam continues to pay its share into their golden years as long they are enrolled. However, this doesn’t mean they have to stay in the same specific health care plan as long as they are enrolled in the overall program. Spouses do not have to be enrolled five years preceding retirement and can be enrolled at any time, even after retirement, as long as the spouse is enrolled prior to death of the sponsor. If a member is enrolled as a family member on the FEHB policy of a spouse, that time counts 10 Seafarers LOG toward the five-year requirement. Additionally, enrollment time in the military’s Tricare program is viewed as equivalent to FEHB and that time counts toward the five years. The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program also has a five-year requirement, but it is different from that of the FEHB. The life insurance program does not have annual regularly scheduled open seasons to make changes. (The life insurance program’s latest open period was in 2004.) Unlike the FEHB, if an FEGLI policy is changed by a member during an open season and a member modifies his or her plan, the “clock” on the fiveyear requirement would start over. Detailed information on these benefits and others is available on the web at:www.opm.gov/insure/ Reaching this moment came after many years of work on the project. Renovation work began, on paper, on the three buildings at Breezy Point in 2000. The project was put on hold, in the aftermath of 9/11, while additional force protection issues were addressed, to include the installation of explosive-proof glass for 250 windows and moving the 350-car parking lot at least 50 feet from the three buildings. Further delays came in 2003 due to severe damage caused by Hurricane Isabel. The first of the three buildings was occupied in July 2008, while the majority of personnel moves occurred in September and October. The last of the buildings was scheduled to be occupied in November. Boilermakers Report Big Win at NASSCO Union Members Ratify Contract, Settle Lawsuit at San Diego Shipyard Members of Boilermakers Local 1998 won a major victory earlier this year when they unanimously ratified an agreement with the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), thereby ending a decade-long dispute. The union – affiliated with the SIU through the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) – reported that their members who are production and maintenance employees based at the San Diego shipyard had been without a labor contract for the past 16 years. According to Warren Fairly, vice president of the international union and an MTD executive board member, the company’s main impetus for reaching an agreement was to resolve a lawsuit filed by the union on behalf of the 2,300 workers employed at the shipyard. Fairly, who heads the Boilermakers’ industrial sector, said that the five-year contract “recognizes fundamental union rights as well as significant wage improvements for NASSCO employees.” The contract also contains a $5.2 million infusion into the workers’ pension plan. The union and the company also agreed that Local 1998 members would recoup $14 million for lost meal and break periods. “This settlement and agreement place the Boilermakers union and members of Local 1998 in a position to build a strong, viable local lodge,” said Boilermakers President Newton B. Jones. “It has been a long time coming, but the perseverance of these workers has paid off, and now they will truly be able to enjoy the benefits of union membership. This is a proud day for these members, Local 1998 President Bobby Godinez, and the International officers and staff who have worked so hard over the years on behalf of the NASSCO workers.” NASSCO designs, builds and repairs auxiliary ships for the U.S. Navy and tankers covered under the Jones Act. More than 15 years ago, production and maintenance employees there formed an independent union — the Shipyard Workers Union. The union merged with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers in 2003. December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:45 PM Page 11 Seafarers Mobilize For Labor 2008 SIU Gets Out The Vote During Labor 2008 F rom coast to coast, active and retired Seafarers and their families participated in “Labor 2008” – the trade union movement’s voter education and mobilization program. SIU members volunteered considerable time and effort in supporting not only the union-endorsed team of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden, but also other pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates in federal, state and local elections. The results, as detailed elsewhere in this edition, collectively were a great win for America’s working families. Union households played key, often decisive roles in one contest after another. Pictured on the following four pages are SIU members and others taking part in rallies, phone banks and “labor walks” during the last few weeks before Election Day. Also shown is a reproduction of a letter from SIU President Michael Sacco to active and retired Seafarers in which he thanks them for their tireless, selfless, vital work. Seafarers take part in an Employee Free Choice Act rally in Detroit. The SIU’s voluntary political action fund remains an important part of promoting not just the union but the American-flag fleet as a whole. The SPAD T-shirt above carried the message in Lakeland, Fla. SIU Government Services Division Representative Maurice Cokes attends a rally in Norfolk, Va. Supporters in New Hampshire demonstrate their enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket. AB Dan Thompson (left in the photo at far left) discusses the election with a retiree from the Amalgamated Transit Union in Richmond, Va. An SIU contingent (left) lines up en route to an event in Tacoma. In the photo above, unlicensed apprentices take part in labor walks in Richmond, Va. December 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:46 PM Page 12 LABOR 2008 Seafarers Launch Full-Scale Mobilization To Help Secure Election Win For Working Fami November 5, 2008 September 5, 200 Dear DearSeafarer: SIU Brothers and Sisters: For the past 20 years, I have been fortunate to ser I write to congratulate you and thank and you proud for your g greatest union in the world: the Seafarers International Union. In a pro-maritime candidates in this year’s elections. That inclu like this one to our rank-and-file members or retirees. But, these are SPAD, which remains vital to our union. Merchant Marine, and that’s why I’m asking for your support of pr his campaign for president. As you may know, organized labor as a whole put to mobilization the country to back the candidates Enclosedall is across a letter from the Obama Campaign spelling out working families. The SIU (and affiliated unions) playe most important to our livelihoods in our the SIU – namely, the Jones A mobilization, especially the so-called states Maritime Security Program.inSenator Obama’sbattleground rock-solid stance sup makes him an obvious choice for the SIU’s presidential endorsemen August.The (Theelection AFL-CIO also recently endorsed Senator Obama.) results – not just for the presidency but and local elections – are a great affirmation of the labor m As many of you know, SIUthe traditionally does not take p We made a difference. Youthe made difference. making an endorsement. We’ve always had friends on both sides of the principle we support those who maritime. But In this We allthat know that our work is support never finished. I wc factor at all. The bottom line is that Senator Obama has come out s of the entire executive board for your outstanding, energet while his opponent has not offered such support. Day. I understand the sacrifices involved in attending the r banks,On participating in “labor walks” doing military whatever e a personal note, I respect Senatorand McCain’s reco Your volunteerism is deeply appreciated. country. But, our political support is based on each candidate’s stan easy choice. Senator Obama departs from the stage. Again, thank you and congratulations. While we will believePlease the election results news for from the SIU, fo take a minute to signal read thegood enclosed letter the Oba with family and encourage them to “get out the v as a your whole, andand forfriends, America’s working families. depends on it. Fraternally, Michael Sacco President Sen. Joe Biden heads to the stage at an EFCA rally in Tacoma, Wash. 12 Seafarers LOG December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:46 PM Page 13 tioon Faamilies 082008 5, to serve as president of what consider the our grassroots support of Ipro-labor, n. In all that time, I have never sent a letter includes your continued support of ese are absolutely crucial times for the U.S. of pro-maritime Senator Barack Obama in ut together an unprecedented supportposition America’s gates out who the senator’s on the issues played significant roleand in the that nes Act, acargo preference, U.S. states. ce supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine sement, which the union issued in midma.) y but also for congressional, state The crowd in Tacoma included many SIU members. or movement’s collective strength. ake party affiliation into consideration when des of the aisle, and we’ve always lived by case, party affiliation is not a tthis I wanted to thank youonce on again behalf e out strongly in support of our core issues, ergetic efforts right through Election the rallies, manning the phone ever else and it takes to get out the vote. y record long history of service to our ’s stance on maritime. In that light, this is an e will take nothing for granted, I U,Obama for theCampaign. U.S. Merchant Marine he Share this information the vote” on Election Day. Our future , acco Supporters in Detroit (photo above) await Senator Obama’s arrival. In photo at left, Sen. Barack Obama—who has strongly voiced his backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine—speaks to the crowd in Detroit. December 2008 Seafarers LOG 13 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:47 PM Page 14 Seafarers Mobilize For Labor 2008 In Tacoma, Wash., Chief Steward Cynthia Caster (above) gives a “thumbs up” while speaking with a fellow union member about the importance of voting in the presidential election. Personnel from a number of unions including the SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers (photo at right) help get out of the vote in Wilmington, Calif. Those pictured include Jason Stutes, Thomas Wybo, Nick Rios, Guadalupe Murillo, Herb Perez, Emiliano Garcia, Eve Sullivan, Henry Commanger and Steve Bowmer. Seafarers in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., during the last weeks before Election Day were involved in a number of events. Clockwise from the left, Seafarers participated in rallies as well as labor walks. In photo at right, SIU Safety Director Kevin Marchand and Sheena McCleary from the state labor federation are ready for the next getout-the-vote event. Seafarers and other union members in New Orleans leave no doubt about whom they support. Seafarers and officials are joined by U.S. Reps. Gene Green (left), Sheila Jackson Lee (third from left) and Nick Lampson (third from right) at a get-out-the-vote event at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston. Seafarers and other volunteers (photo above) show up at the sign shop in Harris County, Texas, to help boost the prospects of candidates who support America’s working families. In the photo at right, Seafarers are pictured at the Harris County, Texas, Democratic Party headquarters building. Among those in the photo are James Wheat, Leonilo Arano, Ursel “Buddy” Barber, A. Arzu, Omaha Redda, Paul Wade, Shwe Tun Aung and Mike Russo. 14 Seafarers LOG December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:52 PM Page 15 Prescription Meds Reminder When a Seafarer is at the hiring hall and a job comes up, usually there is no problem making it to the ship within the span of a few hours. But when medication is a concern, the situation may become a bit more problematic. With the current prescription mail order program (Prescription Solutions), Seafarers can get 90 days’ worth of their maintenance medicines, which is usually adequate. But if they are going to be on a ship for six months, for example, and have only a 30-day supply of medicine on hand, what can they do? There is no perfect solution in this case. However, if they want to take the job and they do need a drug refill, there are a couple options. Time is of the essence in taking a pierhead jump. A member can obtain a prescription override form at the port office for required medications, immediately call their doctor and have him or her call in a new prescription to a nearby participating pharmacy, and then pick it up. As a last resort for late evening or weekend pierhead jumps, the member can call his or her doctor for the required medication, pick it up, pay for it out of pocket and then submit the receipt to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) for reimbursement. It may happen that the doctor is not in the office that particular day, but by already having developed a relationship with one’s caregiver, this should not be a problem. The Seafarer should communicate with his or her doctor beforehand, finding out the best way to contact the doctor after hours and on weekends in such cases. That could eliminate problems such as the one involving a pierhead jump. The SHBP will do what it can to assist each SIU member in this predicament, but, ultimately, it is the responsibility of every Seafarer to be ready to take a shipboard job when it comes along. And that means being prepared by having the names, addresses and telephone numbers of their doctors and local pharmacies as well as a list of the medications they take. The bottom line is that Seafarers who take prescription medications should plan ahead and do everything within reason to ensure they’ve got an adequate supply for the entire voyage. Personals Donna and Adrienne Cameron (daughters of Don and Joe Cameron) want to get in touch with the following individuals: Murphy Brown, Lugi Simcich, Don Mason and Red Pensiski. The Camerons can be reached at (503) 331-1306, P.O. Box 18097, Portland OR 97218-0097 AB Scott Alan Stokes Your sister Tracey asks that you contact her by phone at either (951) 217-6588 or (951) 579-4534 or via email at venture567@gmail.com January & February 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................Monday: January 5, February 2 Algonac ................................Friday: January 9, February 6 Baltimore.........................Thursday: January 8, February 5 Boston ..................................Friday: January 9, February 6 Guam..................Thursday: January 22, February 19 Honolulu ........................... Friday: January 16, February 13 Houston.............................Monday: January 12, February 9 Jacksonville..................... Thursday: January 8, February 5 Joliet...............................Thursday: January 15, February 12 Mobile.........................Wednesday: January 14, February 11 New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 13, February 10 New York.............................Tuesday: January 6, February 3 Norfolk.............................Thursday: January 8, February 5 Oakland ..........................Thursday: January 15, February 12 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: January 7, February 4 Port Everglades ..............Thursday: January 15, February 12 San Juan ...........................Thursday: January 8, February 5 St. Louis ..............................Friday: January 16, February 13 Tacoma................................Friday: January 23, February 20 Wilmington...........................Tuesday: January 20*, February 17* (*Changes created by Martin Luther King Day holiday and Presidents’ Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. December 2008 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea October 16, 2008 — November 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 Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 1 2 2 4 1 0 3 6 0 1 1 5 7 2 2 11 0 1 8 3 1 0 5 15 1 6 33 18 0 13 10 33 12 25 2 0 7 3 29 27 2 3 4 4 4 3 21 12 1 3 5 16 20 12 4 3 5 6 16 15 0 0 0 1 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 6 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 10 0 3 22 14 0 5 5 21 6 12 2 0 6 1 21 13 4 1 12 14 5 15 69 58 1 17 33 75 23 37 5 1 10 1 67 39 5 7 4 21 6 16 42 44 4 11 15 57 24 25 11 11 15 8 46 31 1 4 2 6 3 0 4 7 0 3 5 13 8 4 3 5 1 1 9 11 265 228 60 240 159 23 142 487 403 90 0 0 2 9 1 8 16 17 1 6 5 23 8 8 2 1 1 1 12 14 3 2 2 5 3 1 11 19 0 5 2 14 14 8 1 3 3 2 11 10 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 3 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 135 120 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 3 9 0 7 12 11 0 6 5 10 7 2 0 0 0 1 10 9 1 1 3 2 1 0 6 11 1 4 1 7 10 5 1 3 4 1 11 9 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 0 4 9 10 0 1 0 6 2 2 0 0 0 0 10 3 0 0 3 12 2 11 28 36 2 6 14 31 14 17 4 1 6 1 27 19 3 3 5 13 5 4 21 30 0 6 5 22 23 13 1 1 7 6 27 17 0 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 1 1 3 7 3 0 0 1 1 5 3 92 83 8 53 234 212 36 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 0 1 4 0 12 17 18 0 2 5 15 7 25 2 3 3 0 21 16 1 2 1 3 1 6 7 4 0 2 2 7 7 1 0 2 1 2 4 8 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 154 61 7 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 3 4 3 5 6 9 30 20 3 6 8 32 14 19 8 3 7 6 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 Trip Reliefs 2 1 7 8 3 6 33 31 1 7 15 37 13 27 3 1 6 0 33 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 1 0 1 8 0 6 16 14 0 2 6 15 5 12 0 2 2 0 9 16 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 2 0 1 1 3 5 1 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 11 4 0 0 0 7 2 6 0 0 0 0 6 8 3 0 2 11 4 15 32 30 0 6 9 28 14 37 5 2 2 0 30 35 3 2 1 12 4 6 11 12 0 5 5 15 19 6 1 2 3 3 6 13 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 5 115 32 4 50 265 130 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 0 0 1 5 3 0 2 0 9 1 4 0 0 0 0 9 4 0 2 1 4 3 8 19 11 0 5 5 15 12 14 0 2 3 0 14 9 2 0 0 7 0 5 8 14 1 3 2 6 17 6 0 25 0 0 4 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 2 0 2 4 5 0 0 17 12 0 2 3 6 9 12 0 0 0 0 12 6 1 0 0 1 0 3 6 3 0 0 1 1 2 4 0 18 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 1 0 0 2 5 5 0 2 1 15 1 8 0 0 0 0 9 6 2 1 2 11 6 11 37 28 1 8 8 52 26 17 0 3 9 1 22 20 5 1 1 16 1 10 7 25 2 10 2 18 31 15 1 10 0 0 10 18 40 127 110 14 90 42 0 56 265 183 594 536 194 461 364 77 245 1042 1010 327 Seafarers LOG 15 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:52 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 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 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 SHBP Offers Scholarships for Members, Dependents Eight scholarships are available to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children who are planning to further their education during the 2009 school year. Made available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), the scholarships collectively are designed to ease the financial challenges associated with attending college and vocational schools. Three of the awards are reserved specifically for SIU members. One is in the amount of $20,000 and is targeted for a student who plans on studying at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary community college or vocational school. The remaining five endowments— each in the amount of $20,000—will be awarded to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. To be considered for each of these funding opportunities, interested individuals need only apply; SHBP officials say now is an ideal time to start the application process. The first step in this procedure is to request a copy of the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a copy of this guide, interested individuals should fill out the form below and return it to the address provided. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should then check the eligibility information. If eligible, applicants should then start collecting some of the other paperwork which must Please send me the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name ...................................................................................................................................................... Mariner’s Social Security Number ........................................................................................................ Street Address ........................................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code ............................................................................................................................. Telephone Number ..........( This application is for: )........................................................................................................... Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 12/08 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 be submitted along with the full application. All application packages must be completed and mailed back to the SHBP Scholarship Program Office by April 15, 2009. Among the items required are transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, applicants are encouraged to request these items at their earliest possible convenience. The sooner these requests are made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. Photographs of the applicant as well certified copies of their birth certificates also need to be included. Once all packages have been received by the SHBP Scholarship Program Office, they will be examined and evaluated by a scholarship selection committee. This group, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will review the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2009. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Don’t allow the rapidly increasing costs of higher education prevent you from realizing your goals—the SHBP Scholarship Program can make a real difference. 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 16 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 This photo appeared in the April 15, 1955 Seafarers LOG. Shown are Seafarers from the Del Sud as they unwind at a dockside canteen in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1940. Pictured (from the left) are Joe Martello, Danny Byrnes, Percy Boyer, Eddie Parr and Frenchy Mouton. The individual (whose name is not known) third from the left is a local shoemaker who joined the mariners for refreshments. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 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 Seafarers LOG December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 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 Lombard calls Dothan, Ala., home. GEORGE KEBLIS JOHN PARKER Brother John Parker, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1968. Brother Parker originally shipped on the Wayne Victory. The deck department member was born in Georgia. In 1972, Brother Parker attended classes at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His final trip to sea was aboard the Point Revere. Brother Parker resides in Jacksonville, Fla. We’ve Heard of Shipboard Security, but this is Ridiculous Brother George Keblis, 65, joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Keblis initially sailed on the Gemini. He was born in Brownsville, Pa. Brother Keblis, who sailed in the deck department, enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His final voyage was aboard the Liberator. Brother Keblis is a resident of Hemet, Calif. DANIEL KRESCONKO Brother Daniel Kresconko, 65, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1991. Brother Kresconko first went to sea on the Diamond State as a member of the engine department. The New Yorkborn mariner upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Kresconko most recently worked aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. He makes his home in South Daytona, Fla. WARREN LOMBARD III Brother Warren Lombard III, 52, became a union member in 1980 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lombard was born in Louisiana and sailed in the steward department. His first voyage was on the Virgo. Brother Lombard often took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He was last employed aboard the ATB Freeport. Brother HERMAN REYNOLDS Brother Herman Reynolds, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990. Brother Reynolds’ first ship was the USNS Pollux; his most recent was the USNS Dahl. He was born in Chattanooga, Tenn. Brother Reynolds was a member of the deck department. He attended the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., in 2001. Brother Reynolds lives in Whitehall, Pa. DAVID ROJAS Brother David Rojas, 71, joined the SIU ranks in 1964. He initially sailed on the Steel Design. Brother Rojas worked as a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Economy. Brother Rojas is a resident of Destin, Fla. JOHN SCHOENSTEIN Brother John Schoenstein, 59, started shipping with the union in 1968 while in the port of New York. Brother Schoenstein’s first trip was on the Manhattan. The deck department member was born in New York. Brother Schoenstein enhanced his seafaring abilities numerous times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent This Month In SIU History 1940 The Seafarers International Union remained undefeated in representation elections by winning a National Labor Relations Board election aboard Calmar Line ships by a vote of 323-9. Of 340 seamen who voted, only nine voted against the union and eight ballots were ruled invalid by the board. The lopsided victory was the third recent success for December 2008 Despite appearances, this photo from the Seafarers-crewed Tyco Dependable doesn’t signal a return to the grim days when U.S. mariners were treated as virtual prisoners. Instead, Seafarers (from left) AB John Cedeno, Bosun Sanyboy Whiting, OS Richard Murray and AB Paa Kwakye are showing off their Halloween costumes while the vessel is in Europe installing fiber-optic cable. voyage was aboard the SLMP-993 Oakland. Brother Schoenstein settled in North Las Vegas, Nev. CARLOS SOTO Brother Carlos Soto, 65, began his SIU career in 1970. Brother Soto initially shipped with Michigan Tankers Inc. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the deck department. Brother Soto upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. His final voyage took place aboard the Maersk Arkansas. Brother Soto makes his home in Palm Bay, Fla. INLAND ROBERT DOLLIVER Brother Robert Dolliver, 56, became a union member in 1978 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Dolliver is a Virginia native. He originally sailed in the deck department of a Lynnhaven Services vessel. In 1998, Brother Dolliver attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. His last trip to sea was with South Bay Barge Inc. Brother Dolliver calls Long Beach, Calif., home. LARRY FLOWERS Brother Larry Flowers, 65, was born in North Carolina. Brother Flowers donned the SIU colors in 1977. He primarily shipped with C.S. Willis Inc. Brother Flowers now resides in Hobucken, N.C. RICHARD FORREST Brother Richard Forrest, 62, joined the union in 1967 while in the port of New York. Brother Forrest visited the Piney Point school on three occasions to enhance his seafaring abilities. His first voyage was aboard the the SIU in representation elections to represent seamen working aboard P&O and Baltimore Insular Line ships. The fact that the SIU has never lost a representation election in the two years since the union was founded shows that working seamen consider it the best organization to represent their interests. 1949 Certified by the NLRB as collective bargaining agent for nine Cities Service Oil Company tankers, the SIU immediately called upon the company to enter negotiations for a contract covering the company’s unlicensed personnel. The contract will culminate two years of effort by the SIU to obtain union wages, conditions and security for Cities Service seamen. The company began firing crew members by the shipload at the end of each voyage as the election drew near, but the replacements hired recognized the need for union representation and voted for the SIU. The company’s attitude was scored by the NLRB: “… it ill behooves the employer to file objections stemming principally from its own recalcitrance.” Western Comet. Brother Forrest was born in Pennsylvania and sailed in the deck department. He was last employed with Maritrans Operating Company. Brother Forrest is a resident of Scotrun, Pa. GREAT LAKES LARRY WILCOX Brother Larry Wilcox, 62, started shipping with the SIU in 1998 in Detroit. Brother Wilcox mainly sailed on Luedtke Engineering Company vessels. In 2001, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wilcox was a member of the deck department. He lives in his native state of Minnesota. 1962 SIU member James McLaughlin was walking to his Boston home when he saw a mother holding her six-monthold son out of a third-floor window to protect him from fire and smoke. The mother’s arms were shaking and weakening when McLauglin ran below window. As he did, the mother lost hold of the child. McLauglin then grabbed the child in his arms and fell backward to further cushion its fall. The child survived in fine condition but the mother suffered from smoke inhalation and burns suffered as she sheltered the child. 1993 Seafarers aboard the integrated tug-barge ITB Groton rescued seven Cuban refugees they spotted amidst heavy seas 30 miles north of Cuba. The refugees were afloat on a homemade raft consisting of eight inner-tubes held together with steel wire. The refugees were at sea for seven days and had not eaten in that time nor had water for several days. They told the crew the only provisions they took with them included two air pumps for the inner-tubes, some water, a lemon and some raw fish. Seafarers LOG 17 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA SHIRLEY ADKINS Sister Shirley Adkins, 70, passed away Aug. 18. She became an SIU member in 1989. Sister Adkins was born in Whitesburg, Ky., and sailed in the steward department. Her first ship was the USNS Invincible; her last the USNS Soderman. Sister Adkins was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. RONNIE BOND Brother Ronnie Bond, 58, died Aug. 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1967 while in the port of New Orleans. Brother Bond initially shipped aboard the Margaret Brown. The engine department member was born in Mississippi. Brother Bond most recently worked on the USNS Bellatrix. He continued to live in his native state. JACK DIXON Pensioner Jack Dixon, 72, passed away Aug. 17. He first donned the SIU colors in 1964. Brother Dixon’s first voyage was aboard the Los Angeles. He last sailed in the engine department of the Patriot. Brother Dixon retired in 2000 and made his home in England. O.C. JACOBS Pensioner O.C. Jacobs, 84, died Sept. 20. Brother Jacobs was born in Louisiana. He started sailing with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) prior to that union’s merger into the SIU. Brother Jacobs worked in the steward department. His final voyage took place on the Delta America. Brother Jacobs went on pension in 1979 and called Antioch, Calif., home. ANTHONY NOTTURNO Pensioner Anthony Notturno, 84, passed away Sept. 1. Brother Notturno joined the SIU ranks in 1951. He initially shipped with Cabin Tanker Inc. 18 Seafarers LOG as a member of the deck department. Brother Notturno was born in Philadelphia. Before his retirement in 1986, he sailed aboard the Oakland. Brother Notturno resided in Villas, N.J. LARRY RUST Pensioner Larry Rust, 62, died Oct. 3. Brother Rust began shipping with the MC&S in 1970 while in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Rice Lake, Wisc., and worked in the steward department. Brother Rust’s final trip to sea was on the President Polk. He started collecting his pension in 1981 and lived in Houston. GENE SEXTON Pensioner Gene Sexton, 81, passed away Oct. 10. Brother Sexton became a Seafarer in 1956 while in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard a Seatrain Lines Inc. vessel. Brother Sexton was born in Tennessee. He last sailed in the deck department of the USNS Algol. Brother Sexton was a resident of Spring City, Tenn. He retired in 1987. CHARLIE WILLIAMS Pensioner Charlie Williams, 79, died Aug. 26. Brother Williams donned the SIU colors in 1966. He originally sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Williams was born in the Philippines. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Williams’ most recent voyage was aboard the Cape Carthage. He continued to reside in the Philippines. Brother Williams went on pension in 1995. MOODY WILLIS Pensioner Moody Willis, 87, passed away Aug. 22. Brother Willis started sailing with the union in 1948. His first ship was the McKettrick; his last the Boston. Brother Willis was a member of the engine department. He began his retirement in 1981 and made his home in Virginia. INLAND FRANCIS O’NEILL Pensioner Francis O’Neill, 75, died Oct. 4. Brother O’Neill was born in Philadelphia. He joined the SIU in 1957. Brother O’Neill initially sailed with Taylor Marine Towing Company. He called West Chester, Pa., home and started receiving his retirement compensation in 1998. GREAT LAKES EUGENE DAOUST Pensioner Eugene Daoust, 74, passed away Oct. 5. Brother Daoust, a member of the engine department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He originally shipped with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Daoust was born in Alpena, Mich. He most recently sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Daoust went on pension in 1979. He continued to live in Michigan. JOSEPH DEVOGEL Pensioner Joseph Devogel, 78, died Sept. 21. Brother Devogel signed on with the Seafarers in 1958 while in the port of Duluth, Minn. His earliest voyage was with Tomlinson Fleet Corporation. Brother Devogel sailed in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the JAW Iglehart. Brother Devogel continued to reside in his native state of Wisconsin. He became a pensioner in 1992. JOSEPH SEVIGNEY Pensioner Joseph Sevigney, 86, passed away Aug. 5. Brother Sevigney first donned the SIU colors in 1952 while in the port of Detroit. He sailed in the engine department, originally aboard a Bulk Transport Inc. vessel. Brother Sevigney’s last voyage was on the Steel T. Crapo. He was born in New Hampshire but settled in Alpena, Mich. Brother Sevigney retired in 1987. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Apshire, Lonnie Baerga, Juan Burda, Stanley Butler, Jesse Diaz, Cecilio Dingwall, David Durant-Bey, Charles Flores, Antonio Frazer, Frank Gillis, Alfred Gully, Willie Hernandez, Carlos Hsiez, Ming Jenkins, Robert Lima, Carlos Lindo, Carlton Martinez, Ezequiel Marvin, Clifford Montgomery, Winfred Motley, John Ramos, Manuel Resendez, Manuel Tedesco, Victor White, Charles Whitley, Willie Wiggins, Willie Wood, Samuel Woodley, Harold Age 66 84 92 85 86 88 77 79 82 84 84 90 94 86 93 88 95 83 85 80 91 82 80 68 83 91 81 103 DOD October 14 September 2 October 11 October 3 September 15 September 24 August 17 September19 October 15 October 2 September 30 September 16 September 22 October 13 September 21 September 19 October 6 September 27 October 5 October 10 October 5 September 22 October 15 September 19 October 4 September 20 September 18 September 25 December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings VIRGINIAN (Sealift Tankships Inc.), Aug. 31 – Chairman Laurentis Colbert, Secretary Leanne Smith, Deck Delegate Timothy Squires, Engine Delegate Michael Brown. Chairman reported successful voyage and reviewed ship’s itinerary. Discussion was held regarding requirements for medical benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for another washer and dryer due to increased usage while military personnel are aboard. Next port: Souda, Crete, Greece. ITB NEW YORK (USS Transport), Sept. 21 – Chairman Calvin M. Miles, Secretary Milton M. Yournett, Educational Director Ronnie L. Day Jr., Deck Delegate Kelvin W. Johnson, Steward Delegate William H. Kane. Chairman reminded departing crew to leave rooms and showers clean for mariners coming aboard. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep house clean. Educational director asked all Seafarers to check expiration date on z-card. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to increase pension benefits. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next ports: Tampa, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas. OCEAN ATLAS (Pacific Gulf Marine), Sept. 21 – Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Deck Delegate Christopher Bryant, Engine Delegate John J. Leahey. Chairman noted smooth sailing and reminded mariners to act in a responsible manner aboard vessel and ashore. Educational director advised members to keep necessary seafaring documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for direct deposit. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Marine), Sept. 30 – Chairman Jesse L. Mixon, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Glenn G. Barnes, Deck Delegate Shaun C. Liles, Engine Delegate Juan Marin, Steward Delegate Audrey Brown. Chairman talked about TWIC cards and suggested mariners read the Seafarers LOG to stay informed of the latest information. Secretary urged those getting off vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of LNG classes offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to the steward department for the extra effort they put in. Next port: Galveston, Texas. 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. FLORIDA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 5 – Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Daniel L. Wehr, Deck Delegate Monroe G. Monseur, Engine Delegate Robert Laidler, Steward Delegate Alfrancis M. Bauzon. Bosun announced payoff Oct. 10 in Charleston, S.C. He reported a smooth, safe trip. Educational director urged crew to check out what the union-affiliated school had to offer and keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to decrease time required to qualify for pension benefits and increase pension amounts to meet cost of living increases. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Next port: Charleston, S.C. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 1 – Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Kristin L. Krause, Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Arsenio I. Obenza, Engine Delegate Vince T. Cueva, Steward Delegate Rudolf Gibson. Chairman discussed ship’s itinerary, including scheduled boarding by U.S. Coast Guard personnel in Newark, N.J. Educational director advised mariners to check z-cards and apply for TWIC card as soon as possible, since deadline for mariners is in April 2009. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for better e- mail system for privacy. Crew discussed current engine-department ratings and duties. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 5 – Chairman John J. Williamson, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Rahul Bagchi. Chairman announced payoff in Newark, N.J., on March 13. He reminded Seafarers that have yet to get their TWIC card to apply soon as time is running out. He noted they will not be able to ship without it. Secretary urged members to vote in union elections. He also advised them to read the Seafarers LOG to stay informed of changes to benefit and shipping rules as they may occur. Mariners were encouraged to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director encouraged crew members to enhance their seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $1,240 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that dryer on E deck was not working properly. Steward department was thanked for great meals. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; and Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS DILIGENCE (OSG Ship Management), Oct. 7 – Chairman Reggie A. Watkins, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Educational Director Geoffrey P. Denesse, Steward Delegate Kenneth R. Kelly. Chairman emphasized the importance of following instructions the first time they are given. Secretary thanked crew members for their efforts in keeping house clean. Educational director recommended Seafarers visit the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed use of sailing board. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 12 – Chairman Randal E. Evans Jr., Secretary Robert S. Davis, Educational Director Randy D. Slue, Deck Delegate Carl W. Davis, Steward Delegate Stephen E. Johnson. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 18 in Charleston, S.C. He asked members to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Secretary advised crew to read the Seafarers LOG and check the bulletin board for new postings. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills often at the Paul Hall Center. He suggested applying early for TWIC cards to avoid rush as April 2009 is approaching quickly. Beef reported in the deck department; no disputed OT. Inquiry was made concerning reimbursement of baggage fees. Next port: Charleston, S.C. Mariners Sail in Solidarity For Maersk’s Safety Program SIU crew members aboard the Seafarers-contracted Maersk Missouri recently enjoyed Veterans’ Day while steaming through the Gulf of Aden. The mariners used the occasion to show their solidarity with Maersk Line Limited’s (MLL) “Drive to Zero” initiative, a hands-on program designed to assist employees (mariners and shoreside personnel alike) in focusing on safety and teamwork to make the workplace as safe as possible. Aboard the vessel and posing with a cake made especially for the show of solidarity (above, from the left, kneeling and seated) were Emilio Ordaniel, Charlotte Chastain, Mark Jones, Brian McEleney, Billy Gigante, Jeff Levie and Paul Castillo. Standing in the back row (from the left) are Tody Vo, Steve Hamre, Dan Murley, Mohyeldeen El-Abbasi, Max Lacayo, Sal Inrahim, David Loison, David Shellock, Xavier Normil, Oliver Balico and Angel Corchado. As suggested by the Drive to Zero initiative title, its goal is to drive down unsafe and environmental incidents as close to zero as possible or eliminate them altogether. In this regard, one of the key steps MLL took toward enhancing safety was to partner with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to provide unlicensed mariners a two-day safety course called “Safety Boot Camps.” According to MLL, the boot camps are integral in the company’s approach to Drive to Zero. The agenda focuses on leadership and effective communications as well as more technical topics such as job safety analysis and prevention of electric shocks. December 2008 Seafarers LOG 19 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 PM Page 20 Summary Annual Report Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Momey Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 $3,410,262. These expenses included $847,117 in administrative expenses and $2,563,145 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 20,960 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $70,629,761 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $49,919,701 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $20,710,060. This increase 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 $9,980,558, including employer contributions of $6,866,622, employee contributions of $125,366, gains of $1,188,130 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,800,440. MINIMUM FUNDING STANDARDS Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675.The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.95 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. Summary Annual Report MCS Supplementary Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 51-6097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 $611,043. These expenses included $209,881 in administrative expenses and $401,162 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 949 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $8,143,400 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $8,253,399 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $109,999. 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 $501,044, including gains of $174,555 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $324,529. The plan has a contract with Prudential Retirement Insurance Annuity Company which allocates funds toward individual policies. 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. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.95 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. Summary Annual Report Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 135557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. 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 The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $100,256,894 as of December 31, 2007 compared to $65,553,297 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $34,703,597. This increase 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 $79,037,345. This income included employer contributions of $73,065,946, realized gains of $237,879 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $5,583,294. Plan expenses were $44,333,748. These expenses included $8,659,368 in administrative expenses and $35,674,380 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.70 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. 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 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 LaborManagement 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 safe- guards 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. December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 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 first 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. 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. Adult Basic Education (ABE) English as a Second Language (ESL) College Program Preparatory Course (when applying, students should list the name of the prep course desired on upgrading application) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 19 February 13 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 5 February 16 Online Distance Learning Courses Students MUST have access to the internet with an e-mail address in order to take the classes below: DL Environmental Awareness DL Hazmat Control & Mgmt Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) January 5 January 30 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) February 2 February 27 Junior Engineer March 9 May 1 FOWT February 2 March 2 February 27 March 27 January 5 February 27 Marine Electrician Academic Department Courses DL Hearing Conservation DL Heat Stress Mgmt DL Shipboard Pest Mgmt DL Respiratory Protection DL Shipboard Water Sanitation The foregoing clases are taken at home, not at the Paul Hall Center. Please be sure to provide an email address (printed neatly) on the application when applying. Safety Specialty Courses Basic Firefighting/STCW February 16 March 30 February 20 April 3 Upgrading Course Guide Coming Soon Government Vessels February 23 April 6 February 27 April 10 A future edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to students in 2009 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training & Education in Piney Point, Md. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Important Notice Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began December 1. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 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, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate and valid SHBP Clinic Card. Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ COURSE START DATE DATE OF COMPLETION 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_____________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________ SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 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____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ December 2008 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. 12/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival – Nine upgraders on Sept. 26 completed this 60hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical orer) were: Dionce Bright, Corey Covington, Timothy Culwell, Cirico Geonanga Jr., Alonzo Griswell, Orlando Herrera, Jose Martinez, Paublito RamosOrtiz and Cade Vaussine. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 707 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 707 recently completed the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: William Bennett, Sarah Billingsley, Rashid Body, Ernest Bullock Jr., Alexandra DeJesus, Romer Garrido, James Grant, Mark Hayes, Ryan Klinewski, Celso Maldonado Rivera, Pedro Marcial-Sanchez, Michelle Mason, Wendy McLauren, Xavier Normil, Jonathan Rivera, Andre Robinson Sr., James Smith, Michael Spirit, Ternillia Thomas, William Thomas and Leticia Vazquez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Sept. 19 completed this course: Greg Allman, Randall Brown, David Goodwin, Sherwood Lewis Jr., Jackie Pruitt, Russell Shores, Timothy Thomas and Jonathan West Sr. Helo Fifefighting (AMSEA) – Eleven individuals on Sept. 29 completed this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Anthony Bonin, Glen Burke, Charles Christiansen, William Devers, James Donohue, David Eddy, Todd Gallagher, Douglas Garee, Jacob George, Joseph Krajnik and Nathaniel Sherrill. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 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. Medical Care Provider – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on July 19 completed this course: Marie Acosta, Adam Begleiter, Troy Fleming, Douglas Foley, James Knute, Richard Lydon, Glen McCullough, Philander Walton and Donald Young. STCW – Twenty upgraders on Sept. 19 completed this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mian Ahmad, Eric Coleman, Romeo Cruda, Joven DeOcampo, Hugh Greene, Kris Hopkins, Thomas Keseru, Paul McDonnell, Darrin Murray, Paul Mutta, Emanuel Paul, Paul Pitcher, Gilbert Regaldo, Jacqueline Sivels, Don Simmons-Gregory, Gregory Smith, Jared Smith, Jamaal Waring, Kenneth Washington and Jeffrey Wise Sr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) December 2008 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:53 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW (Express Marine) – The following mariners (above, in alphabetical order) on Oct. 3 completed this course: Colin Bridgman, Thomas Croskett, Michael Daniels, James Dixon, Jim Dutton, Dennis Gaskill Jr., Jerry Harper, Albin Henries, Richard Hurst, Guy Ireland, Garnett Leary Jr., Roland Mason Jr., Willie Midgette, Scott Noble, Edward Parks Jr., Terry Popperwill, Jerod Register and Foster Watts. Express Marine Rep. Keith Kirkeide is ninth from the right. The class instructor, Mark Cates, is at the far right. Welding – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course Sept. 26: Robin Bourgeois, William Dukes, Dallon Garnett, Alexander Rhodes, Jesse Turner and Steven Wilson. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is second from the left. Small Arms – Seven individuals completed training in this course on Oct. 19. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Asaad Al Waseem, Stanley Boothe, Richard Cannady, Allen Faulks, Phillip Forman, Peter Fulcher and Robert Taylor. Tankship Familiarization – Thirteen Seafarers on Oct. 3 completed upgrade training in this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Joseph Brown, Romeo Cruda, Joven DeOcampo, Basil D’Souza, Luis Irias, Thomas Keseru, Brett Lange, Cosmo Palomba, Emanuel Paul, Gilbert Regalado, Don Simmons-Gregory, Richard Thompson and Jamaal Waring. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at the far right. Helo Firefighting (Swift) – Nine Seafarers on Oct. 3 completed this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leo Batiste, Rafael Chow, Jimmy Cordova, Andres Cruz, Vladimir Filip, Bryan Fletcher, Richard Fugit, Russell Lino and Oscar Pena. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at the far left. GMDSS – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Sept. 23 completed this course: David Blue IV, Scott Chew, Carlos Gibbons, Calvin Kaawa, John Lee, Karl Mayhew, Robert Walker III and Kadatema Yague. Advanced Container Maintenance – Four upgraders on Sept. 26 graduated from this course. Those completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: James Donohue, Elwyn Ford, Steven Haver and Joseph Krajnik. Calvin Beal, their instructor, is at the far right. December 2008 BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Oct. 3 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Ethel Harada, Donna Austin, Karliah Butler, Kalae Balino and Jelena Malenica. Seafarers LOG 23 �51843_p01_24x3:51843 11/25/2008 2:54 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 12 December 2008 Summary Annual Reports - Pages 6, 8, 20 Booms are deployed as part of the school’s oil spill prevention and containment training. Center Places Premium on Environmental Protection SIU-Affiliated Maritime Training School Promotes ‘Culture of Safety’ Having spent more than two decades teaching at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Jim Shaffer easily recognizes when students are truly “locked in” on the subject matter as opposed to merely getting by. When it comes to environmental training, it’s no stretch to say the students’ eyes and ears are wide open. “It’s very easy to get their attention when we start talking about, for example, oil spills and our duties aboard barges and tank ships,” Shaffer observes. “Our emphasis is on prevention, but we make students deeply aware of problems that can occur in loading and discharging procedures if the operation isn’t given our utmost focus. We also equip them with the skills and knowledge of what to do in case an accident occurs.” Shaffer teaches tankerman and hazardous-materials courses, which are only some of the dozens of environment-related classes available at the Piney Point, Md.-based school. Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union, the Paul Hall Center (named after an outstanding past president of the SIU) offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Many of those classes specifically pertain to safeguarding the environment, while others contain at least one or two related components. Don Nolan, vice president of the school, first arrived on the waterfront campus in 1968, one year after it opened. Asked if it’s accurate to say that environmental safety is fully ingrained in the school’s culture, he quickly replies, “That’s the absolute truth. Certainly, it has grown over the years, particularly after the enactment of the Oil Pollution and Prevention Act of 1990, but it goes back even further. It would be shorter to list the classes that don’t involve environmental safety than those that do.” Nevertheless, there are some courses that may be considered staples of the center’s environmental training. They include a one-week oil spill pre- Hands-on training is an important component of numerous classes, including marine refrigerated containers maintenance (above). vention and containment course; tankerman-person in charge (PIC); cargo handling and stowage; emergency procedures; pumpman; basic and advanced fire fighting; marine refrigeration technician; marine refrigerated containers maintenance; inland engine room troubleshooting and casualty control; tank ship familiarization/liquefied gases (LNG); damage control; underway replenishment; oil spill response; HAZMAT first responder; HAZMAT incident commander; passenger vessel safety; confined-space safety and rescue, and others. Those curriculums and others are updated in order to remain current and compliant. Most of the aforementioned classes involve hands-on training, some of which takes place at the center’s cutting-edge Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a satellite campus located just a couple of miles away. The safety school (named in memory of the late SIU Executive Vice President Joe Sacco) opened in 1999, and it serves as a good example of the Paul Hall Center’s dedication to the environment. For instance, the fires are set using propone, while smoke is generated via “clean” machines that don’t affect the environment or disturb local wildlife. The water used for training is pumped from and recycled to a pond – it receives treatment in both directions, and actually returns to the pond cleaner than when it left. J.C. Wiegman, Paul Hall Center director of training, points out that not all of the school’s training takes place in Piney Point. For decades, and as needed, the Paul Hall Center has offered courses at various ports across the nation, including a long series of EPA-approved refrigeration classes in the mid-1990s. The school regularly partners with local fire fighters and other local entities in offering various safety training, including conducting emergency response drills. He also notes that while personal safety and protecting the environment are important in their own rights, there are other considerations on this subject. One is the cost of the ships and tugs and barges and other marine equipment utilized on the job. Another is potential liability – not a small matter, as most recently evidenced by the widely publicized spill in the Mississippi River in July. “It costs money if you spill oil in the water,” Wiegman says. “The crew has to know that if they have an accident it’s going to cost the company. That’s been part of our teaching here forever, but now it’s widespread throughout the industry.” Like Shaffer, Wiegman notes that although the school emphasizes prevention, students also learn in great detail how to respond in case of an incident. He, too, sees an encouraging pattern in the students’ focus on the environment, whether they are enrolled in the entry-level program or returning to campus for vocational upgrading. “The trainees who are first exposed to it are fully enveloped in learning all the things about protecting themselves,” states Wiegman, a U.S. Navy veteran. “After they’ve learned about environmental laws and regulations, along with personal protective equipment and its use, you might think they wouldn’t retain it. But, in the merchant marine we have to renew basic fire fighting every five years and we have to renew first aid and CPR training every two years. There are constant safety reminders aboard ship, both in writing and in the form of drills. As you get out on the ships, you realize you never stop learning about being safe and doing the right thing.” He concludes, “If you develop a safety culture, it starts with the entrylevel person but it never stops. That’s what we try to do at the Paul Hall Center – develop a culture of safety and awareness with everyone, regardless of what type of ship they’re on. We always need to be safe.” � 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 December 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NY PORT COUNCIL SALUTES 3 MARITIME LABOR MOURNS AMO’S ED KELLY UNION SUPPORT PROVES VITAL ON ELECTON DAY SEAFARERS ACROSS NATION RALLY FOR PRO-MARITIME TICKET OF OBAMA-BIDEN SIU CREWS LAND HONORS DURING AOTOS EVENT DACUAG EARNS AGENCY’S HIGHEST HONOR FOR CIVILIANS NASSCO DELIVERS USNS EARHART TO U.S. MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND GUIDANCE AIMS TO FACILITATE SHORE LEAVE CIVMARS HELP DEDICATE NEW COMPLEX IN NORFOLK BOILERMAKERS REPORT BIG WIN AT NASSCO. SIU GETS OUT THE VOTE DURING LABOR 2008 LABOR 2008 SEAFARERS LAUNCH FULL-SCALED MOBILIZATION TO HELP SECURE ELECTION WIN FOR WORKING FAMILIES CENTER PLAES PREMIUM ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 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 12/01/2008 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. 12 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/404df4a87c08537c72ef9d1fc6266473.pdf f028d11bd7716cf70b1c1a79e68fb08a PDF Text Text 52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:25 PM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 1 January 2009 School Releases Course Dates, Guide The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has issued course dates for the first several months of 2009. Those dates are part of an eight-page feature which also includes descriptions of numerous Paul Hall Center classes, including online “distance learning” courses. Pictured directly below and at right are upgraders and unlicensed apprentices participating in various deck, engine, steward and general safety courses at the Piney Point, Md.-based school. Pages 9-16. Oakland Hall’s Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Feast Kicks off Holiday Season The 2008 version of the yearly pre-Thanksgiving gathering at the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., did not disappoint, as hundreds of Seafarers, their families and dignitaries shared the holiday spirit Nov. 25. Among the guests were U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (at podium in photo at left), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) (far left in same photo) and fellow California Democrat Congressional Reps. Jerry McNerney, Jackie Speier and George Miller (second from left in photo directly above, being welcomed by SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, seated at left, and Asst. VP Nick Celona, at podium). Representatives from the 23rd Marine Regiment (middle photo, with SIU Bosun George Pino) presented the colors. Page 7. Updates on New Tonnage Page 3 TWIC News, Reminders Page 4 SIU Year in Review Page 24 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:25 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Building Upon Progress of 2008 Looking back on the past year always feels a little bit like reading a report card or a test score. Our union’s body of work for the previous 12 months is in the books, and even though many of our projects are ongoing, there is an element of finality any time we say goodbye to another year. Fortunately, I’m happy to report – and I believe most members will agree – that 2008 truly was an outstanding year for the SIU. Many of the details of our accomplishments are reported elsewhere in this edition of the LOG. But for me, no matter the month or year or decade, our most important gauge is always Michael Sacco the same. Our measuring stick starts with jobs and the job security of this membership. Without good jobs, nothing else matters. In 2008, the “jobs” category was a winner for the SIU. We gained new tankers, RO/ROs, containerships and ammunition ships. We welcomed new ATBs and stand-alone tugboats. We secured new work aboard the passenger ferry operating in Hawaii. We retained jobs on the eight LMSRs that had been up for bid. For us, it didn’t matter whether we were pursuing replacement tonnage or outright new additions or trying to hold on to what we already had under contract. We went after it as if the future depended on it – because it does. We were successful because of the dedication and capabilities of our officials and rank-and-file members alike. When we compete for new opportunities, our greatest selling point is the historic reliability of the SIU member. Your work aboard ship – your professionalism – is what puts us over the top. It’s also what gives me great optimism for 2009 and the years that follow. One key ingredient in this equation is the top-notch training received by SIU members at our affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Whether you’re new to the industry or an “old salt,” I’m sure you realize how incredibly important it is nowadays to have the proper training and qualifications for shipboard work. Without the courses available in Piney Point, and the outstanding instructors who work there, we’d be facing an uphill fight to say the least. On another significant subject, I want to mention what a great job everyone did in “getting out the vote” to support Barack Obama, Joseph Biden and other pro-maritime, prolabor candidates on Election Day. You’ve read all about it by now, but the historic nature of this particular election cannot be overstated. It was a great win for America’s working families and, I believe, for the whole country. Not to be overlooked in any summary of 2008 is the steady work of SIU members who continue supporting our troops, particularly in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. You have my utmost respect and gratitude, as do the brave men and women of our armed forces. I enjoy looking back, and it’s sometimes fun to page through old issues of the LOG to examine our union’s history. But I’m much more interested in looking ahead, and that’s what your union is doing as we ring in the New Year. We’re on a course for ongoing success, and with your continued support, we will overcome whatever challenges come our way. I look forward to tackling those challenges throughout the year, and I wish all Seafarers, retirees and their families the very best in 2009 and beyond. Poll: Americans Overwhelmingly Back Unions and Employee Free Choice Act If elected leaders want to help their constituents through these difficult economic times, they might be well-advised to read the results of a recent Gallup poll that shows 59 percent of Americans support unions and 77 percent support strong union laws such as the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The legislation would give employees the freedom to make their own choice about whether to have a union in their workplace without interference from management. The EFCA also creates real penalties for employers who illegally interfere with organizing efforts and sets up a system to ensure that workers get a first contract once they’ve chosen union representation. Does America want the EFCA, also known as majority sign-up legislation? Sixty-three percent of survey respondents feel unions should have more influence or the same amount that currently exists at the workplace. Additionally, the survey reveals that 60 million workers say they would join a union today EFCA Questions & Answers The following questions and answers about the Employee Free Choice Act come from the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated. Q: Why do we need new federal legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act? A: America’s working people are struggling to make ends meet, and the middle class is disappearing. The best opportunity working men and women have to get ahead is by uniting with co-workers to bargain with their employers for better wages and benefits. But the current labor law system is broken. Corporations routinely intimidate, harass, coerce and even fire people who try to organize unions—and today’s labor law is powerless to stop them. Every day, employers deny working people the freedom to make their own choice about whether to have a union: ■ Employees are fired in one-quarter of private-sector union organizing campaigns; ■ 78 percent of private employers require supervisors to deliver anti-union messages to the workers whose jobs and pay they control; ■ And even after workers successfully form a union, one-third of the time they are not able to get a contract. Q: What does the Employee Free Choice Act do? A: It does three things to level the playing field for employees and employers: ■ Strengthens penalties for companies that illegally coerce or intimidate employees in an effort to prevent them from forming a union; ■ Brings in a neutral third party to settle a contract when a company and a newly certified union cannot agree on a contract after three months; ■ Establishes majority sign-up, meaning that if a majority of the employees sign union authorization cards, validated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), a company must recognize the union. Q: What’s wrong with the current law? A: The National Labor Relations Act states: Volume 71, Number 1 January 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 if they could, and that an average of at least 55 percent of Americans have supported unions since 1936. The poll results were released in early December. Throughout 2008, Seafarers helped the AFL-CIO achieve its goal of collecting one million signatures on specially prepared cards sent to the next administration in support of the EFCA. The SIU and its affiliated unions distributed theses cards to ports, properties and locations where members live and work. The EFCA passed in the House in 2007 but got stalled in the Senate. President-Elect Barack Obama, Vice President-Elect Biden and numerous members of Congress have pledged to support the bill and see it through so it becomes law. Union members are encouraged to educate coworkers and family members about the advantages of the EFCA and ask them to sign up to support it. More details are on the web site www.freechoiceact.org/aflcio “Employees shall have to the right to self organization to form, join, or assist labor organizations.…” It was designed to protect employee choice on whether to form unions, but it has been turned upside down. The current system is not like any democratic election held anywhere else in our society. Employers have turned the NLRB election process into management-controlled balloting—the employer has all the power, controls the information workers can receive and routinely poisons the process. On top of that, the law’s penalties are so insignificant that many companies treat them as just another cost of doing business. By the time employees vote in an NLRB election, if they can get to that point, a free and fair choice isn’t an option. Even in the voting location, workers do not have a free choice after being browbeaten by supervisors to oppose the union or being told they may lose their jobs and livelihoods if they vote for the union. Q: What is majority sign-up, and how does it work? A: When a majority of employees votes to form a union by signing authorization cards and those authorization cards are validated by the federal government, the employer will be legally required to recognize and bargain with the workers’ union. Majority sign-up is not a new approach. For years, some responsible employers have taken a position of allowing employees to choose, by majority decision, whether to have a union. Those companies have found that majority sign-up is an effective way to allow workers the freedom to make their own decision—and it results in less hostility and polarization in the workplace than the failed NLRB process. Q: Does the Employee Free Choice Act take away so-called secret ballot elections? A: No. If one-third of workers want to have an NLRB election at their workplace, they can still ask the federal government to hold an election. The Employee Free Choice Act simply gives them another option—majority sign-up. “Elections” may sound like the most democratic approach, but the NLRB process is nothing like any democratic elections in our society—presidential elections, for example—because one side has all the power. The employer controls the voters’ paychecks and livelihood, has unlimited access to speak against the union in the workplace while restricting pro-union speech and has the freedom to intimidate and coerce the voters. Q: Does the Employee Free Choice Act silence employers or require that they remain neutral about the union? A: No. Employers are still free to express their opinion about the union as long as they do not threaten or intimidate workers. Q: Will employees be pressured into signing union authorization cards? A: No. In fact, academic studies show that workers who organize under majority sign-up feel less pressure from co-workers to support the union than workers who organize under the NLRB election process. Workers who vote by majority signup also report far less pressure or coercion from management to oppose the union than workers who go through NLRB elections. In addition, it is illegal for anyone to coerce employees to sign a union authorization card. Any person who breaks the law will be subject to penalties under the Employee Free Choice Act. Q: Who supports the Employee Free Choice Act? A: The Employee Free Choice Act has the support of hundreds of members of Congress of both parties, academics and historians, civil and human rights organizations such as the NAACP and Human Rights Watch, most major faith denominations and a strong majority of the American public. January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:25 PM Page 3 Tanker Golden State Begins Sea Trials U.S. Shipping Takes Delivery of ATB; Progress Continues in Tanker, T-AKE Programs As 2008 drew to a close, there was no slowdown in the number of stories about new SIU-contracted tonnage. In early December, General Dynamics NASSCO reported that the tanker Golden State had begun sea trials off the West Coast. The vessel is scheduled for delivery to U.S. Shipping this month (January). The Golden State is one of nine doublehulled, PC-1 tankers being built at the San Diego shipyard for U.S. Shipping Partners. As previously reported, the build program includes options for five additional ships. Each vessel in the class will be 600 feet long, displace about 49,000 deadweight tons and have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels. The tankers are expected to sail in the coastal trade, carrying petroleum and chemical products. Additionally, in late November, unioncontracted NASSCO conducted a keellaying ceremony for the third ship in the series, to be named the Sunshine State. Construction of that tanker started in July; the vessel is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2009. The second ship in the series, the Pelican State, also is under construction. Those weren’t the only recent updates involving U.S. Shipping. Also in December, the company took delivery of the articulated tug-barge (ATB) Petrochem Trader. The ATB is the third in a series. Its barge (Petrochem Trader) was constructed at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., while the tug (Brownsville) was built by Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City, Fla. T-AKE Construction Contract Awarded Continues, On Dec. 15, NASSCO announced that it has been awarded a $940 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the construction of two T-AKE dry cargo-ammunition ships and to purchase long-lead construction materials for two additional T-AKE ships. Under the contract, NASSCO receives full funding for the construction of the USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) and USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12). Earlier in 2008, NASSCO received a total of $200 million to purchase the long lead materials for these ships, which, like the others in the class, will be crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Construction of the Washington Chambers and the William McLean is scheduled to begin in the first and fourth quarters of 2009, respectively. The new contract also provides $200 million for procurement of the engines for T-AKEs 13 and 14 and other components that have significant manufacturing lead times. A contract that fully funds both ships is expected by February 2010, according to the shipyard. Construction of the unnamed thirteenth and fourteenth ships is scheduled to begin in the second and fourth quarters of 2010, respectively. “This contract award permits General Dynamics NASSCO, our team of suppliers and subcontractors to maintain an efficient schedule to build these highly-capable Navy auxiliary ships at the best value to the U.S. government,” said Frederick J. Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO and himself a former merchant mariner. With the contract award, the Navy is exercising its remaining options to build all 14 ships in the T-AKE class. NASSCO has already delivered six T-AKE ships and is currently building the seventh through tenth ships of the class. The T-AKEs are 689 feet in length, have an overall beam of 106 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet and displace approximately 42,000 tons. Powered by single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion systems, the T-AKEs can reach a speed of 20 knots. As part of the Military Sealift The Golden State is the first in a series of double-hulled tankers being built at NASSCO for U.S. Shipping Partners. Command’s (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the T-AKEs are designated United States Naval Ship (USNS). Unlike their United States Ship (USS) counterparts, the T-AKEs are crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC, as well as 11 sailors who provide supply coordination. When needed, the T-AKEs can also carry a helicopter detachment. The primary mission of the ships is to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea. Philly Tanker News Back on the East Coast, in late fall, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard delivered its fifth product tanker, the Overseas Texas City, to American Shipping Company for SIU-contracted OSG. Then, in early October, the union-contracted yard started construction on the ninth Veteran Class tanker (part of a series of at least 12 such ships). IMO Honors Horizon Falcon SIU members from the Horizon Falcon were among the honorees Dec. 1 in London as the International Maritime Organization presented certificates and other awards for heroism at sea. The agency’s main award went to a Brazilian mariner whose brave actions during a shipboard fire saved the lives of six fellow seafarers. The Horizon Falcon was honored for its role in a 2007 rescue during which crew members and officers saved two survivors from the bulk carrier Hai Tong No. 7, in severe weather generated by a typhoon. Retired Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton (center) accepted a framed IMO certificate on behalf of the Horizon Falcon. Also pictured are IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos (right) and Jock Whittlesey from the American Embassy in London. Eglinton noted the award ceremony “was quite formal and had a very large attendance of delegates, government officials and local UK dignitaries. Even past IMO SecretaryGeneral William O’Neil flew in to attend. It was nice being there to accept the honors on behalf of the Horizon Falcon, and I congratulate them as well.” January 2009 Early last month, Aker Philadelphia laid the keel for the eighth vessel. When completed, the 46,000 dwt vessels will be 600 feet in length and will be capable of transporting the equivalent of 14 million gallons of liquid product. Further, the shipyard recently signed an agreement entering into a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The partnership is designed to assist Aker Philadelphia Shipyard in implementing a safety program to further protect employees, improve safety statistics and become qualified to participate in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The agreement was signed Nov. 12 during a small ceremony at the shipyard by representatives of OSHA, the Philadelphia Metal Trades Council and Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Union Election Results Will Be Announced When Tallying Committee Completes Work Voting was scheduled to be completed at the end of last month (December), and results of the election of officials for the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU will be announced, in accordance with the SIU constitution, upon completion of the tallying committee’s work. Results of balloting on the proposed constitutional amendment also will be announced. Special membership meetings were conducted late last month in union halls listed in the SIU constitution to elect delegates for a rankand-file tallying committee. That committee, including two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will tabulate results of the election, which started Nov. 1 in all SIU halls and was scheduled to end Dec. 31. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will carry the results of the election. The ballot included a list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions) along with the proposed constitutional amendment. Individuals elected in this round of balloting will serve a four-year term lasting from 2009 through 2012. Seafarers who were eligible to vote in the election were full book members in good standing, according to the union’s constitution. Members had the opportunity to pick up a ballot either in person at one of the 21 union halls around the country and overseas or via mail (absentee ballot). Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations, the constitutional committee’s report and other related information appears on pages 6-11 of the October 2008 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Seafarers LOG 3 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:39 AM Page 4 Enthusiastic Crew Deploys on HSV Swift The November 2008 edition of the Seafarers LOG introduced readers to a group of Seafarers taking special training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center who were about to embark for the first time on the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s HSV Swift. This enthusiastic group said they were ready to go – and on Nov. 25 they got their wish, as the high-speed vessel sailed from Louisiana. Besides the SIU members and the officers, the Swift – a new addition to the SIUcontracted fleet – also carried various Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force units as the vessel began a five-month deployment in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS). According to the Defense Department, Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission’s primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region. “Southern Partnership Station provides an excellent opportunity to facilitate coop- eration, interaction and communication between regional partners’ civil and maritime services,” said Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet. “Working together alongside our partner nations, sharing knowledge and experiences through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges will help to build strong relationships, improve interoperability and enhance regional maritime security.” Military training teams and subject-matter experts embarked on the Swift will provide partner nations with classroom and hands-on training in various subjects. For example, members of the Navy Expeditionary Training Command from Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, Va., will provide instruction in small boat operations, maintenance and repair, boarding techniques, armed sentry, search and rescue, combat lifesaving, leadership principles, and instructor training. The ship is scheduled to visit El Salvador, Panama, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados and Colombia. Pacific-Gulf Marine Founder Capt. Pete Johnson Dies at 74 Capt. Peter F. Johnson, a respected maritime industry leader and founder of SIU-contracted Pacific-Gulf Marine, died Dec. 1 at his home in New Orleans. He was 74. A U.S. Navy veteran and former merchant marine officer, Johnson in 2008 received an honorary SIU membership book – a clear sign of the union’s collective high regard for him. “He was a good guy to work with and someone who was always very fair,” noted SIU President Michael Sacco. “Pete was a real asset to the industry. He was also a very kind person.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez pointed out Johnson had a significant, positive influence on the union. “There is a whole hierarchy in the current SIU administration that had the good fortune of being broken in by this garrulous, cigar-chomping old salt,” he stated. “Whether it was sitting across the mess table on a ship or the negotiating table in a conference room, the one thing you could count on is that you always knew exactly where you stood with Pete. If you were lucky, he counted you as a friend. If not, he had no time for you because he suffered no fools. Our world is a little less bright with his loss.” Tellez added, “His most enduring legacy is not so much the maritime company he built but his tremendous family he leaves behind – especially his son Todd, who now takes over the helm of his company. Our prayers and support go out to Todd and his family.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel described Pete Johnson as “one of those rare individuals who you meet in the maritime industry whose word was his bond. He could be a tough negotiator but always held the seafarer in high regard. He made sure his crews were well taken care of. “His heart and soul went in to making PGM successful, and our members were the beneficiaries of his tireless efforts,” 4 Seafarers LOG Heindel continued. “The industry has lost a true entrepreneur and leader. He will be missed. Our condolences go out to his wife, children and grandchildren.” A native of Salem, Mass., Capt. Johnson hailed from a true maritime family. His great, great grandfather and that gentleman’s two brothers were shipmasters in the early 1800s, sailing out of Salem. Capt. Johnson graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1957. He later sailed as an officer in the U.S. Navy. After coming ashore to work as a manager for various maritime organizations, he eventually founded PGM in 1976. As one remembrance put it, “The company’s management style reflects the high quality and integrity-based service that Capt. Johnson maintained throughout a career which spanned over five decades.” He belonged to a number of pro-American-flag industry groups and received several awards recognizing his work on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Survivors include his wife, four children, and 10 grandchildren. Capt. Pete Johnson had a well-earned reputation for hard work and integrity. The HSV Swift is operated by Sealift, Inc. for MSC. The Swift is operated for MSC by Sealift, Inc. and its unlicensed mariners are members of the SIU. Its wave-piercing catamaran hull is capable of more than 42 knots, according to MSC. It was developed as a support ship as part of the Navy’s sea-basing, prepositioning strategy and is slated for ongoing assignments in Central and South America. Power Outage, Misplaced Data Constitute Latest TWIC Hiccups Deadline for Mariners to Obtain New Card is April 15, 2009 As the year 2008 drew to a close, the federally mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program continued facing its share of problems. According to news reports and government press releases, transportation workers had difficulty registering for the card online due to electrical problems that the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) experienced at its TWIC processing center. Additionally, in early December, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) pointed out in a letter to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff another TWIC predicament. Rep. Thompson lambasted the DHS for losing data on 3,000 TWIC applicants out of the national database. According to Rep. Thompson, “Many of these applicants work in ports where TWIC compliance is currently enforced. Unfortunately through no fault of their own, these workers are not only unable to gain admittance to their work sites but also must recommence the lengthy application process.” According to Rep. Thompson’s office, the apparent foul-up was due to an employee of TWIC contractor Lockheed Martin using the wrong applications database and deleting the 3,000 records. The TSA said Lockheed Martin is making every effort to contact these applicants, but chances are likely they would have to reapply. Notwithstanding the aforementioned issues, the deadline for U.S. mariners to possess a TWIC is April 15, 2009. Step-by-step instructions on how to enroll for the card have been printed in the last several issues of the Seafarers LOG and are available both on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org) and the TSA’s TWIC site: www.tsa.gov/twic Information also may be obtained by calling the TSA TWIC Program Help Desk at 1-866-DHSTWIC (1-866-347-8942) or via email at credentialing@dhs.gov To check on your applications status online, go to: https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/StatusChec kPrep.do or contact your local enrollment center. Labor Protests of Invasive Testing Prove Effective as Court Responds The SIU and others in the maritime industry have spoken and the government is listening. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently mandated that merchant mariners must strip to the waist and be supervised when taking return-to-duty and follow-up urine drug testing, a new procedure that the DOT slipped into its rules without consulting mariners or the industry. The SIU, the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department and others vehemently opposed the procedural change as an unjustified invasion of privacy. The rule said employees must “raise their shirts, blouses, or dresses/skirts above the waste, and lower their pants and underpants, to show the observer, by turning around, that they do not have a prosthetic device on their persons. After this is done, they may return their clothing to its proper position.” The goal of the ruling was to make the intrusive ruling mandatory in the maritime industry immediately. Responding to petition by the SIU and others, the District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals listened by putting a stay on immediately making the rule mandatory. The stay is a delay of the mandatory portion of enforcement until all parties involved have the opportunity to submit petitions to the court regarding the case. Until at least Jan. 26, 2009, the directly observed testing will remain an option for employers who have reason to believe employees might be cheating during urine testing. However, it will not be mandatory. While the SIU agrees drug testing is necessary in the transportation industry, mariners already must comply with security, safety and substance dependency testing and rules that most other workers don’t face. In a 2008 letter to the DOT, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez called the procedural change an “unreasonable assault on employees’ privacy. The Department has not provided any data with respect to the maritime industry that documents or even suggests that there is widespread or even sporadic falsification of return-to-duty or follow-up test specimens, particularly those which may have resulted in serious marine incidents or injury.” In the Oct. 22 edition of the Federal Register, the DOT admitted that “direct observation is intrusive and is not appropriate to use in the great mass of testing situations.” The Federal Register is an official record of the U.S. Government that documents responses and rulings of federal agencies and departments. Additionally, almost echoing facts that drug abuse and drug-test cheating in the maritime industry is rare, the DOT admitted in the Federal Register that its primary concern is with the aviation and rail industries. January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:25 PM Page 5 SIU President Michael Sacco (photo at left) addresses the crowd during a Dec. 11 ceremony honoring Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. An estimated 400 people (photo above and below) were on hand for the ceremony in Washington, D.C. Labor Secretary Honored in D.C. Ceremony SIU President Michael Sacco was one of three featured guest speakers at a Dec. 11 ceremony in Washington, D.C., honoring U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao with a traditional portrait unveiling. Fraternal Order of Police President Chuck Canterbury and U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) were the other guest speakers at the event, which drew an estimated crowd of 400 to the Labor Department building. Deputy Labor Secretary Howard M. Radzely served as master of ceremonies. Chao, the only one of President Bush’s cabinet secretaries to serve throughout both of his terms, is an outspoken supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served as godmother of the SIU-contracted cruise ship Pride of America. As pointed out by Sacco, she played a vital role in helping develop national apprenticeship standards for the maritime industry which were the first such standards ever approved by the Department of Labor. Initially, this was done for the trainee program at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. “It’s a program that helps people enter into rewarding, productive, family-sustaining careers,” Sacco noted during the ceremony. “It’s also a program that helps maintain jobs that are important to our national and economic security. “That’s just one example of Secretary Chao’s accomplishments, but it reflects her attention to detail and her genuine fondness for the rank-and-file worker.” The SIU president also described Chao’s lifelong achievements as “truly inspirational. This has been said before, but Secretary Chao represents the American dream.” A Chinese immigrant, she arrived in America at age 8 speaking no English. Eventually she earned an M.B.A. from U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao and artist Chen Yanning formally unveil the secretary’s portrait at the DOL’s “Great Hall.” the Harvard Business School. Her career spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors, including work as president and CEO of the United Way of America and director of the Peace Corps. Chao also chaired the Federal Maritime Commission and served as deputy administrator of the U.S. Maritime Notice/Reminder NMC Medical Guidelines Finalized As previously reported, late last fall, SIU headquarters distributed to all ports new medical guidelines and hearing and vision standards that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) began using to evaluate applications for original and renewal merchant mariner documents and licenses. Those guidelines were made final last year. The new guidelines are considerably more rigid than the old, officially to help ensure safety and productivity. They include conditions and categories such as hearing and vision loss; body mass index; alcohol and drug dependency/abuse; and a long list of other medical conditions that will require a waiver. Many of the medical conditions on the list are new with the new guidelines. To download the lists of conditions covered in the guidelines, go to the NMC’s web site: www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/2000s.asp#2008 For a waiver form go to: www.uscg.mil/nmc/downloads.asp Mariners with questions are encouraged to contact the NMC’s Medical Evaluation Branch via e-mail at: marinermedical@uscg.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662). Following are some tips from the Coast Guard when getting a medical evaluation: ■ Start early – The Coast Guard recommends starting the process six months prior to the expiration of the seafarer’s merchant mariner documentation. Some of the reasons are that mariners may need follow-up examinations, time to get reports and appointments, etc. ■ Be sure to get copies of any recent evaluation reports and medical records concerning current and active conditions. ■ Always tell the truth during the process. Non-disclosure of conditions or falsifying statements is not only a federal offense but will result in not receiving credentials when caught. ■ If issued a waiver that has conditions or additional requirements, follow up on the recommendations fully and right away. ■ If the MMD/z-card is denied, appeal immediately. There is a 60-day deadline to appeal after the denial. A denial letter will be sent by the NMC with instructions for subsequent steps. January 2009 Administration (an agency with the Transportation Department). It was in those capacities that she first interacted with the SIU, well before her tenure at the Labor Department. Canterbury described the secretary as “one of the most steadfast and constant champions of our nation’s workers…. She is a true partner with the men and women in law enforcement. That’s not a term we use lightly.” Hatch, after mentioning that he once belonged to a union, talked about the department’s wide scope of responsibility. He said Chao has been “an extraordinary leader for this department – one of the greatest secretaries of labor. This is not an easy post to manage.” He also read a message from Sen. Ted Kennedy (DMass.). Addressing the audience, Chao called Sacco and Canterbury “strong leaders and fierce advocates for their members. They are great presidents.” She mentioned that she first came to America on a month-long journey aboard a cargo ship, because that was the only means of transportation her family could afford. She thanked her parents (including her late mother, who passed away last year) for their “determination and boundless optimism in the promise of America.” Chao discussed various accomplishments by the department during the past eight years, including re-employment rights for soldiers and “leveling the playing field for faithbased organizations.” The portrait itself hangs in the building’s “Great Hall,” along with portraits of everyone else who’s ever held the office. Chao’s likeness was painted by renowned Chinese artist Chen Yanning. Coast Guard Unveils ‘Big Tow’ To Improve Footing in Tug Safety During the past few months the U.S. Coast has been conducting what it calls “Operation Big Tow” from coast to coast in the Great Lakes, in the Gulf regions and on inland waterways. The procedure involves agency personnel performing spot inspections of towing vessels and checking mariner documentation and licensing on those vessels. In a Coast Guard news release, the agency said it began the operation in November 2008 after a marine safety alert was released. The impetus came from an accident last summer in which an oil barge and cargo vessel collided on the Mississippi River, resulting in more than 282,000 gallons of fuel oil being spilled. The investigation following the spill revealed the individual at the helm of the non-union towing vessel wasn’t authorized to operate the tugboat without supervision of a licensed pilot. Operation Big Tow was slated to last until approximately the end of January. According to the agency, the project’s main objective is “to ensure towing vessels are being operated by properly licensed individuals through boardings and examinations. The Coast Guard will be working with the towing industry and towing vessel operators to conduct boardings underway, pier-side or through other methods that facilitate the flow of commerce while allowing examiners to check licenses and conduct safety checks.” In September, the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducted a hearing on the shortage of inland documentation, regulation and policing. The subcommittee invited the SIU to give testimony and insight on this subject – one on which the union for years has raised a red flag. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez testified on behalf of the union. He urged the subcommittee to push for inland documentation for all crew members. He also said it is past time to sensibly regulate the entire inland industry, rather than just segments of it. Seafarers LOG 5 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:26 PM Page 6 MEETING AT PETTY’S ISLAND – While in town last fall for an event at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, SIU officials also met with members at nearby Petty’s Island (group photo above and four photos on right side below). At Sea And Ashore With the SIU Clockwise from left, President Sacco poses with Shop Steward Scott Smith. Mike Fay chats with Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel while Exec. VP Augie Tellez, John Haller, President Sacco and Felsher Beasley join for a group photo. SecretaryTreasurer Heindel (right) discusses union issues with Bill Rushon. FROM PINEY POINT UP THROUGH THE HAWSEPIPE – Encouraged by their father – longtime Seafarer Bob Mull (right in photo above) – brothers (from left) Vincent Mull, Victor Mull and Dave Mull each graduated from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., and later went on to earn engineering licenses. Dave and Victor currently sail with the AMO, while Vincent is a member of the MEBA. Bob Mull sailed in the deck department. He joined the union long before the school opened in 1967 but frequently attended Piney Point before retiring in the mid-1980s. WITH SEAFARERS IN TACOMA – TALKIN’ UNION IN BALTIMORE – SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (above, third from left) recently met with Seafarers aboard the USNS Seay in Baltimore, where they discussed the latest union and industry news. Pictured from left to right are OS Brandon Jones, AB Robert Hayes, Brown, Storekeeper Terry Malone, Bosun John Wells and OMU Steven Hoskins. 6 Seafarers LOG Pictured at the hall in Tacoma, Wash., (clockwise, from upper left) Port Agent Joe Vincenzo (left) swears in full book members AB Morgan Piper (center) and AB Piotr Mlynarczyk while AB Basil “Red” Stolen receives his first pension check, presented by Vincenzo. QE Norman Israel also picks up his first pension check, again presented by the port agent. Patrolman Kris Hopkins works the counter. January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:26 PM Page 7 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is welcomed by SIU VP Nick Marrone (left) and Asst. VP Nick Celona. U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) Oakland Hall Kicks Off Holiday Season 18th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Feast Draws Enthusiastic Crowd Call it the unofficial-yet-traditional start of the holiday season. The 2008 edition of the yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., took place Nov. 25, in its usual slot two days before the holiday. It met with rave reviews from attendees – a group that included Seafarers, SIU retirees and their families; political representatives and local officials; military personnel; company representatives; members and officials from other labor organizations, and others. “They all say this is how they know the holiday season is starting,” observed SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona. “It’s truly heartwarming to see so many people sharing the holiday spirit and celebrating all that is great about America.” The 18th annual event, like the ones preceding it, took lots of planning. Celona once again worked closely with the committee that organized the celebration, “but many individuals donated their time and talents to make it successful,” he stated. “Things went very smoothly, and that was due in large part to the outstanding help from the membership. It was a team effort all the way.” Alioto’s Restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf and Scott’s Seafood from Jack London Square also played vital roles in helping make certain that the traditional, abundant Thanksgiving dishes were enjoyed by all in attendance. The event didn’t have an official theme, but several speakers delivered brief remarks consistent with the holiday season. U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D- Calif.) also touched on the Election Day results and what they may indicate for America’s working families in the months and years ahead. Other attendees included U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee, Jerry McNerney, Jackie Speier and George Miller; U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul F. Zukunft; Superior Court Judge Ernest Goldsmith; San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris; San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White; and representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Maritime Administration. Members and officials from many unions and related labor organizations also helped welcome the season, including California Labor Federation Executive SecretaryTreasurer Art Pulaski and individuals from the Alameda County Central Labor Council, Sheet Metal Workers, Carpenters, Fire Fighters, Police Officers Association, Laborers, IBEW, Plumbers, Sugar Workers, Sign Display & Allied Crafts Union, Iron Workers, Theatrical Stage Employees, MM&P, AMO, MEBA, MFOW, SUP and Machinists. Representatives from a number of union-contracted companies also joined in for the food and fellowship. Once again in keeping with tradition, representatives from the 23rd Marine Regiment presented the colors. They were joined by SIU member Bosun George Pino, who carried the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. Editor’s note: Special thanks to Charles Farruggia for the photos on this page and related photos on the front page U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) is pictured with SIU officials Nick Marrone and Nick Celona. Guests (photo at left, the one above and the two directly below) enjoy good food and good company at the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris is greeted by SIU officials Nick Marrone and Nick Celona. Seafarers are pictured with Patrolman Greg Stone (front). U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul F. Zukunft Administrative Assistant Tracey Moore, Custodian Charlie Cowan Safety Director Kathy Chester (left in photo at left) joins her mother for a Kodak moment during the feast while Seafarer George Lockett (photo at right) poses with wife. January 2009 Seafarers LOG 7 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:26 PM Page 8 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 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 Coast Guard Magazine Features Paul Hall Center The SIU’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently was highlighted in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Proceedings magazine for its contributions to seafaring and its efforts to help fill U.S. shipping’s need for qualified mariners. The Fall 2008 edition of the magazine is a compendium of merchant marine statistics and other useful information explaining how the industry is structured and how to begin a career as a merchant mariner. Detailed descriptions of the school are provided by one of the magazine’s guest authors for this particular edition, SIU member and President of the U.S. Apostleship of the Sea Father Sinclair Oubre. He wrote that the school is an invaluable resource when he advises people on career options. Fr. Sinclair’s article also explains what a school applicant needs to do prior to attending the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. Additionally, he spells out how the various curriculums help prepare attendees for successful careers at sea. Fr. Sinclair, who began sailing in 1978, concludes by offering personal observations on how the industry has changed and how mariners nowadays are better-trained than ever. “Too often, mariners are portrayed as those who go to sea because they can’t do anything else or because they are in it for the money,” he observes. “These images do a disservice to the hard work mariners commit to their craft. A modern merchant mariner is one who has received unique training that allows him or her to perform irreplaceable tasks. He or she is entrusted with ships worth millions of dollars, carrying cargoes worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and liabilities that exceed billions of dollars. Modern mariners must also see themselves in this light…. “Today, every mariner is a professional, and good riddance to the past! On my first vessel, my orientation consisted of the captain turning to me and the other ordinary seaman, saying, ‘Let her go!’ Now, even the newest entry-level person has some type of basic safety training. No matter how basic this training is, it already separates mariners from contemporaries ashore.” A PDF version of the entire edition is available online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings The Fall 2008 edition of the Coast Guard magazine Proceedings includes a detailed look at the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program along with upgrading opportunities available at the Piney Point, Md.-based school. Pic-From-The-Past 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 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 8 Seafarers LOG The SIU in 1946 shut down the nation’s ports with a general strike when negotiated wage increases were rejected by the federal Wage Stabilization Board. After eight days, the board approved the increases and the post-World War II strike was called off. In the wake of that strike, a group of Seafarers (photo above) in solidarity gathered in a Brooklyn, N.Y., bar to celebrate their triumph, which was a victory for working people all over the United States. The event gave greater credence to their demand for respect during a crucial moment in history. 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 January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:26 PM Page 9 Paul Hall Center School Supplement This handy version of the Paul Hall Center’s catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. NOTE: Prerequisites for all upgrading courses in the SHLSS catalog include being at least 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Marine Document, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency. Paul Hall Center Course Guide for 2009 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which opened in 1967, is the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States. The school has developed a pioneering approach to education that has successfully integrated vocational training, academic enrichment and trade union responsibility. Named after Paul Hall (1915-1980), an outstanding past president of the SIU, the center is the product of a unique cooperative effort by the Seafarers International Union and the management of privately owned American-flag deep sea ships and inland tugs and towboats. The campus is located on 60 acres in picturesque Piney Point, Md., at the confluence of the Potomac River and St. George’s Creek. It features state-of-the-art equipment, knowledgeable instructors and helpful staff members. Tens of thousands of rated and licensed seamen have completed upgrading classes at the training center. Additionally, more than 22,000 men and women from every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and several U.S. ter- DECK DEPT. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our 4-week Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the training, seagoing service, and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-3(c) and Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck General & Navigation General” and “Deck Safety & Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement and the practical (knot tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also met. The 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. Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival (Lifeboatman), STOS Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, the OIC of the navigational ritories have graduated from the trainee program for those just beginning their maritime careers. The school is committed to providing the nation’s maritime industry with skilled, physically fit and responsible deep sea seafarers and inland waterways boatmen. The school believes that the men and women who choose careers as professional seafarers or boatmen must be provided with the knowledge and skills to keep pace with technological advances within their industries. As a result, the school has developed a total program for professional advancement as a boatman or deep sea mariner. The Paul Hall Center offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved classes, many of which emphasize hands-on training. Starting in 2008, the school began offering online “distance learning” classes that are taken via the internet. An overview of many of the courses available at Piney Point is contained in this eight-page section and also appears on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted watch, or qualified ratings (STCW) Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings Unlimited: 3 years’ deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master or OIC Bridge Resource Management Applicants completing our 30-hour Bridge Resource Management course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. Bridge Resource Management-Unlimited is designed for persons with significant shipping experience who hold or are seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license. This course fulfills the training requirements of effective bridge teamwork as set forth in STCW 95, A-II/1, A-II/2, and BVIII/2 and 46 CFR 10.25 and 10.209. Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 Gross Tons or greater OR seeking an original third mate or limited license Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons or less) Students who successfully complete this course will have the knowledge and experience needed to continually reassess the allocation and use of bridge resources using bridge management principles. Applicants completing our 26-hour Bridge Resource Management (1600 companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site, and additional course descriptions may be posted, too. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes a valid clinic card, a TWIC, 125 days’ sea time in the previous year, one day of sea time in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 9940010. Tons) course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. THIS APPROVAL IS LIMITED TO SERVICE UPON VESSELS OF NOT MORE THAN 1600 GROSS TONS (DOMESTIC). Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 gross tons or greater OR in the process of getting license Celestial Navigation Applicants completing our 126-hour Celestial Navigation course with a passing grade of at least 80% satisfy the Celestial Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to signoff for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-1-1C; OICNW1-1D; OICNW-1-1E and OICNW-1-1F. The course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars, and planets, compass error by amplitude and azimuth, star identification, and care and use of the sextant. Prerequisites: ARPA, Radar Observer, Scientific calculator skill, time/speed/distance formula Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) Applicants completing our 35-hour Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) course are considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies “Plan and Conduct a Passage and Determine Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability to Use ECDIS” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code AND “Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Position Fix: Position Determination Using ECDIS With Specific Knowledge of its Operating Principles, Limitations, Sources of Error, January 2009 Detection of Misrepresentation of information and Methods of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position Fixing” of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code. The course provides training in the basic theory and use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) for those who will be in charge of a navigational watch on vessels equipped with ECDIS. Students learn to use, update, and verify electronic chart information. The training comprises all safety-relevant aspects and aims beyond the use of operational controls. All theoretical aspects and major characteristics of ECDIS data, such as data contents, system integration, information layers, and data updating, are covered in depth. Prerequisites: General Admission requirements; ARPA certificate; Radar certificate; Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation training for license preparation; USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Electronic Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Electronic Navigation course will satisfy the Electronic Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-4A; OICNW-1-4B;OICNW-1-4C; and OICNW-1-4D. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service, radar and ARPA Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boats course satisfy the requirements of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, Specification of the Minimum Standard of Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:44 AM Page 10 Course Guide Continued from Page 9 The Paul Hall Center’s Fast Rescue Boats course trains students to handle and take charge of fast rescue boats during or after launch in adverse weather and sea conditions. Students learn how to operate a fast rescue boat engine, use all locating devices, including communication and signaling equipment between the rescue boat and a helicopter and the ship, and how to carry out search patterns. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats Fundamental Concepts of Navigation Applicants completing our 70-hour Fundamental Concepts of Navigation course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 5 YEARS of the completion of training, receive 20 days’ sea service credit that may be used—ONLY—for the following: (1) Any license restricted to service upon vessels of not more than 200 gross tons (domestic); OR (2) Any license restricted to service upon inland or Great Lakes waters; OR (3) Any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that the applicant has at least 6 months of actual sea service that can be credited toward an Able Seaman endorsement. Topics covered in this c1ass include the use of nautical charts, calculating time, speed, and distance problems, the use of plotting instruments and compasses, dead reckoning, bearings, fixes, current sailing, piloting, and an introduction to collision regulations and rules of the road. Prerequisite: 120 days of sea time as an AB Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) Applicants completing our 70-hour Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) course with a passing grade of at least 75% satisfy the GMDSS training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(n) and Table A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. Applicants for this 70-hour course must hold a 200-ton or greater license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. The class is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of the global marine distress and safety system communications, distress alerting and operational procedures for VHF DSC, INMARST-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. Prerequisites: 1 year experience as a member of navigational watch on the bridge of an ocean going vessel OR licensed radio officer or engineer Government Vessels This 3-week class is open to mariners sailing in any department. The course is structured as three 1-week, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) Prerequisites: No additional Magnetic and Gyro Compasses Any applicant who has successfully completed our 20-hour Magnetic and Gyro Compasses course will satisfy the Compass—Magnetic and Gyro training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-1-5A; OICNW1-5B; OICNW-1-5C; OICNW-1-5D; and OICNW-1-5E from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Meteorology Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Meteorology (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Meteorology training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of OICNW1-7A; OICNW-1-7B; and OICNW-1-7C from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Radar Observer (Unlimited) Applicants completing our 5-day Radar Observer (Unlimited) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480 for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited) and the radar training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to signoff for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-3-1C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-31E; OICNW-3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-31J; and OICNW-3-1K. This course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercise. Students operate modern audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. Prerequisites: Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation Radar Observer Recertification Applicants completing our 1-Day Radar Observer Recertification course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: Radar Observer Radar Observer Refresher Applicants completing our 3-Day Radar Observer Refresher course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisite: Radar Observer ARPA Applicants completing our 32-hour Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the ARPA training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) and of 46 CFR 10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course are equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-32A; OICNW-3-2B; OICNW-3-2C; OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-3-2E; OICNW- 10 Seafarers LOG 3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW-32K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-3- 2M. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) This course of instruction incorporates the use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate, observe, and use the radar plotting aids. Students gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and gain knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, operational warnings, and target acquisition. Prerequisite: Radar Observer Medical Care Provider Applicants completing our 21-hour Medical Care Provider course satisfy the Medical First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1. This course is designed for mariners who are employed or may be employed on U.S.-flag ships. It meets STCW requirements. Students successfully completing this course must take a refresher course within 5 years or provide information to the U.S. Coast Guard documenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification must be renewed annually. Training as a Medical First Aid Provider is the second level of medical training required by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac and airway management, rescuer safety, body structure, examining trauma victims and medical patients, treating head and spinal injuries, burns, musculoskeletal injuries, and rescued persons. Also included are obtaining radio medical advice, administering medication, and sterilization techniques. Prerequisites: Candidates for the course must possess current certification from the American Red Cross for CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing agency. Candidates also need First Aid. Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Including Sea Service) Applicants completing our entire 16week Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program, INCLUDING the 360 days of seagoing service: (1) receive 720 days’ sea service credit toward a license as Third Mate of Ocean or Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons. Applicants must present evidence of not less than 1 year of qualifying seagoing service obtained AFTER enrollment in the OICNW program, including at least six months performing bridge watch-keeping duties under the superviContinued on next page January 2009 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:45 AM Course Guide Continued from Page 10 sion of the master or a qualified officer. Applicants must have previously completed our entire Unlicensed Apprentice Program, and sea service awarded for completion of the Unlicensed Apprentice Program may NOT be used to meet the service requirements for OICNW and Third Mate;—AND—(2) Satisfy the training and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 10.910 and Section AII/1 and Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More, PROVIDED that they have also completed the following Coast Guard approved courses within five years of completion of the OICNW program: a) Basic Safety Training; b) Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting; c) Medical Care Provider; d) Proficiency in Survival Craft; e) Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids); f) Celestial Navigation (STCW); g) Radar Observer (Unlimited); h) Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA); i) Bridge Resource Management; j) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); and k) Visual Communications. Prerequisites: ARPA, Basic/Adv. Fire Fighting, BRM, Celestial Navigation, First Aid, GMDSS, Medical First Aid Provider, Proficiency in Survival Craft or Water Survival, Radar Observer, Tanker Familiarization, BST, sea time for 3rd Mate and OICNW Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This 1-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics include oil types and petroleum products’ behavior on water; pollution prevention regulations; hazardous materials training; spill prevention; absorbents, suction equipment, skimmers, and their proper use; and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms, boom towing configurations, and anchoring operations. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites HAZMAT Recertification This 1-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection, and monitoring equipment and new technology. Prerequisite: 24or 40-hour Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) courses Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Applicants completing our 4-hour Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of Page 11 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4) and Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. This course provides the unlicensed apprentice candidate with a general understanding and basic knowledge of human relationships, social skills necessary for living and working aboard operational merchant ships, and a working knowledge of issues impacting preparedness for international travel. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Personal Survival Techniques Applicants completing our 12-hour Personal Survival Techniques course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy 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). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques (Lifeboatman) Applicants completing our 37-hour Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques course satisfy: (1) the Survival Craft training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code;—AND—(2) the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement as Lifeboatman, PROVIDED that sea service requirements are also met;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written and practical examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-5 for a Lifeboatman endorsement (exam module 481xx) and the written “Survival Craft” examination requirements for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx or 706xx),—AND—(3) the Personal Survival Techniques training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). This course helps mariners develop the required knowledge and application skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of survival craft, and the proper use of survival equipment. Additionally, students learn the procedures necessary to take charge and maintain a survival craft and protect embarked personnel while on board. Prerequisites: 180 days deck seatime Search and Rescue (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 16-hour Search & Rescue (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Search & Rescue training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Applicants completing our 70-hour Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements for service as a Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman AND the training and assessment requirements of Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code, “Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch,” and 46 CFR 12.05- 3(c) PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least 6 months’ sea-going service performing navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of the Master or officer in charge of the navigational watch. If the applicant does not present evidence of 6 months of this service, he or she satisfies the training and assessment requirements for certification as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch RESTRICTED to lookout duties only. This certification is valid for 1 year and may not be renewed. This course is designed for deck trainees who need a fast track to Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch. It meets the requirements of 46 CFR 12.05.3(c) and STCW Table A-II/4. Topics covered in the course include: anchoring, mooring, knot-tying, gyro and magnetic compass, wheel watch, error chain analysis and pilot interactions, helm control, rules of the road, IALA buoy systems, shipboard communication, helm watch relief and lookout watch. Prerequisites: UA Program Phases 1 and 2, or 180 days as an OS Tankerman PIC Barge Applicants completing our 38-hour Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as Tankerman-PIC (Barge). Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 5-day Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d) (1) (ii) (A), 13.115 (b) (1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement. This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) Applicants completing our 53-hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(1)(ii)(A), 13.115 (b)(1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement;—AND— receive credit January 2009 for: (1) two loadings and two discharges which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of 46 CFR 13.203(b)(1);—AND—(2) one commencement of loading and one completion of loading which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(2);—AND—(3) one commencement of discharge and one completion of discharge which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(3). This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo DL Applicants completing our 63-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as TankermanAssistant DL. This course meets the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, Ship Design and Operation, Cargo Characteristics, Enclosed Space Entry, Cargo Transfer and Shipment, and Pollution Prevention, and Emergency Operations and Response. Prerequisite: Fire Fighting Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) Applicants completing our 30-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as TankermanAssistant (LG); —AND— (2) the tanker familiarization training requirements of paragraphs 1-7 of Section A-V/1 of the STCW Code. This course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG fire fighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. Prerequisite: Advanced Fire Fighting Vessel Security Officer This 12-hour course provides knowledge to those wishing to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Vessel Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 11 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:47 AM Page 12 Course Guide Continued from Page 11 Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Master 100 Tons Security Officer (VSO) as defined in section A/2.1.6 (and section A/12.1) of the ISPS Code with respect to the security of a ship, for implementing and maintaining a Ship Security Plan, and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs). Successful students will be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities as Vessel Security Officer as defined in section A/12.2 of the ISPS Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Visual Communications (Flashing Light) Applicants completing our 1-day Visual Communications course with a minimum score of 80% will: (1) Satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing light) of 46 CFR 10.401(h) IF presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training;—AND— (2) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence “Transmit and Receive Information by Visual Signaling” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes; —OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: 12 Seafarers LOG The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100 Tons, Near Coastal course is a selfcertifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on passenger vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46 CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46 CFR 209(f) for reissue. Students who present our certificate of training at a regional exam center within 1 year of the completion of training will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i)for reissuance of a license. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons and its passengers; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Students successfully completing the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near Coastal license. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation course will satisfy the Terrestrial Navigation and Coastal Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table AII/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2A; OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-1-2D; OICNW-1-3A; OICNW-1-3B; and OICNW-1-3C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level course is designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flagged vessels. This stand-alone course is a component of the Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The functional elements of this course specifically meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for Protection and Safety of Passengers of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No OICNW assessments will be conducted in this course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage course is a 40hour course for students who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels as required by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given description of cargo and other weights. They will also be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within permitted limits by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They will understand safety precaution used prior to entering enclosed or potentially contaminated spaces. Students should be able to supervise the preparation and dunnaging of holds and the operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods and know that they are stowed and separated according to requirements of the IMDG Code. They will also know the hazards related to some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take during their loading, carriage, and discharge. Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of the piping and pumping arrangements of oil tankers. This course specifically addresses “Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level” and “Competence: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and “Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency: Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found in Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, amended 1995. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Possess a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD); provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 13.125; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling USCG approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control Systems Any applicant who has successfully completed the 40-hour Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this class will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-6A; OICNW-1-6B; OICNW-5-1A; OICNW-5-1B; and OICNW-5-1C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Stability (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Basic Stability at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. It takes into account STCW Code, Table AII/1, “Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level,” and “Competence: Maintain seaworthiness of the ship,” and “Knowledge, understanding and proficiency, ship stability.” Upon successful completion of the course, students will have knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names of the various parts. They will be able to use tables and diagrams of ship stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given disposition of cargo and other weights. Students will be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within the permitted limits by use of stress data. They will understand the fundamental actions to take in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Basic Stability at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those Continued on next page January 2009 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:47 AM Course Guide Continued from Page 12 who are responsible for loading cargoes. Students will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Ship Construction (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship Construction at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into account STCW Code Table A-II/1: Function: controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have general knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational Level. Page 13 This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Watchkeeping (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Watchkeeping (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Watchkeeping training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC); AND the Bridge Resource Management training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-21A; OICNW-2-1B, OICNW-2-1C, OICNW-2-1D, OICNW-2-1E, OICNW2-1F, OICNW-2-2A, OICNW-2-2B, OICNW-2-2C, OICNW-2-2D, OICNW2-2E, OICNW-2-2F, OICNW-2-3A, OICNW-2-3B, OICNW-2-3C, OICNW2-3D, OICNW-2-3E, OICNW-2-3F, OICNW-2-3G, AND OICNW-2-3H from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service ENGINE DEPT. Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, students must have successfully completed Basic Marine Electrician and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Applicants completing our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program Fireman, Oiler & Watertender (FOWT) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and both Basic Motor Plant Operations and Basic Steam Plant Operations will meet the requirements for endorsement as FOWT. (These classes are described below as stand-alone courses.) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and either Basic Motor Plant Operations or Basic Steam Plant Operations will be eligible for an FOWT (Restricted) endorsement. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Training Program; successful completion of the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the engine department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better; recommendation by the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s Chief Engineer OR 6 months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; Continued on next page ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to students at the Paul Hall Center. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a January 2009 12-week residency is required.) Adult Basic Education The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T’ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Vocational Support Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the student with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degreegranting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in nautical science technology (deck department students) or marine engineering technology (engine department students). Both degrees offer concentrations in either the deep sea or inland sections of the maritime industry. There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOG 13 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:49 AM Page 14 Course Guide ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING Continued from Page 13 successful completion of the entry-level sea voyage and auxiliary plant familiarization sea project; total USCG approved sea service or equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least 6 months; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department Military veterans meeting the prior military sea service requirement in the engine room of vessels must meet the following entrance requirements: Prior approval to the military veterans program for ratings forming part of an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department JUNIOR ENGINEER Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety, Junior Engineer, and Deck Engineer examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Ratings forming part of the engineering watch, FOWT, BAPO, and 180 days as a watchstander. Machinist Applicants completing our 102-hour Machinist course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15- 9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Machinist examination module, provided they also present evidence of completing the requirements to be endorsed with a Junior Engineer rating endorsement prior to commencing the above training. This course provides mariners cognitive and practical mechanical skills in the area of general metalworking and machine tool operations. Prerequisites: SHLSS Junior Engineer or QMED any rating Marine Electrician Applicants completing our 280-hour Marine Electrician course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Electrician examination module, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service while endorsed as a QMED–Junior Engineer prior to commencing the above training. This course provides Engine De- Students must have access to the internet and an email address in order to take the following classes. These classes are taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. Please be sure to provide an email address (printed neatly) on the application when applying. The training is designed to be self-paced but typically may be completed within one or two sittings. Hazardous Material Control and Management This is a review course designed to refresh mariners on the important aspects of hazardous material identification and control in the workplace. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to discuss the importance of proper training for employees with regard to hazardous chemicals; understand the importance of product labeling; and summarize basic information found on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). In accordance with 49 CFR Part 176.13 the course incorporates the following topics: Pollution Prevention; Hazardous Material Terminology and Symbols; Hazardous Material Control and Management Program Administration; Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); Hazardous Material Information Resource System (HMIRS); Hazardous Material Labeling; Hazardous Material Procurement and Receipts; Hazardous Material Inventory Management; Hazardous Material Handling, Use and Disposal; and, Hazardous Material Emergencies and Responses. Hearing Conservation This class is structured to refresh mariners on the important aspects of hearing conservation in the workplace, including the donning and care of personal protective equipment. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to discuss the importance of proper training with regard to dangerous noise areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.95. Environmental Awareness Upon completion of the course, students will be able to describe the requirements for the safe handling of potential shipboard pollutants including sewage, oil and oily waste, hazardous waste and hazardous material, solid waste and medical waste. The primary MSC references covered include: COMSCINST 5090.1B - Environmental Protection Program; COMSCINST 5090.2A Disposal of Solid Waste in the Marine Environment; and COMSCINST 4110.1B - Afloat Hazardous Material Control and Management (HMC&M) Program. Shipboard Pest Management Respiratory Protection The course is designed to refresh mariners on the important aspects of respiratory protection in the workplace, including the donning and care of personal protective equipment. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to discuss the importance of proper training with regard to personal protective equipment in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to discuss the importance of proper training with regard to pests in accordance with the U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vessel Sanitation Program Operations Manual, August 2005, Chapter 8 – Integrated Pest Management and training IAW section 4.8.6.13.2. Shipboard Water Sanitation Heat Stress Management The class is designed to refresh mariners on the important aspects of heat stress in the workplace, including the donning and care of personal protective equipment. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to discuss the importance of proper partment personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on motors, generators, and controllers on board ship. Prerequisite: 6 months QMED, SHLSS Junior Engineer, or QMED any rating training with regard to elevated temperatures and dangerous areas of the ship in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Publication 83-113. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to discuss the importance of proper training with regard to potable water in accordance with the U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vessel Sanitation Program Operations Manual, August 2005, Chapter 5 Potable Water. will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate Each student must have SHLSS Junior Engineer or QMED any rating, tanker familiarization, U.S. Coast Guard requirements and machinist Marine Refrigeration Technician Pumpman The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing (COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On successful completion of this course, students The Paul Hall Center’s Marine Refrigeration Technician course is a 6week (210-hour) course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b) for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training. Each candidate must have six months seatime after Junior Engineer, QMED any rating, or SHLSS Junior Engineer Diesel Engine Technology This 4-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and handson training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; two- and fourstroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries 14 Seafarers LOG including intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and cooling systems, and fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience Automated Cargo Operations This 6-week course of instruction in the pumpman career track includes classroom and simulator training in all facets of liquid cargo loading and discharge. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating Class 3 or QMED Junior Engineer/Pumpman Class 3. Recommended: Basic and Intermediate Math and Computer Basic Advanced plant maintenance must be completed for advancement to QMED Class 2 Refrigerated Containers Advanced Maintenance This 4-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration, and electrical sysContinued on next page January 2009 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:49 AM Course Guide Continued from Page 14 tems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. Prerequisites: SHLSS Junior Engineer or QMED any rating, Marine Electrician and Marine Refrigeration Technician Hydraulics The curriculum in the 4-week hydraulics course blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols, and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships’ steering systems, ramps, fire doors, and a variety of other shipboard systems. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Welding Classroom instruction and hands-on training compose this 4-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxyacetylene brazing, welding, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites STEWARD DEPT. Galley Operations This four-week course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center UA Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA Certified Chief Cook This course consists of six 2-week stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook Course (FSM 203) is to provide steward department personnel with an understanding and knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and the preparation and service of soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood. Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time Advanced Galley Operations This course consists of four 1-week Page 15 modules (totaling 4 weeks). The course provides students with a thorough grasp of the advanced baking knowledge and skills required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center Certified Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time Certified Chief Steward The Certified Chief Steward course is a 12-week course for members of the steward department. The course is presented in eight modules. Each module is assessed independently of the others. Modules may be taken in 1 week increments with breaks between. This course trains stewards to take charge of a production galley, plan and prepare meals, and supervise employees in galley operations for a period of not less than 28 days. On meeting the minimum requirements for Certified Chief Steward, culinary students will be competent to take charge of a production galley. The Certified Chief Steward course stresses the competencies related to the supervision of the galley, menu planning, requisitioning of supplies, inventory control, and sanitation. Prerequisites: Advanced Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time SAFETY CLASSES Basic Safety Training Applicants completing our 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting our 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 A-VI/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 AVI/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 First Aid & CPR (21-Hour) Applicants completing our 21-hour First Aid & CPR course satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety-Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/ 1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);—AND— (2)—IF— presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the date of training, the First Aid & CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. Students in this class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites First Aid (8-Hour) Applicants completing our 8-hour Elementary First Aid course and presenting our Certificate of Training at the Regional Exam Center (REC) satisfy: (1) the First Aid training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) for original issuance of a license;—AND—(2) the Basic SafetyElementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1- 3 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites January 2009 Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 35-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course, students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers effective communication between crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisite: Basic Fire Fighting Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour) Applicants completing our 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Basic Fire Fighting (35-Hour) Applicants completing our 35hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND— (3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the chemical process of fire, its behavior and the various methods and equipment used to combat it. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 41-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy: (1) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/ 3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of shipboard and tank barge fire fighting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites CRUISE SHIPS Crisis Management & Human Behavior Applicants completing our 7-hour Crisis Management & Human Behavior course satisfy: (1) the Crisis Management & Human Behavior training requirements of Table A-V/2 and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships;— AND—(2) the Passenger Safety training requirements of Paragraph 4 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships. This course is designed for any person responsible for the safety of passengers in an emergency on passenger ships. The training includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking, organizing shipboard emergency procedures, optimizing the use of resources, controlling responses to emergencies, controlling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and the establishing and maintaining effective communications. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Crowd Management Applicants completing our 4-hour Crowd Management course satisfy: (1) the Crowd Management training requirements of Paragraph 1 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels;—AND—(2) the Safety Training requirements of Paragraph 3 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels. This course profiles the required knowledge and applicable skills for crowd management including controlling a crowd in an emergency, locating safety and emergency equipment on board a vessel, complying with ships’ emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency, and demonstrating the use of personal lifesaving devices. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Seafarers LOG 15 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 PM Page 16 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 first 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 19 March 2 April 27 June 22 April 13 June 29 February 23 April 6 June 1 January 5 February 16 April 13 June 8 March 30 April 20 May 4 February 9 May 18 May 11 February 13 March 27 May 22 July 17 April 17 July 3 February 27 April 10 June 5 January 16 February 27 April 24 June 19 April 10 April 20 May 15 February 20 May 29 May 15 Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) Fast Rescue Boat Government Vessels Lifeboatman Radar Radar Renewal Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Tank Ship Familiarization/Assistant Cargo DL Tank PIC Barge DL Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Refrigerated Container Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) FOWT (UA only) FOWT Junior Engineer Marine Electrician Marine Refrigeration Technician Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Refrigeration Technician Machinist Pumpman Welding May 4 June 1 June 22 March 2 April 6 May 4 June 1 June 12 June 19 July 3 March 20 April 24 May 22 June 19 Safety Specialty Courses Basic Firefighting (35 hr.) Basic & Advanced Firefighting Basic & Advanced Firefighting (Inland) BST/Basic Firefighting BST/Basic Firefighting Medical Care Provider MSC Small Arms (Company designees) February 2 March 9 April 13 February 17 May 25 March 30 May 11 March 23 January 26 February 23 February 6 March 20 April 17 February 20 May 29 April 3 May 15 March 27 January 29 February 26 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 December 29. 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. Adult Basic Education (ABE) January 5 March 30 June 22 February 2 March 30 May 25 February 2 March 2 April 27 June 22 March 9 January 5 May 11 February 9 January 30 April 24 July 17 February 27 April 24 June 19 February 21 March 27 May 22 July 17 May 1 February 27 July 3 March 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION English as a Second Language (ESL) College Program Preparatory Course (when applying, students should list the name of the prep course desired on upgrading application) Online Distance Learning Courses Students MUST have access to the internet with an e-mail address in order to take the following classes: DL Environmental Awareness, DL Hazmat Control & Mgmt, DL Hearing Conservation, DL Heat Stress Mgmt., DL Shipboard Pest Mgmt., DL Respiratory Protection and DL Shipboard Water Sanitation. The foregoing classes are taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. Please be sure to provide an email address (printed neatly) on the application when applying. Address ________________________________________________________________ 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. _______________________________________________________________________ COURSE Name __________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth ____________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member ____________________________ 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________________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 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 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. If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 16 Seafarers LOG 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. 1/09 January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 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 JOHN DAVIS Brother John Davis, 54, joined the union in 1979 while training in Piney Point, Md. He initially sailed on the Overseas Chicago. Brother Davis was born in Alabama and sailed in the deck department. He upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Brother Davis’s final voyage was aboard the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He resides in Whistler, Ala. TIMOTHY FLEMING Brother Timothy Fleming, 65, became an SIU member in 1970 in the port of New York. The Massachusetts native shipped in the steward department. Brother Fleming first went to sea on the La Salle. In 1974, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Fleming most recently sailed aboard the San Juan. He is a resident of Worcester, Mass. DONALD GANUNG Brother Donald Ganung, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was on the Leader. Brother Ganung often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He was last employed aboard the Horizon Challenger. Brother Ganung, a recertified steward, was born in Washington, D.C., and now makes his home in the Czech Republic. DAVID HOLLENBACK Brother David Hollenback, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998 while in Piney Point, Md. He originally shipped on the Maersk Tennessee. Brother Hollenback January 2009 attended classes on two occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point. The deck department member was born in New Jersey. Brother Hollenback’s final trip to sea was aboard the Seabulk Trader. He calls Roann, Ind., home. JEROME KEBBELL Brother Jerome Kebbell, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the USNS Stalwart; his most recent was the USNS Bold. Brother Kebbell was born in Kentucky and worked in the steward department. He lives in Virginia Beach, Va. MELVIN MORGAN Brother Melvin Morgan, 64, joined the SIU ranks in 1961. He initially shipped with Suwannee Steamship Company as a member of the steward department. Brother Morgan upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. His last voyage was on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Morgan was born in Florida and now resides in Othello, Wash. JORGE SALAZAR Brother Jorge Salazar, 62, started sailing with the union in 1970. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Eagle Voyage. Brother Salazar worked in the steward department. He enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Salazar’s final ship was the Horizon Hawaii. He continues to live in his native commonwealth of Puerto Rico. BASIL STOLEN Brother Basil Stolen, 63, became an SIU member in 1968 while in the port of Duluth, Minn. He was born in Michigan and shipped in the deck department. Brother Stolen originally sailed with Alcoa Steamship. He visited the unionaffiliated school on two occa- sions to upgrade his seafaring abilities. Brother Stolen most recently worked on the Horizon Anchorage. He settled in Seattle. ment. His most recent trip was on an Orgulf Transportation vessel. Brother Simmons calls Brooksville, Fla., home. PRENTISS WALKER CHARLES YOUNG Brother Prentiss Walker, 65, was born in Mississippi. He joined the Seafarers in 1967, initially sailing aboard a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Walker was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was on the Cape John. Brother Walker is a resident of Bartlett, Tenn. Brother Charles Young, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1987. He first worked aboard a Moran Towing of Texas vessel. Brother Young upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Brother Young last sailed on a ship operated by Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning. He lives in Taft, Texas. INLAND MICHAEL ANSOTIGUE Brother Michael Ansotigue, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He first sailed with Mariner Towing. Brother Ansotigue was born in Hillsborough, Fla. He enhanced his skills numerous times at the Piney Point school. Brother Ansotigue’s final trip to sea was aboard a vessel operated by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Brandon, Fla. MARY HOPKINS Sister Mary Hopkins, 64, began shipping with the union in 1998. She worked primarily on Orgulf Transport Company vessels. Sister Hopkins was a member of the steward department. She was born in Ripley, Mo., and settled in Locust Grove, Okla. OTTO SCHUMANN Brother Otto Schumann, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1968. He was employed with Interstate Oil Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Schumann took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He continues to reside in his native state of New Jersey. RICHARD SIMMONS Brother Richard Simmons, 62, was born in Providence, R.I. He became a Seafarer in 1991 while in the port of Puerto Rico. Brother Simmons originally shipped with Red Circle Transportation Company as a member of the steward depart- GREAT LAKES RICHARD BENNETT Brother Richard Bennett, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He initially shipped with Great Lakes Corporation. Brother Bennett was born in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2000 and 2002, he attended classes at the Piney Point school to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Bennett most recently sailed aboard the Presque Isle. He is a resident of Two Harbors, Minn. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION JUAN CEPEDA Brother Juan Cepeda, 72, began his employment with the NMU in 1963, initially shipping from the port of New York. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner sailed in the deck department. Brother Cepeda’s first ship was the Chattahoochee; his last the Yorktown Express. became an NMU member in 1979. He originally shipped from the port of Boston. Brother Dobbyn sailed in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Green Point. In 2006, Brother Dobbyn upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. ROGER HEROD Brother Roger Herod, 58, started shipping with the union in 1976 from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first voyage was aboard the Mormac Star, where he worked in the deck department. Brother Herod was born in Birmingham, Ala. His most recent trip was on the Michigan. EARL LAWRENCE Brother Earl Lawrence, 65, donned the NMU colors in 1977 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Green Valley. Brother Lawrence was born in Louisiana and sailed in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Louise Lykes. AGUSTIN RAMOS Brother Agustin Ramos, 68, joined the NMU ranks in 1967 while in the port of Philadelphia. His earliest trip to sea was on the Amoco Virginia. Brother Ramos was a member of the steward department. He attended classes at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Ramos was born in Honduras. His last voyage was aboard the Alliance Norfolk. MELFORD DILBERT Brother Melford Dilbert, 66, joined the union in 1990 while in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard the Cape Knox. Brother Dilbert was born in Honduras and worked in the deck department. RICHARD DOBBYN Brother Richard Dobbyn, 70, BYRON RYCE Brother Byron Ryce, 65, was born in Guyana. He began shipping with the union in 1986 from the port of New Orleans. Brother Ryce initially sailed on the Admiralty Bay as a member of the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Cape Vincent. Seafarers LOG 17 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA CHARLES BROWN Pensioner Charles Brown, 71, passed away Sept. 12. Brother Brown joined the SIU in 1962 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Del Alba; his last the Inger. Brother Brown was born in Louisiana and sailed in the steward department. He went on pension in 2005 and called St. Louis home. JOSEPH CAVE Pensioner Joseph Cave, 88, died Sept. 15. Brother Cave became a Seafarer in 1941. He was born in Chester, Pa. Brother Cave initially shipped in the deck department of a Pan Shipping Corporation vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1982, he worked aboard the Delta Manpower. Brother Cave lived in Kenner, La. HERMAN COLLIER Pensioner Herman Collier, 74, passed away Oct. 13. Brother Collier first donned the SIU colors in 1959. His earliest trip to sea was with Alcoa Steamship Company. Brother Collier, a member of the engine department, was born in Betsey Lane, Ky. His final voyage took place on the Pisces. Brother Collier began receiving his pension in 1983 and settled in Kent, Del. NORMAN DUHE Pensioner Norman Duhe, 69, died June 19. Brother Duhe was born in Louisiana. He started shipping with the union in 1970 from the port of New Orleans. Brother Duhe originally worked aboard an Interocean American Shipping Corporation vessel. The steward department member last sailed on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Duhe retired in 2002 and continued to reside in his native state. INOCENCIO FONTELERA Pensioner Inocencio Fontelera, 79, passed away Sept. 29. Brother Fontelera signed on with union in 1970 while in the port of San Francisco. His first trip to sea was aboard the Maui. Brother Fontelera was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. He was last employed on the Defender. Brother Fontelera became a pensioner in 1994 and called Salinas, Calif., home. YAHYA GHALEB Brother Yahya Ghaleb, 63, died Sept. 6. He joined the SIU ranks in 1979. Brother Ghaleb initially sailed aboard the Maryland as a member of the engine department. He was born in Yemen. Brother Ghaleb’s most recent voyage was on the Explorer. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. TUNG LEE Pensioner Tung Lee, 78, passed away Oct. 25. Brother Lee became a union member in 1985. He was employed aboard This Month In SIU History 1946 The membership voted overwhelmingly for a resolution that authorized the election of a committee to investigate the possibilities and advisability of establishing an upgrading school in the port of New Orleans. The membership felt very 18 Seafarers LOG the Independence for the duration of his career. Brother Lee started collecting his retirement compensation in 1996. He lived in Las Vegas. GERARDO LOPEZ Pensioner Gerardo Lopez, 84, died Sept. 20. Brother Lopez, a member of the steward department, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1972 from the port of New Orleans. He originally worked on the Steel Traveler. Brother Lopez was born in Mexico. His final voyage was aboard the Liberty Sea. Brother Lopez made his home in Metairie, La. He went on pension in 1994. JAMES MCDANIEL Brother James McDaniel, 53, passed away Sept. 23. He first donned the SIU colors in 1978 while in the port of Houston. Brother McDaniel was born in Paola, Kan., and sailed in the engine department. His earliest trip to sea was on the Robert E. Lee. Brother McDaniel most recently shipped aboard the Overseas Luxmar. He settled in Houston. JERRY MILLER Pensioner Jerry Miller, 61, died Nov. 21. Brother Miller was born in Jacksonville, Fla. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 and initially worked on the Wingless. Brother Miller was a member of the engine department. He last sailed aboard the USNS Capella. Brother Miller retired in 2003 and continued to live in his native state of Florida. NORMAN TOURTELLOT Brother Norman Tourtellot, 52, passed away Sept. 14. He signed on with the union in 1990. Brother Tourtellot’s earliest voyage was on the USNS Desteiguer. The deck department member was born in Providence, R.I. Brother Tourtellot’s final trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Challenger. He was a resident of Rockport, Texas. INLAND ROY MCNAB Brother Roy McNab, 51, died Sept. 7. He was born in Honduras. Brother McNab joined the SIU in 2008. He shipped on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother McNab called Denham Spring, Kan., home. GREAT LAKES EUGENE REPKO Pensioner Eugene Repko, 68, passed away Oct. 27. Brother strongly that the union should establish and operate its own training schools rather have schools controlled and operated by the government. 1954 Two dozen Korean orphans who have known little more than hunger and deprivation in the past three years were treated to a full-scale Christmas dinner and party complete with Santa Claus, by the crew of the Schuyler Otis Bland. The crew also voted to throw in the ship’s fund for presents, candy and fruit for each of the children. To top that, the crew asked and the skipper agreed to throw in some cement so that work could be done on the orphanage to help make it a better place to live. Before the crew’s efforts, the orphanage consisted of a few ramshackle huts with dirt floors. Repko started sailing with the union in 1960 from the port of Detroit. He primarily worked with American Steamship Company as a member of the deck department. Brother Repko was born in Johnstown, Pa. He became a pensioner in 2003 and resided in Lorain, Ohio. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) have passed away. Name Aguilar, Fermin Arroyo, Fernando Berthlot, Woodrow Brown, David Coscolin, Felix Curran, Earl Darcangelo, Joseph Dearlove, Charles Fulfer, Charles Gonzalez, Angel Hernandez, Felix Hong, Robert Kutach, Otto McHenry, Cleveland Mojica, Anibal Moment, Corns Morris, Clyde Nunez, Carmelo Porras, Pablo Prevost, Emile Jr. Price, Melvin Quintana, Domingo Rigdon, Donovan Rivas, Julian Romero, Angel Sanders, Jimmie Sands, John Santana, Rafeal Singleton, Prince Sommers, Robert Williams, Fernando Age 84 75 91 74 92 83 86 93 82 82 95 84 81 80 79 72 85 79 101 73 81 90 76 73 84 80 82 83 83 81 79 DOD Oct. 1 Oct. 30 Oct. 24 June 26 Oct. 12 Oct. 30 May 1 Sept. 25 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Oct. 4 Aug. 16 Oct. 18 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Nov. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 25 June 30 Nov. 2 Aug. 31 Oct. 26 Oct. 15 April 9 Sept. 17 July 16 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Sept. 11 Oct. 17 Oct. 29 1969 Seafarers on the Del Sol, Steel Apprentice, Cape San Diego, Irmina Victory and U.S. Defender came under fire when the Viet Cong sent a barrage of rockets for two hours into the docks at Da Nang, Vietnam. During the attack shrapnel killed the watch mate on the Defender and heavily damaged the port. 1991 As war broke out on January 16 in the Persian Gulf, Seafarers continued to man the majority of the more than 100 American-flag ships which are supplying the U.S. forces in the Middle East combat zone. On the eve of the war more than 4.2 billion pounds of dry cargo, 8.4 billion pounds of fuel and nearly 460,000 American troops were shipping on MSC and Ready Reserve ships activated for service to the region. January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ACHIEVER (Maersk Line, Limited), Oct. 19 – Chairman Frank L. Thompson, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill Jr., Educational Director David W. Sexton, Deck Delegate Curtis O. Nicholson. Chairman went over allotments procedures. Secretary advised crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Educational director reminded mariners to watch expiration dates on all MMDs. He also suggested applying early for TWIC card to avoid the rush as April 2009 is approaching quickly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to have ice machine and beverage dispenser fixed or replaced. Steward department was thanked for great work during voyage. Next ports: Newark, N.J., and Houston. CAPE INTREPID (Crowley Liner Services), Oct. 2 – Chairman LBJ B. Tanoa, Secretary Eric T. Manley, Educational Director Phillip L. Greenwell, Deck Delegate Mark Halberg. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 3 in Tacoma, Wash., and thanked crew for working well together during trip. Secretary expressed his gratitude for fellow crew members’ help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to keep endorsements up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made regarding Seafarers Pension Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Deck department was also thanked for handling and securing stores. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 10 – Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Bobby Belches, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate Frank A. Ramones. Chairman reported payoff would take place at sea Oct. 10 and thanked everyone for a smooth trip. He relayed information from captain concerning various equipment and protecting clothing to be utilized during fire and boat drills (including gloves and flashlights). He asked crew not to wait until inspections if something needs to be done or fixed. Secretary reminded mariners departing vessel to leave clean linen for new members coming aboard. Educational director discussed locations to apply for TWIC cards and advised crew to watch expiration dates on all necessary seafaring documents. Mariners were encouraged to enhance their skills at the Piney Point school. Treasurer noted $900 in the ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from the October 2008 Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. Recommendation was made to increase pension amounts. Crew members expressed their gratitude to Wiper Tony Kpudvia, GSU Musaid Abdulla and Chief Cook Frank Ramones. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif., and Honolulu. HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), Oct. 12 – Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Jeff A. Morris. Chairman read and distributed copies of SIU 401K Plan information. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the unionaffiliated school has to offer and apply for TWIC card early. Treasurer reported 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. Holiday Greetings from Maersk Tennessee Steward Dept. Recertified Steward Tony Spain submitted these photos of steward department personnel aboard the Maersk Tennessee as the vessel was en route last month to Israel and Africa. Pictured in the group photo are (front, from left) Spain, Chief Cook Lamont Faulks, (standing) SA Paula Hopson and SA Darrell Gray. At right, Faulks puts his Paul Hall Center training to good use. Spain conveyed a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” to all fellow SIU members. $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a computer be installed for e-mail. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 12 – Chairman Pablo O. Borja Jr., Secretary Willie E. Massaline, Educational Director Bruce Zeno, Steward Delegate Nadine Butler, Engine Delegate Talal N. Saleh. Chairman advised all crew members to make sure they get their TWIC application in. Everyone leaving vessel was asked to leave rooms clean for next person. Secretary informed membership that he had absentee ballot information for upcoming SIU election. Crew was encouraged to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director notified Baldomero Lopez Takes Part in Exercise The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (shown in the Gulf of Thailand in this U.S. Navy photo) last year participated in exercise Freedom Banner 08. The operation is a maritime prepositioning force exercise conducted in Chuk Samet, Thailand, to provide equipment used by the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of exercise Cobra Gold. The amphibious assault vehicles pictured here are rolling onto a RO/RO discharge facility. January 2009 mariners that upgrading applications were available in the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for heavy-duty washing machines and dryers for crew laundry. Chairman thanked steward department for doing a great job – food was excellent and the messhalls were well-maintained. Next port: Singapore. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 12 – Chairman Felix A. Santiago, Secretary Ronald J. Davis, Educational Director James L. Glover, Deck Delegate Shawn H. Abdullah, Steward Delegate Richard F. Oliva. Bosun announced payoff Oct. 18 in New Orleans. Secretary asked departing members to leave rooms clean and return keys. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to “give yourself a raise” by upgrading in Piney Point. He also reminded everyone to keep all paperwork current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Next port: New Orleans. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), Oct. 19 – Chairman Oliver M. Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Deck Delegate James Burns, Engine Delegate Terry J. Mouton, Steward Delegate Jose F. Manandic. Chairman reported smooth voyage with a great crew and reviewed ship’s itinerary. He stated payoff would take place in Elizabeth, N.J., on Oct. 20. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade seafaring abilities often at the Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to the steward department for the extra effort they put in. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Malaga, Spain. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), Oct. 19 – Chairman Jim Joyce, Secretary Fidelis N. Oliveira, Educational Director Mohamad Y. Abdullah, Steward Delegate Jorge L. Ellis. Bosun talked about the benefits of the 401K retirement plan and the importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary recommended Seafarers visit the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman posted and explained procedures for absentee voting. Members requested new mattresses be purchased. Question was brought up concerning crew quarters. SEABULK PRIDE (Seabulk Tankers), Nov. 22 – Chairman Crisostomo C. Tizon, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Donald H. McBride, Deck Delegate Michael W. Ostrowski, Steward Delegate Robert M. Borro. Chairman thanked crew for a smooth, safe voyage and reviewed manpower pool requirements for Seabulk ships. He also stressed the importance of shipboard meetings. Secretary expressed gratitude for help keeping pantry and messhall clean. Crew was reminded to fill out new address cards and if beneficiary has changed please fill out that card also and include the proper information. Educational director urged members to keep documents current and check Seafarers LOG for upgrading classes available at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to install bulletin board in the crew lounge for union communications to be posted. Concern was expressed regarding budget for stores. Vote of thanks given to GVA Henry Egaran for job very well done. Next ports: Anacortes, Wash., and Point Wells, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 PM Page 20 Letter To The Editor Remembering Tug Valour Crew How prophetic our maritime careers can be. Back in May 2002, I wrote this short verse as to what my final day at sea might be like. In the early 1990s I worked for Maritrans and sailed with Fred Brenner, who was chief mate on the Valour when she sank three years ago this month (January 2006). I would like to dedicate this short story, “The Midnight Watch,” to his memory and that of the other brave crew members. May God bless them all. Henry Gamp Annapolis, Maryland Editor’s note: The writer is an SIU member. The Valour tragedy claimed the lives of longtime Seafarer Ron Emory, Chief Mate Brenner and Chief Engineer Richard Smoot. Brenner sailed with the SIU from 19711985. The Midnight Watch Pitch black was the sky. Yet, at the same time, reassuringly it was a clear, still darkness, such that lights on the horizon could be seen many miles away. The running lights of a distant containership overtaking us on the port quarter and a well-illuminated anchored vessel broad on our starboard beam 14 miles away off the Chesapeake roadstead gave testimony to this fact. The main engines sang out a rhythmic mechanical roar, at times when synchronized, hummed together almost mesmerizing the soul. Other times, losing that synchronization, the engines played a more mournful, annoying tune. The dimly lit waffling engine tachometer needles kept beat with the droning engines. Small, irritating rattles abounded throughout the wheelhouse – the portside search light wheel a main offender. Then there was the steady tick-tock rolling of an unsecured pencil in the upper chart table drawer. Annoying at times to the watch officer, but not to the point of leaving the chair to arrest it. Vibrations compounded by short, jerking movements from below reverberated their way up the bridge tower. Their motion contributing further to the litany of rattles emanating throughout the structure, even the radars quivered and shivered on their pedestals. The drawers of file cabinets squeaked as the weight of their contents shifted to and fro, saying, “Open up, let us out.” The gyro repeater slowly clicked, first to the right and then back to the left as she yawed back and forth, roiling with the seas, the swing meter moving in unison. The encapsulated Union Plan Office Offers Scholarships To Seafarers, Spouses, Dependents Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for eight union scholarships during the 2009 school year. The awards are being made available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) and are intended to ease the financial burden of continuing one’s education. Three of the scholarships are specifically for SIU members. One is for $20,000 and is targeted for a student who plans on studying at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary community college or vocational school. The remaining five endowments— each in the amount of $20,000—will be awarded to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. To be considered for either of these funding opportunities, interested individuals should request a copy of the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet by filling out the form at right and returning it to the address provided. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information. If eligible, applicants should collect required paperwork, complete the packages and mail them back to the SHBP Scholarship Program Office by April 15, 2009. Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or emailed to webmaster@seafarers.org. light on the dome of the magnetic compass bathed the bobbing compass card in muted red light, further verifying our vessel’s heading. Indicator control lights reflected points of light off the wheelhouse windows. Often those reflections appeared as mysterious ghosts on the horizon. Every now and again a distinct shudder was felt, caused by some errant wave, as she fell out of rhythm with the sea or had her stern lifted high, permitting her propellers to gulp a bubble of air and palpitate in the void. The radios were mostly silent, broken occasionally by crackling static like outbursts from the single side band on 2182 khz. On VHF Channel #16 an “Urgent Marine Safety Broadcast” from a distant Coast Guard station; the familiar “S-H-E-E-E-P-O-N-N M-Y-Y PO-R-T B-O-W, C-O-M-M-E I-N-N P-L-E-ES-E….,” and a pilot office dispatcher trying to get an update on a vessel’s arrive time, would break the silence from time to time. Radar contacts slowly crawled their way across the green illuminated radar screen, the Loran and G.P.S. numbers constantly changing on their screens as they recorded our position and progress as we marched over the sea, ever nearer our destination. Mysteriously, just after six bells, the moon arose out of nowhere, casting visible gleaming rays over the water. Clouds slowly drifted across her bright aperture, alternately allowing her light to shine through and fade away as though a transparent laced veil. Now and then a star was visible. Those clouds with their surreal and friendly soft hues were soothing to the lone, solitary mariner standing watch. The otherwise monotonous sounds of the night were pierced by the seven distinct sharp strikes resounding from the Old Faithful Chelsea Clock mounted on the back bulkhead. Casting a glance aft, a ray of moonlight reflected off her recently polished brass casing. Looking forward, frothy white water was being cast to the port and starboard, and the freshly painted white hand railings stood out prominently in the dim light. Emanating below, I could hear footsteps coming up the stairwell. Soon the midnight watch would be but another memory filed within the mariner’s soul, with each passing midnight watch stealing yet another day, marching towards that inevitable final midnight watch. Locked deep within the soul, the vexing, nagging uncertainty remains. Would that final watch be stood in some calm and tranquil harbor or fought clinging to the wheel while battling the raging sea, one without mercy, who plucks her victims during their prime and then hides her secrets well? Please send me the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name ...................................................................................................................................................... Mariner’s Social Security Number ........................................................................................................ Street Address ........................................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code ............................................................................................................................. Telephone Number ..........( )........................................................................................................... This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/09 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. January 2009 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 1:56 AM Page 21 More Jobs, Mobilization In Historic Presidential Election Highlight Past Year for Seafarers Continued from Page 24 No matter the mission, their work didn’t go unnoticed. During meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board, and later during National Maritime Day ceremonies, high-ranking military officers praised the U.S. Merchant Marine, calling the American-flag fleet nothing short of vital to national and economic security. Other News The union remained very active in supporting pro-labor and pro-maritime initiatives. SIU members helped gather one million signatures backing the Employee Free Choice Act – important legislation that would help restore fairness to the process of workers choosing whether or not to join unions. The SIU expressed support for the marine highway initiative championed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration. Early in the year, a Defense bill was signed that successfully capped a four-year effort to protect CIVMARS’ rights to union representation. In the aftermath of a major oil spill on the Mississippi River (involving non-union companies), the SIU testified on Capitol Hill about the need for improved inland safety measures. Seafarers mobilized to help provide hurricane relief after Ike struck along the Gulf. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan issued seven scholarships worth a combined $140,000 to members and dependents. The Sealand Meteor became the first U.S.-flag merchant ship to call on the Port of Shimizu in Japan. Although the deadline for mariners to obtain a TWIC was extended to April 2009, the program faced numerous difficulties even before ports were supposed to start enforcement. SIU International Transport Workers’ Federation inspectors assisted foreign crews in recovering back wages and repatriation. The union continued its international work not only via the ITF but also through the International Maritime Organization and related entities. February & March 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point..............................Monday: February 2, March 2 Algonac ......................................Friday: February 6, March 6 Baltimore................................Thursday: February 5, March 5 Boston .........................................Friday: February 6, March 6 Guam...................................Thursday: February 19, March 19 Honolulu .................................Friday: February 13, March 13 Houston......................................Monday: February 9, March 9 Jacksonville.............................Thursday: February 5, March 5 Joliet....................................Thursday: February 12, March 12 Mobile...............................Wednesday: February 11, March 11 New Orleans...............................Tuesday: February 10, March 10 New York...................................Tuesday: February 3, March 3 Norfolk....................................Thursday: February 5, March 5 Oakland ...............................Thursday: February 12, March 12 Philadelphia..........................Wednesday: February 4, March 4 Port Everglades ....................Thursday: February 12, March 12 San Juan ...................................Thursday: February 5, March 5 St. Louis ...................................Friday: February 13, March 13 Tacoma.....................................Friday: February 20, March 20 Wilmington..............Tuesday: February 17,* Monday: March 16 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea November 16, 2008 — December 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 Totals Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. January 2009 1 0 0 3 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 3 3 4 0 1 1 0 3 7 280 204 34 1 1 5 6 0 6 14 16 0 8 5 13 7 8 2 0 2 0 10 5 0 3 5 10 2 3 10 7 1 4 5 8 12 5 2 3 1 1 14 9 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 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 All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 1 5 9 1 6 37 28 0 12 19 29 16 16 2 1 3 1 35 19 241 1 2 2 11 2 3 23 27 1 5 10 13 12 13 7 5 5 0 20 12 174 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 5 1 0 5 0 1 4 4 26 1 2 2 8 0 1 29 20 0 10 10 16 5 9 4 0 3 1 23 11 1 1 9 20 4 17 71 51 1 17 28 74 26 37 10 1 11 5 53 46 4 8 3 23 6 18 58 28 3 13 11 55 22 17 6 5 13 8 45 34 2 3 2 8 3 1 6 4 0 2 4 12 4 6 1 1 1 0 8 9 155 483 380 77 1 0 0 5 0 1 6 12 0 1 4 8 5 6 1 0 3 0 5 2 0 1 5 13 1 14 26 35 1 14 10 29 9 12 4 1 4 0 20 19 3 4 7 16 5 6 18 26 1 7 7 21 24 6 2 2 4 2 28 17 0 0 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 1 1 8 3 4 0 0 1 0 6 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 109 105 18 1 0 3 5 1 3 10 17 1 0 5 11 10 10 1 0 2 1 10 6 97 0 1 1 3 1 0 9 11 0 2 2 7 8 9 0 1 5 4 12 5 81 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 6 60 218 206 39 0 0 2 7 0 3 7 11 0 2 5 10 4 10 2 1 2 0 15 11 3 0 2 8 1 20 29 28 0 9 9 35 17 32 3 4 4 2 28 35 2 2 1 7 1 4 11 15 1 4 1 14 15 4 1 2 2 3 7 14 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 8 0 15 16 15 0 8 5 27 10 22 1 3 3 4 13 19 2 0 1 4 1 0 6 11 1 1 1 9 5 1 1 1 2 1 6 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 6 1 4 19 14 0 4 5 14 7 22 3 0 1 2 13 20 137 2 0 1 6 4 2 5 7 0 1 3 6 8 4 0 1 1 0 4 1 171 58 6 1 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 1 0 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 9 2 1 0 3 5 1 7 16 15 1 5 2 32 11 12 1 1 3 0 14 12 0 0 1 7 1 4 6 10 0 2 3 10 8 10 0 20 0 1 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 1 2 3 1 3 16 5 0 0 1 22 8 6 1 0 0 1 7 7 20 141 90 18 580 508 148 493 Port Totals (*Change created by Presidents’ Day Holiday) 1 5 2 19 3 4 41 17 1 9 9 20 14 6 4 4 8 1 20 16 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 0 1 6 15 1 8 41 27 0 14 15 38 19 22 7 2 5 5 30 25 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 56 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 9 92 269 111 13 0 0 1 2 1 2 4 7 0 0 0 2 5 4 0 21 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 7 5 0 1 1 13 2 6 0 0 0 0 7 4 2 1 2 9 3 15 38 31 2 12 10 42 29 21 0 2 11 1 24 21 4 0 1 17 1 7 5 23 2 9 5 21 27 18 0 6 0 0 7 19 84 51 0 50 274 174 395 92 307 1020 971 303 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Seafarers LOG 21 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 708 – Unlicensed apprentices from Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 709 – Completing the Class 708 recently completed the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Rodney Brasley Jr., Erik Clausen, Paula Cloud, Scott Collins, Prentice Conley, Andrew Delutis, Tyler Hicks, Bryan Howell, Mitchell Newingham, John Perez, Yatniel Sanchez, Corey Shanley and Michael Viccione. water survival course recently were unlicensed apprentices from Class 709. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jamal Awanallah, Wayne Bell, Tom Braillard, Nicolas Byers, Charlotte Chastain, Van Dixon, Lorenzo Hall Jr., Eric Simenstad, Devin Wood and Lee Wright. ARPA – Six upgraders on Oct. 6 graduated from this 32-hour course. Those completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: David Blue IV, Randall Brown, Felix Garcia, Carlos Gibbons, Calvin Kaawa, and Nicholas Kempker. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is standing third from left. FOWT – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Nov. 7: Olawale Adegunwa, Jose Alcaide, Edwin Arroyo, Jose Bonita, Chris Ceyzyk, Daniel Chisum-Coffee, Kendra Gardner, Creg Gumanas, Ronald Hackensmith, Omar Izquierdo, Jon Larrinaga, Chris Mercado, Shawn Pantschyschak, Tijani Rashid, Sean Sammacicci, Christopher Sheppard and Bobby Turner. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is standing at far right. Welding – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Oct. 23 completed this 103-hour course: David Bernstein, James Donohue, Ruben Haynes, Alonzo Griswell, Patrocinio Maglinte and Joshua Zelinsky. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is standing third from the left. Able Seaman – Twenty-two mariners on Oct. 24 completed their requirements for graduation from this course. Those completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jay Aki, Jonathan Bennett, Rasheen Breathwaite, Dioonce Bright, Matthew Brown, Kevin Copeland, Timothy Cilwell, Bobby Dickson, Daniel Giles, Veronica Hernandez, Weston Hines, Yakan Isreal, Sean Jones, John McCormick, Aman Mohamed, Edward Newbegin, David Newsome, Johnnie Owens Jr., Neiman Pettis, George Phillips, Amer Saleh and Taufiq Wasel. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is standing at the far left. 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. January 2009 �52246_P01_24:January 08 12/19/2008 5:27 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes BAPO – Two classes of students (Phase III apprentices and upgraders) on Oct. 10 completed the 140 hours of training required in this course. Those graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Wale Adegunwa, Larbi Andaloussi, Joseph Bankhead, Jose Bonita, Dustin Brantley, Chris Ceyzyk, Daryl Cornett, Daniel Cortez, Peter Crane, Hubert Dennis, Michael Durago, Kendra Gardner, Darrell Goggins, Ronald Hackensmith, Yuri Hernandez, Braden Horne, Brian Jackson, Eric Kirkland, Richard Noto, Vicente Ordonez, Thomas Quinlan, Sean Sammacicci, Timothy Van Pelt, Bernard Wade II, Charles Wagner, Nicole Walton, Oshema Watson, Nathan White, Enoch Winrod, and Igor Yakunkov. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is standing at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Eight individuals on Nov. 7 completed this course. Those graduating) above, in alphabetical order) were: Eugene Areand, Patrick David, Mark Dumas, Jeffrey Jones, David Nimmer, Robert Norris, Demetrrus Simmons and Carl Wonderly. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at the far right. STOS – The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) on Oct. 10 completed their requirements for graduation from this course: Virgil Beasley, David Brady, Victor Chevalier, Mitchell Childress, Angela Corbitt, John Curran, James East, Matthew Martel, Cory Mulligan, William Pakkala, Teresa Peterson, Keith Rogers, Mark Turner and Jovan Williams. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is standing at the far left Radar Observer – Seven upgraders on Oct. 3 completed this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Randall Brown, Regina Ewing, Felix Garcia, Carlos Gibbons, Erik Johnson, Nicholas Kemer and Larry Rawlings. Stacey McNeely, their instructor, is second from the right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BST (Hawaii) – Eighteen individuals (above, in no particular order) on Nov. 3 completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Nathan Junell, Steve Pantoja, Israel Servin, Ariel Vega Correa, Charmain Rowlette, Cortney Lietz, Vivian Morris, Kristine Woulfe, Marla Vahai, Carl Allen, Darryl Willis, Christon Harris, Krissy Freitas, Jorge Ramos Flores, Barbara Strong, Elisabeth Wade, Danae Allen, Erik Duckett-Baker BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (photo at left, in no particular order) on Oct. 31 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Kisha Akana, Godfredo Banatao, Joshua Edwards, Jeff Schmitz, Ted Brackez, Chase Winniford, Robert Jackson, Walter Borges, Danielle Dobiesz, Erin Wallace, Patrick Kennedy, Nicholas Yashin, Kevin Prentice, Ahmad Beheiry, Christopher Linscott, Francisco Chavez, Maria Harrison, Ioan Panfiloiu, Mishelle Strafford, Justin Zinchini and Brandon Rokosh. January 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �52246_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2008 2:01 AM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 1 January 2009 SHBP Scholarship Reminder - Page 20 SIU Year in Review New Tonnage, Historic Election Highlight 2008 Numerous Contracts Ratified; Seafarers Continue Supporting Our Troops The election of pro-maritime Sen. Barack Obama to the White House and the steady addition of new tonnage to the Seafarers-contracted fleet arguably stand out as the two top stories of 2008 where the union is concerned. Starting with the delivery of an ammunition ship in January of last year, the union gained no fewer than 18 vessels, ATBs and tugboats, not including 10 other ships that remained under the SIU banner after being either up for bid or for sale. Other key stories directly involving Seafarers and SIU officials included the ratification of numerous contracts; continued backing of our troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; growing support for the Employee Free Choice Act; international efforts to promote and protect mariners’ rights; and congressional appeals to boost inland waterways safety. Seafarers energetically supported Sen. Obama’s candidacy, including during this pre-election rally in Detroit. Additionally, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education added new courses and opened a new conference center in addition to other accomplishments. Shipboard and port security issues continued to challenge all concerned, perhaps most notably with the federally mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. As it has done since long before the issuance of the final TWIC regulations, the union continued to support the goal of appropriate security measures while trying to help ensure fair treatment of U.S. mariners. Following is a brief look back at these and other notable developments from 2008, a year in which the SIU observed its 70th anniversary. New Vessels, New Jobs The union welcomed significant new tonnage throughout the year, in various forms. Four ammunition ships, known as TAKE vessels and crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, were delivered. Those ships, built at NASSCO, are the USNS Byrd, USNS Peary, USNS Earhart and USNS Brashear. NASSCO also continued construction on new tankers being built for U.S. Shipping Partners, the first of which is slated for delivery in 2009. Maersk Line, Limited added three vessels (the Maersk Michigan, Alliance St. Louis and Alliance Norfolk) and also transferred two others (MV Phillips and MV Baugh) to its commercial fleet, which preserved SIU jobs. APL Maritime added the containership APL Balboa to its American-flag fleet. Crowley christened the ATBs Integrity and Courage. Built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, the OSG tankers Overseas Texas City and Overseas New York were delivered. Construction on additional tankers in the Veteran-class series continued at the yard. SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc. was award- SIU President Michael Sacco (right) is pictured with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka during last year’s MTD executive board meetings in San Diego. Both men went on to play important roles in helping mobilize the union vote for the Obama-Biden ticket. Maersk Line, Limited brought in new tonnage including the Maersk Michigan (above). ed a contract to operate the HSV Swift, a prepositioning ship. Seafarers first sailed aboard the vessel late last year. U.S. Shipping took delivery of the new ATBs Galveston and Brownsville. American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier christened the Independence II, a car carrier. G&H Towing began operating the new Z-drive tugboat Wesley A for Bay-Houston Towing. Mariners aboard Hawaii Superferry’s new boat Alakai voted for SIU representation and approved a four-year contract. After a challenging start, the ferry steadily gained in popularity with customers and received strongly favorable reviews. The union also retained jobs on the eight Watson-class LMSRs, as Seafarers-contracted Ocean Ships, Inc. won the bid to operate those ships. President-Elect Backs Industry From coast to coast, Seafarers vigorously mobilized as part of an unprecedented get-out-the-vote campaign supporting the labor-backed team of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden. Early in the presidential campaign, SIU President Michael Sacco reminded members that the union traditionally does not take party affiliation into consideration when deciding whether to endorse a candidate. As he put it, “We’ve always had friends on both sides of the aisle, and we’ve always lived by the principle that we support those who support maritime.” On that score, Sen. Obama couldn’t have spoken out more strongly in favor of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The senator sent a personal letter to President Sacco in which he expressed unreserved, detailed backing of American mariners and the programs that help keep the U.S.-flag fleet viable. On a larger scale, both Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden possess solid records of supporting America’s working families, which made them a clear choice for endorsement by the AFL-CIO. Without question, the federation and its member unions (including the SIU) delivered on Election Day. Post-election polling clearly showed that union voters delivered a critical bloc of support in swing states that helped propel Obama and other working-family candidates to victory. Contracts Approved Despite the nation’s economic woes, the union secured contracts in 2008 that consistently increased wages and maintained benefits without sacrificing jobs. For example, three-year pacts were ratified at NY Waterway, Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning, Penn Maritime, Overseas Shipholding Group (inland), Petty’s Island and Starlight Marine. Additionally, Crowley boatmen approved a four-year contract while Matson crews gave the thumbs-up to a new five-year agreement. Rescues, Recognition Seafarers upheld the proud tradition of the “Brotherhood of the Sea” by handling several rescues. SIU members from the USNS Seay, USNS Sacagawea, Liberty Star, USNS Kanawha, Freedom Ferry and two NY Waterway ferries were among those who helped save lives. Also, crew members from the Chemical Trader prevented a catastrophe by responding quickly and efficiently to a shipboard fire which occurred during a major offload in Tampa, Fla. The USNS Grasp helped recover two downed Air Force jets, while the hospital ship USNS Mercy completed a four-month humanitarian mission overseas. Seafarers and a number of SIU-contracted companies also received recognition for various safety efforts and rescues that had taken place in 2008 and 2007. The Horizon Falcon in particular was honored several times, including once by the International Maritime Organization for a 2007 rescue. Progress at School The Paul Hall Center for the first time began offering online “distance learning” courses, and the feedback from students was quite positive. The Piney Point, Md.-based school earned “gold star” recognition from its county for superior compliance to food safety standards. It also opened the Keystone Conference Center, housed in the Paul Hall Memorial Library. The American Council on Education approved 26 Paul Hall Center courses for college credits, including 11 that either are new or previously hadn’t been submitted to ACE. Military Support Seafarers continued sailing aboard military support ships wherever and whenever needed. They transported important materiel including MRAPs, and also participated in various military exercises. Three SIU-crewed ships assisted the Navy in intercepting and shooting down a satellite in the Pacific. CIVMARS from the USS Mount Whitney helped deliver aid to Georgia. See More Jobs, Page 21 � 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 January 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES POLL: AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY BACK UNIONS AND EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT TANKER GOLDEN STATE BEGINS SEA TRIALS U.S. SHIPPING TAKES DELIVERY OF ATB; PROGRESS CONTINUES IN TANKER, T-AKE PROGRAMS UNION ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN TALLYING COMMITTEE COMPLETES WORK ENTHUSIASTIC CREW DEPLOYS ON HSV SWIFT POWER OUTAGE, MISPLACED DATA CONSTITUE LATEST TWIC HICCUPS PACIFIC-GULF MARINE FOUNDER CAPT. PETE JOHNSON DIES AT 74 LABOR PROTESTS OF INVASIVE TESTING PROVE EFFECTIVE AS COURT RESPONDS LABOR SECRETARY HONORED IN D.C. CEREMONY NMC GUIDELINES FINALIZED COAST GUARD UNVEILS ‘BIG TOW’ TO IMPROVE FOOTING IN TUG SAFETY OAKLAND HALL KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON COAST GUARD MAGAZINE FEATURES PAUL HALL CENTER MORE JOBS, MOBILIZATION IN HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HIGHLIGHT PAST YEAR FOR SEAFARERS NEW TONNAGE, HISTORIC ELECTION HIGHLIGHT 2008 NUMEROUS CONTRACTS RATIFIED; SEAFARERS CONTINUE SUPPORTING OUR 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 01/01/2009 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. 1 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/375d28fa99de079b1c2a1e5740c04f7a.pdf 9bd1d6d425818e93f0cb106bf77b6eb0 PDF Text Text 52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:08 AM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 2 February 2009 Heroes on the Hudson SIU NY Waterway Crews Rescue 143 from Downed Airplane When a US Airways jet crash-landed in the Hudson River, SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries were first on the scene. Seven of the Seafarers-crewed boats rescued 143 of the 155 people from the downed aircraft, including the pilot. The remaining dozen individuals from the plane also were saved in the Jan. 15 incident that quickly became known as the “miracle on the Hudson.” The top photo shows the ferry Thomas Jefferson, which reached the plane less than two minutes after impact. In the inset, additional NY Waterway boats arrive. Pages 2, 5. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews AP Photo/Steven Day Tanker Golden State Delivered Union, School Participate In Historic Inaugural Activities The double-hulled tanker Golden State (pictured during sea trials in December, on the West Coast) has joined the Seafarers-contracted fleet following its delivery last month in San Diego. Page 3. Holidays with Seafarers As 2008 gave way to the New Year, SIU members got into the holiday spirit at sea and ashore. Pictured at right are GVA Vilma Martin (left) and SA Elizabeth Ibanez at the holiday feast which took place at the union hall in Norfolk, Va. Additional photos from that event and others and from holiday meals aboard ship appear on pages 9-11. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education shared in the history-making inauguration of President Obama by participating in the parade Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. Unlicensed Apprentices (above, from left) Carlos Davila, Brandy Baker and Brandon Braam were part of organized labor’s contingent, as was Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown. Page 2. SIU Election Results Tax Tips for Mariners SHBP Scholarship Reminder Page 16 Pages 12-13 Page 3 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:12 AM Page 2 President’s Repor t Ferry Crews to the Rescue, Again The words “crash-landing” and “happy ending” don’t often fit together in the same story. But, as millions of people around the world know, that was the case Jan. 15 as SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries rescued 143 people from a downed airplane in the Hudson River. The other 12 individuals from the plane also were saved, which made for a most improbable celebratory mood not only in New York and New Jersey but truly all across the nation. I speak for Seafarers and SIU officials everywhere when I say to the NY Michael Sacco Waterway crews, you have done your union and your profession proud. As you’ve done so many times before, you answered the call – quickly, efficiently, selflessly. I read all the quotes and I know you’re uncomfortable being called heroes. Sorry, brothers and sisters, but that’s the correct description. You earned the recognition. You deserve the praise. Of course, this is hardly the first time our ferry crews with NY Waterway have come through in the clutch. Many people remember their brave work on September 11, 2001, when they handled a horribly difficult job with tremendous resolve, evacuating stranded workers from Manhattan. Perhaps less familiar, but also noteworthy, was the time when crew members transported 200,000 commuters from New York City back in August 2003 following the largest power outage in our nation’s history. They also “turned to” after the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, providing vital transportation when other modes had been disrupted. Over the years, there are literally more than 100 other examples of NY Waterway Seafarers transporting or rescuing others in emergencies. The details vary but some things don’t change. Namely, the characteristics displayed by the SIU captains and deckhands. Courage. Commitment. Skill. Perseverance. Patriotism. More than mere words, those are their defining traits. Once again, I commend all of our members involved in last month’s rescue operations. Hats off to the company personnel, too. But before this story fades too far into history, another point should be made. You wouldn’t know it from watching TV or reading news accounts, but virtually everyone involved in the rescue belonged to a union. I’m not just talking about the ferry crews, but also the airplane pilot, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, police officers, fire fighters and mariners from other boats. All played a role in pulling off the “miracle on the Hudson.” It’s no coincidence that the respective unions, including the SIU and our affiliated Paul Hall Center, help ensure that members receive regular, comprehensive safety and job training. Obviously, that doesn’t mean union members are the only people who could have handled this rescue. However, while portions of corporate America demonize us in the fight over majority signup legislation (the Employee Free Choice Act), I hope the public in general takes note of what so-called “big labor” really is all about. It was evident from the moment the US Airways jet hit the water. America needs more people and more organizations like that, not less. And unions – promoting safety and security, providing workers with a real voice on the job, fostering productive relationships with management – help deliver them. We’re the only ones who will tell that story. Failing to do so would dishonor everyone who brought us the miracle on the Hudson. Volume 71, Number 2 SIU Joins in Obama Inauguration Seafarers were in the ranks of the nearly 300-person ensemble from America’s labor unions who on Jan. 20 participated in the official inaugural parade for Barack Obama, the nation’s 44th president and first African American commander-in-chief. In what was arguably one of the most significant events in America’s still young history, Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown and three trainees – Brandon Braam, Brandy Baker and Carlos Davila – from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., braved bonechilling temperatures to display the union colors as Obama took the oath as President of the United States. Brown, Braam, Baker and Davila joined a large contingent of union members from the AFLCIO, Change to Win and the National Education Foundation who marched and led the way for the inaugural parade’s lone proworker float. The float’s theme was “Honoring America’s Workers.” The delegation of marchers carried a banner containing the slogan “America’s Workers: United for Change” along with flags representing the issues most important to working families: an Economy that Works for All, Great Public Schools, Good Jobs Green Jobs, and Health Care for All. “It was overwhelming to have been a part of such a historic event,” said Brown. “Everything was absolutely breathtaking. “I was especially impressed with how well organized the entire event was,” Brown continued. “Even though thousands and thousands of people were Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (far right) and Trainees (left to right) Carlos Davila, Brandon Braam and Brandy Baker represented the SIU during the Jan. 20 inauguration of the nation’s 44th President, Barack Obama. involved in the parade, the entire affair went off without a glitch. Organizers, including the AFLCIO, and those in charge of security did a masterful job of putting everything together. “Although the weather was very cold, and we stayed outside in the elements for a long time, it all went away when we marched past President Obama’s reviewing stand,” Brown concluded. “We came so close to the president that we could actually look into his eyes…. It was absolutely wonderful and I loved being a part of it.” Braam echoed Brown’ sentiment, noting, “It was a long day, but well worth my while. I got to within about 50 or so feet of President Obama and I can’t tell you how exciting that was. ” Besides being that close to our nation’s commander-in-chief, the other thing that marked the event to Braam was the crowds. “I was truly amazed at the sea of people who were there,” he said. “They were standing shoulder to shoulder by the tens of thousands. It was like nothing I had ever seen.” In addition to Seafarers and other union members who participated in the parade, thousands of America’s other working men and women, members of the armed forces, law enforcement officials and a vast assortment of bands and marching units participated in the historic inauguration. An estimated 2 million spectators turned out for the event. Caponiti Assumes Post of Acting Maritime Administrator Solis, LaHood Named to Cabinet President Barack Obama recently designated nominees to head three U.S. departments of particular interest to Seafarers – Labor, Transportation and Defense. For the Department of Labor, President Obama chose U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif.) as his designate. Solis, who has a nearly 100 percent positive rating from the AFL-CIO, has promised to focus on issues confronting American workers during a time of economic instability and globalization, most notably worker retraining and safety. She was a tireless advocate for an increase in the minimum wage and strongly supports the Employee Free Choice Act. “We’re confident that she will return to the Labor Department one of its core missions—to defend workers’ basic rights in our nation’s workplaces,” said AFLCIO President John Sweeney. “She’s proven to be a passionate leader and advocate for all working families.” In two other picks of importance to maritime workers, Obama tapped retiring U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood (DIll.) to be Transportation Secretary and asked Bob Gates to continue on as head of the Pentagon. Both appointments fulfill Obama’s promise to work across the aisle to have a diverse cabinet. Gates is a registered Independent while LaHood is known as a moderate conservative with a long history of bipartisanship. During Gates’ tenure, maritime unions and shipping companies have continued their close working relationship with the Department of Defense to ensure the timely and reliable movement of goods to overseas crises areas. The Department of Transportation is expected to play an important role in the next administration, as the newly elected president and congressional leaders meet to devise an economic stimulus plan to deal with the growing recession and financial crisis. Infrastructure development is being touted as a means of stimulating the U.S. economy and minimizing the loss of U.S. jobs. With the start of the new administration on Jan. 20, Sean Connaughton’s tenure as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (part of the Transportation Department) ended. At that time, James E. Caponiti, the agency’s assistant administrator, became acting maritime administrator. Caponiti is a member of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service. He was named assistant administrator in May 2008. Previously, he served as the agency’s associate administrator for national security. Transportation Department Secretary-designee Ray LaHood publicly accepts his nomination by President Obama. Rep. Hilda Solis has a strong record of supporting workers’ rights. February 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 James Caponiti is the acting head of the U.S. Maritime Administration. February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:19 AM Page 3 Committee Announces SIU Election Results Michael Sacco is Reelected Union President A committee of rank-and-file SIU members recently released its official report on the voting for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU. Voting took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008. The union’s tallying committee consisted of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls). The group certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; election of Augie Tellez as the union’s executive vice president; reelection of David Heindel as secretarytreasurer; and election of George Tricker as vice president of contracts and contract enforcement, among other results. The tallying committee’s report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings in March. Additionally, the committee reported that the proposed constitutional amendment was approved by a landslide. The amendment concerns the per diem for members who serve on union finance, credentials, tallying and constitutional committees. According to the report, each of the four contested races for office was decided by a large margin. The committee disclosed the election of the following officers, who will serve four-year terms: ■ Michael Sacco, president; ■ Augie Tellez, executive vice president; ■ David Heindel, secretary-treasurer ■ George Tricker, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; ■ Joseph Soresi, Atlantic Coast vice president; ■ Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; ■ Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; ■ Tom Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; ■ Kermett Mangram, Government Services and fishing industries vice president; ■ Archie Ware, assistant vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement; ■ Nick Celona, assistant vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast; ■ Ambrose Cucinotta, assistant vice president in charge of the Gulf Coast; ■ Bryan Powell, assistant vice president in charge of the West Coast; ■ Jim McGee, assistant vice president in charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters; ■ Chester Wheeler, assistant vice president in charge of Government Services and fishing industries; ■ Pat Vandegrift, Piney Point port agent; ■ Robert Selzer, New York port agent; ■ Joe Baselice, Philadelphia port agent; ■ Georg Kenny, Baltimore port agent; ■ Thornton Elliot, Mobile port agent; ■ Chris Westbrook, New Orleans port agent; ■ Kenneth Moore, Houston port agent; ■ Tracey Mayhew, Oakland port agent; ■ Becky Sleeper, St. Louis port agent; ■ Todd Brdak, Algonac port agent. The committee met during the week of Jan. 5 at the union’s headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. “Everyone pitched in and worked hard,” noted John Cain, committee chairman. “The entire committee has been outstanding. All the ports they came from should be proud, because they’re all top-notch.” Co-Chair Louella Sproul added, “Everybody worked as a team and did an Committee members, employees from the secretary-treasurer’s office and officials (Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, right, and Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, left) are pictured last month at headquarters. Tanker Golden State Delivered The union last month welcomed new tonnage into its contracted fleet as the double-hulled tanker Golden State was delivered to U.S. Shipping Partners. A ceremony took place Jan. 10 at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, where SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone represented the union. Construction of the 600-foot vessel began in August 2007. The 49,000 DWT ship has a cargo The Golden State sails during sea trials late last year. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) is greeted by NASSCO President Fred Harris. February 2009 excellent job. This is truly the best group I’ve ever seen.” Serving on the committee were Glenn Williams and Brandon Maeda from Piney Point, Michael Keogh and James Darden from Algonac, Nelson Poe and Gerard Costello from Baltimore, Rafael Pereira and Cain from Houston, Michael Congress and Marshall Turner Jr. from Mobile, Joseph Birke and Jack McElveen from New Orleans, Terry Mouton and Raymond Henderson from New York, Roger Reinke and Sproul from Oakland, Michael Kirby and John Haller from Philadelphia, and David Stavron and Michael Sanders Jr. from St. Louis. “The members of the union tallying committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobholders,” the group said in its report. “We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that you will carry on the tradition of our union and advance the strength of the maritime industry.” capacity of approximately 331,000 barrels and is expected to carry petroleum and chemical products between U.S. ports. It is named in honor of the State of California. Fred Harris, president of NASSCO and a former union mariner, noted that the tanker was completed six months ahead of schedule, under budget, “while simultaneously meeting or exceeding all quality requirements. The completeness and superb material condition of this first-of-class ship reflects an outstanding start to the product carrier program at NASSCO.” The yard is under contract to build a total of nine product carriers, including the Golden State. In fact, on Jan. 9, NASSCO began construction of the fourth ship in the series, which will be named Empire State in honor of the State of New York. That vessel is slated for delivery to U.S. Shipping Partners in the first quarter of 2010. On the opposite coast, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard was scheduled to deliver another SIUcontracted tanker at press time. Details will be published in the next issue of the LOG and also should be available at www.seafarers.org. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone helps represent the union at the ceremony. U.S. Employment Data Grim A quick snapshot of the job market and the economy at the end of 2008 showed 2.6 million Americans were unemployed, according to the U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The department reported the unemployment rate jumped to 7.2 percent in December, a 16-year high. In December alone, employers cut a total of 524,000 jobs as businesses reduced manpower and closed their doors. A number of proposals to help American workers are being discussed. Early in the presidential campaign, then-Sen. Barack Obama proposed stimulus packages for various industries (in addition to noting his commitment to support the U.S. maritime industry). Moreover, the AFL-CIO is also calling for economic stimulus packages aimed at boosting American jobs. Federation President John Sweeney said, “Congress should pass a stimulus that will help working people along with any effort to boost Wall Street.” The AFL-CIO and its Maritime Trades Department (MTD), to which the SIU is affiliated, stood with President Obama calling for a stimulus to improve the nation’s transportation infrastructure and also has called for action to help ensure the continued viability of the U.S. shipping industry and the American mariners it employs. One step Congress has taken to stress the importance of maritime was when a bipartisan coalition of 17 senators and more than 40 members of the House of Representatives sent letters to their colleagues in December calling for the U.S. government to pursue policies that support American shipbuilding. (See story on page 20.) Additionally, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and maritime supporter Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) publicly called on Congress to support short sea shipping, or America’s “marine highway” as part of any transportation funding or stimulus. He agreed with the bipartisan coalition on the importance of backing the shipbuilding industry in part through Title XI funding to provide low-cost loans during this time of shrinking credit availability. According to the MTD, support of these programs has the “potential of generating new jobs for unionized workers, as long as the integrity of U.S. cabotage laws like the Jones Act is respected.” Seafarers LOG 3 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:14 AM Page 4 Pacific Collector Helps Intercept Missile During Drill SIU members aboard the M/V Pacific Collector recently helped the nation boost and refine its capabilities to protect itself from a ballistic missile attack. Operated by Interocean American Shipping for the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Pacific Collector is a telemetry ship that carries special equipment to help track progress of tests such as the one it completed in early December. On that occasion, crew members manned the vessel as U.S. Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency (MDA) personnel tracked the missile and collected data through the use of telemetry dishes. The missile being tracked—a long range ballastic—was fired from Fort Greeley, Kodiak, Alaska. It was successfully intercepted by a ground-based interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Chief Mate Stephen Barry, an SIU hawsepiper, stated, “Once again the SIU rose to the challenge and acted like the professionals that they are. The crew did a great job getting the ship cleaned up and under way. She’s a good feeder as well.” Barry, a graduate of trainee class 407, also noted he wasn’t the only officer aboard the Pacific Collector who came up through the SIU. Captain Ray Baldado (trainee class 254), 2nd Assistant Engineer Paul Maitoza (class 476) and 2nd Mate Robbie Whytock all sailed as Seafarers prior to earning their respective licenses. According to the Missile Defense Agency, the event marked the 37th time the DOD joint defense program has successfully intercepted ballistic missiles during tests. In a news release, the agency reported that the exercise results “will help to further refine the performance of numerous Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) elements able to provide a defense against the type of long-range ballistic missile that could be used to attack the nation with a weapon of mass destruction.” The Pacific Collector is 393 feet in length and has a beam of 54 feet. The Pacific Collector helps track missiles during an interceptor test. Chief Cook J.J. Mauricio fires up ribs on the grill. Members of the deck department (left to right): CM Stephen Barry, AB Qasem Saeed, 2/M Robbie Whytock, OS Santos Olivera, Capt. Ray Baldado, AB Donald McCants, AB Mark Halberg, AB John Mossbarger and Bosun Jerry Gonzaga (kneeling) Members of the engine department (left to right): OMU Daniel McFarland, QMED Davon Brown, Wiper Essam “Sam” Hussein, OMU Brandon Tanton, Electrician Brett Clark Marine Cooks & Stewards Organizer ‘Val’ Villalta Passed Away at 84 Val Villalta helped organize the Marine Cooks & Stewards, a union that eventually merged into the SIU. 4 Seafarers LOG AB Donald McCants and OS Santos Olivera pull lines. Venicio “Val” Villalta, a key organizer of the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the early 1950s who later oversaw that union’s training school, died Dec. 15 at his home in Calistoga, Calif. He was 84. The MC&S, founded on the West Coast, became affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America in 1953. In 1978, MC&S members voted to merge into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District – marking the first time East Coast and West Coast shipboard jurisdiction had been united. “I met Val when we were sailing on the President Cleveland, organizing,” recalled Peter Bianchi, an SIU retiree The interceptor missile is fired from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Members of the steward department (left to right): Chief Cook Juanito “J.J.” Mauricio, Cook/Baker Albert Hermoso, SA Willie Frink, SA Florante “Dante” Labtingao, SA Amin Aaleh, SA Mathew Hays, Recertified Steward Allan Bright, SA Patricia Johansen and SA Thomas Curley (kneeling) who also served as a vice president of American Hawaii Cruises later in his career. “He was instrumental in pulling that ship (among others) to the MC&S. Val was a special person and was very well-liked and very dedicated. I knew him quite well – he was the best man at my wedding.” Villalta was a native of International Falls, Minn. He moved to San Francisco with his family in 1930. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. After the war, following a brief shore-side stint, he began his career as a mariner – initially with Matson, then with American President Lines (APL). According to a family member, Villalta sailed on every APL passenger ship, including 14 around-the-world voyages. He met his wife-to-be in 1961 while both were sailing on the President Hoover – he as chief steward, she as a passenger. In 1967, Villalta accepted a job as the administrator for the MC&S training center in Santa Rosa, Calif., where he reported to MC&S President Ed Turner (who later became executive vice president of the SIU). He left that post in 1977 but a year later established a maritime labor Job Corps training program on Treasure Island in San Francisco, where he remained as director until retiring in 1989. One remembrance described Villalta as energetic and “very generous with his (culinary) talents by volunteering for numerous fund-raising events. Throughout the years, Val and his students were very visible as they catered political and union functions around the San Francisco Bay area.” Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Jay; three daughters, a son, three grandchildren, and two sisters. A memorial service took place Dec. 29 in Calistoga. February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:19 AM Page 5 The SIU-crewed Thomas Jefferson (center) rescues people from the downed airplane in the Hudson River as additional boats arrive. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews NY Waterway Crews Rescue Passengers from Downed Plane SIU Members Vital to ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ Mariners sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries have performed more than 100 rescues since the company’s founding in 1986. In terms of uniqueness and elation, they may never top the one they executed last month on the Hudson River. The SIU-crewed ferry Thomas Jefferson on Jan. 15 was the first boat on the scene after a US Airways Airbus A320 crash-landed on the river. In the moments that followed, the Thomas Jefferson and six other Seafarerscrewed NY Waterway boats pulled 143 of the 155 people from the downed aircraft to safety, including the pilot. The other 12 individuals from the plane were secured by other rescuers. A total of 14 NY Waterway vessels mobilized for the operation, which happened in frigid afternoon waters. The dramatic story quickly became known as the “miracle on the Hudson,” and it generated worldwide news coverage. Several SIU members were interviewed by prominent television stations and newspapers. They consistently downplayed any notion that their efforts were heroic, but New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (DN.J.), NY Waterway officials, and passengers from both the airplane and the boats showered the mariners with praise, as did others. “Millions of Americans across the country are saluting the bravery and courage they [demonstrated],” said Lautenberg. (See SIU President Michael Sacco’s column on page 2 for related commentary.) Seafarers (and NY Waterway boats) involved in the rescue included the following: From the Thomas Jefferson, Capt. Vincent Lombardi and Deckhands Hector Rabanes and Wilfredo Rivera. They rescued 56 people from the plane. From the Yogi Berra, Captain Vince Lucante and Captain Michael Starr. They rescued 24 including an infant and another child. From the Athena, Captain Carl Lucas and Deckhands Luis Salerno and Danny Convery. They rescued 19 including the pilot. From the Moira Smith, Captain Manny Liba and Deckhands Natale Binetti and Gulio Farnese. They rescued 14. From the Thomas Kean, Captain Britanny Catanzaro and Deckhands Osman Berete and Cosmo Mezzina. They rescued 26. From the Admiral Richard Bennis, Captain John Winarski and Deckhand Frank Illuzi. They rescued three. From the George Washington, Captain Mohamed Gouda and Deckhands Jose Torres, Pepe Carumba and Gregorio Pages. They rescued one. Seafarers aboard NY Waterway vessels transport tens of thousands of passengers each day, most of them commuters. The crews perhaps had been best known for their indisputably 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 predawn hours of the next day, providing help for emergency crews. Several SIU members ‘The Training Prevailed’ The SIU ferry captain whose boat was the first to arrive after US Airways Flight 1549 crash-landed in the Hudson River said regular safety training and drills played a big part in the ensuing rescue. Seafarer Vincent Lombardi, one of many NY Waterway boatmen who have completed safety classes as the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (located in Piney Point, Md.), pointed out that crews routinely practice for emergencies aboard the ferries. “We do man-overboard drills, fire drills and abandon-ship drills,” Lombardi stated. “Since 9/11, we also do security drills, plus others. Each captain runs his crew through all of those drills once a month.” The Seafarers’ collective prompt, efficient, composed response reflected preparation, noted Lombardi and others who were interviewed afterward. Altogether, 14 SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries were engaged in the operation. Seven pulled aboard personnel from the aircraft. “The training prevailed,” Lombardi said. “All the training showed because my guys remained calm.” February 2009 rescued people who had fallen from piers into the water, most likely because of terrible visibility. Currently, the company operates approximately 25 ferries. The 120 or so Seafarers employed by NY Waterway are covered by a three-year contract which was ratified in the spring of 2008. Many of them have completed safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is located in Piney Point, Md. Participants and witnesses from last month’s rescue described a surreal happiness. Not only were all personnel saved from the plane, only one serious injury was reported. A female passenger from the jet reportedly suffered broken legs. The incident is under investigation, but early indications were that a flock of birds struck the airplane (Flight 1549), thereby disabling the engines. The pilot quickly decided to set the plane (originally headed from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, N.C.) down in the Hudson. His plan worked, but experts noted that because of the cold water, passengers wouldn’t have survived for long without virtually immediate assistance. Cue the Thomas Jefferson and Seafarer Lombardi, who at first thought the partially submerged plane was an odd-looking boat. After a second look and a message received on marine radio, he realized what had happened. “We hit the throttles, got the man-overboard equipment ready and let the (ferry) passengers know what was happening,” Lombardi told the Seafarers LOG. “We got there in about 90 seconds. The equipment was deployed and ready.” A six-year SIU member who in 2003 completed safety training at the Paul Hall Center, Lombardi said he battled the current while giving first priority to the airplane passengers who were partially submerged. Asked how he remained calm, Lombardi cited the regular safety drills completed by NY Waterway personnel along with “faith. It was a challenge with that current, but I knew people’s lives depended on what we did. More than anything else, I can’t credit my crew enough. They were unreal the way they handled it.” (See sidebar, this page.) Many additional ferries and rescue vessels reached the plane within the next 10 minutes. The head of the public safety department for the city of Weehawken, N.J., told reporters that emergency medical service workers, fire fighters and police officers boarded NY Waterway boats in Weehawken immediately following the airplane’s emergency landing. NY Waterway has a terminal at West 39th Street in Manhattan, a few blocks from where the plane crashed near West 48th Street. Lucante told an Associated Press reporter that after he and Starr had assisted airplane passengers to the Yogi Berra, they went one figurative step further. “We wound up giving them our coats and our hats,” Lucante said. “We were down to our T-shirts by the time we got back.” Catanzaro, recently featured in the New York Times because she is the first female captain at NY Waterway, typified the modesty of the mariners when she told the Jersey Journal, “I don’t consider myself a hero. It’s my job. We train for it.” New York Times Backs Employee Free Choice Act The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) picked up more support late last year when the New York Times published an editorial in favor of the bill. The EFCA would give workers the freedom to make their own choice about whether to have a union in their workplace without interference from management. In the Dec. 26 editorial, the Times left no doubt about where they stand on the bill. “Corporate America is determined to derail the bill, which would make it easier than it has been for workers to form unions by requiring that employers recognize a union if a majority of employees at a workplace sign cards indicating they wish to organize,” the newspaper noted. “The measure is vital legislation and should not be postponed. Even modest increases in the share of the unionized labor force push wages upward, because non-union workplaces must keep up with unionized ones that collectively bargain for increases. By giving employees a bigger say in compensation issues, unions also help to establish corporate norms, the absence of which has contributed to unjustifiable disparities between executive pay and rank-and-file pay.” The editorial continued, “The argument against unions — that they unduly burden employers with unreasonable demands — is one that corporate America makes in good times and bad, so the recession by itself is not an excuse to avoid pushing the bill next year (meaning 2009). The real issue is whether enhanced unionizing would worsen the recession, and there is no evidence that it would. “There is a strong argument that the slack labor market of a recession actually makes unions all the more important. Without a united front, workers will have even less bargaining power in the recession than they had during the growth years of this decade, when they largely failed to get raises even as productivity and profits soared. If pay continues to lag, it will only prolong the downturn by inhibiting spending.” Millions of Americans, including SIU members, support the EFCA via polls, letter-writing, and other campaigns. In fact, more than a million Americans called for the act’s passage in a postcard campaign conducted by the AFL-CIO and other affiliated unions such as the SIU. The act has such wide support that President Barack Obama was a co-sponsor of it and new Labor Secretary Hilda Solis was a supporter when she was a member of Congress. EFCA passage was on its way in Congress in 2007 but ran into a legislative filibuster in the Senate. Since that time, the future passage of the act has been vehemently debated publicly. Even though recent Gallup and Harris Research Associates Inc. polls and studies showed that as many as 87 percent of Americans support the EFCA, megacorporate interests have invested millions staging campaigns against it. In fact, these special interests support publications and web sites targeting and spreading misinformation about the act to scare lawmakers and workers, despite the desires of the same citizens whose taxes are bailing out many of their businesses. Comprehensive information about the bill is available on the web at http://www.freechoiceact.org/ Seafarers LOG 5 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:19 AM Page 6 U.S. Mariners Need to Obtain Mandated TWIC by April 15 Seafarers who haven’t applied for the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) had better hurry. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain their TWIC in order to have unescorted access to ships and other secure facilities in port is April 15, 2009. Step-by-step instructions have been published in past editions of the Seafarers LOG and are available on the web both at www.seafarers.org and at the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site, www.tsa.gov/twic. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally TWIC Enrollment Centers The following is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of early January, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic. Hours of operation vary – check the web site or call 1866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) for information on specific locations. Alabama Tennessee Valley Training Center Suite 105 115 Woodall Road Decatur, AL 35601 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Alaska 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Florida 955 Talleyrand Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32206 Building 12 1900 Bendixsen Street Samoa, CA 95564 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Suite 500 301 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 975 N America Way Miami, FL 33132 Suite B 1001 New Dock St. San Pedro, CA 90731 Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Rd. Oakland, CA 94607 Suite 104 1830 Embarcadero Ave. Oakland, CA 94606 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 1251 N. Rice Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 1401 Halyard Drive West Sacramento, CA 95691 Suite 202 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 KPD Shelikof Facility 405 Marine Way Kodiak, AK 99615 Suite 202 500 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94111 50097 Kenai Spur Nikiski, AK 99635 17 Fyffe St. Stockton, CA 95203 223 Harbor Way Petersburg, AK 99833 White Pass & Yukon Railroad 231 Second Ave. Skagway, AK 99840-0435 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 Suites 117/118 707 Mullet Rd. Port Canaveral, FL 32920 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Rd. Dania Beach, FL 33004 Manatee County Port Authority 13604 Reeder Road Palmetto, FL 34221 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 Georgia Suite 402 777 Gloucester St. Brunswick, GA 31520 5214 Augusta Rd. Garden City, GA 31408 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Three Rivers Safety Council Suite TWIC 1615 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL 60435 2914 W. Willow Knolls Dr. Peoria, IL 61614 Suite 153 1635 1st St. Granite City, IL 62040 Indiana 4849 University Drive Evansville, IN 47712 Suite 110 200 Russell St. Hammond, IN 46320 Suite 37C 3602 Northgate Court New Albany, IN 47150 Kansas Commerce Plaza 1 - 7th Floor 7300 West 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66210 Kentucky 322 Harrison Ave. Paducah, KY 42001 Louisiana Safety Council Building 7645 South Highway 1 Addis, LA 70710 Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Ln. Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Terminal Island 1001 New Dock St. San Pedro, CA 90731 Hawaii Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Dr. Hilo, HI 96720 Courtyard by Marriott - Baton Rouge Siegen Lane 10307 North Mall Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Connecticut Unit 2A 300 Long Beach Blvd. Stratford, CT 06615 Suite 204 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 175 North Main St. Branford, CT 06405 Suite 106 291 Hookahi St. Wailuku, HI 96793 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 Wrangell Harbor Office Shakes Street Wrangell, AK 99929 Delaware 102 Quigley Boulevard New Castle, DE 19720 Seafarers LOG Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 The TWIC program was spurred by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. The front of the credential is pictured above. Guam Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port 1026 Cabras Highway, Boardroom Piti, GU 96915 501 E Bremner St. Valdez, AK 99686 Arkansas 2005 E 17th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 been phased in at additional ports since that time. The last ports scheduled to start enforcement (on April 14) are Guam; Houston, Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas; Los Angeles/Long Beach; and San Juan, P.R. For mariners, a valid z-card/merchant mariner document (MMD) is considered as meeting the TWIC program requirements until April 15. (That is not the case for some other workers.) As of early January, according to a report circulated by the U.S. Maritime Administration, nearly 580,000 TWIC cards have been activated. California 2050 Park Road Benicia, CA 94510 Native Village of Eyak 110 Nicholoff Way Cordova, AK 99574 Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK 99835 6 visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. The Transportation Security Administration TWIC web site includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. The toll-free phone number for the TSA’s TWIC help desk is 1-866-DHSTWIC (1-866-347-8942). The agency may be contacted by email at credentialing@dhs.gov. Program enforcement began in October 2008 at certain ports and has 1 Hausel Rd. Port of Wilmington Wilmington, DE 19801 Suite 111 2970 Kele St. Lihue, HI 96766 Kona Coast The Charter Desk at Honokohau Marina 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Suite 550 1340 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, LA 70360 408 Jeanne St. Lafayette, LA 70506 3204 A Gerstner Memorial Dr. Lake Charles, LA 70601 800 Youngs Rd Morgan City, LA 70380 Suite 104 170 East James Drive St. Rose, LA 70087 Continued on next page February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:19 AM Continued from Page 6 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Rd. Port Fourchon, LA 70357 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Maine 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 Suite 12 236 Oxford Street Portland, ME 04101 Maryland Suite 220 2200 Broening Hwy Baltimore, MD 21224 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Massachusetts Boston Autoport 100 Terminal Street Charlestown, MA 02129 Unit 5 300 Tremont St. Carver, MA 02330 Best Western Providence - Seekonk Inn 45 Mink Street Seekonk, MA 02771 Michigan Suite 101 115 N. First Ave. Alpena, MI 49707 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 Suite 1 200 W. Erie Street Rogers City, MI 49779 Best Western 21700 West Rd. Woodhaven, MI 48183 Suite 1 906 Ludington St. Escanaba, MI 49829 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 Old City Hall Bldg 220 Suite 120 W Washington St. Marquette, MI 49855 Suite 122 800 East Ellis Road Norton Shores, MI 49441 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 511 Ashmun St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Minnesota 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth-Superior, MN 55802 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 February 2009 Page 7 Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Suite D, Office B 401 Broadway Ave. Lorain, OH 44052 Suite 100 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029 Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 Suite 102 444 W. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 621 W Main Street La Porte, TX 77571 Mississippi Delta Plaza Mall, Suite B19 800 Highway 1 South Greenville, MS 38703 One Maritime Plaza 720 Water St. Toledo, OH 43604 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183 New Hampshire Suite 2 30 Mirona Road Extension Portsmouth, NH 03801 New Jersey Suite P-6 2500 S. Broadway Camden, NJ 08104 580 Division St. Elizabeth, NJ 07201 North Jersey Suite G 89 Luening St. South Hackensack, NJ 07606 400 Grove Rd. West Deptford, NJ 08086 Suite 665 33 Wood Avenue South Iselin, NJ 08830 New York 102 Smith Blvd. Albany, NY 12202 Suite 5 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 2752 Middle Country Rd. Lake Grove, NY 11755 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Rd. Catoosa, OK 74015 Oregon Suite 112 400 Virginia Ave. North Bend, OR 97459 Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 Pennsylvania 50 West Powhattan Ave. Chester, PA 19029 Suite 120B 601 Upland Ave. Brookhaven, PA 19015 Woodbourne Professional Building 1723 Woodbourne Rd. Levittown, PA 19057 Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134 Suite 400 102 Broadway St. Carnegie, PA 15106 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 Navy Frontier Pier (Muelle Frontier) Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00901 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Suite 123 3800 Highway 365 Port Arthur, TX 77642 Mall of the Mainland Suite 1272 10000 Emmett F. Lowery Expy Texas City, TX 77591 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905 Virginia Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Virgin Islands Renaissance Park Estate Anguilla Kingshill, VI 00851 Suite 217 8000 Niksy Center Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802 Washington Ste. D 8327 Summit Park Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 127 E. Intercity Ave. Bldg G, Ste C Everett, WA 98208 Suite 201 501 S. First Ave. Kelso, WA 98626 Suite A 2815 St. Andrews Loop Pasco, WA 99301 178 West Hoffman Ave Lindenhurst, NY 11757 South Carolina Residence Inn 5035 International Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29418 Suite C150 4634 East Marginal Way South Seattle, WA 98134 Whitehall Ferry Terminal Room 210 4 South St. New York, NY 10004 Tennessee Suite 101 3720 Amnicola Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37407 Fife Business Park Suite 17 5009 Pacific Hwy East Tacoma, WA 98424 One East 2nd St. Oswego, NY 13126 Tennessee Valley Training Center 324 W. Mallory Avenue Memphis, TN 38109 700 Hummel Ave Southold, NY 11971 33rd Place Building Suite 107 3305 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98663 60 Old Hickory Blvd Old Hickory, TN 37138 Suite 310 803 West Avenue Rochester, NY 14611 Texas Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 S Beaumont, TX 77705 North Carolina 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 Ohio 4830 State Rd. Ashtabula, OH 44004 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport, Main Terminal, Room 179 1501 N Marginal Road Cleveland, OH 44114 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 Room 203 7433 Leopard St. Corpus Christi, TX 78409 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd. Huntington, WV 25702 Wisconsin 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303 TWIC Enrollment Center c/o Chase Commerce Center Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 3073 S. Chase Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 Brazos Mall, Suite 1039 100 Hwy 332 West Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Suite 103 6000 Broadway Galveston, TX 77551 Gulf Gate (Chase Bank Building) Suite 314, 2900 Woodridge Drive Houston, TX 77087 Seafarers LOG 7 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:16 AM Page 8 Upgrader Walton Makes History Trainee Grad Navigates Engine-Department Career Path When Philandar “Fee” Walton enrolled in the marine electrician course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, she was simply trying to help advance her career as an engine-department Seafarer. Turns out she made history along the way. A frequent upgrader, Walton completed the eightweek class in December. She is believed to be the first female to successfully graduate from the unlicensed apprentice program and then also complete engine-department upgrading courses up to and including marine electrician. (The latter class has been offered at the Piney Point, Md.-based school since the amended STCW convention took effect in 2002. Its forerunner was marine electrical maintenance, a then-mandatory course for advancing in QMED classification.) Instructor Jay Henderson had let her know prior to the class about the “historic” opportunity, but Walton initially thought he was joking. “I guess there was a little more pressure. I had to make sure I passed,” Walton said with a laugh. She did anything but just squeak by, according to Henderson. Walton completed the rigorous course with a very high average grade and tied for the top final test score. “She’s an excellent student,” Henderson said. “She asks intelligent questions and is enthusiastic and accurate. As time goes by, she’s becoming more analytical in her thought process. She never says ‘I can’t.’ She’s a positive example for other females who are thinking about joining the engine department. Actually, she’s a positive example for the guys, too, in terms of work ethic.” Walton graduated from unlicensed apprentice Class No. 660, in May 2005. She sailed on the MV Liberty during Phase II of her apprenticeship and then shipped out on the USNS Paul Buck after graduation. Although it generally seems fewer females sail in the engine room compared to the deck or steward departments, Walton says she is pleased with her selection. “I always want to know how things work, and I like taking stuff apart,” she notes. Walton, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the engine department to other female Seafarers. But, her strongest advice is to upgrade as often as possible at the Paul Hall Center, regardless of one’s shipboard department. She speaks from experience. In addition to marine electrician, Walton (who eventually wants to upgrade to third engineer) also has completed classes including junior engineer, machinist, pumpman, fast rescue boats, and medical care provider. “I like coming to the school,” says Walton, who most recently sailed aboard the Tyco Decisive. “The atmosphere is great and all of the instructors are very thorough. If you don’t understand something, they’ll help you. I think it’s a great benefit for all mariners to upgrade. It opens up more opportunities and makes us more marketable.” Seafarer Fee Walton says upgrading at the Paul Hall Center is a smart career move. Apprentice Chastain Enjoys ‘Journey Towards New Career’ Program Gets Thumbs-Up from Self-Described Middle-Aged Mom Seeking Challenges Editor’s note: This article was written by Unlicensed Apprentice Charlotte Chastain as she wrapped up her Phase II training. Thanks to Capt. John M. Coleman of the Maersk Missouri for forwarding the text and the accompanying photo. From the moment I touched down in Newark, N.J., on Aug. 25, 2008, I began an incredible firsttime journey as a Seafarers International Union (SIU) Unlicensed Apprentice on the Maersk Missouri, a Gclass container vessel. By way of introduction, my name is Charlotte S. Chastain, and I am completing the last few days of Phase II of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s unlicensed apprentice program. The school is located in Piney Point, Md. I am a middle-aged woman and have raised two college-educated children. At this stage of my life, I am seeking a career change after working as a legal administrative assistant for more than 25 years to an occupation that will be more fulfilling, challenging, and stimulating. When an acquaintance told me about the Paul Hall Center’s training program to become a U.S. Merchant Mariner, I called Piney Point’s admissions office and asked for information and requirements to be accepted into their school. Everything clicked and within a few months’ time, I was on a journey towards a new career and new way of life. Phase I of the program consists of an intense three-month course divided into two-week classes, including Lifeboat, Fire Fighting, CPR/First Aid, and working in the galley. I adjusted to Piney Point’s dorm life and rigorous daily schedule. After completing Phase I, apprentices are assigned to a ship via the manpower office. Phase II consists of a minimum of 90 days on board a vessel and emphasizes on-the-job training. Unlicensed apprentices are assigned a minimum of 30 days in each department – deck, engine and steward. In order to return to the school and begin Phase III, I am required to complete and submit an extensive “sea project” where I answer questions and draw diagrams of the vessel relating to all three departments. Also, an evaluation is completed by the ship’s master and each department head. For Phase III, the unlicensed apprentice returns to Piney Point for a seven-week training period. At this time, the apprentice decides the department in which to work. After graduation, the Paul Hall Center 8 Seafarers LOG assigns each mariner a four-month trip on a ship in their chosen department. As a novice in this industry, when I first arrived to the Maersk Missouri, I was in awe at the massive size of the containership. I stood at the gangplank looking up and felt very excited about embarking on this new chapter in my life. The first day was spent unpacking, filling out paperwork and familiarizing myself with my new “home.” Unlicensed Apprentice Charlotte Chastain, pictured aboard the Maersk Missouri, displays her painting of a small cove near the port of Salalah, Oman. I was assigned to the engine department for my first 30 days. On the second day, I reported to duty at 7:45 a.m. and met everyone in the department. Next, I took a tour of the engine room. I was surprised at its enormous size and numerous decks and ladders. How in the world was I ever going to learn my way around? I knew I was going to have to prove my worth and value in each department. I jumped in “full speed ahead.” For the first few days, I helped the QMED with the daily “soundings.” As I became more familiar with my rounds, I could record the soundings on my own. I was introduced to the jobs of an entry-level worker, and was trained to wire brush, paint, and clean various areas of the engine room. It took me a while to get accustomed to the heat. Needless to say, September was hotter than anyone could imagine, especially given that the Missouri was making its Middle East run. The second month was spent in the deck department. I trained under very talented and knowledgeable “deckies.” The chief mate, bosun, and ABs were patient teaching me ship/sailing terminology and deck procedures. I began each day at 6 a.m. and saw magnificent sunrises. There was always a painting or cleaning project. Before long, I was recognized as a neat and fast painter. I learned to help dock and undock on the bow, participated in safety and fire drills, pirate watches, and practiced steering the Missouri on the bridge. My final month was occupied in the steward department beginning at 5:30 a.m. each day. Having spent my life cleaning, cooking, and doing for others, I felt at ease in the galley. The three-man steward department took care of the Missouri’s entire house. I learned many of the steward’s, chief cook’s and SA’s duties and was taught many tips of the trade. I enjoy cooking and received many fabulous recipes from the chief cook. Health, safety, cleanliness and sanitation were stressed daily. People often ask me why I want to become a merchant mariner and work at sea. I respond that presently I have no ties or obligations at home, and have always had a sense of adventure for travel and a deep appreciation for the water and the outdoors. Also, I am an artist and painting is my passion. I will have inspiring subjects for my paintings. In port, I was able to go exploring. I never dreamed that I would be sailing to ports in the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean. From what I have been told by my fellow shipmates, it is going to be hard for any future ship I sail to top the Maersk Missouri! As I reflect on my time as an unlicensed apprentice, I am grateful for all that I have learned, experienced, and seen. I am also very fortunate to have worked with some wonderful people. My first taste of what it is to be a U.S. Merchant Mariner exceeds my expectations. I want to thank Maersk, the school and the crew of the Missouri for helping me achieve my goal. February 2009 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:19 AM Page 9 Holidays With Seafarers Cape Intrepid Stewards Make 2008 Holidays ‘A Sweet Memory’ Members of the steward department aboard the SIU-contracted Cape Intrepid--during a holiday call in the Port of Wilmington--went the extra mile for their shipmates when they produced the mouth-watering desserts and entrees shown in the photos at right. Those responsible for these delectable eats (above, from the left) were Steward Assistant Nicanor, Chief Cook Joseph Welle and Steward Donald Dwyer. Thanksgiving Becomes A Barbecue Event at the Port of Ft. Lauderdale Nearly 100 members and guests turned out for the Nov. 25 Thanksgiving barbecue at the Port of Ft. Lauderdale. In photo above, Chief Cook Heath Bryan puts the final touches on one of the event’s main dishes. The photos at right show a host of members and guests enjoying Bryan’s creations. Port of Jacksonville Enjoys Large Turnout at Annual Thanksgiving/Christmas Outing A large crowd of Seafarers, family members and representatives from union-contracted companies enoyed the food and company available Nov. 21 during the annual Thanksgiving/Christmas event at the Port of Jacksonville. In photo at left, guests help themselves to items on the serving line. Enjoying their meal in the photo at the immediate right are Fatima Mims-Ware and her guest, Karen Shuford, Sharyl Shuford, Lester Williams, Crowley Liner Services’ Edwin Colon, Jackie Williams, and Ed Burdorf, also of Crowley. In the photo at far right, AB Tavel Love spends a quiet moment with his son. February 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:22 AM Page 10 Holidays With Seafarers Christmas Gala at Port of Norfolk Attracts Large Turnout A great time was had by all who attended the annual Christmas luncheon at the Port of Norfolk. Held Dec. 18, the annual outing was attended by union officials, members, their dependents, retirees and their families. As evidenced by the photos appearing in this layout, the event gave new and added meaning to the concept of Brotherhood of the Sea. Christmas Event At Port of Baltimore Union officials, active Seafarers, their dependents and pensioners on Dec. 19 gathered at the union hall in the Port of Baltimore for the first-ever Christmas event at the port’s Essex Street location. Some of those in attendance, above from left to right, were: Pensioner Michael Kaminski, Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, Pensioner Alva McCullum, the wife of GUDE John Cooper, Chief Electircian Charles Wharton, an unidentified guest, Port of Baltimore Secretary Lisa Clark, AB Michael Wroten, Oiler Kenneth Bricker, Bosun Nelson Poe, AB Kim Brown, GUDE John Cooper and AB Jorge Lanas. Posing below left, from the left were Oiler Vordan Furgeson, Mrs. Cooper and Lanas, right. Joining them is ITF Inspector Arthur Petitpas, third frm left. In photo below at right, Pensioner Kaminski, AB Walter Harris, QMED Therman Ames and Pensioner Antonios Trikoglou chum it at the event’s conclusion. 10 Seafarers LOG Libery Eagle Crew Enjoys Thanksgiving at Sea Although they were at sea, the crew of the Liberty Eagle still enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte (who provided these photos) said that despite being on the high seas on Nov. 27, his shipmates still deserved the best and the galley gang made it happen. Taking advantage of the chief steward’s efforts, which resulted in some of the food items pictured at top left, (clockwise from below, left to right) were: Apprentice Mykael Willis, QMED Antonio Dolojan-Tingugan, AB Franklin Futch, GUDE Gilberto Padilla, ABM Domingo Martinez-Reyes and AB Jose A. Bermudez; AB Franklin Futch, AB Jose Bermudez and GUDE Fortan Nunez-Martinez; 2nd Mate Christian Jude-Julien and 2nd Assistant Engineer Edgardo Tirado; GUDE Gilberto Padilla, Matrinez-Reyes, Bermudez, Nunez-Martinez, Bosun Juan Rivas and ABM Luis Ruiz-Ramos. February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:20 AM Page 11 Holidays With Seafarers Maersk Tennessee Crew Enjoys Christmas Meal At Sea Chief Steward Tony Spain (above) prepares to carve the turkey that was used for the Christmas meal aboard the Maersk Tennessee while the vessel was at sea. In adition to turkey, the meal consisted of several other entrees including roast prime rib of beef and smoked baked Virginia Ham. Chief Cook Lamont Faulks (left in photo at imediate left), SA Paula Hopson (right in same photo) and SA Darrell Gray (photo at right) helped Spain prepare the holiday feast. Crew members partake of the offerings in the photo below and at far right. Barbecue in December Port of Houston Hosts Thanksgiving Event More than 100 Seafarers, retirees and members of their families on November 25 converged on the union hall in the Port of Houston for its annual Thanksgiving event. In the photo above, members join for a moment of prayer prior to the meal. Below, those who attended make their way through the serving line. Members of the Mokihana steward department pulled off the unthinkable recently when they braved the winter elements to have a barbecue at sea in December. The feat was really no problem because the vessel was only one day out of Hawaii when the barbecue took place. Manning the grills on the deck of the Mokihana during the news-making event (above, from the left) were: Assistant Cook Majed Alsunbahi, Chief Cook Kahlid Mohamed and Recertified Steward Michael Baker. February 2009 Seafarers LOG 11 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:20 AM Page 12 What’s New for 2008? Following are some of the changes that will take effect in 2008, along with changes that remain in effect from 2006 from the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the 2005 Energy Tax Incentive Act, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, and other tax law changes. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Mailing Your Return - The IRS has changed many of its filing centers. Carefully check the mailing address before sending in your return. Standard Mileage Rates - The 2008 rate for business use of your vehicle is 50.5 cents a mile for the period January 1 through June 30 and 58.5 cents a mile for July 1 through December 31. The 2008 rate for use of your vehicle to get medical care or to move is 19 cents a mile for the period January 1 through June 30 and 27 cents a mile for July 1 through December 31. The 2008 rate for charitable services is 14 cents a mile. Exemption - The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,400 in 2007 to $3,500 in 2008. You lose part of the benefit of your exemptions if your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount. The amount at which the phase-out begins depends on your filing status. For 2008, the phase-out begins at: ■ $239,950 for married people filing jointly and qualified widow(er) with dependent children, ■ $199,950 for a head of household, ■ $159,950 for single taxpayers; and ■ $119,975 for married persons filing separately. Direct Deposit of Refunds - If you choose direct deposit of your refund, you may be able to split the refund into two or three accounts. Recovery Rebate Credit and Economic Stimulus Payment - A refundable recovery rebate credit may be available for those of you who did not receive an economic stimulus check in 2008 or if your economic stimulus payment was less than $600. Any eligible recovery rebate credit is reduced by the actual economic stimulus payment received. Should the recovery credit result in a smaller amount, no repayment will be required. Please look at the line 70 instructions and applicable chart on pages 62 and 63 of the instructions to Form 1040. Any Economic Stimulus payment received is not taxable. Additionally, if it was deposited into a tax free account, there will be no penalty to withdraw the amount if done by the due date of your tax return, including extensions. Kiddie Tax - The limit on the so-called “kiddie tax” increased to $900 in 2008. Children will pay no income tax on the first $900 of unearned income, such as capital gains or interest from a savings account, and will be taxed at their own rate (most likely 10%) on the next $900 (0% for longterm capital gains). Unearned income over $1,800 is taxed at the parents’ rate. For tax year 2008, the kiddie tax will apply not only to children under the age of 18 at the close of the tax year but to any children who continue to qualify to be claimed as a dependent and who are not contributing more than 50% of their own support under the age of 19. The age increases to 24 if the child is a full time student. Qualified Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rate - The 5% tax rate of qualified dividends and net capital gains is reduced to 0% for 2008. The 15% rate has remained unchanged. Charitable Contributions - Beginning August 17, 2006, any donations of clothing and household items won’t be deductible unless the donated items are in good used or better condition. This means that the IRS may deny a deduction for any item that has minimal monetary value. However, this rule does not apply to a contribution of any single item for which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed and for which you include a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 with your tax return. Beginning in 2007, and all years thereafter, you may no longer deduct contributions made in cash or by check unless you can produce a bank record or a receipt, letter, or other written communication from the charitable organization. This should include the organization’s name and address, the date and location of the gift, and a description of property. This requirement applies to all “cash” contributions, regardless of the amount of the donation. Earned Income Credit (EIC) - The EIC is a credit for certain people who work. The credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. You may be able to take the EIC if: ■ A child lived with you and you earned less than $38,646 ($41,646 if married filing jointly), or ■ A child did not live with you and you earned less than $12,880 ($15,880 if married filing jointly). The maximum investment income you can have and still get the credit has increased to $2,950. Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child - In 2005, to simplify the tax law, the definition of a ‘qualified child’ changed for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elect Head of Household status, or take the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendent of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student, or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year. Refundable Child Tax Credit - For 2008, if the allowable child tax credit is greater than the total tax liability, the taxpayer is eligible for a refundable credit equal to the lesser of 15% of earned income in excess of $8,500 or the remainder 12 Seafarers LOG of the eligible nonrefundable credit. Educator Expenses - The deduction for eligible educator expenses, $250, has been extended as an eligible deduction for 2008 and 2009. Tuition and Fees Deductions - Taxpayers who choose to claim the tuition and fees deduction must fill out and attach new Form 8917. The resulting deduction is reported on Form 1040 Line 34 or Form 1040A Line 19. Note that many who qualify for the tuition and fees deduction may reap greater tax savings by instead claiming the Hope credit or the lifetime learning credit for a particular student. First Time Homebuyer Credit - This credit is available if you bought a main home from an unrelated party after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 and did not own a main home in the prior 3 years. If the purchase is completed during the eligible period in 2009, you may elect to treat it as having been made on December 31, 2008 or later file an amended 2008 return. The credit is the lesser of 10% of the purchase price of the home or $7,500. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with modified AGI of $75,000 or $150,000 for joint filers. Although termed a credit, it must be repaid with your tax return filing evenly over 15 years or when the home is sold if earlier. The repayments begin 2 years after receiving the credit. If the residence is located in D.C., a home must not be owned within the prior 1 year and the maximum credit is $5,000. The credit is phased-out with modified AGI between $70,000 and $90,000 or $110,000 and $130,000 for joint filers. Six-Month Automatic Extensions -Individuals will be able to file Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension of time to file. Also, almost all states have indicated they are following the IRS’s lead. Donations of Automobiles - There is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. Combat Pay - Some military personnel receiving combat pay get larger tax credits because of two law changes. The new law counts excludable combat pay as income when figuring the Child Tax Credit and gives the taxpayer the option of counting or ignoring combat pay when figuring the Earned Income Tax Credit. Counting combat pay as income when calculating these credits does not change the exclusion of combat pay from taxable income. Exclusion of Income for Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs - Beginning in 2008, volunteers can exclude the following from gross income: Rebates or reductions of property or income taxes provided by a state or local government Payments received from a state or local government for services performed up to a maximum of $30 a month for each month served Sales Tax Deduction - Taxpayers who itemize deductions will have a choice of claiming a state and local tax deduction for either sales or income taxes on their 2008 return. The IRS will provide optional tables for use in determining the deduction amount, relieving taxpayers of the need to save receipts throughout the year. Sales taxes paid on motor vehicles and boats may be added to the table amount, but only up to the amount paid at the general sales tax rate. Taxpayers will check a box on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, to indicate whether their deduction is for sales or income taxes. Mortgage Insurance Premiums May Be Deductible Many homeowners are paying mortgage insurance premiums which are now deductible as part of the mortgage interest deduction. This deduction begins at the start of 2007 and expires at the end of 2010. Mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Rural Housing Administration, and private mortgage insurance companies all qualify for the deduction. Debt Forgiveness - Taxpayers can exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on their principal residence. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return. This provision applies to debt forgiven in 2007, 2008 or 2009. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure qualifies for this relief. Use Form 982 to claim the exclusion. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a parallel tax calculation method. Unlike the regular tax computation, the AMT disregards certain deductions, adds in certain income, and has a higher exemption amount. For 2008, the AMT exemption amount increased slightly: $46,500 for single filers, $69,950 for married people filing jointly and for qualifying widows or widowers, and $34,975 for married people filing separately. Starting in 2007, and applicable in 2008, taxpayers may receive a refundable credit for any used prior year minimum tax credit that has been carried forward from year 2003 or earlier. Additionally, new laws allow taxpayers to use most refundable personal credits to offset AMT liability. These include the dependent care, HOPE and Lifetime Learning education credits and the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer’s credit. Taxpayers should use carryover worksheets they have or AMT tax forms from earlier years in order to prepare their 2008 returns. TAX TIPS FO HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. ■ Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. ■ Itemized deductions and tax credits. ■ Medical and dental payment records. ■ Real estate and personal property tax receipts. ■ Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. ■ Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 titled “Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals” is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800272-9829 or 1-888-729-1040 or visit web sites www.officialpayments.com or www.pay1040.com. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 73b, 73c and 73d on their Form 1040. Line 73b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 73c indicates the type of account, and line 73d is the taxpayer’s account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, visit the IRS web site at: www.irs.gov. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption—for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,500 per person. In 2008, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. A child cannot claim an exemption on his or her return or qualify for a higher education credit if the child’s parents claim a dependency exemption for their child. Standard Deduction Has Increa standard deduction, or dollar amount reduces the amount that is taxed, has for most people (see box on this page of this increase, it may be to an indiv benefit to take the standard deduction even if that person has itemized dedu the past. Personal Interest Deductions: F personal interest cannot be deducted. interest includes interest on car loans cards, personal loans and tax deficien Interest on Secured Loans Dedu Interest paid on mortgages or investm 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union d including working dues, are deductib they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gro If they do, only the portion over the 2 deductible. SPAD contributions have been deductible. Club Dues Deduction: No deduc permitted for club dues; however, du professional or public service organiz deductible for business reasons. Deductions Subject to 2 Percen Adjusted Gross Income: These incl ment advisory fees, trustee’s adminis fees, legal expenses that are paid to p taxable income, unreimbursed emplo expenses, safe deposit box rental and ration fees. Deducting Work-Related Expen Expenses associated with a seaman’s be considered tax deductible. Howev expense can be deducted for which a has been reimbursed by the employer the union hall to register or travel to designated medical facility to take th physical and drug tests are examples es which are work-related but not rei by the company. Members of the gal may deduct the costs of knives and o ment they personally own but use wh ship performing their work duties. Th of work-related clothing and other ge as it is truly for work and not paid fo employer, are likely to be considered deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car E Use of a personally owned automobi related travel can result in deductible Two methods can be used to comput bile expenses—either listing a standa rate or determining actual cost. On th return due April 15 of this year, the I accepting a standard mileage rate. T 50.5 cents a mile from January 1 to J 58.5 cents a mile from July 1 to Dece Parking fees and tolls can be added w the standard mileage rate. If using ac expenses, information must be availa operating-related costs for the vehicl ing interest, insurance, taxes, license nance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, parking. In either the standard mileage rate actual cost method of determining ca accurate records should be kept. The ommends keeping a log book or diar expenses related to travel. Only work expenses not reimbursed by an emplo claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals Traveling: Workers in transportation allowed a special rate on the meal all $52 per day in the continental U.S. a day outside the continental U.S. Othe IRS standard meal allowance is gene In some locations it is $58, and in Ha Alaska it is computed differently. Tra expenses, including meals, can only b ed if directly related to one’s work an have not been reimbursed from any o source. STANDARD DEDUCTION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or olde blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,050 for a married person or “sp or $1,350 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,500. Filing Status Standard De Single.......................................................................................................................$ 5 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children.......$1 Married filing separate return...................................................................................$ Head of household..................................................................................................$ For 2008, taxpayers who claim the standard deduction and who are also home o may add the lesser of state and local property taxes paid or $500 ($1,000 in the cas joint filers) to the above amounts. February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:20 AM Page 13 FOR MARINERS ncreased: The mount that d, has increased s page). Because n individual’s duction this year d deductions in ons: For 2008, ucted. Personal loans, credit eficiencies. Deductible: nvestments is nion dues, ductible only if ed gross income. r the 2 percent is s have never deduction is er, dues paid to rganizations are . ercent of e include investdministrative id to produce employee al and tax prepaExpenses: man’s work may However, no hich a seaman ployer. Travel to vel to the union’s ake the required mples of expensnot reimbursed he galley crew and other equipuse when on a ies. The purchase her gear, as long aid for by the idered taxCar Expenses: omobile in workuctible expenses. ompute automostandard mileage On the tax , the IRS is ate. The rate is 1 to June 30 and o December 31. dded when using ing actual available on all vehicle, includcenses, maintes, oil, tolls and ge rate or the ing car expenses, t. The IRS recr diary listing all y work-related employer can be Meals When rtation are eal allowance of U.S. and $58 per . Otherwise the s generally $45. in Hawaii and ly. Travel only be deductork and if they any other r older or or “spouse” ion is d Deduction .....$ 5,450 ....$10,900 ......$5,450 ....$ 8,000 ome owners he case of There has been a tax court case (Johnson v. Comm. 115 TC210[2000]) where a merchant seaman was denied a full deduction for the full M & IE rates. The court ruled that in situations where meals are provided at no cost, the incidental expense rate allowable as an itemized deduction is limited to $3 a day (in the continental U.S.) and rates ranging from $1 to $53 in other areas. In lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 2008, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $159,950 of federal adjusted gross income (or $79,975 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 2008, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer’s income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $12,880 and no qualifying children—$438 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $33,995 and with 1 qualifying child— $2,917 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $38,646 and with 2 or more qualifying children—$4,824 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EIC, to see if they are eligible for the credit. Dependent’s Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may get a SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive a SSN. Child Tax Credit: In 2008, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $1,000 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately. The maximum earned income amount used to figure the additional child tax credit has decreased to $8,500. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the “HOPE” credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,850 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after Jan. 1, 2008, taxpayers can take the “Lifetime Learning Credit,” that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer, up to $10,000 for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student’s expenses. These credits are subject to income limitations. The phase-out of the credits begins for single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $48,000, and completely phases out when modified AGI reaches $58,000. For joint filers, the phase-out range is $96,000 to $116,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2008, the Lifetime Learning Credit will be $2,000. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: ■ Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account) – Taxpayers can contribute up to $2,000 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary’s postsecondary educa- February 2009 tion expenses. However, expenses used to claim the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit will not qualify for tax-free treatment. ■ Traditional IRAs - The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2008 is $5,000. If a taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2008, the most that can be contributed will be $6,000. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range increased to $53,000-$63,000 for single, head of household, and $85,000-$105,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2006 are excluded from modified AGI. ■ Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $5,000. If a taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2008, the most that can be contributed will be $6,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $101,000 and $116,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $159,000 and $169,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. ■ Penalty-Free IRA Distributions – The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax penalty also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does not apply to distributions for an individual’s disability, medical care, or to a beneficiary after death of the individual. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank check or money order. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person’s last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2008, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: ■ Jones Act settlements for lost wages. ■ Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. ■ Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. ■ Canceled debts. ■ State income tax refunds. ■ Rents. ■ Repayments. ■ Royalties. ■ ■ Unemployment benefits Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. ■ Endowments. ■ Original Issue Discount. ■ Distributions from self-employed plans. ■ Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). ■ Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. ■ Lump-sum distributions. ■ Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). ■ Accumulation distributions from trusts. ■ Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). ■ Earned income from sources outside the United States. ■ Director’s fees. ■ Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. ■ Embezzled or other illegal income. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: ■ Benefits from government welfare programs. ■ Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs. ■ Maintenance and Cure. ■ Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. ■ Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans’ Administration. ■ Child support. ■ Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. ■ Dividends on veterans’ life insurance. ■ Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death. ■ Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. ■ Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 15, 2009, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)) and the Refund amount. It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return. WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11) ] provides that “no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year—was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. WHERE TO GET INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answers questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under “United States Government, Internal Revenue Service.” Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your refund, send the IRS comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by e-mail. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Seafarers LOG 13 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:20 AM Page 14 Notice/Reminder New NMC Medical Guidelines Finalized In Charleston, S.C., the USNS Seay loads MRAPs for action in Iraq. A roll-on/roll-off discharge facility is attached to the stern ramp of the USNS Pililaau during a military run-through off the coast of Red Beach in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Fittingly named, the USNS Supply (above, right) performs underway replenishment for the USS George Washington in the Persian Gulf. The photo at right, taken in the South China Sea, shows a weapons off-load between the USS Ronald Reagan (left) and USNS Flint as seen from an SH60 helicopter. The Flint is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Union Mariners Support Our Troops SIU members have a long history of ably manning U.S.-flag military support ships. That tradition is alive and well today, as Seafarers sail aboard many different types of vessels which in turn support the troops. Those ships include tankers, roll-on/roll-off vessels, ammunition ships and many others. Pictured on this page are just a few of the Seafarers-crewed ships sailing as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. The prepositioning vessel USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez off-loads Marine cargo for military exercise “Cobra Gold” in the Gulf of Thailand. Notice/Reminder SHBP Medical Department Elaborates on MSC Physical Examination Guidelines Editor’s note: The following notice is a slightly modified version of a document prepared by Dr. Kenneth Miller, Medical Director of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s Medical Department, for use by clinic employees. The information is relevant to Seafarers, too, including members of the SIU Government Services Division. As many Seafarers know, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) of the U.S. Navy has issued revised medical history and physical examination forms and guidance documents for the performance of physical examinations for fitness for duty requirements for individuals in the U.S. maritime industry. MSC has jurisdiction over two separate branches of the maritime fleet: mariners who are civil service employees of MSC (CIVMARS) and mariners who are employed by MSCcontracted shipping companies (CONMARS). SHBP-contracted clinics perform physical examinations only for those mariners who are employed as CONMARS (contracted mariners) on behalf of the SIU’s MSC-contracted companies. MSC utilizes only one set of government forms and issues the same set of guidelines for both classes of mariners. For the most part, from the clinic’s perspective, the difference between the two groups is not significant with respect to the performance of the required medical examinations. Recent changes in the forms and medical guidance require the use of Department of Defense (DOD) forms and U.S. Navy active duty criteria for the determination of fitness for duty at 14 Seafarers LOG sea aboard military-support vessels. These changes are reflected in the new forms which are currently being implemented. Since the SHBP-contracted clinics provide services only to CONMARS, the Plan has adapted these forms for the evaluation of CONMARS. With respect to the clinical guidance for medical examiners performing MSC physical examinations, the agency has relied upon two separate sources: COMSCINST 6000.1D (Chapter 5: Physical Standards) NAVMED P-117 (Section I Article 15-1 to 15-5 & Section III Article 15-30 to 15-61)—US Navy Manual of the Medical Department The SHBP has distributed both of these documents to the SHBP contracted clinics. When examiners are determining whether or not mariners are fit for duty for MSC positions, both documents should be utilized. As stated in COMSCINST 6000.1D, Section 5.6(b) “Physical Standards,” medical conditions listed in NAVMED P-117 “are generally considered disqualifying except as specified in the next paragraph, c.” Examiners should familiarize themselves with COMSCINST 6000.1D section 5.6 (c) “Amplifying Guidance on Specific Conditions.” If a specific medical condition is not covered in this section, examiners should seek guidance in the NAVMED P-117 document. Please be advised that NAVMED P-117 was designed to be implemented for all U.S. Navy active duty personnel and other mariners (CIVMARS and CONMARS) who may be deployed to active combat zones. As such, it may hold CONMARS to a more strict interpretation of the clinical assessment than may be warranted for mariners who are employed in non-MSC commercial shipping positions. As always, all fitness for duty determinations must be made on an individual basis considering all the clinical parameters and employment circumstances of the mariner. The SHBP Medical Department is always available to assist examiners in those situations where a particular condition is not covered or the interpretation of the guidance provided in the documents is unclear. Last year, SIU headquarters distributed to all ports new medical guidelines and hearing and vision standards that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) began using to evaluate applications for original and renewal merchant mariner documents and licenses. Those guidelines were made final in 2008. The new guidelines are considerably more rigid than the old, officially to help ensure safety and productivity. They include conditions and categories such as hearing and vision loss; body mass index; alcohol and drug dependency/abuse; and a long list of other medical conditions that will require a waiver. Many of the medical conditions on the list are new with the new guidelines. To download the lists of conditions covered in the guidelines, go to the NMC’s web site: www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/2000s.asp#2008 For a waiver form go to: www.uscg.mil/nmc/downloads.asp Mariners with questions are encouraged to contact the NMC’s Medical Evaluation Branch via e-mail at: marinermedical@uscg.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662). Following are some tips from the Coast Guard when getting a medical evaluation: ■ Start early – The Coast Guard recommends starting the process six months prior to the expiration of the seafarer’s merchant mariner documentation. Some of the reasons are that mariners may need follow-up examinations, time to get reports and appointments, etc. ■ Be sure to get copies of any recent evaluation reports and medical records concerning current and active conditions. ■ Always tell the truth during the process. Non-disclosure of conditions or falsifying statements is not only a federal offense but will result in not receiving credentials when caught. ■ If issued a waiver that has conditions or additional requirements, follow up on the recommendations fully and right away. ■ If the MMD/z-card is denied, appeal immediately. There is a 60-day deadline to appeal after the denial. A denial letter will be sent by the NMC with instructions for subsequent steps. Additional specific considerations for the evaluation of mariners for MSC positions include the following: Although medications are not covered in either document, MSC has stated that there are only two medications which are absolutely incompatible with MSC service: insulin and coumadin. The use of other medications, such as some psychotropic medications, narcotic pain medications and some cardiac medications must be evaluated in light of the specific underlying conditions for which they are prescribed. In many instances, the presence of these conditions, regardless of medication usage, would preclude clearances for MSC positions. Mariners who are considered “not qualified for MSC duty” should be evaluated for clearance for commercial positions. Mariners who are cleared for commercial positions but not qualified for MSC positions should be issued blue clinic cards with the designation “NO MSC” typed (or written) on the FRONT of the clinic card. As usual, individuals who have chronic medical conditions that are deemed to be unqualified for MSC positions should be issued clinic cards that expire in accordance with the general policy of six-month clinic cards for seafarers who require additional medical monitoring for the medical condition(s) under consideration. If a mariner is determined to be unqualified for MSC service and the “NO MSC” restriction is placed upon the clinic card, a copy of the clinic card must be faxed to the SHBP Medical Department. Mariners who are deemed to be unqualified for MSC positions should be informed that if they wish to apply for a waiver from MSC for a specific medical condition, they may do so by contacting the MSC directly or the SHBP Medical Department for additional guidance. Questions regarding either the medical guidelines or the administrative procedures for implementation of the physical examinations should be directed to the SHBP Medical Department, P.O. Box 210, MD 20674, (301) 994-0010, extension 5264. February 2009 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:54 AM Page 15 Personal Michael Gramer Please contact Nick Van-Beek by phone at (415) 3874536 or via email at snwag2000@yahoo.com Correction An article in the December edition of the LOG listed New York as the home port of Recertified Bosun Joe Casalino. Brother Casalino started his SIU career in New York but has shipped from the San Francisco/Oakland hall for the last 15 years. March & April 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point......................................Monday: March 2, April 6 Algonac .............................................Friday: March 6, April 10 Baltimore........................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 Boston ...............................................Friday: March 6, April 10 Guam...........................................Thursday: March 19, April 23 Honolulu .........................................Friday: March 13, April 17 Houston............................................Monday: March 9, April 13 Jacksonville....................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 Joliet...........................................Thursday: March 12, April 16 Mobile......................................Wednesday: March 11, April 15 New Orleans.......................................Tuesday: March 10, April 14 New York..........................................Tuesday: March 3, April 7 Norfolk...........................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 Oakland ......................................Thursday: March 12, April 16 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: March 4, April 8 Port Everglades ..........................Thursday: March 12, April 16 San Juan .........................................Thursday: March 5, April 9 St. Louis ..........................................Friday: March 13, April 17 Tacoma............................................Friday: March 20, April 24 Wilmington........................................Monday: March 16, April 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention Seafarers Another New Ship! SPAD Works For You! Holiday Closure Please be advised that—unless an emergency arises—SIU Headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 16 for the observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal business hours will resume at all affected locations the following workdays. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea December 16, 2008 — January 15, 2009 *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 February 2009 DECK DEPARTMENT 16 2 0 3 1 0 7 4 4 1 1 5 5 0 0 12 1 0 3 4 1 0 8 7 1 8 34 27 1 8 9 30 16 13 4 0 4 0 29 17 0 2 4 8 5 7 17 12 2 5 5 16 11 7 3 1 5 0 16 13 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 4 0 0 0 2 3 2 0 11 1 0 2 2 0 0 4 6 0 3 19 9 0 1 6 17 9 6 1 1 0 0 15 10 6 1 6 23 4 15 67 62 1 24 25 72 21 44 10 1 14 6 60 60 9 8 5 25 7 9 52 29 8 14 15 53 28 14 7 3 17 9 42 37 18 3 1 7 4 0 9 4 4 2 3 10 6 4 0 4 2 0 8 7 287 202 69 217 139 33 107 522 391 96 1 0 7 4 1 12 18 24 0 9 8 14 7 9 3 3 7 0 15 15 5 0 6 3 4 4 15 10 2 7 4 13 16 9 2 0 3 1 9 12 4 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 157 125 20 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 1 4 5 0 7 11 15 0 5 6 13 2 6 1 0 2 0 9 12 1 1 5 6 1 4 7 11 0 0 3 3 12 6 1 0 3 0 8 8 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 9 7 0 0 1 5 6 3 0 0 4 0 7 8 1 0 7 12 1 20 30 40 1 17 10 28 14 15 5 3 7 1 20 20 6 3 9 11 7 6 23 20 3 13 7 24 27 10 3 1 5 2 20 15 4 0 0 3 1 0 1 5 1 1 1 5 2 5 0 0 1 1 3 4 99 80 6 55 252 215 38 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 4 4 3 12 18 12 0 6 5 22 9 14 0 4 2 2 13 31 3 1 1 9 5 3 4 13 0 2 3 6 12 4 2 1 1 3 4 2 4 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 162 79 11 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 7 2 5 16 5 4 16 18 7 8 10 20 15 8 4 1 9 6 26 15 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 6 0 6 13 2 10 35 41 1 12 13 36 11 26 5 0 6 2 33 29 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 0 3 2 10 17 7 0 2 3 15 8 7 1 0 0 1 12 20 0 2 2 0 0 3 5 10 0 2 3 9 7 1 2 0 0 2 5 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 5 11 2 0 1 0 11 2 5 0 0 1 1 5 8 2 0 3 8 3 24 31 32 0 11 11 39 16 34 2 7 6 4 28 40 4 1 2 14 5 5 9 16 1 3 1 7 17 4 1 2 3 4 6 6 4 0 0 0 3 2 0 3 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 110 57 4 59 301 111 17 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 0 0 5 5 0 0 1 2 5 0 6 0 0 1 0 4 3 14 2 7 4 0 6 17 22 2 9 7 28 19 11 1 2 2 0 12 9 12 1 1 8 4 6 3 14 3 3 1 8 14 9 0 28 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 2 2 2 11 18 6 0 4 2 9 4 11 0 0 1 0 9 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 3 3 0 1 1 5 3 3 0 25 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 4 9 4 0 1 3 15 1 9 0 0 1 0 9 5 15 2 5 9 0 11 30 40 3 12 10 52 34 17 1 3 7 0 24 23 13 1 2 17 5 12 5 27 3 7 5 13 31 17 0 11 0 0 2 16 34 174 119 16 85 56 0 66 298 187 640 580 219 442 361 99 221 1141 1015 338 Seafarers LOG 15 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:29 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 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 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 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Deadline Nears to Apply For 2009 SHBP Scholarships Seafarers and dependents who are interested in furthering their education don’t have much time left to apply for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 2009 Scholarship Program. The application deadline is April 15. Designed to ease the financial challenges associated with college and vocational studies, this year’s SHBP Scholarship Program will offer eight awards. Three of these offerings specifically are designated for Seafarers and five have been targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the Seafarers scholarships totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are for $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. The five scholarships for spouses and dependents are for $20,000 apiece. The first step in the application process is to send for the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. The package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. To obtain a copy of this handout, interested individuals need only complete the form which appears above and return it to the address provided. The packages also are available at SIU halls. Please send me the 2009 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name ................................................................................................................................ Street Address ................................................................................................................. City, State, Zip Code ...................................................................................................... Telephone Number ..........( This application is for: ).................................................................................... Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria to determine if they are eligible to participate. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application. All required materials must be received by the SHBP Scholarship Program Office by April 15. Items that need to be incorporated in the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Letters of recommendation – 2/09 solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals – also should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate are also required and should accompany the package. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. For Seafarers 401(k) Participants Morgan Stanley-Citi Venture Means Business as Usual – Maybe Better The recently announced joint venture between Morgan Stanley and Citigroup Inc.’s Smith Barney should be seamless for participants in the Seafarers 401(k) Plan. A communication sent last month from Smith Barney to Seafarers Plans and SIU officials summed it up as follows: The new venture “means we remain at the same desk in the same office with the same support staff, just new stationary and a new business card. It in no way affects your plan, accounts, investments or our relationship.” The message continued, “This new partnership will greatly enhance our ability to provide you with unmatched advice and the superior client service that has long characterized both the Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney organizations. Indeed, as our valued client, you will be able to access the extensive global networks of both firms to get the best market intelligence and investment opportunities.” According to news reports, the new entity is expected to employ more than 20,000 brokers in 1,000 branches. The combined firm will be called Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The Seafarers 401(k) Plan launched in January 2008. 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 16 Seafarers LOG The Waterman owned and SIU-crewed Chickasaw in January 1953 was berthed at Bethlehem Steel Co. Inc.’s 56th Street Yard in Brooklyn, N.Y., following a mishap in New York Harbor. The vessel was entering the harbor in a dense fog when she collided with the U.S. Lines’ American Leader. The incident, which left a gaping hole in the Chickasaw’s bow, occurred between the Narrows and Governors Island. No injuries were sustained by crews of either vessel. The Chickasaw later proceeded to Bush Terminal where she was repaired. 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 February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:21 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 KEVIN BERTEL Brother Kevin Bertel, 55, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 as a member of the engine department. His first voyage was on the Bethex. Brother Bertel often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He was last employed aboard the SLMP-853 Tacoma. Brother Bertel was born in Omaha, Neb., and now makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. MICHAEL BORDERS Brother Michael Borders, 53, joined the union in 1971 while training in Piney Point, Md. He initially sailed on the James. Brother Borders was born in Virginia and shipped in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the union-affiliated school. Brother Borders’ final ship was the Performance. He resides in Portsmouth, Va. GARY COATS Brother Gary Coats, 70, became an SIU member in 1981. The Iowa native shipped in the deck department. Brother Coats first went to sea aboard the Independence. In 2000, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Coats most recently sailed on the Eric G. Gibson. He lives in Mauritius. LEOCADIO COLON Brother Leocadio Colon, 77, donned the SIU colors in 1996 while in the port of New York. He originally shipped aboard the USNS Denebola. Brother Colon attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Maryland. The deck department member was born in Honduras. Brother Colon’s final trip was on the Overseas New Orleans. He is a resident of Paterson, N.J. February 2009 ANSELMO LOPEZ Brother Anselmo Lopez, 67, joined the SIU in 1991 while in the port of New York. He originally shipped in the steward department aboard the Independence. Brother Lopez enhanced his skills often at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His final voyage was on the Maersk Georgia. Brother Lopez was born in Honduras but makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ROBERT MULVANEY Brother Robert Mulvaney, 65, started sailing with the union in 1991. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the USNS Lynch. Brother Mulvaney, a member of the engine department, was born in New Jersey. In 1996 and 2000, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Brother Mulvaney’s last ship was the USNS Denebola. He settled in his native state. FELIPEPITO ORLANDO Brother Felipepito Orlando, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1987. He was initially employed on the USNS Persistent. Brother Orlando was a member of the steward department. He was born in the Philippines. Brother Orlando upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. His most recent voyage was aboard the Virginian. Brother Orlando lives in Chesapeake, Va. THOMAS PALBITSKA Brother Thomas Palbitska, 66, was born in Bremerton, Wash. He became an SIU member in 1993. Brother Palbitska first worked on the Cape Victory; his final trip to sea was aboard Seabulk Pride. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Palbitska sailed in the deck department. He resides in Las Vegas. INLAND DANIEL COX Brother Daniel Cox, 62, was born in California. He started sailing with the union in 1980. Brother Cox primarily shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. He makes his home in Cypress, Calif. WILLIAM DIZE Brother William Dize, 60, joined the SIU ranks in 1986. He mainly sailed aboard vessels operated by the Association of Maryland Pilots. Brother Dize was born in Virginia but settled in Ewell, Md. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1953 During an incident investigation, the U.S. Coast Guard hailed the SIU crew of the Angelina as exhibiting “superb seamanship” for preventing a disaster in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The incident occurred at midnight when a ship proceeding through the canal ahead of the Angelina collided with the oil barge F.L. Hayes, causing an explosion that flew burning gasoline that enveloped the Angelina from stem to stern. Awakened out of sleep by alarms, the Angelina crew quickly responded and saved the ship from flames shooting higher than the masts and burning so hot they were blistering paint. 1962 Two SIU-contracted ships, the Rose Knot and the Coastal Sentry, were part of the global network BRUCE GODFREY Brother Bruce Godfrey, 57, became a union member in 1976. His earliest trip to sea was on an Allied Towing vessel. Brother Godfrey was born in North Carolina. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Godfrey last sailed with OSG Ship Management. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla. RUSSELL JEWETT Brother Russell Jewett, 65, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1973. He initially worked with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Jewett was born in Cheboygan, Mich. In 1981, he attended classes at the Piney tracking stations which maintained communications with Mercury astronaut John Glenn as he made three orbits around the world. While details were limited by security, it is reported one of the ships was stationed off the coast of Africa and the other was in the Indian Ocean. This Month In SIU History 1975 Manned by a crack SIU crew, the newly built supertanker TT Williamsburgh embarked on her maiden voyage on Jan. 2 from New York Harbor to the Persian Gulf and Europe. The 225,000 dwt Williamsburgh was built by SIU-affiliated UIW shipbuilders at the Seatrain Point school. Brother Jewett most recently sailed aboard the Sugar Island. He lives in Hart, Mich. GREAT LAKES SCOTT CORISTINE Brother Scott Coristine, 55, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1972 from Detroit, Mich. His first ship was the U.S. Gypsum; his most recent was the St. Clair. Brother Coristine was born in Michigan. He worked in both the engine and deck departments during his seafaring career. Brother Coristine upgraded on three occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He calls Lascassas, Tenn., home. Shipbuilding Yard in the former Brooklyn, N.Y., Navy Yard. The six-story supertanker was sold to the General Electric Co. Credit Corp. and its agent the Wilmington Trust Co. for a 25-year bareboat charter to Kingsway Tankers Inc., which timechartered the vessel for 25 years to American Petrofina Inc., a subsidiary of Belgium Petrofina S.A. 1991 As the progression of the Persian Gulf War unfolds, press reports state that some foreign seamen have refused to sail on ships assigned to carry American cargo to the area of conflict, including seamen from nations supposedly allied to the U.S. During congressional testimony, SIU President Michael Sacco pointed out the continued unreliability of foreign mariners on flag-of-convenience ships when it comes to ensuring U.S. troops receive materiel in regions of crisis. Seafarers LOG 17 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:21 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA JOSEPH EBBOLE Pensioner Joseph Ebbole, 84, passed away Oct. 1. Brother Ebbole became a Seafarer in 1954. He was born in Illinois. Brother Ebbole initially shipped in the deck department of an Emerson Steamship Company vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1989, he worked aboard the Liberator. Brother Ebbole lived in Las Vegas. IRVIN GORGAS Pensioner Irvin Gorgas, 83, died Nov. 5. Brother Gorgas was born in Chicago. He started shipping with the union in 1944 from the port of New York. Brother Gorgas first sailed aboard the Kyska. The steward department member last shipped on the Overseas Arctic. Brother Gorgas retired in 1980 and called Covington, La., home. HUBERT JACKSON Pensioner Hubert Jackson, 78, passed away Nov. 28. Brother Jackson joined the SIU in 1956 while in the port of Houston. His first ship was operated by Terminal Steamship Company. Brother Jackson was born in Sampson, N.C., and shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Explorer. He went on pension in 1991 and resided in Newton Grove, N.C. DEWEY JORDAN Pensioner Dewey Jordan, 81, died July 14. Brother Jordan signed on with the union in 1946. His earliest trip to sea was on the Alcoa Pilgrim. Brother Jordan was born in North Carolina and sailed in the deck department. His last ship was the Cape Orlando. Brother Jordan became a pensioner in 1989 and settled in Wilmer, Ala. 18 Seafarers LOG JOHN LYONS Pensioner John Lyons, 87, passed away July 20. Brother Lyons first donned the SIU colors in 1973. His first voyage was aboard the Falcon Lady. Brother Lyons, a member of the engine department, was born in Massachusetts. His final trip to sea was on the Brooks Range. Brother Lyons began receiving his pension in 1988 and made Perris, Calif., home. ARTHUR MACHADO Pensioner Arthur Machado, 67, died Nov. 22. Brother Machado became a union member in 1968. He initially worked in the deck department of an Atlantic Carriers Inc. vessel. Brother Machado was born in New Orleans. He most recently shipped aboard the USNS Altair. Brother Machado retired in 2003. He was a resident of Belle Chase, La. He joined the union in 1967 and initially worked on the Alcoa Trader. Brother Richman shipped as a member of the engine department. He was last employed aboard the Integrity. Brother Richman resided in Jacksonville, Fla., and retired in 1996. JUAN RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Juan Rodriguez, 78, died June 24. Brother Rodriguez first donned the SIU colors in 1951 while in the port of Houston. His first voyage was on a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Rodriguez was born in Mexico and sailed in the engine department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Atlantic. Brother Rodriguez became a pensioner in 1991 and settled in Galveston, Texas. JAMES MIJARES VIRGILIO ROMERO Pensioner James Mijares, 91, passed away July 14. Brother Mijares joined the SIU ranks in 1961. His first trip to sea was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel. Brother Mijares sailed in the steward department. He was born in the Philippines. Before retiring in 1982, Brother Mijares shipped on the Galveston. He lived in Spring Valley, Calif. Pensioner Virgilio Romero, 81, passed away Oct. 7. Brother Romero, a member of the engine department, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1977. He originally worked on a vessel operated by CSX Lines. Brother Romero was born in the Philippines. Prior to his retirement in 1996, he sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Romero was a resident of San Francisco. JUAN OQUENDO Pensioner Juan Oquendo, 87, died July 4. Brother Oquendo signed on with the Seafarers in 1943 while in the port of New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the steward department. Brother Oquendo’s final voyage was aboard the San Juan. He went on pension in 1986 and called Uniondale, N.Y., home. EVERETT RICHMAN Pensioner Everett Richman, 78, passed away Nov. 17. Brother Richman was born in Norfolk, Va. VICTOR TAMULIS JOHN SMITH Pensioner Victor Tamulis, 81, passed away Nov. 18. Brother Tamulis joined the SIU ranks in 1955. He first shipped with Atlantic Carriers as a member of the deck department. Brother Tamulis was born in Greenfield, Mass. His last ship was the Commitment. Brother Tamulis went on pension in 1994. He lived in Houston. Brother John Smith, 49, passed away June 14. He signed on with the SIU in 1977 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Smith first sailed on the Consumers Powers. He was born in Philadelphia and shipped in the engine department. Brother Smith most recently worked aboard a Crowley Liner Service vessel. He continued to live in Pennsylvania. INLAND TARLTON LANGELE Pensioner Tarlton Langele, 68, died July 18. Brother Langele was born in Alabama. He originally sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. Brother Langele’s most recent trip to sea was aboard the Crescent Mobile. The deck department member began receiving his pension in 2004. Brother Langele continued to live in his native state. JOHN NELSON Brother John Nelson, 52, passed away June 3. He started shipping with the union in 1979. Brother Nelson was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He initially worked in the deck department on the Seabulk Tanker. Brother Nelson’s final ship was the Resolve. He called Fort Myers, Fla., home. RICHARD SCHEMM Pensioner Richard Schemm, 83, died Nov. 25. Brother Schemm joined the Seafarers in 1953 while in the port of New York. He was born in Philadelphia. Brother Schemm originally worked in the deck department of an AH Bull Steamship Company vessel. His final trip to sea was with Energy Ammonia Transportation. Brother Schemm continued to reside in Pennsylvania. He became a pensioner in 1990. GEORGE SADLER Pensioner George Sadler, 86, died July 4. Brother Sadler first donned the SIU colors in 1960. He was initially employed with Pennsylvania Railroad in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Sadler was born in Virginia. His last trip to sea was aboard a Penn Central Transportation Company vessel. Brother Sadler started collecting his retirement compensation in 1982. He settled in Gwynn, Va. GREAT LAKES LAWRENCE CURNOW SR. Pensioner Lawrence Curnow, Sr., 67, died Nov. 15. Brother Curnow began his employment with the SIU in 1966. He initially sailed on a Great Lakes Associates vessel. Brother Curnow last shipped aboard the John Boland. He sailed in the deck department and was a resident of his native state of Minnesota. ROBERT LACKEY Pensioner Robert Lackey, 94, passed away July 20. Brother Lackey was born in Canada. He joined the union in 1961. Brother Lackey originally worked with Merritt Chapman & Scott. Before his retirement in 1976, he sailed on a Dunbar & Sullivan vessel. Brother Lackey made his home in Monticello, Fla. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Age Adams, William 86 Amata, John 89 Antoine, Louis 86 Burke, Joseph 94 Carter, Robert 88 Cruz, Anicasio 84 Curtis, Melvin 88 Dwyer, Herbert 83 Ferro, John 95 Francisco, Jose 92 Green, Van 80 Gutow, William 83 Johnson, Jay 80 King, Benson 87 Pena, Robert 83 Reyes, Eladio 85 Salvage, James 68 Sherman, Edward 79 Smallcombe, James 84 Southern, Alan 82 Walka, Edward 81 DOD Nov. 8 Nov. 14 Nov. 24 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 26 Dec. 2 Nov. 30 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 Nov. 1 Nov. 20 Nov. 19 Nov. 15 Nov. 29 Nov. 25 Nov. 18 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 2 February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:21 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), Nov. 16 – Chairman Raphael L. James, Secretary Luis A. Caballero, Educational Director Herman Castro. Bosun and crew thanked steward department for good food and service. Secretary expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for helping keep house clean with a special thanks given to SA Rolando Batiz. He announced that clean linen would be distributed prior to arrival in port; please leave for new crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers requested a new washing machine. Suggestion was made to raise pension benefits. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), Nov. 16 – Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Alphonso Dixon, Educational Director Andrew J. Linares, Deck Delegate Raymond P. Vicari, Engine Delegate Orlando Guzman, Steward Delegate Valerie Russo. Chairman reported smooth sailing. He asked departing mariners to leave keys in rooms and make sure rooms were neat for arriving crew. He also reminded everyone to get their TWIC card as soon as possible. Educational director urged Seafarers to visit the Paul Hal Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made regarding requirements for vacation benefits. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), Nov. 30 – Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis Baker, Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown, Engine Delegate Mark Davis, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 5 in Charleston, S.C. It was also reported that room inspection would take place Dec. 3. Educational director encouraged all mariners to stay safe, “We are experiencing rough weather, don’t take any chances, use one hand for rails.” No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. It was reiterated that ship was on its last voyage; crew will be moved to new vessel in January 2009. Bosun thanked steward department for keeping the “bellies happy.” Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Houston, and Norfolk, Va. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 29 – Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Rafeal A. Cardenas, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang. Chairman reminded crew to keep documents current. He also suggested applying early for TWIC cards to avoid the rush as April 2009 is approaching quickly. Educational director talked about the importance of upgrading at the Piney Point school. Meal Time on the Alliance St. Louis The hard-working crew aboard the SIU-contracted Alliance St. Louis deserves only the best when meal time rolls around on the vessel. Ensuring that none of their shipmates leaves the galley dissatisfied during lunch are Chief Cook Vincent Chaver (right), who drops raw food items into the deep fryer; Steward Assistant Christopher Baum (below) on the grill and and Steward Baker Franklyn Cordero who prepares watermelon for the salad bar. Members of the Alliance St. Louis crew regularly voice their appreciation for the efforts of the galley gang. February 2009 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. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to decrease time required to qualify for pension benefits and increase wages. GREEN COVE (Central Gulf Lines), Nov. 16 – Chairman Francisco D. Bonilla, Secretary John L. Gibbons Jr., Deck Delegate John Walsh, Engine Delegate Christina Earhart, Steward Delegate Shantay Joquin. Bosun announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash., on Nov. 20 and went over ship’s itinerary. Secretary requested that all crew members see SA prior to signing off to get clean linen. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Crew members stated rooms were too cold, and related request was made for portable heaters. Next ports: Vancouver, Canada and Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Nov. 2 – Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Michael P. Brown. Chairman stated payoff would take place Nov. 4 at sea, with arrival in Tacoma, Wash., later that evening. Secretary asked mariners to help keep crew lounge and laundry clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded everyone to keep all paperwork current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Heating Aboard SIU Vessel in Jacksonville AB Robert Davis prepares to move cargo aboard the SIU-crewed Westward Venture in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. To accomplish this daunting task, Davis is operating a piece of equipment known as a “hi low.” problems were reported in crew mess hall, which will be discussed with boarding patrolman. Bosun thanked crew members for working well together and keeping inside of house clean. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska, and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Nov. 30 – Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph Emidy, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Engine Delegate Victor L. Sapp. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla., on Dec. 5. Patrolman was requested to come aboard. Chairman expressed his gratitude to steward department for great food during voyage. Educational director advised all mariners to enhance their seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center and check out Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, “it is second to none.” Treasurer reported $985 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to pension benefits and clarification was requested regarding time-off rotations. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. HOUSTON (USS Transport Lines), Nov. 16 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Daniel Daligcon, Steward Delegate Andrew Andrini. Chairman reported that patrolman is expected to visit ship in Galveston, Texas. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep pantry and mess hall clean. He reminded everyone to clean lint filters in dryer to prevent fires and make the dryer work more efficiently. Steward noted that food costs are up due to higher fuel and delivery costs and that food budget needs to be updated. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the union-affiliated school has to offer and keep nec- essary seafaring documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to have crew washing machine fixed. Crew members expressed their appreciation to the steward department. Next ports: Houston and Beaumont, Texas. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line, Limited), Nov. 24 – Chairman Abdul A. Hassan, Secretary John D. Bukowsky, Deck Delegate Glen A. Rogers Jr., Engine Delegate Luis Valencia, Steward Delegate Richard M. Worobey. Chairman reported a smooth and safe voyage. Secretary thanked Seafarers for help keeping ship clean. Treasurer noted $601.00 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from the October 2008 Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. Crew members requested company purchase a “region free” DVD player for the crew lounge as the one they have now only plays DVD’s from the Middle East region. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next port: Shuwaikh, Kuwait. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line, Limited), Nov. 16 – Chairman Raynaldo Ramirez, Secretary Steven Dickson, Educational Director Hugh Morrison, Deck Delegate Eddie L. Cathcart, Steward Delegate Jessie Jones. Chairman advised members to check contracts before taking jobs at the union hall to avoid confusion and misunderstandings when you get to the vessel. He sends his congratulations to President-elect Obama. Secretary urged all mariners to get TWIC card ASAP if they wish to work after April 2009. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of the Paul Hall Center to increase your opportunities for advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for excellent meals and service. Next port: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:21 AM Page 20 Maritime Briefs SS Transglobe, Union Crews Inducted into ‘Hall of Fame’ A World War II-era cargo vessel, the SS Transglobe, and its crew were scheduled to be inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame in a Jan. 31 ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. The Transglobe was crewed by NMU, MM&P and MEBA members throughout its service. The vessel originally was designed as a cargo ship for Lykes Brothers Steamship Company. The U.S. Maritime Commission modified its design as a C-4 ship and took it over in 1941. In 1944, the Transglobe successfully completed seven convoy runs through the U-boat packs of the North Atlantic, transporting 13,524 GIs to England. It was later used to make shuttle runs across the English Channel, including during the D-Day invasion. In all, the Transglobe transported a record 201,294 troops, wounded, casualties and other passengers, a number unsurpassed by any merchant ship during WWII. In 1946, the Transglobe was laid up until the Vietnam War. In 1960, the Transglobe was taken out of layup and converted into a roll-on, roll-off vessel. Under government service in 1966, the ship began shuttle service between Naha, DaNang and Saigon. During the ship’s Vietnam service from 1966 to 1972, it became highly acclaimed for delivering troops and materiel under nearly constant fire. At one point during the war, the vessel was cited as being on the Viet Cong’s “most wanted list” for it successful missions. Established in 1982, the National Maritime Hall of Fame is intended to highlight U.S. maritime heritage. U.S. Navy Submarine Order Good News for Union Yards The U.S. Navy has awarded a $14 billion contract for eight nuclear submarines to General Dynamics Corp. The vessels will be built in connection with Northrop Grumman. Work will be done at two union-contracted shipyards that include General Dynamics’ Electric Boat in Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman’s Newport News Virginia Shipyard. The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, to which the SIU is affiliated, has long contended that an upgrade of the nation’s nuclear submarine fleet is overdue. In addition to creating jobs in a critical sector of the American econo- my, it will enhance U.S. security interests, the MTD has indicated. The orders come at a critical time for the shipyard workers. Late last year, the two ship makers warned Congress that they could be forced to make job cuts if the Navy did not place more orders. MarAd Study Evaluates U.S. Maritime Policy The Maritime Administration has issued a new study that evaluates the projected adequacy of current U.S. maritime policy in meeting the commercial, economic, security and environmental needs of the nation over the next three decades. The report was researched and prepared by IHS Global Insight, Inc., of Lexington, Mass. The 72-page report finds that current U.S. maritime policy only supports America’s domestic maritime trades and is not supportive of U.S. participation in the international trades. However, the study also advises that possible reforms in national policy may lend more support to the U.S. maritime industry. Among other points, the report calls for strong support of the Jones Act and U.S. shipbuilding as well as maritime labor and safety laws. It also calls for greater investment in port development. Further, it backs the marine highway initiative. The full report and its findings are available online at Maritime Administration web site, www.marad.dot.gov Congressional Coalition Calls for Expanded American Shipbuilding The United States government needs to pursue policies that will promote a strong domestic shipbuilding base. That was the conclusion of a bipartisan coalition of 18 senators and more than 40 members of the House of Representatives, who sent letters out to their colleagues late last year. “Expanding American shipbuilding has the dual benefit of strengthening a critical branch of our national defense while bolstering our strained economy,” wrote the senators. “At a time when American manufacturing jobs are moving overseas, we have an opportunity to create highly-skilled jobs for the American manufacturing workforce here at home.” According to these legislators, a priority should be given to reversing the decline of the U.S. Navy, whose fleet has shrunk by roughly 50 percent over the past two decades to the smallest number since before World War II. Without immediate action, the 284 vessels now in the fleet will continue to dwindle. The legislators said that the United States could maintain a 313-vessel Navy if it adopted an annual build rate of 12 vessels. Action also should be taken to ensure the viability of the commercial sector as well, the lawmakers said. The senators and House members highlighted both the economic and homeland security benefits that would accompany such a policy. An estimated 400,000 people in 47 states are employed by the shipbuilding industry, which consists of six major shipbuilding yards, several smaller ship construction and repair yards, and more than 4,000 major manufacturers of ship components and systems. Signing the Senate letter were Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Mel Martinez (RFla.), Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), David Vitter (R-La.), Daniel Akaka (DHawaii) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). A similar House letter was signed by Representatives Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Steve Kagen (DWis.), Robert Brady (D-Pa.), Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Susan Davis (D-Calif.), Rodney Alexander (R-La.), Henry Brown (R-S.C.), Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), John Carter (R-Texas), Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), Randy Forbes (RVa.), Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md)., Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), Betty Sutton (D-Ohio), Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), Mike Michaud (D-Maine), Steve Scalise (R-La.), Travis Childers (D-Miss.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Bob Latta (R-Ohio), Joe Wilson (RS.C.), Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), Bob Filner (D-Calif.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Steven Rothman (D-N.J.), Gene Green (D-Texas), Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jo Bonner (RAla.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) and Timothy Bishop (D-N.Y). 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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 ACTIVI- TY 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. February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:21 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 March 2 April 6 May 4 June 1 March 20 April 24 May 22 June 19 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion March 2 April 27 June 22 March 27 May 22 July 17 Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) April 13 April 17 Fast Rescue Boat June 29 July 3 Government Vessels February 23 April 6 June 1 July 27 February 27 April 10 June 5 July 31 Radar March 9 June 8 March 30 March 20 June 19 April 10 Radar Renewal April 20 April 20 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman May 4 May 15 Tank Ship Familiarization/Assistant Cargo DL February 9 May 18 February 20 May 29 Tank PIC Barge DL May 11 May 15 Able Seaman Lifeboatman Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Firefighting March 9 March 20 Basic Firefighting/STCW Basic & Advanced Firefighting February 17 March 30 May 11 May 25 July 20 March 9 February 20 April 3 May 15 May 29 July 24 March 20 Medical Care Provider March 23 March 27 MSC Small Arms (Company designees) February 23 February 26 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 January 26. 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. Adult Basic Education (ABE) Advanced Refrigerated Container March 30 June 22 April 24 July 17 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) March 30 May 25 April 24 June 19 March 2 April 27 June 22 March 27 May 22 July 17 Junior Engineer March 9 May 1 Marine Electrician May 11 July 3 Marine Refrigeration Technician February 9 March 20 FOWT Safety Specialty Courses UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ English as a Second Language (ESL) College Program Preparatory Course (when applying, students should list the name of the prep course desired on upgrading application) Online Distance Learning Courses Students MUST have access to the internet with an e-mail address in order to take the following classes: DL Environmental Awareness, DL Hazmat Control & Mgmt, DL Hearing Conservation, DL Heat Stress Mgmt., DL Shipboard Pest Mgmt., DL Respiratory Protection and DL Shipboard Water Sanitation. The foregoing classes are taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. Please be sure to provide an email address (printed neatly) on the application when applying. 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 ________________________________________________ February 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. 2/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �52665_p01_24x:January 08 1/27/2009 2:31 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 710 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Walid Ahmed, Jason Albertson, James Baldwin, Donnel Cherry, Scott Daly, Ginger Fitzpatrick, Abdulkarim Ghaleb, Mohamed Ghaleb, Steven Hamilton, Brandon Hess, Bryant Hunter, Ryan Kiefer, Bruce Raquet, Michael Ringwood and Derek Thompson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations – The following individuals (above, in alpha- betical order) on Dec. 5 completed the basic auxiliary plant operations course: Benjamin Arroyo, Jason Babbitt, Daniel Balch, Jeremy Birchfield, Jonathyn Bland, Michael Brannon, Tony Brinkley, Christopher Croombs, Jason Crusing, Ezekiel Deas, Jonathan Diaz, Casimiro Garza Jr., Shawn Haber, Nathan Jenkins, Stephen Jenkins, Shawn Lewis, Kwame Owusu, Lazaro Rivera-Rodriguez, Steven Shaffer, Karen Suzuki, Aleksey Vigovskiy, Luchi Watson and Rickey Yancey. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, 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. Computer Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Twenty unlicensed apprentices from Class 711 recently graduated from the water survival course. Completing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tallentyre Barmann, Jose Burgos, Timothy Cunningham, Maurice David, Jose Gonzalez DelValle, Anthony Green, Deok Hamlett, Jamar Harley, Kevin Hunt, Eddie Jackson, Gerren Jenkins, Josue Marin, Charles Murphy, Jesus Pacheco, Nicholas Pratt, Keven Reyes Velez, Angel Rodriguez-Pineiro, Edwin Velez, Osburn Wyche Jr. and Jerald Young. Six individuals recently completed computer training courses while upgrading their skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Those completing various classes (photo above, from the left) were Milton Carmichael, Saeed Alahmadi, Donato Surell, Arnel Resurrecion, Regina Ewing (right in photo at left below) and Sergio Cedeno (right in photo at right below). Their instructor, Rich Prucha, is in the center in photo above, and at the left and right respectively in the photos below. Tankship Familiarization – Two classes of Phase III trainees completed this 63-hour course Oct. 31. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Benjamin Arroyo, Jason Babbitt, Martin Baker, Daniel Balch, Reginald Berkes, Jeremy Birchfield, Johnathyn Bland, Robert Blunt, Michael Brannon, Tony Brinkley, Phillip Clemon, Christopher Coombs, Michael Correa, Jason Crusing, Jason Davis, Ezekiel Deas, Jonathan Diaz, Stanford Drankes, Christopher Gonseth, William Gosse, Shawn Haber, Heather Hammons, Joshua Hansen, Shaun Lewis, Robin Majette, Bryan Mash, Kevin McCrea, John Menley, Joshua Milton, Twanna Moody, Jarred Moylan, Tierria Noble, Lazaro Rivera-Rodriguez, Robert Rothwell, Adam Sanders, Joshua Sanders, Irnacio Santos Aponte, Steve Shaffer, Kenneth Summerford, Lezlie Vehikite, Nelson Velez, Aleksey Vigovskiy, Stephen Wood, and Rickey Yancey. 22 Seafarers LOG February 2009 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:22 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization DL – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Nov. 21 completed this course: Thellis Barnes, Enrique Bodden, Jose Bonita, George Borromeo, Milton Carmichael, Juanito Ceralde, Daniel Chisom-Coffey, Mark Ciciulla, Cory Covington, Goeffrey Denesse, Dori Grier, Peter Hamm, Russell Luther, David McGrew, Jimmy Orr, Selcuk Ozdencanli, Arnel Resurrection, Jeffry Stuart, Donato Surell, Mark Wertz and Emmanuel Wilson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Welding – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Nov. 21 completed this 103-hour course: Steven Benavides Jr., Eugene Davis Jr., Criseldo Espinosa, Arlyn Fernandez, Nicholas Gattuso, Phil Hurlbutt, Harry McKever, Neiman Pettis, Steben Torres and Edward Zimich. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is fifth from the left. ARPA – Six upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on Nov. 21 completed this 32-hour course: Joshua Ano, Rudy Harjanto, Andrew Longneck, Chris Ruggiero, Michael Sherman and Gregory Smith. Their instructor, Stacy McNeely, is at left Advanced Firefighting (Hawaii) – Six individuals completed this course Nov. 21 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were Chinando Pacis, Matt Nelson, Jeffrey Page, George Longshore, Gregorio Cudal and Victorino Labrilla Jr. BST/STCW (Hawaii) – Twenty individuals on Nov. 22 graduated from this course at the SIU-affiliated training facility in Hawaii. Completing the course (above, in no particular order) were: Andrew Churchill, Trevor Dudley, Patrick Karousis, Plamen Kolev, Seton Williams, Lucio Calina, Marjorie Coleman, Elifredo Cabrera Cancel, Monica Loredo, Veldy Veve, Santa Lucero, Nancy Tran, Leslie Amerson, Clara Dickinson-McQuary, Meserete Kristos, Rosimar Pinto, Matthew Southard, Sheri Ketcher, Ashley Colvin and Abigail Stewart. Crowd Management (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) graduated from this course in Hawaii on Dec. 7: Larry Ganon, Richard Ong, Jose Castrodes, Ahmed Omer, Jape Geonzon, Ramiro Lopez, Edward Glabis, Danilo Valencia, Edward Fermaint, Robin Lukaszewski, Eric Barachina, Lucia Colon, Dustin Brantley, Nilo Gler, Terence Chan, Dannal Williams and Maurice Brodie. BST/STCW (Hawaii) – Eighteen individuals on Nov. 15 completed their training in this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii. Those graduating (photo at left, in no particular order) were: Adan Cortez, Kevin Griffin, Tony Vera, Christopher Branscomb, David Gentry, Jonathan Manion, Andrina Hargrave, Chistopher Beutler, Jonathan Berkland, Timothy Hinson, Alexis Bey, Fabiola Mendez, Samantha Schnepp, Chad Aude, Robert Auld, Diane Hampton, Jessee Jargrave and Fantasis Harrington. BST/STCW (Hawaii) - The following individuals (photo at right, in no particular order) on Dec. 6 graduated from this course in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Brandon Zolman, Michael Mussarelli, Abby O’Brian, Mary Edwards, Matthew Tyler, Alai Woldeamalk, Karen Alander, Mary Gunter, Edward Fermaint, Austin Burgess, Jennifer Patino, Tyler Binette, Skyler Yuda, Kyle Brathwaite, Kacee Koupal, Reed Shannon, Michael Vannoy, Phyllis Glasgow, Noah Andrews and Hazel Jenkins. February 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �52665_p01_24:January 08 1/26/2009 7:22 AM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 2 February 2009 TWIC News And Reminders - Pages 6-7 Officials from SIU-contracted Crowley discuss shipboard safety, including the importance of recognizing and preventing crew fatigue, during a meeting with union officials, Paul Hall Center representatives and others. A key part of the overall training was an introduction to a state-of-the-art computer system being implemented at the union halls Safety Directors Sharpen Skills SIU Group Offers Key Insights in Crowley Meeting SIU safety directors from 11 ports last month took part in their 10th annual meeting at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. The directors also participated in an in-depth safety meeting with SIU headquarters officials and representatives of Crowley (a gathering which took place at the union’s head office in Camp Springs, Md.). The safety directors’ mid-January agenda featured thorough training on a state-of-the-art computer system scheduled for implementation at SIU halls. It also included updates on key current events in the U.S. maritime industry; reviews of critical regulations governing mariner, vessel and port safety; ship inspection procedures; techniques for uncovering hidden hazards; handson refreshers in fire fighting and confined-space safety, and more. The Crowley meeting was a follow-up to a previous conference. Attendees also included representatives from the Paul Hall Center, the American Maritime Officers, and American Service Technology, Inc. Much of the agenda focused on recognizing and preventing mariner fatigue. The Paul Hall Center’s online “distance learning” courses also were discussed. Completing the week of safety updates and refreshers (Jan. 12-15) were the following safety directors: Monte Burgett (from the SIU’s Algonac, Mich., hall), Mark Von Siegel (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Kevin Marchand (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), James Brown (New Orleans), Frank Iverson (Honolulu), Jimmy White (Houston), Ashley Nelson (Jacksonville, Fla.), Sam Spain (Norfolk, Va.), Kathy Chester (Oakland, Calif.), Ryan Palmer (Tacoma, Wash.) and Abdul Al Omari (Wilmington, Calif.). With guidance from instructor Steve Stockwell, Kathy Chester practices the use of a portable fire extinguisher. Safety directors participate in hands-on training (photo above and at immediate left) at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. Data Management Manager Kristy Clements (photo above) explains one aspect of the new computer system to two of the safety directors. SIU headquarters officials and safety team members (photo at right) are pictured in the conference room at the union’s facilities in Camp Springs, Md. Seated (from left) are Kathy Chester, Jimmy White, Sam Spain, Mark Von Siegel and Ryan Palmer. Standing (also from left) are President Mike Sacco, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Kevin Marchand, VP Contracts George Tricker, Ashley Nelson, James Brown (rear), Abdul Al Omari, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Monte Burgett and Frank Iverson. � 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 February 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU JOINS IN OBAMA INAUGURATION SOLIS, LAHOOD NAMED TO CABINET COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES SIU ELECTION RESULTS TANKER GOLDEN STATE DELIVERED U.S. EMPLOYMENT DATA GRIM PACIFIC COLLECTOR HELPS INTERCEPT MISSILE DURING DRILL MARINE COOKS & STEWARDS ORGANIZER ‘VAL’ VILLALTA PASSED AWAY AT 84 NY WATERWAY CREWS RESCUE PASSENGERS FROM DOWNED PLANE NEW YORK TIMES BACKS EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT UPGRADER WALTON MAKES HISTORY NEW NMC MEDICAL GUIDELINES FINALIZED UNION MARINERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS SHBP MEDICAL DEPARTMENT ELABORATES ON MSC PHYSICAL EXAMINATION GUIDELINES MORGAN STANLEY-CITI VENTURE MEANS BUSINESS AS USUAL- MAYBE BETTER SAFETY DIRECTORS SHARPEN SKILLS SIU GROUP OFFERS KEY INSIGHTS IN CROWLEY MEETING 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 02/01/2009 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. 2 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0da1b36178e654ffbaf6ad5d63ab39bb.pdf 4e22d912d17262104249cf1a51a1f289 PDF Text Text 53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:47 AM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 3 March 2009 Thousands Rally in Washington, D.C., for Employee Free Choice Act Let the Workers Decide! Seafarers joined thousands of fellow union members (some of whom are pictured in the photo above) Feb. 4 in Washington, D.C., for a demonstration supporting the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The bill, also known as majority sign-up, aims to help protect the rights of workers when they are deciding whether to join or form a union. Many of the rally participants carried boxes containing some of the 1.5 million pro-EFCA cards individually signed last year in a nationwide campaign for the bill. Unlicensed Apprentice Amber Fisher (holding “Michigan” box in photo at left) helped deliver the pro-worker message. Pages 12-13. Maersk Continues Fleet Upgrade Tanker Overseas Boston Joins SIU-Crewed Fleet Maersk Line, Limited is moving along with a series of flag-ins bringing newer tonnage under the American flag while replacing older vessels. In these three photos, the Stars and Stripes proudly are raised aboard the Sea-Land Eagle Jan. 19 in Port Elizabeth, N.J. Crew members and officers are pictured in photo above. In a message from the Coast Guard to the company concerning the Eagle’s flag-in operations, New York Sector Commander Brian Gilda (chief, inspection division) noted, “Your crew accomplished a great deal over the past three days and my marine inspectors were extremely impressed by the professionalism of your crew….” Other new ships are scheduled to replace older ones in the upcoming months. Seafarers are sailing aboard the new tanker Overseas Boston (above), which recently was delivered by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The vessel is the sixth in a series of double-hulled “Veteran Class” product carriers. Page 2. President Signs Executive Orders Page 3 New ‘Distance Learning’ Courses Page 6 TWIC Reminder Page 14 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:12 AM Page 2 President’s Repor t General McNabb Visits USNS Gianella Support at the Top At the end of January, I had the honor of attending a White House event during which President Obama showed both his commitment to working-class Americans and his appreciation for the labor movement. As reported elsewhere in this newspaper, the president signed executive orders aimed at helping ensure fair treatment of union members. He announced the formation of a task force specifically created to find effective ways to improve the quality of life for the men and women who make up the backbone of our economy. He also said something that I hope Michael Sacco every union member heard. The president’s exact words were as follows: “We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests. I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, it’s part of the solution. You cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.” Brothers and sisters, there is no doubt that President Obama not only understands the benefits of union representation, he also values our work. He knows the truth about unions. He knows that even though we’re certainly not perfect, we give workers a real voice in the workplace. And despite some corporate opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act which at times seems out of control, he knows unions offer lots of benefits to employers, too. It’s always a great feeling to have an ally in the White House, and right now we have not one but two advocates at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – Vice President Joe Biden is a friend of labor as well as the SIU, too, and has been one for many years. Such support obviously is never taken for granted, but it’s especially important in light of the economy. Our nation’s financial mess is the “problem” President Obama referred to in the prounion quote I mentioned a moment ago. No one is immune from it. It’s hard to name an industry that isn’t affected by it. Where the SIU is concerned, we’ve been through our share of tough times and we’ve always survived. This recession will be no different. We’ve seen rough stretches before during our 70plus years – some cutting across all sectors of the economy, others specifically involving maritime. We know how to ride out the storm. And while it won’t be easy, it helps to know that President Obama and Vice President Biden see unions as “part of the solution.” It is also reassuring to know that they both absolutely, indisputably understand the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine when it comes to national and economic security. As we move forward and tackle these challenging times, we can do so feeling secure in the knowledge that the new administration is on our side. Thank You On a personal note, I thank the SIU membership for the confidence you showed by re-electing me as president of this organization. I have never been more proud of our union or more excited about our future. Our ability to succeed is a team effort – one that requires production and dedication from everybody. But it all starts with the outstanding work done aboard ship by rank-and-file Seafarers. As some of you know, this is a serious point I often try to make when meeting with members at the monthly meetings, in the union halls and on the vessels. Without your professionalism and reliability, there’s no way we could continue gaining new jobs or securing good contracts. Your consistently outstanding performance makes it possible for our team of officials to effectively promote not only the SIU but the U.S.-flag fleet in general. I look forward to the work that lies ahead and to the accomplishments that will follow. Volume 71, Number 3 SIU and AMO members recently welcomed a special guest aboard the USNS Gianella: U.S. Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). General McNabb toured the vessel (which is operated by Ocean Ships, Inc.) in Antarctica, where the Gianella was involved in the annual resupply mission at McMurdo Station. He is pictured eating dinner aboard ship (top photo), looking at the rudder housing (directly above, standing second from right) and at the helm (right). Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Delivers Tanker Overseas Boston The Seafarers-contracted fleet recently added new tonnage as the double-hulled tanker Overseas Boston entered service. Built by union members at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, the Overseas Boston is the sixth in a series of at least 12 Jones Act product carriers being constructed for operation by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Like its sister ships, the newest diesel-powered tanker has a length of slightly more than 600 feet and a beam of approximately 105 feet. It can transport more than 332,000 barrels of petroleum products and features a “cruising speed” of 14.6 knots. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Contracts George Tricker attended a naming ceremony Jan. 22 at the shipyard for the Overseas Boston. The vessel began sailing later that month. The first three ships in the “Veteran Class” – the Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach and Overseas Los Angeles – were delivered in 2007. The next two – Overseas New York and Overseas Texas City – joined the fleet in 2008. In a message delivered at the naming ceremony for the Overseas Boston, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen noted that the new ship “represents OSG’s strong commitment to the Jones Act and to the renewal of the U.S.-flag fleet. It reflects our promise to maintain and operate a modern, high-quality, double-hull tanker fleet, which will be built and operated to the highest safety and quality standards.” The Jones Act is a law which stipulates that movements of waterborne cargoes between U.S. ports are conducted by vessels crewed, built, flagged and owned American. The law’s numerous proponents often point out that the Jones Act has bolstered U.S. national security while also generating substantial economic benefits. For instance, defense experts have noted that the Jones Act helps maintain a manpower pool of loyal, well-trained, reliable American civilian mariners capable of helping meet the nation’s strategic sealift needs. The vessels themselves can play a defense role, too – most of the ocean-going vessels in the Jones Act fleet are militarily useful. Another of the law’s benefits is evident at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard and other American yards. Specifically, Jones Act construction provides 76 percent of all commercial U.S. shipbuilding opportunities, thereby preserving a viable domestic shipbuilding base. According to the Maritime Cabotage Task Force – a broadbased coalition dedicated to promoting cabotage laws – the Jones Act helps account for 123,000 jobs directly related to maritime activity and another 200,000 jobs related to domestic waterborne commerce. The act has an annual economic impact of approximately $63 billion. In addition to the new-build program at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, double-hulled tankers for the Jones Act trade are being constructed at NASSCO in San Diego. March 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 The Overseas Boston (photo at left) is the newest in a series of double-hulled tankers being built in Philadelphia. Launched late last year, the Overseas Texas City (above) is part of the “Veteran Class” of product carriers constructed at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard March 2009 �53233x:January 08 2/20/2009 4:53 PM Page 3 Administration Shows Support for Working Families President Signs Executive Orders; VP Chairs Middle Class Task Force As a presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama pledged to stand up for America’s working families if he were elected. Within days of moving into the White House, President Obama started living up to that promise. On Jan. 30, Obama signed three pro-labor executive orders and also announced the creation of a White House “Task Force on Middle Class Working Families” to be chaired by Vice President Joe Biden. SIU President Michael Sacco and other members of the AFL-CIO executive council attended a White House ceremony for the signings and task-force announcement. One day earlier, Obama signed into law the laborbacked Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which aims to ensure equal pay for equal work. It is named after an Alabama woman who, after working nearly 20 years at a Goodyear tire plant, discovered she had been paid significantly less than men doing the same job. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the week’s actions “show that the Obama White House is the working families’ White House. It couldn’t come at a better time…. The Task Force on Middle Class Working Families and the executive orders are the first step in a long road to restore balance between workers and corporations.” The executive orders reverse previous ones governing how federal contractors interact with unionized workers. The first new order requires federal service contractors to offer jobs to current workers when contracts change. The second reverses on old order requiring federal contractors to post notice that workers can limit financial support of unions serving as their exclusive bargaining representatives. The third prevents federal contractors from being reimbursed for expenses meant to influence workers deciding whether to form a union and engage in collective bargaining. (One week later, the men and women in the nation’s building and construction trades won a major victory when Obama signed another executive order overturning a ban on project labor agreements on federal and federally funded construction. Project labor agreements generally set wages and establish work rules and methods of settling grievances on large multi-contractor construction projects.) “We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests,” Obama said. “I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, it’s part of the solution. You cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.” Meanwhile, according to a White House news release, the task force “is a major initiative targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America. It is comprised of top-level administration policy makers, and in addition to regular meetings, it will conduct outreach sessions with representatives of labor, ■ Improving work and family balance ■ Restoring labor standards, including workplace safety ■ Helping to protect middle-class and working-family incomes ■ Protecting retirement security Members of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families will include the secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Commerce, as well as the directors of the National Economic Council, the Office of Management and Budget, the Domestic Policy Council, and the chair of the Council of Economic Advisors. The Middle Class Task Force’s first official meeting was slated to take place Feb. 27 in Philadelphia. In an op-ed first published the same day the task force was announced, Biden wrote in part, “Over the course of America’s last economic expansion, the middle class participated in very few of the benefits. But now in the midst of this historic economic downturn, the middle class sure is participating in all of the pain. Something is seriously wrong when the economic engine of this nation — the great middle class — is President Obama (right) and Vice President Biden, pic- treated this way.” tured last year at the Democratic Convention, already He said that the new administration’s first task was have taken steps to help level the playing field for workgetting the economy back on track but added, “We ing families. (Photo by Kaveh Sardari/Page One) have an important long-term task as well. Once this economy starts growing again, we need to make sure business, and the advocacy communities.” Biden said, “America’s middle class is hurting. the benefits of that growth reach the people responsiTrillions of dollars in home equity and retirement sav- ble for it. We can’t stand by and watch as that narrow ings and college savings are gone. And every day, more sliver of the top of the income scale wins a bigger piece of the pie — while everyone else gets a smaller and smaller slice. “One of the things that makes this task force distinctive is it brings together — in ---President Obama one place — those agencies that have the most impact on the wellbeing of the middle and more Americans are losing their jobs. President class in our country. We’ll be looking at everything Obama and I are determined to change this. Quite sim- from access to college and training with the ply, a strong middle class equals a strong America. We Department of Education, to business development can’t have one without the other. This Task Force will be with the Department of Commerce, to child care an important vehicle to assess new and existing policies reform with Health and Human Services, to labor law across the board and determine if they are helping or with the Department of Labor. With this task force, hurting the middle class. It is our charge to get the mid- we’ll have a single, high-visibility group with one dle class – the backbone of this country – up and running goal: to raise the living standards of middle-class families.” again.” He concluded, “Over the upcoming months, we will According to the White House, the vice president and members of the task force will work with a wide array focus on answering those concerns that matter most to of federal agencies that have responsibility for key families. What can we do to make retirement more issues facing middle class and working families. They secure? How can we make child and elder care more will expedite administrative reforms, propose executive affordable? How do we improve workplace safety? orders, and develop legislative and policy proposals that How are we going to get the cost of college within reach? What can we do to help weary parents juggle can be of special importance to working families. Obama has set the following goals for the task force: work and family? And, above all else, what are the jobs ■ Expanding education and lifelong training oppor- of the future? Here, we’ll be looking at green jobs, better-paying jobs, better-quality jobs.” tunities “I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, it’s part of the solution.” Union Membership Increases Union membership in the United States increased by 428,000 to 16.1 million in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The percentage of the workforce that has a union also increased from 12.1 percent to 12.4 percent last year, marking a second year of growth. “Today’s numbers confirm what many working people already know – that if given the chance, American workers are choosing to join unions in larger numbers,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on Jan. 28, the day the BLS published the figures. “Workers in unions are much more likely to have health care benefits and a pension than those without a union; in today’s economy, that’s the difference between sinking and swimming.” The advantages of having a union on the job were clear in 2008, the federation pointed out. Last year, median weekly pay for union members was $886 compared to $691 for those who were not represented by unions. March 2009 The growth in membership comes at a time when workers say they want and need unions. Seventy-eight percent of the public supports legislation that will make it easier for workers to bargain with their employers and 60 million workers would join a union today if they had the opportunity, according to research by Peter D. Hart Research Associates. Much of the growth in union membership came through gains in unionized industries, especially in the public sector. Analysts estimate that only a small percentage of the growth came through workers forming new unions through the company-dominated National Labor Relations Board process. Only 70,000 workers were able to form a union through the NLRB process in 2007, for example. Today, most workers who form new unions do so after their employer has agreed to recognize their union through a majority sign-up process. “In today’s economy, America’s working men and women need a fair shot at forming a union, now more than ever. The Employee Free Choice Act will give workers the freedom to bargain with their employers for better benefits, wages, and job security, and it will allow them – not their company – to decide how to form their union,” Sweeney concluded. (See related coverage on pages 12-13.) Private sector union membership grew from 7.5 percent to 7.6 percent in 2008. The main increase came from public sector union membership, where workers are less likely to face strong employer opposition to unions. Union membership in the public sector grew from 35.9 percent in 2007 to 36.8 percent in 2008. Union membership among women grew again in 2008, continuing a trend. The percentage of women workers belonging to unions increased to 11.4 percent and women now comprise 44.5 percent of union membership, representing four consecutive years of increase in the overall share of union members. Union membership among men increased for the first time since 1999, resulting in a .4 percentage point increase in union density to 13.4 percent. Employment of white, black and Hispanic workers all declined significantly, but union membership and the percentage of union membership increased among these groups. Employment among Asian and other workers increased, but union membership among Asian workers dropped slightly. A factor that may have led to the growth in union membership, despite the economic downturn, is the increased job security afforded by a union contract. Similarly, research shows that unionized companies are not more adversely impacted than non-union companies in economic downturns. Another factor that may account for the increase in union membership is the push at the state level to give workers the freedom to bargain collectively. In states like New Jersey, New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Michigan, Kansas and West Virginia, workers campaigned for the freedom to form unions through state legislatures and governments. Seafarers LOG 3 �53233x:January 08 2/20/2009 4:10 PM Page 4 SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries arrive at the Hudson River crash site, where they pulled to safety the vast majority of the jet’s passengers and crew. The rest were picked up by fire department boats. (Photo by Ron Jeffers) Pilot ‘Sully’ Thanks NY Waterway Crews Seafarers Quickly Rescued Passengers from Downed Flight 1549 When Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger appeared on the famous television program 60 Minutes on Feb. 8, he expressed profound thanks to the SIU NY Waterway mariners and others who quickly arrived to rescue the passengers and flight crew from US Airways Flight 1549. Seven Seafarers-crewed NY Waterway boats rescued 143 of the 155 personnel from the downed aircraft, which had crash-landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 15. The other 12 people were picked up by local fire department boats. According to news reports, the incident, which quickly became known as the Miracle on the Hudson, is believed be the only known airliner crash into water in which all those aboard survived. During the 60 Minutes interview, conducted by Katie Couric, Sullenberger said the fast arrival of NY Waterway ferries (the first of which reached the crash site in less than two minutes) and first responders was “amazing. It was crucial. It was lifesaving, literally.” When Couric asked the pilot what he would like to say to the mariners and other rescuers, he replied, “Thank you seems totally inadequate. I have a debt of gratitude I fear I may never be able to repay.” SIU President Michael Sacco sent letters to each of the NY Waterway Seafarers who helped rescue the airplane passengers and crew. He wrote in part, “Like millions of others, when I initially heard about the crash-landing, I turned on the television and saw the riveting images. As the first NY Waterway ferries arrived, I felt proud and reassured – because I know the kind of well-trained, patriotic, reliable SIU members who sail aboard those boats.” He added, “On behalf of the whole union, I toast your heroic, life-saving actions. You helped provide a happy ending to what could have been a catastrophe. As you’ve done throughout the history of the company, you delivered – in the absolute finest tradition of the Brotherhood of the Sea.” The founder of NY Waterway, Arthur E. Imperatore, noted, “We are enormously proud of the men and women of NY Waterway, the ferry crews who rushed to the rescue. Our captains and deckhands did not wait for orders. They responded quickly and surely. The extensive training and dedication to duty nurtured in our company kicked in, and our people got the job done as they did on 9/11 and on so many other occasions when people were in trouble on the water. It is an honor to work with these dedicated people.” As reported in the February LOG, a number of the SIU captains and deckhands cited regular safety training as a key factor in their collective abilities to mobilize for the US Airways rescue after birds knocked out power to both engines on the Airbus A320. That training includes shipboard drills along with various safety classes conducted at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. Many of the NY Waterway mariners have trained at the Paul Hall Center. SIU President Meets with AMMV Chapter SIU President Michael Sacco (center) made a surprise visit at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Samuel Parker Chapter’s Christmas party in St. Louis. He shared some industry news with the gathering and also touched on the new administration and the economy. “All the members really enjoyed Mike’s remarks,” noted Ivar Link, who is part of the Samuel Parker group. Pictured with the SIU president are Robert Westrich (left) and Walter Kodelja. More information about the AMMV is available at http://www.usmm.org/chapters.html 4 Seafarers LOG A total of 14 NY Waterway ferries responded to the crash, on the Hudson River at 42nd Street, and seven of those ferries removed almost all of the passengers within minutes. Passengers were taken to NY Waterway ferry terminals at West 39th Street in Manhattan and Port Imperial in Weehawken, N.J., where office staff had established triage centers and provided their own coats and other items to people who had been exposed to the 35-degree waters of the Hudson River. Experts have said that if the ferry crews hadn’t responded as quickly as they did, many people would have died or suffered severe effects of hypothermia. While this latest rescue inarguably was unique, it’s nothing new for NY Waterway crews to help those in distress. SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries have performed more than 100 rescues since the company’s founding in 1986. Before the Miracle on the Hudson, they were perhaps best known for evacuating an estimated 160,000 people from Manhattan following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. SIU Wins USNS Comfort Arbitration Separately, ‘Buddy System’ Restriction Grievances Settled After a lengthy dispute and litigation, the union’s Government Services Division recently received good news as a Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service arbitrator ruled in the SIU’s favor in a case centering on habitability aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort in 2007. The arbitrator agreed with the union’s contention that unlicensed CIVMARS who sailed aboard the Comfort during a 2007 mission should receive a per-day quarters allowance of $40 per day because of assignments to open berthing and other conditions. Some mariners who had been assigned to open berthing quarters aboard the Comfort received a $30 quarters allowance payment, an amount below the $40 quarters allowance noted in Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 593. The award will be provided to approximately 11 CIVMARS assigned to open berthing during the voyage. Arbitrator Robert G. Williams ruled that the union and the agency should adhere to the $40-per-day amount because “[o]pen berthing is a substandard condition.… As long as the current cash allowances remain in the Agreement and regulations, bargaining unit employees are entitled to those benefits.” Additionally, the union continues to fight for quarters allowance for other CIVMARS as well. The SIU is currently participating in a hearing for CIVMARS serving aboard the USNS Grapple. The union seeks the $40 quarters allowance for CIVMARS on that vessel as a result of substandard and inadequate berthing. Similarly, the union will be arbitrating habitability issues for the USNS Salvor. The arbitration is expected to take place later this year. Finally, the SIU has filed for arbitration for the inadequate and overcrowded quarters on the USNS Mercy for her voyage in the South Pacific in 2008. The union is seeking $40 for the unlicensed CIVMARS aboard the Mercy. It is expected that the arbitration will occur sometime in 2009. In a separate matter, the SIU recently informed CIVMARS that the union and MSC have settled the “buddy system” restriction grievances. The union had filed grievances claiming that the buddy system was a restriction that entitled CIVMARS to additional compensation. MSC rejected the grievances, and the union requested an arbitration hearing. The hearing was scheduled for December, but prior to the hearing, the union and MSC entered into a settlement. During the months leading up to the would-be arbitration, union representatives spoke with CIVMARS who sail on vessels that are subject to the buddy system (which involves going ashore). Officials learned more about the application of the system and also discovered that there is some flexibility in the way it is implemented. In a recent written communication to CIVMARS, the union said a settlement “that clarifies implementation of the buddy system and provides for financial compensation under certain circumstances in the future is a positive outcome to this issue. The union will continue to monitor the implementation of the buddy system. CIVMARS with questions or concerns should contact their union representatives or email civmarsupport@seafarers.org.” The settlement of the buddy system grievances provides that CIVMARS aboard the following vessels in certain ports on the dates noted below will be receiving a $50 per-day payment: USNS SUPPLY – Rota, Spain – July 2224, 2007 USNS SUPPLY – Jebel Ali – August 89, 2007 USNS SUPPLY – Jebel Ali – Sept. 9-11, 2007 USNS BRIDGE – Subic Bay – July 2731, 2007 USNS LEWIS & CLARK – Jebel Ali – Sept. 16-18, 2007 USNS PECOS – Subic Bay – Sept. 29Oct. 2, 2007 USNS CONCORD – Subic Bay – Sept. 25-28, 2007 USNS WALTER DIEHL – Subic Bay – Sept. 19-21, 2007 Also included in the MOU is language pertaining to future restrictions. The complete MOU is posted on the SIU web site (in PDF format) at: http://www.seafarers.org/members/civmar/MSCBuddySystemMOU1208.pdf March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:12 AM Page 5 AFL-CIO President: No Fix for Economy Without Reigning in Health Care Costs The head of the nation’s largest labor federation recently told an audience that although the country’s economic woes are complex, any viable solution must include affordable health care. “The bottom line is that health care costs have been picking the pockets of working families for a long time,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on Jan. 30. He addressed the 21st Annual Conference on Social Insurance, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth in Washington, D.C. Sweeney said the union movement is ratcheting up its commitment to creating a national system of affordable health care and that such a system is urgent during these economic hard times. “We have no time left for dithering. We’re in a perilous economic ditch, and we will not dig our way out and fix our economy until we fix our health care system,” he said. Any health care reform must not only provide dependable delivery of service, Sweeney said, but contain costs as well. “In health care reform, the single toughest issue is cost control – without cost savings, the debates over financing and the relative roles of public and private insurance programs are useless,” he said. Workers understand that the nation’s health care crisis contributed in large part to the current economic collapse, Sweeney said. “We in labor know the sad history all too well – we’ve been trying to bargain good wages for our members for all those years, and having to forego pay increases to maintain our benefits and keep premiums and co-payments under control. “After basic expenses, families have been left with less and less money to spend and save, and that has undermined the corner of our economy we call consumer spending,” he continued. All stakeholders in the health care system – government, employers, insurers, workers, the medical community and pharmaceutical companies – will have to accept their responsibilities when it comes to controlling costs and guaranteeing quality care, Sweeney added. “We must do it not only for the sake of the young, the old, the poor, the working poor, and the middle class who are depending on us, but in order to turn our economy around and make it work for everyone,” he concluded. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney Senate Confirms Gov. Napolitano As DHS Secretary Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has been confirmed by the Senate as President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Homeland Security. Napolitano, 51, was re-elected to a second four-year term as Arizona governor in 2006. She earlier had served as her state’s attorney general, winning election to that job in 1998, and as its U.S. attorney. During the confirmation process, President Obama noted that Napolitano “offers the experience and executive skills needed as the next secretary of homeland security.” In particular, her experience as governor of a state on the southern border gives her the credentials to lead a large department by demanding competence and accountability; to work with state and local authorities; and to both prevent terrorist attacks and respond to manmade and natural disasters, Obama said. “She underJanet Napolitano stands as well as DHS Secretary anyone the danger of an unsecure border,” the president commented. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph I. Lieberman (Ind-Conn.) applauded President Obama’s choice. “She has been an able governor, demonstrating strong leadership and management skills, and she knows firsthand both the border security vulnerabilities and the economic opportunities presented by our long border with Mexico,” he stated. “I respectfully look forward to hearing the governor’s perspective on the anti-terrorism responsibilities of the department.” The committee’s ranking Republican, Susan Collins (R-Maine), echoed Lieberman’s sentiment. “As a governor of a border state, Janet Napolitano understands the importance of developing policies that will not impede legitimate travel and trade but will keep our enemies out.” Napolitano said the entire national security team will work to ensure the “domestic response to all hazards is fast, sound and levelheaded.” “I think the Napolitano selection is a step in the right direction,” said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, (D-Miss). Napolitano was sworn into office Jan. 21. March 2009 Official Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Chris Caskey Passengers from the Empress of the North offload onto both the Coast Guard cutter Liberty and civilian vessels after the cruise ship ran aground near Juneau, Alaska. The mishap occurred May 14, 2007. NTSB Issues Report on Empress Grounding Majestic America Line Passenger Boat Went Aground off Alaska Coast The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its full report concerning the grounding of the Majestic America Line riverboat Empress of the North, which ran aground off the coast of Alaska in May 2007. The NTSB’s final report said illness was no excuse for turning watch over to an inexperienced, newly licensed third mate on his first voyage. The agency places the most blame for the incident on the vessel’s master, who assigned the new mate to the bridge watch during the night of the accident. However, the report also describes the company’s actions in less-than-flattering terms. Among the list of findings beginning on page 70 are the following entries: “Majestic America Line did not effectively monitor the master’s compliance with its policies and procedures.” “The company’s failure to properly maintain the vessel’s liferafts caused some of the remote-release units for the rafts to malfunction.” “The malfunctioning liferaft release units and evacuation slides on the Empress of the North could have endangered the lives of those on board if other vessels had not been in the vicinity to help evacuate the damaged ship.” Contained in a section featuring recommendations are the following comments by Robert L. Sumwalt, a member of the NTSB board: “Majestic America Line did not have in place several components associated with a healthy safety culture. For example, the company did not employ adequate controls to ensure that the Empress of the North was seaworthy when it sailed. This lack of oversight enabled the Empress of the North to be out of compliance with its annual verification for almost an entire year. As a result, the vessel’s document of compliance was invalid, along with its safety management certificate and thus, its Safety Management System (SMS). The company also failed to ensure that the vessel received internal and external audits and did not adequately perform risk assessments, which are all requirements of SMS.” NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker noted, “The flawed decision making in this accident created the potential for a catastrophic disaster. Those in leadership positions need to make sure they consider every option possible when making critical decisions that could put lives at risk.” No passengers or crew members were injured in the accident, according to the report. Company officials estimated the cost of repairs to the vessel and returning it to service at $4.8 million. The boat returned to service in July 2007. The report includes various safety recommendations and “lessons learned” from this mishap. Consistent with the agency’s initial report, the final version shows the ship hit a submerged portion of a charted rock. A new third mate was assigned a four-hour watch from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. because another navigator fell ill. The ship grounded 25 miles southwest of Juneau when it was on its second day of a sevenday cruise, forcing the evacuation of 206 passengers. Seafarers LOG 5 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:12 AM Page 6 5 More ‘Distance Learning’ Courses Become Available 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 and an email address in order to take the aforementioned classes. As previously reported, the training is designed to be self-paced but normally may be completed within one or two sittings. Reasonable deadlines have been established for course completion. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, mariners should complete the regular upgrading application found on page 21 of this issue of the LOG and mail it to the school’s admissions office. (A PDF version of the application is available at www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section.) Applicants will receive user account information from the center via email, so it’s critical to write one’s email address on the form in the space provided. Additionally, applicants should include the word “online” when listing the course(s) in which they plan to enroll. “The internet-based courses have been customized to address yearly refresher training of vessel safety management systems and to help prepare students for other coursework taken when they are actually at the school,” noted Dale Rausch, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center. He added, “It has been approximately one year since the school launched its initial set of DL courses, and they’ve generally been well-received by the students. We plan to keep expanding these offerings and anticipate that there will be at least 30 or so DL classes available by the end of the year.” When asked to give an example of how the web-based classes help prepare students for training in Piney Point, Rausch cited the new DL Basic Culinary Skills course. The class features tools including a bakeshop “picture dictionary,” a measuring units graphic organizer, and a list of personal hygiene guidelines that may be printed from the web site for the student to review at his or her convenience. All of the content is especially relevant as a precursor (though not a prerequisite) for the school’s Galley Operations class. The DL program’s roots are traced to a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board – a group consisting of representatives from virtually every component of the U.S. maritime industry. The program is built to benefit both the employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies. Seafarers such as AB Lawrence Cormier (above) have taken advantage of the Paul Hall Center’s “distance learning” online courses. Addictions Rehabilitation Center Refurbishment Complete Workers build a back porch on the center. 6 Seafarers LOG Apprentice Earns Diploma While enrolled in the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., Michael L. Spirit (third from left) recently earned his high school diploma. He did so via a long-running, state-approved program at the union-affiliated school. On hand to congratulate Spirit during the March membership meeting in Piney Point were (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. 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 a safety 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 First Aid & CPR (21-Hour) The 21-hour First Aid & CPR class is available both as a stand-alone course and as a component of some other safety classes. Students in this class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Like most other Paul Hall Center classes, this one blends classroom instruction with practical training. Students completing the course satisfy the Basic Safety-Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3). They also satisfy (if the certificate is presented within one year of the date of training) the First Aid & CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. The Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Valley Lee, Md., near the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, recently underwent renovation. The center’s facilities are designed to help promote comfortable, home-like reha- The building features home-style comforts such as this living room. bilitation. They include classrooms and equipment for exercise and recreation. The center was transformed from a 100-year-old farmhouse into what has long been considered a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility. It opened in 1976. Individuals enrolled at the ARC use this classroom to learn about different aspects of addictions. The facility includes this state-of-theart kitchen. March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:12 AM Page 7 New Study Says Lakes Shipping Saves Customers $3.6 Billion Shipping on the Great Lakes saves its customers more than $3.6 billion a year when compared to the next least costly mode of transportation. That is the conclusion of a report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Lake Carriers’ Association announced in late January. The report tracked the movement of 11 commodities on the Great Lakes, shipments of which totaled 173 million tons in 2006. These cargos – many of them carried aboard SIU-crewed ships – represent 10 percent of all U.S. domestic waterborne commerce. What makes these savings even more important, according to the report, is the geographic location of the Great Lakes. They are in the core of North America’s industrial and manufacturing heartland. The prosperity of several key sectors of the U.S. economy depends on Great Lakes shipping. Among these sectors are iron mining and steel production, power generation and agricultural exports. Their viability is directly tied to the availability of reliable, low-cost waterborne transportation. The Corps study also finds Great Lakes shipping a major source of jobs. There are 44,000 jobs directly related to maritime transportation in that region. Another 54,000 jobs in the mining industry and 138,000 jobs in the steel industry are dependent on Great Lakes shipping. Those industries, the study stresses, then sustain hundreds of thousands of additional jobs in manufacturing industries. Great Lakes shipping also outperforms the landbased modes of transportation in fuel efficiency and environmental impact. A Great Lakes freighter travels 607 miles on one gallon of fuel on a per-ton-ofcargo basis. A truck travels only 59 miles; a train, just 202 miles. In terms of emissions, Great Lakes vessels are vastly superior to the land-based modes, producing 90 percent fewer emissions than trucks, and 70 percent fewer emissions than trains. The Corps study also addresses the critical needs of maintaining the Great Lakes navigation system. Topping the priority list is restoring existing locks and building a new Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Corps has estimated that a 30day unscheduled closure of the Soo Locks would cost industry $160 million. Without the Poe Lock, America’ steel industry would be cut off from its major source of iron ore. Clearing the dredging backlog is also a major priority. The backlog of sediment that must be removed to restore ports and waterways to their proper depth has reached an unprecedented level: 17 million cubic yards. When harbors and channels shoal in, ships have to “light load,” which increases transportation costs because more trips are required. The Corps estimates it will need more than $200 million to clear the backlog of sediment. “This Corps study confirms that Great Lakes shipping is a lynchpin of the U.S. economy,” said James H.I. Weakley, president of Lake Carriers’ Association. “Great Lakes shipping is also the greenest form of transportation. We have, however, as a nation, neglected Great Lakes shipping. The dredging crisis is unconscionable. Imagine what the savings would be if ships could carry full loads. The second Poe-sized lock was first authorized more than 20 years ago, yet remains unbuilt. The hopedfor recovery of our economy will not be as robust if we do not invest in Great Lakes shipping.” The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 16 American corporations that operate 63 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes. Lakes Crews Ratify Contracts Agreements Maintain Medical Benefits, Boost Mariner Wages Despite tough economic times, the union during the past several months secured three new contracts in the Great Lakes region which maintain medical benefits while boosting wages. SIU members overwhelmingly ratified the respective agreements at Arnold Transit Company, Keystone Great Lakes, and Hanson Material Service Corp. At Hanson, Seafarers approved the new contract Jan. 9-10 in Joliet, Ill. Approximately 20 members are covered by the pact, which runs through December 2011. The agreement calls for wage increases each year while maintaining current health and pension benefits. Seafarers gained an additional holiday as well as increases for reimbursements for mileage, lodging and meals. Also increased were utility pay and maintenance and cure. Serving on the Hanson negotiating committee for the union were Leadman Wallace Killion, Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Joliet Port Agent Chad Partridge. The Arnold Transit contract runs through July 2011. This agreement maintains top health and pension benefits while calling for a wage increase. Wages for the final two years of the pact will be addressed later this year. Captain Keith Duffton, Orzechowski, Brdak and Algonac Safety Director Monte Burgett represented the union during negotiations. The contract, which covers 10 members, was ratified aboard vessels in Mackinaw City, Mich. The Keystone Great Lakes Contract, ratified last November, lasts through August 2013 and covers 10 members. It maintains health benefits and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan contributions in addition to calling for annual wage increases. Seafarers ratified the contract aboard ship. Orzechowski and Brdak negotiated for the union. School Garners County Award For Food Safety Standards From left to right, Dr. William B. Icenhower, St. Mary’s County (Md.) health officer, and Jack Russell (right), president of the board of county commissioners, present the Paul Hall Center’s Gold Star to Executive Chef John Hetmanski. Maersk Mariners Navigate Safety Boot Camp March 2009 For the second straight year, the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has earned a county-sponsored award for “superior compliance with food safety standards.” Known as “Gold Stars,” the awards are presented by the St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department. The Paul Hall Center – located in Piney Point, Md. – has received the recognition for both years since the program began. Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski on Jan. 29 accepted the latest Gold Star on behalf of the school. The award was for the 2008 calendar year. Presentations took place in a county government building, where officials pointed out that only about 10 percent of eligible establishments receive Gold Stars. Honorees have demonstrated excep- tional attention to public health safety and sanitation, explained Daryl Calvano, the county’s environmental health director. “Preventing food-borne illnesses can only be accomplished through strict adherence to safe food handling practices,” said Calvano. “Health department inspectors play a critical role in our community’s safety and, through their site visits, observe the practices that lead to the Gold Star Awards.” Recipients get a certificate and a window sticker proclaiming them as Gold Star establishments. The requirements to earn a Gold Star include no critical violations and no “temperature violations” cited during inspection. Any infringement noted by an inspector must be rectified within 30 days (and confirmed via a follow-up inspection). There must be no con- firmed unsafe food-handling complaints, and at least one food service worker at the establishment must have completed an approved food service sanitation and safety class within the previous two years. “This is a great honor and it certainly speaks to the fine work of our students, both unlicensed apprentices and upgraders alike,” stated Hetmanski. “Sanitation is constantly emphasized at the school, and the students carry those practices to the vessels as they ship out.” Food service is an integral part of the daily routine at the Paul Hall Center. Meals are provided for students and staff members who, combined, normally number well into the hundreds. Additionally, several of the school’s curriculums cover steward-department functions, from basic to advanced. Another group of Seafarers recently completed a two-day safety “boot camp” hosted by the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education for Maersk Line, Limited. The sessions, which are attended by rank-and-file members as well as shore-based company employees, are part of Maersk’s continuing efforts to boost workplace safety. Among those graduating from the Feb. 3-4 boot camp in Piney Point, Md., (pictured above) were SIU members Zein Achmad, Larry Ambrous, Sharon Baham, William Burnham, Martha Bye, Luis Caballero, Pedro Campos, William Fielding, Charles Frisella, Leander Garrett, Ferdinand Gongora, Lloyd Hall, Richard Huffman, Paul Isherwood, Raphael James, Phillip Jock, Nellie Jones, Ricardo Legorreta, Domingo Leon, Robert Lindsay, Ross Lyle, Paul McDonnell, Carol Milstead, David Moe, Tim Peters, Jayne Peterson, Edna Torres, Frank Vogler, Glenn Williams and Josephus Willis. Seafarers LOG 7 �53233x:January 08 2/20/2009 4:16 PM Page 8 Union, School Take Closer Look At Document Renewal Process SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD NMC Tour, Meeting Lead to Constructive Dialogue Officials from the union and its affiliated school last month toured the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) as part of an ongoing effort to help ensure that Seafarers’ applications for document renewals and upgrades are processed as quickly as possible. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Paul Hall Center Admissions Director Priscilla Senatore visited the NMC on Jan. 29. They met with Capt. David Stalfort, NMC commanding officer, and with other key personnel based at the facility in Martinsburg, W.Va. “We observed firsthand the process of evaluating and issuing mariner documents,” Tricker noted. “We also expressed discontent concerning the backlogs that exist, and explained how those backlogs affect mariners. “Our concerns were taken seriously and at the same time, the communication definitely was a two-way street,” he continued. “I would say all parties are working cooperatively and are intent on taking every reasonable step to reduce the turnaround time for processing documents.” One particularly strong area of concern is the time it takes the agency to process mariners’ medical evaluations. The average time for that procedure has increased in conjunction with two developments: adoption of new medical guidelines by the Coast Guard, and the gradual transfer of some old regional examination center functions (licensing and documentation) to the Martinsburg location. For the most part, SIU members haven’t been caught up in the backlog. Not everyone has been as fortunate, however, and in a Jan. 22 NMC report detailing how long it takes to process applications, the agency identified “awaiting information” as a major bottleneck. “Currently, 21 percent of the total processing time is associated with the time it takes for mariners to submit information that was missing in their application,” the report indicated. “During the processing of an application, the RECs and the NMC staff often identify the need for additional information which was not included with the application…. The most common types of information missing from an application include insufficient sea service, missing medical information on the physical exam report and missing training certificates.” The full “Quarterly Credential Evaluation Report” is a fivepage document available (in PDF format) at the following web address: http://www.uscg.mil/NMC/mld/MLD_Program_Performance _January_2009%20.pdf According to the report, from July 2008 through midJanuary, the average overall credential application processing time was 83 days. Fifty percent of the credentials issued during that period were processed in 52 or fewer days, but others took much longer. The report further offers suggestions to mariners about how to reduce processing time and also lists steps the Coast Guard is taking to achieve the same goal. The suggestions for mariners include the following items, taken directly from the report: ■ Ensure they have sufficient sea service for the credential for which they are applying. Applications with insufficient sea service represent the largest source of processing delays. ■ Consult with their medical providers and refer to the new guidance contained in the Medical and Physical Evaluation Action Number 444 Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card Effective April 15, 2009 SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (center) and Paul Hall Center Admissions Director Priscilla Senatore (right) recently met with NMC officials including U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Chuck Klingler (left), chief, Professional Qualifications Evaluation Branch. Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials (NVIC 04-08, with particular attention to enclosures 3a and 3b) to ensure information submitted with their physical is complete and accurate. This is particularly important for mariners who have specific medical conditions, or are taking certain medications. Mariners are encouraged to copy relevant pages from NVIC 0408 and take them to their doctor for assistance in obtaining the needed medical information. This will avoid delays with the medical evaluation. This NVIC can be found on the NMC web site at the following link: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/Whats_new_to_NMC/Medical_N VIC_Info_Bulletin_091508.pdf ■ Ensure their application package is complete prior to initial submission by carefully reviewing the application requirements, which are available on the NMC web site at the following link: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/Whats_new_to_NMC/MLD-FMNMC1-08_App_Acceptance_Checklist.pdf ■ Ask Questions – Contact their local REC or the NMC’s Call Center at 1-888-I ASK NMC (1-888-427-5662), or by email IASKNMC@uscg.mil, with specific questions regarding credentialing requirements. Additionally, the agency recommends that mariners apply for document renewals six months ahead of the respective MMD expiration dates. Mariners do not need to surrender their original documents when applying. “We are sensitive to the agency’s growing pains and we also recognize the benefits of centralized evaluations,” Tricker concluded. “We also realize it’s important that we hold up our end by helping ensure that members submit all the required components with their applications. Based on what I saw at the NMC, I’m pleased to report that the majority of SIU applications are being processed relatively quickly.” The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. WHEREAS, by prior action the Board recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments from time to time to accommodate changes in the shipping industry; and WHEREAS, with the change in security measures since September 11, 2001 the Department of Homeland Security has implemented a new Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC); and WHEREAS, the Seafarers Appeals Board wishes to make provisions to the Shipping Rules to comply with the new federally mandated identification document. NOW THEREFORE, the Seafarers Appeals Board wishes to add the following provision to the Shipping Rules: Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure, C. (2.) (a) by adding TWIC to the list of required documentation effective April 15, 2009, unless an individual signatory company decides based upon all the facts, circumstances and reasonable objective criteria to make an accommodation. “(2.) (a) Jobs referred to the Union hiring hall shall be announced and offered to registered seamen at the times and according to the procedures set forth in Rule 4 hereof. At the time each job is so offered, registered seamen desiring such job shall submit their shipping registration cards, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s documents, Transportation Workers Identification Credential card, valid Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan clinic card, Training Record Book and any other documents required by law, regulations or the Shipping Rules herein, to the hiring hall dispatcher. Registration cards of seamen at the Seafarers International Union Addictions Rehabilitation Center, who have been registered in accordance with Rule 2.B.(3.), as amended, and are certified as ready for employment, shall be considered along with the registration cards of seamen who are present in the hiring hall at the time the job is called. The job so offered shall be awarded to the seamen in the appropriate Department and Group possessing the highest priority, as determined pursuant to Rule 2.C.(3.) hereof.” This SAB action shall remain in full force and effect until modification by future SAB action. Home and Abroad, Unemployment Figures are Daunting The number of Americans claiming unemployment insurance in mid-January was 4.78 million, according to the U.S. Department of Labor – the highest on record dating back to the late 1960s. Worse, that total doesn’t include approximately 1.7 million people receiving benefits under an extended unemployment program approved by Congress in 2008. Meanwhile, employers across the country cut 598,000 jobs in January, bringing the national unemployment figure to 7.9 percent. That’s the highest percentage since 1974, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. President Barack Obama recently said 3.6 million Americans have lost their jobs since the beginning of the recession. Elsewhere, the Economic Policy Institute (a nonprofit, nonpartisan thinktank based in Washington, D.C.) has 8 Seafarers LOG released an analysis by economists Lawrence Mishel and Heidi Shierholz that sketches a picture of how much worse the economy may become—both for the nation as a whole and for groups of Americans that are already suffering depression-level unemployment—unless the new administration and Congress act quickly with a recovery package that is big enough and well-targeted enough to counteract these trends. Their analysis notes that without timely and adequate government intervention: ■ Overall unemployment, after peaking at about 10.2 percent in mid-2010, could still be as high as 7.6 percent four years from now. ■ Underemployment could reach 17.9 percent overall in 2010 (18.8 percent for women), affecting over 27 million workers. ■ More than one out of every three working Americans would experience unemployment or underemployment at some point during the year 2010. ■ Nearly one in five African Americans in the labor force would be unemployed (18.2 percent). More than half of all black teens would be jobless. ■ Hispanic unemployment would reach 13.1 percent overall, including more than one-third among teens. ■ Unemployment would reach a record high of 5.1 percent among the college-educated. ■ All families would experience wage declines because of weakened labor market conditions and reduced hours and wages. On average, middle-income families would earn about $4,700 less per year in 2010 than in 2007 (a loss of 7.7 percent). Lowincome families would lose an average of 9.8 percent, or nearly $1,600, per year. Worldwide, the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) recently released annual Global Employment Trends report offers a grim forecast for 2009. The agency says the global economic crisis is expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the number of people joining the ranks of the unemployed, the working poor and those in vulnerable employment. Based on new developments in the labor market and depending on the timeliness and effectiveness of recovery efforts, the report says global unemployment in 2009 could increase over 2007 by a range of 18 million to 30 million workers, and more than 50 million if the situation continues to deteriorate. The ILO report also said that in this last scenario, some 200 million workers, mostly in developing economies, could be pushed into extreme poverty. March 2009 �53233x:January 08 2/20/2009 4:19 PM Page 9 The Mariners Chapel at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (photo at left) memorializes seamen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World Wars I and II. The name of John Pereira (upper left in photo above) appears in the Roll of Honor Book located at the chapel. Chapel Memorializes Bosun’s Father, a WWII Mariner For Recertified Bosun Rafael “Monte” Pereira, seeing photos of his father’s name in the “Roll of Honor Book” located at the Mariners Chapel in Kings Point, N.Y., fulfilled a longtime ambition. Pereira’s father, John, sailed as first engineer aboard the Velma Lykes. John lost his life when the general cargo ship was sunk by a German torpedo on June 5, 1942 in the Yucatan Channel. Monte Pereira was about two months shy of his third birthday when the Velma Lykes went down, claiming the lives of 15 of its 32 men. “The mariners who shipped out after 1942 had a reasonable chance of surviving, but [the enemies] were really knocking them off at the beginning, off the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf,” noted Pereira, referring to the high casualty rate suffered by the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II. “The people who went out there deserve some acknowledgement.” Recognition exists at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s chapel, which opened in 1961. The facility features a book (housed in a display case in front of the altar) listing the names, ranks or ratings, ships and dates of sinking of more than 7,000 mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice in World Wars I and II. (The SIU also has a memorial located at its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The names of all 1,235 SIU members who died in World War II are listed on it. John Pereira was a member of MEBA.) Monte Pereira heard about the memorial at Kings Point years ago, but never had the opportunity to visit the chapel. After others had failed to deliver on promises to photograph the book (showing John’s name) and the chapel, a Kings Point cadet whom Pereira met in Houston came through last year. The bosun appreciated it, and said that upon seeing the photos, he felt “proud and grateful that they do keep memorials like that.” The altar is inscribed with the following words: “This chapel is built to the glory of God and to commemorate the sacrifices of the officers and men of the United States Merchant Marine who gave their lives at sea, in enemy action, in World Wars I and II, and whose names are recorded in its Roll of Honor.” Pereira, who joined the union in 1962 in Houston, also knows firsthand about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as the nation’s fourth arm of defense. He sailed during Vietnam, and believes the general public “is not aware enough” of what mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet mean to national and economic security. Memorials like those in Piney Point and Kings Point at least help remind visitors about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s proud history. In the case of the Velma Lykes, the risks taken by mariners are painfully evident in written accounts. Travelling unescorted, the vessel was struck on its starboard side by one torpedo launched from the U-158. The Velma Lykes sank in one minute – too quickly for crew members to launch the lifeboats. Horizon Seafarers Earn Recognition As part of a safety program conducted by SIU-contracted Horizon Lines, two Seafarers recently received recognition from the company. Earning accolades for their respective shipboard efforts were AB Paul Wills from the Horizon Pacific and OMU Lawrence Carranza from the Horizon Consumer. The program itself is called “Safety Sailor of the Month,” though recognition is awarded only when earned. Its intent is to recognize individuals who exceed the norm and “make a sustained, concerted effort to contribute to their own and their shipmates’ safety over the course of a calendar month,” according to company guidelines. Examples of actions that may warrant nomination for Safety Sailor of the Month AB Paul Wills (right) receives a Horizon Lines watch as part of his recognition for safety efforts aboard the Horizon Pacific. Chief Mate Ron Radicali (left) said Wills “was selected for his outstanding contributions to the safe operation of the ship and exemplary approach to proactive injury prevention.” March 2009 include active near-miss reporting; making suggestions for boosting shipboard safety; active and constructive participation in drills, exercises and safety meetings; and consistent adherence to Horizon’s policies and procedures. No more than one person from each vessel may be recognized per month. Selections are made by the captain, chief mate and chief engineer. Honorees have their photo posted on a safety plaque near the crew’s lounge. They also receive “incentive awards” purchased with vessel funds (such as vessel shirts, company wristwatches, etc.). “The union certainly joins Horizon Lines in saluting Seafarers for their consistently safe work,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “The recognition is well-deserved, and the company deserves credit, too, for going out of its way to provide it.” The 17 survivors were picked up the next day by a convoy. Four days later, their new ship was sunk, though the men from the Velma Lykes survived. On June 30, American aircraft dropped depth charges on the U-158 west of the Bermudas. All 54 men aboard the German U-boat were killed. Recertified Bosun Monte Pereira (photo above), a Seafarer since 1962 who currently works on the Houston shore gang, says the U.S. Merchant Marine is a national asset at all times, not just during crises. Mariners Included in ‘Card for the Troops’ When U.S. Army Veteran Michael Trochan organized a project called “The National Christmas Card for the Troops,” he made certain to include the U.S. Merchant Marine on the list of recipients. Trochan and two brothers in May 2008 set up a tent (right) near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. They displayed banners including the U.S. Merchant Marine flag and collected signatures and positive messages from citizens who dropped in. The sentiments were written on large rolls of paper which in turn were mailed to offices of the armed forces and the merchant marine. Trochan (standing at the end of the table in both photos) says he and his brothers plan to put together a 2009 version of the “Card for the Troops” when they visit D.C. this summer. OMU Lawrence Carranza is the “Safety Sailor of the Month” for January aboard the Horizon Consumer. Seafarers LOG 9 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:13 AM Page 10 Crowley Tug Mars & Barge 416 at Sea Aboard the SL Intrepid The Seafarers-crewed ocean-going Crowley tug Mars is underway for the port of Apra Guam from Los Angeles. In tow is the 400-foot-long by 100-foot-wide barge 416 which is loaded with three large Hitachi gantry (container) cranes. This voyage marked the second delivery of these types of cranes that Jacksonville, Fla.-based and SIU-contracted Crowley in recent months has made for Bickerton Iron Works, Inc. The first shipment included three cranes which were delivered to the SSA terminal in Manzanillo, Mexico. As evidenced by these photos, continuous activity is the norm aboard the SIU-crewed Sealand Intrepid. Clockwise from above, Steward Baker Donald Dwyer busies himself in the galley while Bosun Abdulla Alwaseem operates a piece of equipment on deck. AB Reuben Fife makes entries in the vessel’s gangway watch log while ABDs Salvador Lagare and Ahmed Baabbad store containers of supplies. Chief Cook Enrique Garrido is busy preparing ingredients for a meal entree. At Sea And Ashore With The SIU New York Port Agent Selzer Celebrates 70th Birthday New York Port Agent Bob Selzer (front center in white shirt) on Dec. 11 celebrated his 70th birthday. To commemorate the event, Selzer’s co-workers from the union hall took him out to dinner and posed for the photo above. Hugging Seltzer is VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. To Soresi’s right are Government Services Representative Kate Hunt and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. Also in attendance (from left to right) were Wally Zablocki, maintenance man; Michele Nardo, secretary (standing); Marie Sacco, secretary (seated); Mark Von Siegel, patrolman; Terry Montgomery, dispatcher (back) and ITF Inspector Enrico Esopa. Seabulk Energy Crew Hones Hoops Shooting Skills Crew members aboard the union-contracted Seabulk Energy recently completed the construction of what they coin the “first of its kind portable shooting station.” Situated in the vessel’s bow area, the station boasts a 20-foot ball handling and shooting area, an automatic retrieving net and a small “Spaulding Dreams of Gold” 11-inch rim. In photo at far left, AB Romula Racoma puts the station through its paces while exhibiting his patented “Philippine Release.” AB Eddie Romas (left in both photos above) and Racoma (right in both photos above) pose with shipmates Bosun Terry Lloyd (center in left photo above) and AB Chad Cunningham (center in right photo) following a session at the station. 10 Seafarers LOG March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:13 AM Page 11 SIU-Crewed Ship Delivers for ‘Cobra Gold’ The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship USNS Stephen W. Pless delivered hundreds of pieces of U.S. Marine Corps equipment and containerized supplies to Thai ports in late January as preparations ramped up for Exercise Cobra Gold 2009, the major multi-national exercise scheduled for Feb. 4 – 17 in Thailand. Cobra Gold is an annual joint and coalition multinational exercise hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand. Armed forces from Singapore, Japan, Indonesia and the United States are scheduled to participate this year. Training was to consist of computer-simulated command post exercises, field training exercises and humanitarian and civic assistance projects. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Pless, which is operated by Seafarers-contracted Waterman Steamship, offloaded cargo in support of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. The materiel included assault vehicles, Humvees, trucks and other military autos, which were driven down the ship’s massive stern ramp to the port of Laem Chabang. In a news release detailing the offload, MSC described the operation as “a complex evolution” which “required close coordination between the ship’s 28-person civilian crew, who work for a private company under contract to MSC, and Marines embarked on the ship. Because the Marines did not need to offload all of their equipment, Pless’ cargo was selectively discharged using the ship’s on board ramps and cranes.” Prepositioning ships including the Pless strategically place U.S. Marine Corps equipment and supplies at sea, making them ready for rapid delivery to Marines ashore. The Pless normally operates in the Western Pacific Ocean as part of MPS Squadron Three. Two other MPS squadrons operate in the Indian Ocean and Eastern Atlantic Ocean/Mediterranean Sea. Upon completion of its offload, the Pless sailed about four miles offshore Jan. 31, where it served as a platform for seven sailors from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to train in deploying and operating lighterage, a type of floating barge used to ferry cargo from ship to shore. These barges are used to offload cargo at sea when port facilities are underdeveloped or unavailable. The Pless was expected to remain off Thailand’s coast until Cobra Gold’s completion (as this issue of the LOG went to press), at which time the Marines’ cargo would be reloaded for at-sea prepositioning in late February. SIU CIVMARS Provide Relief, Replenishment The Seafarers-crewed USNS MAJ Stephen W. Pless offloads a U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle and other cargo at the port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, on Jan. 27. The materiel was scheduled for use in an annual military exercise known as Cobra Gold. Directing the vehicle to a staging area is a U.S. Marine from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force’s Combat Logistics Regiment Three. (U.S. Navy photo by Ed Baxter, Sealift Logistics Command Far East Public Affairs) With Seafarers Aboard SBX-1 These three photos show vessels that are manned in the unlicensed departments by members of the SIU Government Services Division. HELPING PROVIDE RELIEF – The fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (left) provides fuel and fresh water to the M/V Faina following the Faina’s release by Somali pirates Feb. 5. The Belize-flagged vessel had been held for more than four months. Its cargo included Ukrainian tanks and related equipment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick) Union officials and Seafarers met Feb. 4 aboard the SBX-1 in Honolulu as part of a routine servicing. In addition to discussing topics specific to the SBX-1, members and officials covered the latest general news affecting the SIU and the industry as a whole. Pictured aboard the vessel (from left) are Port Agent Neil Dietz, Safety Director Frank Iverson, Electrician Irwin Rousseau, Asst. VP Bryan Powell, Bosun Wes Slattery and Electrician Randy Clark. The SBX-1 is a unique combination of an advanced X-Band radar mounted aboard an oceangoing, semi-submersible platform. It provides the Ballistic Missile Defense System with a missile tracking and discrimination capability that can be positioned to cover any part of the globe to support both missile defense operations and testing. The platform is twin-hulled and self-propelled. UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT – The USNS Lewis and Clark, the first in a new series of dry cargo/ammunition ships being constructed in San Diego for the Navy, conducts a replenishment at sea Jan. 21 in the Persian Gulf with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (foreground). The Carter Hall is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Flordeliz Valerio) ‘VERTREP’ IN THE PACIFIC – In this Feb. 7 photo, a CIVMAR aboard the ammunition ship USNS Kiska attaches a cargo pendant to the cargo hook of an MH60S Sea Hawk helicopter during a vertical replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Pacific Ocean. The carrier is on a sixmonth deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter M. Wayman) March 2009 Seafarers LOG 11 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:14 AM Page 12 Part of the delegation from the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO prepares to march. Thousands Rally for Employee Free Choice Act Signatures Delivered on Capitol Hill; Speakers Cite Advantages of Majority Sign-Up S eafarers were among the thousands of union members and other supporters who rallied Feb. 4 on Capitol Hill to demonstrate backing for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – legislation that would help protect the rights of workers when deciding whether to join or form a union. Many of the union members carried boxes containing some of the 1.5 million pro-EFCA cards individually signed last year in a nationwide campaign for the bill. The boxes were separated and marked by the states and territories from which they came; many were delivered to Congress as a show of broad public support. Also known as majority sign-up legislation, the EFCA aims to level the playing field in organizing campaigns. The bill calls for strict, enforceable penalties against employers who violate workers’ rights when employees attempt to form a union. It also is designed to facilitate “first contract” negotiations. Contrary to lies spread by its opponents, the EFCA would not eliminate secret-ballot elections. Instead, it would allow workers – rather than employers – to decide whether they want to utilize authorization cards or secret ballots. The procedure involving authorization or pledge cards already is legal, but in numerous documented cases, employers ignore their workers’ wishes and force an election. In the time leading up to the vote, employers often harass and intimidate and even fire pro-union workers. Among those taking part in last month’s rally were U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Indiana) and AFL-CIO officials President John Sweeny, Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker and Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka. Harkin told the crowd, “The right to organize is a basic human right, and we’re not going to let anyone take it away. Everyone benefits from unions. When people are organized, everyone starts doing better.” Miller stated, “Time and again, you’ve seen your hard work, your creativity, your ingenuity, your productivity taken from you and given to shareholders, to the elites, to CEOs. Decisions about the workplace belong to the worker…. That’s the promise of America. It’s foolish to think we will rebuild this country without As part of the event, attendees delivered to Congress some of the 1.5 million cards signed in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. 12 Seafarers LOG the participation of the American worker.” Trumka, interviewed by Fox News, said, “The Employee Free Choice Act is necessary to fix a system that puts workers at the mercy of corporations. You talk about intimidation – that’s the current system. The employer spends billions of dollars hiring outside consultants to determine how people are going to vote, so they can threaten them, they can intimidate them…. Let me tell you what intimidation is: When a worker says they want a union, and their employer fires them. Twenty-five thousand people get intimidated today. That’s today’s system – the employer’s in control. The Employee Free Choice Act will put the worker back in control.” Other speakers at the rally included workers who had been fired for trying to join a union – and at least one whose employer, Kaiser Permanente, allows its employees to form unions without management interference. Sara Steffens recounted how she was laid off from her job at the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek, Calif. She had been an award-winning reporter, but she helped her co-workers form a union and subsequently lost her job. “A lot of the people who organize unions are people who love what they do and are really committed to it,” she said. “It’s important that workers feel like they can step up and be part of decisions in the workplace.” Steffens said she was surprised at the level of intimidation and the misleading campaign waged by her employer, whom she never expected to be so hostile to workers’ attempts to form a union. “I stood by my conviction that they wouldn’t retaliate,” Steffens said. “I thought, ‘That’s against the law.’ I thought it couldn’t happen to me, because I had been a good employee.” Amber Fisher, a member of unlicensed apprentice Class 715 at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center, participated in the rally and said the speeches were compelling. “The rally was worthwhile,” she declared. “I don’t see why companies wouldn’t want their employees to be unionized. Workers are happier with unions, which increases productivity and morale in the workplace. Having a union means less turnover, too.” In addition to the SIU, other unions taking part in the demonstration included the Transport Workers, AFSCME, AFT, United American Nurses, California Nurses Association, Office and Professional Workers, Sheet Metal Workers, Steelworkers, Painters and Allied Trades, Communications Workers, Air Line Pilots, Fire Fighters, and Machinists. The Employee Free Choice Act earned bipartisan majority support in both the House and Senate during the last session of Congress, but it was blocked by a filibuster in the Senate. Its prospects are better in the new Congress and with President Obama in the White House. U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) March 2009 Thousand U.S. Re U.S. R �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:15 AM Page 13 Union members demonstrate support for majority sign-up legislation. sands gather on Capitol Hill for the rally. AFL-CIO officials (from left) President John Sweeney, Executive VP Arlene Holt Baker and Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka continue helping lead the charge to enact vital legislation that protects workers’ rights to join a union. S. Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Indiana) .S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) March 2009 Students from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education did their part to help reflect the widespread backing for the EFCA Seafarers LOG 13 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:15 AM Page 14 TWIC Deadline for Mariners: April 15 Apply NOW – Here’s How Because of federal law, U.S. mariners are required to possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) no later than April 15, 2009. After that date, you cannot ship without a TWIC. The enrollment process is fairly straightforward, but turnaround time on delivering the credential has been a mixed bag. With that in mind, and in light of the rapidly approaching deadline, there is no time to waste. Seafarers should apply ASAP. Step-by-step instructions appear below. They also have been published in past editions of the Seafarers LOG and are available on the web both at www.seafarers.org and at the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site, www.tsa.gov/twic. Members may check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news and location of the nearest enrollment center. The Transportation Security Administration TWIC web site includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. 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/ 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 card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Other key points to consider: ■ Program enforcement began in October 2008 at certain ports and has been phased in at additional ports since that time. The last ports scheduled to start enforcement (on April 14) are Guam; Houston, Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas; Los Angeles/Long Beach; and San Juan, P.R. For mariners, only a valid z-card/merchant mariner document (MMD) is considered as meeting the TWIC program requirements until April 15. (That is not the case for some other workers.) ■ Where program enforcement already has begun, a number of ports have made it clear that no escorts will be provided to individuals who work aboard a vessel or at the terminal but do not have a TWIC. Again, mariners will need a valid z-card/MMD if they don’t have a TWIC prior to April 15. Company badges, state ID cards or driver’s licenses won’t be accepted, in accordance with the law. ■ By law, all U.S. Coast Guard-credentialed mariners with active MMDs, licenses, and/or certificates of registry, with or without an STCW endorsement, must hold a valid TWIC as of April 15 in order to maintain their mariner credentials. Failure to obtain and continue to hold a valid TWIC may result in the suspension or revocation of mariners’ credentials. After April 15, 2009, the Coast Guard will not issue a merchant mariner credential to an applicant who does not hold a valid TWIC. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (347-8942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov 14 Seafarers LOG March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:22 AM Page 15 Seafarers Ride May 24 for Merchant Marine Veterans? Some SIU headquarters officials and employees are trying to determine whether there is enough interest for the union to participate in this year’s Memorial Day weekend “Rolling Thunder” event in Washington, D.C. “We would like to raise awareness concerning those who served our country on merchant vessels during times of war, supplying our troops,” one official noted. “Many of those mariners gave their lives in defense of our country.” Rank-and-file Seafarers, SIU retirees, union employees and family members who may be interested in riding at the May 24 event as part of an SIU contingent are asked to email their contact information to the following address as soon as possible: rollingthunder2009@gmail.com The Washington-based Rolling Thunder event is a yearly demonstration, largely by motorcycle riders, for POW/MIAs and veterans’ issues. According to a communication from Rolling Thunder, Inc., participants will assemble in the north Pentagon parking lot beginning at 8 a.m. They will leave at noon for the ride through D.C. to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial “to pay our respect to our brothers and sisters who gave their lives for freedom we enjoy every day and for the full accounting of all POWMIAs and veterans’ rights. This is a demonstration – not a parade.” More information is available on the web at www.rollingthunder1.com (that’s a number “1” rather than a letter L in the address). According to the web site, Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a non-profit organization “with over 88 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder are veterans, and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite.” Correction An item appeared in the Welcome Ashore column of the December 2008 edition of the Seafarers LOG regarding the retirement of Brother John Schoenstein, a member of the deck department who sailed in the Deep Sea Division. The piece erroneously identified the Manhattan as the first ship on which Brother Schoenstein sailed. His first vessel was in fact the Minot Victory. Brother Schoenstein did sail on the Manhattan, but at a later point in his career. We apologize to Brother Schoenstein and regret any inconveniences our oversight may have caused him and/or members of his family. April & May 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point.........................................Monday: April 6, May 4 Algonac ...............................................Friday: April 10, May 8 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 Boston .................................................Friday: April 10, May 8 Guam.............................................Thursday: April 23, May 21 Honolulu ...........................................Friday: April 17, May 15 Houston............................................Monday: April 13, May 11 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January 16, 2009 — February 17, 2009 *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 Tacoma...............................................Friday: April 24, May 22 Wilmington...........................................Monday: April 20, May 18 Totals Mobile........................................Wednesday: April 15, May 13 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: April 14, May 12 New York............................................Tuesday: April 7, May 5 Norfolk.............................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 Oakland .........................................Thursday: April 16, May 14 Philadelphia...................................Wednesday: April 8, May 6 Port Everglades .............................Thursday: April 16, May 14 San Juan ............................................Thursday: April 9, May 7 St. Louis .............................................Friday: April 17, May 15 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. March 2009 DECK DEPARTMENT 5 0 2 6 2 0 5 7 4 1 3 7 8 2 0 1 0 0 7 2 0 1 3 8 2 6 29 33 1 13 14 30 7 17 6 0 7 3 29 26 0 2 4 10 2 2 23 11 1 5 3 19 10 12 2 3 4 2 26 8 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 3 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 4 0 4 22 10 0 0 8 15 2 8 4 1 3 0 15 10 8 1 3 26 1 15 66 54 1 24 27 80 20 43 9 1 14 4 68 48 14 8 4 28 12 12 43 41 9 13 14 37 36 17 10 4 16 9 44 38 22 1 2 5 4 0 13 7 8 2 5 13 8 4 0 2 1 0 10 7 291 222 62 235 149 21 108 513 409 114 3 0 3 7 3 6 16 19 0 8 8 17 8 11 1 2 2 0 6 11 3 2 4 3 1 2 19 19 0 3 2 11 10 8 0 1 6 1 15 14 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 131 125 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Totals All Departments 2 0 1 5 1 8 9 23 0 8 5 9 9 5 3 2 3 0 9 8 0 0 3 5 2 2 9 10 1 1 3 8 7 5 1 0 3 0 6 8 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 9 6 1 1 1 1 5 3 2 1 0 0 8 5 2 0 7 12 3 14 32 32 0 14 13 30 12 18 2 3 6 1 16 20 7 4 8 11 6 5 28 24 2 12 6 24 26 11 2 2 6 3 22 19 7 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 2 0 0 7 2 5 0 0 1 1 2 4 110 74 7 46 237 228 40 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 0 1 9 2 4 22 11 0 5 8 20 9 23 4 2 0 1 17 18 3 1 1 7 1 6 8 6 1 1 2 10 9 8 0 1 1 2 7 5 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 158 80 14 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 Joliet..............................................Thursday: April 16, May 14 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 6 4 5 11 8 9 22 26 3 6 3 17 18 17 7 4 6 4 30 16 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 1 2 13 1 9 33 30 1 13 16 47 9 26 6 1 8 1 43 28 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 3 5 0 7 11 14 0 3 6 17 7 19 2 1 1 3 12 17 1 0 1 7 2 2 6 4 0 1 1 5 9 0 0 0 2 2 2 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 1 6 8 0 4 2 7 5 7 0 3 0 0 5 5 3 0 1 10 5 20 40 24 0 12 12 39 16 29 3 7 4 2 29 38 6 1 2 13 4 7 9 16 2 3 2 12 15 11 1 2 2 3 10 7 7 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 128 48 7 60 294 128 22 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 0 0 3 7 2 0 0 0 3 1 3 0 0 1 0 5 4 5 1 2 8 3 8 13 16 1 4 6 18 20 17 1 9 2 2 21 12 7 0 0 8 0 3 6 7 2 3 3 7 8 6 2 28 2 1 6 6 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 5 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 1 1 10 13 1 5 4 19 5 9 2 6 0 0 6 9 2 0 0 2 0 1 2 4 0 1 0 1 5 4 0 27 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 1 0 0 4 12 3 0 1 2 8 0 9 0 0 1 0 10 5 17 3 7 11 2 14 30 37 3 12 10 43 38 18 0 4 6 2 34 22 17 1 2 14 5 12 10 23 5 6 7 17 21 13 2 12 2 1 6 12 31 169 105 20 95 49 0 57 313 188 611 596 198 493 366 84 214 1101 1078 364 Seafarers LOG 15 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:22 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 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 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 Inquir ing Seaf arer Question: What was one of your most memorable experiences as a Seafarer?(Asked of members at the Baltimore union hall) Ben Mathews, QMED Pumpman, started sailing in 1991 “I was on a cable ship and we were connecting to a splice off of Brazil. We were out to sea for about 45 days and we were all anxious to go to shore. When we had our chance, the pilot was two hours late getting to the ship so we could get to port. As we began to pull in, the pilot began climbing up the pilot ladder and he fell. The pilot boat picked him up and he looked at us and gave us the ‘bird.’ The pilot company then refused to send another pilot out. The captain was able to negotiate with them, they sent another pilot, we went ashore and had one of the best nights we ever had.” Johnie Chavis, ABG, started sailing in 1985 “We took the USNS Wright out for a sea trial and were transporting a Navy Seal team for a joint terrorism exercise of different countries’ militaries. It was wild seeing them repelling onto the deck from helicopters and watching them shoot paint bullets during their war games.” Adam Begleiter, QMED, started sailing in 2003 “I was on [a tanker]. We took her out the first time and engines just shut down. The ship started rolling 30 to 40 degrees and people were sliding everyplace. I was in bed at the time, holding on for dear life. Then, I got thrown out and bounced against the wall. The engineers were worried about whether they did something wrong. At the end, we found the shipyard must have left rags in the port and starboard pumps.” John Frey, AB, started sailing in 2006 “I was on the Wright during the exercises, too. The Seals were the good guys and their job was to take the hijacked ship back. You couldn’t see or hear the helicopters approach the ship, but about every 10 seconds there would be a new team delivered – they were that good. We had to put glow sticks on our cabin doors so they wouldn’t ‘attack’ our cabins during the exercise. We also had to wear them to let the Seals know not to shoot us. There was one night I felt like jamming a chair against the cabin door just to make sure they wouldn’t bust in. The next morning, I walked out of the cabin into the passageway and saw all of these long-haired guys with tattoos sleeping on the deck. They looked like a real wild bunch. Then I found out these guys were undercover Seals. I was glad they are on our side because it looked like the ‘Hell’s Angels’ had invaded.” Dennis Uchic, Cook, started sailing in 1977 “I was on the Wright during the exercises, also. But one experience was when a guy started choking on a bay leaf and was turning blue. I gave him the Heimlich and he came around. Just going to sea and upgrading at the SIU’s (affiliated) school are always memorable.” Pic-From-The-Past 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 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 SIU-crewed steamship Del Sud is unloaded in the Port of New Orleans in 1948. Operated by the Mississippi Steamship Co., the vessel at the time was one of three revolutionary passenger-cargo ships which helped re-establish U.S. trade to South America after the Second World War. The Del Sud’s sister ships were the Del Notre and the Del Mar. Each of the vessels was built at the Ingalls Shipyard, Pascagoula, Miss., and fitted with D.R. geared turbines which gave them 17-knot service speeds. A new innovation for the time was complete air-conditioning throughout the accommodation areas for passengers, officers and crew. Being nearly identical, the sister ships were all 10,074 tons, 495 feet in length and 70 feet in breadth. Their total cost in 1946 was over $7,000,000 each. After entering service between November 1946 and June 1947, the “Del” trio quickly established an enviable record for dependable sailings and were soon offering 44-day round-trip cruises to such ports of call as Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Paranagua and Buenos Aires. 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 March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:22 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 JOSE ANDICOECHEA Brother Jose Andicoechea, 65, joined the union in 1971. He initially sailed on an A&S Transportation vessel. Brother Andicoechea was born in Spain. He sailed in the deck department. His final ship was the Dina Marie. Brother Andicoechea resides in North Arlington, N.J. DAVID FLORES Brother David Flores, 52, became an SIU member in 1992 while in the port of New Orleans. The Honduras native shipped in the deck department. Brother Flores first went to sea aboard the Stonewall Jackson. In 2001, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Flores most recently sailed on the Florida. He lives in Orlando, Fla. sailed in the engine department. Brother Paquin last worked aboard the Horizon Trader. He calls Warner Springs, Calif., home. GILBERT RODRIGUEZ Brother Gilbert Rodriguez, 55, was born in Texas. He began sailing with the union in 1972 while in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Rodriguez initially shipped on the Del Sol as a member of the engine department. He enhanced his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Brother Rodriguez’s most recent voyage was aboard the Houston. He continues to reside in his native state. PETER STERNBERG DAVID HUDGINS Brother David Hudgins, 64, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1976. His first voyage was aboard a Chesapeake & Ohio Railway vessel. Brother Hudgins was born in Richmond, Va. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hudgins was last employed on the USNS Sisler. He makes his home in Mathews, Va. NORMAN ISRAEL Brother Norman Israel, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1988. He originally shipped aboard the USNS Lynch. Brother Israel attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Maryland. The engine department member was born in Rio Hondo, Texas. Brother Israel’s final trip was on the North Star. He is a resident of Shelton, Wash. HENRY PAQUIN Brother Henry Paquin, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1988 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first vessel was the Brooks Range. Brother Paquin upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. He was born in Attlebro, Mass., and March 2009 Brother Peter Sternberg, 66, became a Seafarer in 1990. His first ship was the Independence; his last, the Lighting. Brother Sternberg attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. The engine department member was born in Germany. Brother Sternberg settled in Sun City, Calif. ROY WILLIAMS Brother Roy Williams, 58, started his career with the SIU in 1971. He originally sailed on the Western Planet as a member of the deck department. Brother Williams was a frequent upgrader at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Alabama. Brother Williams’ final trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Challenger. He makes his home in Mobile, Ala. DEAN YANNUZZI Brother Dean Yannuzzi, 59, joined the union in 1969. His first voyage was on the Transerie. Brother Yannuzzi upgraded on three occasions at the Piney Point school. He was born in Texas and shipped in the deck department. Brother Yannuzzi’s most recent trip to sea was aboard the Resolve. He lives in San Antonio, Texas. INLAND SEYMOUR YARAS Brother Seymour Yaras, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He initially sailed on the Santa Maria. Brother Yaras was born in Detroit and worked in the deck department. In 1984, he visited the Paul Hall Center. Brother Yaras was last employed aboard the Senator. He calls Wilmington, N.C., home. JOE EZERNACK Brother Joe Ezernack, 56, was born in Converse, Va. He joined the SIU in 1970. Brother Ezernack’s first ship was the Seabulk Tanker. He worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring, Brother Ezernack shipped on a Higman Barge Lines vessel. He resides in Jasper, Texas. GARNETT LEARY MARVIN ZIMBRO Brother Marvin Zimbro, 55, began his career with the Seafarers in 1969. His earliest trip was on the James. Brother Zimbro’s final ship was the Horizon Challenger. The deck department member attended classes often at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Zimbro is a resident of Ponchatoula, La. Brother Garnett Leary, 64, first donned the SIU colors in 1970, originally sailing from the port of Philadelphia. Brother Leary’s earliest trip to sea was aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transportation Corporation vessel. His final voyage took place aboard the Horizon Hawk. Brother Davis, a member of the deck department, was born in Florida. He lives in San Francisco. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 Over 2,500 members of the Atlantic and Gulf District participated in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf District. This was the first election conducted since the two districts were amalgamated into one district. The election covered the Atlantic District Representative, the Gulf District Representative, and Port Agents and Patrolmen in all ports from Boston to Texas City and including San Juan, Puerto Rico. WILLIAM STOWE JR Brother William Stowe Jr., 62, became a Seafarer in 1966. He shipped primarily with Virginia Pilot Corporation during his career. Brother Stowe makes his home in Raleigh, N.C. NELSON WALLACE Brother Nelson Wallace, 69, started sailing with the union in 1968. His first ship was operated by Southern Carriers Corporation. Brother Wallace most recently worked on the Charles H. Harper. He settled in Belhaven, N.C. their crews” for union representation. 1963 Testimony began this week to discuss a plan to set up a special machinery to deal with maritime labor disputes. The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, on behalf of the SIU, its affiliates and other maritime unions, will make a full presentation of the opposition side of the bill before the Congressional committee. If enacted, the proposal would rob maritime unions of competitive bargaining and the right to strike for better wages and working conditions. This Month In SIU History 1959 SIU President Paul Hall protested the U.S. State Department’s investigation into findings by the National Labor Relations Board and the courts that runaway ships should be subject to U.S. labor law. It was believed that the Department would attempt to overturn the NLRB rulings that U.S. unions can organize American-owned runaways. Hall said the runaway shipowners were trying to use the State Department as a shield to protect them from the “legitimate demands of 1974 The SIU of Canada went on strike against the Canadian Lake Carriers Association after the refusal of shipowners to discuss better wages and working conditions. According to SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz, the biggest issue is management’s stubbornness concerning the union’s aim to scrap the traditional 30-day work month and “bring some simple dignity” to the job. Seafarers LOG 17 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:23 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA ABNER ABRAMS Pensioner Abner Abrams, 86, passed away Dec. 26. Brother Abrams became a Seafarer in 1942. He was born in Alabama. Brother Abrams initially shipped in the engine department of the John Line. Prior to his retirement in 1979, he worked aboard a Delta Lines ship. Brother Abrams settled in his native state. A. G. ALEXANDER Pensioner A. G. Alexander, 84, died Dec. 11. Brother Alexander joined the SIU in 1947. His first ship was the Catahoula; his last, the Champion. Brother Alexander was born in El Dorado, Ark., and sailed in the deck department. He went on pension in 1986 and called Georgetown, Texas, home. DON BUSBY Pensioner Don Busby, 77, passed away Dec. 21. Brother Busby started shipping with the union in 1967. He was born in Dry Prong, La. Brother Busby originally worked on the Centerville. The engine department member last sailed aboard the LNG Capricorn. Brother Busby retired in 1997 and continued to reside in Louisiana. CARLOS CHEVARRIA Pensioner Carlos Chevarria, 93, died Sept. 21. Brother Chevarria was born in Portugal. He shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Chevarria was a resident of Tavares, Fla. ERVIN DAVIS Brother Ervin Davis, 56, passed away Oct. 29. He first donned the SIU colors in 1979. Brother Davis’ earliest trip to sea was on the USNS Dutton. His final voyage took place aboard the Horizon Hawk. Brother Davis, a member of the deck department, was born in Florida. He lived in San Francisco. 18 Seafarers LOG MANUEL DEBARROS ARTHUR SEQUEIRA Pensioner Manuel Debarros, 85, died Dec. 27. Brother Debarros signed on with the union in 1942. He initially sailed on a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Debarros was born in New Bedford, Mass., and worked in the deck department. He was last employed aboard the Ezra Sensib. Brother Debarros became a pensioner in 1979 and continued to make his home in Massachusetts. Pensioner Arthur Sequeira, 78, died Dec. 8. Brother Sequeira joined the SIU ranks in 1963. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Cantigny. Brother Sequeira was born in Singapore and sailed in the deck department. Before retiring in 1995, he shipped on the LNG Aquarius. Brother Sequeira was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. CALVIN STEVENS CHARLES FLETCHER Pensioner Charles Fletcher, 85, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Fletcher joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1979 while in the port of San Francisco. He mainly shipped with American Ship Management on vessels such as the President Taylor and President Wilson. Brother Fletcher was a member of the steward department. He was born in Atkins, Ark., but called Portland, Ore., home. Brother Fletcher started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987. Pensioner Calvin Stevens, 83, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Stevens became an SIU member in 1965. He originally worked aboard the Alamar as a member of the deck department. Brother Stevens’ final voyage was on the 1st. Lt. Baldomero Lopez. He continued to make his home in his native state of Maryland. Brother Stevens began receiving his pension in 1991. PRICE WILLOUGHBY Pensioner Eric Joseph, 85, died Jan. 3. Brother Joseph started sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of New York. He initially sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Joseph was born in India and shipped in the steward department. His final trip to sea was on the San Juan. Brother Joseph resided in New York and went on pension in 1986. Pensioner Price Willoughby, 90, died Jan. 12. Brother Willoughby signed on with the Seafarers in 1951 while in the port of New York. He was born in Maryland and worked in the engine department. Brother Willoughby initially sailed with Bloomfield Steamship. His final ship was the Santa Cruz. Brother Willoughby went on pension in 1981 and called Gettysburg, Pa., home. HOWARD LINDSEY ROBBIE WILLS Pensioner Howard Lindsey, 81, passed away Jan. 7. Brother Lindsey first donned the union colors in 1966. His first voyage was aboard a Bulk Transportation Inc. vessel. Brother Lindsey was a member of the deck department. He last worked on the Archon. Brother Lindsey retired in 1988 and continued to live in his native state of Alabama. Brother Robbie Wills, 44, passed away Nov. 19. Brother Wills, a member of the engine department, began shipping with the SIU in 2008. He was employed with Sealift Inc. aboard the Cleveland for the duration of his career. Brother Wills was born in North Dakota. He resided in Olongapo City in the Philippines. ERIC JOSEPH INLAND HERBERT HEBERT Pensioner Herbert Hebert, 67, died Nov. 17. Brother Hebert first donned the SIU colors in 1979. He worked primarily on the Crescent New Orleans. Brother Hebert was born in Louisiana. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Hebert started collecting his retirement compensation in 2003. He settled in New Orleans. JACK MCNAIR Pensioner Jack McNair, 89, passed away Dec. 20. Brother McNair began his employment with the union in 1961 while in the port of Philadelphia. He initially sailed with P.F. Martin Company. Brother McNair last shipped aboard a Taylor Marine Towing Company vessel. He was born in Red Springs, N.C., but lived in Maple Shade, N.J. Brother McNair went on pension in 1981. FLOYD SIMMONS Pensioner Floyd Simmons, 80, died Dec. 7. Brother Simmons was born in Virginia. He joined the SIU in 1948, originally sailing from the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Simmons’ first ship was the Southern States. He worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1988, Brother Simmons shipped on a Moran Towing of Virginia boat. He made his home in Portsmouth, Va. JOSEPH WEBBER Pensioner Joseph Webber, 69, passed away Nov. 29. Brother Webber started shipping with the union in 1974. He was born in Arcadia, Texas. Brother Webber primarily worked in the engine department aboard G&H Towing vessels. He called Danciger, Texas, home. Brother Webber became a pensioner in 2001. GREAT LAKES CLINTON ROSS Pensioner Clinton Ross, 67, died Dec. 12. Brother Ross joined the SIU ranks in 1975. He mostly sailed on vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Company. Brother Ross was born in Wisconsin. He was a deck department member. Brother Ross retired in 2003 and continued to reside in his native state. Editor’s note: The following brothersand sisters, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away: Name Alston, William Alvarez, Jose Ayala, Francisco Barron, Robert Bryant, Alvie Caldwell, Leroy Cancel, Elias Elipe, Rafael Esturio, Julio Ferrer, Francisco Gallo, Rodolfo Gistand, Archie Gordon, Marcus Hamilton, Jerry Han, Carl Hernandez, Jose Hilbig, John Jemmott, Clive Jenkins, Ward Kelly, John Killilea, Noreen Lightsey, James Lowry, Frank Manzo, Luis McSwegan, Theodore Michelsen, Frederick Molina, Manuel Nieves, Felix Pawelchek, Michael Poventud, Francisco Pregal, Luis Presti, Frank Redding, Newburn Rodriguez, Domingo Roman, Rafael Rost, Debetta Sadler, Pat Smith, Alfred Smith, Harry Smith, Wilburn Solano, Juan Speights, R.L. Stevens, Carlos Swain, Melford Jr. Tuata, Joe Van Lear, Bernard Williams, Charles Age 83 90 90 82 91 80 88 86 84 90 69 78 87 83 87 76 69 90 81 63 79 75 84 88 75 86 93 86 93 90 82 90 93 84 95 95 79 84 91 84 87 88 86 82 64 83 88 DOD Dec. 8 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Nov. 19 Nov. 29 Nov. 17 Dec. 7 Dec. 12 Jan. 2 Nov. 27 Nov. 28 Jan. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 2 Dec. 20 Nov. 29 Dec. 21 Dec. 8 Dec. 3 Nov. 30 Dec. 2 Jan. 21 Nov. 30 Oct. 20 Jan. 3 Dec. 16 Dec. 21 Dec. 12 Dec. 28 Dec. 31 Jan. 6 Oct. 25 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 9 Jan. 31 Jan. 2 Jan. 12 Nov. 23 Nov. 5 Dec. 14 Nov. 26 Nov. 13 Dec. 10 Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 March 2009 �53233x:January 08 2/20/2009 4:45 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings AMERICAN MARINER (American Steamship Company), Dec. 27 – Chairman Albert J. Brzezinski, Secretary Daniel J. Kane, Educational Director Mark A. Macrury. Chairman explained absentee ballot procedure and discussed some differences between the two candidates who ran for president of the U.S. He also urged Seafarers to visit the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Secretary reported that everything was running smoothly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication regarding union elections was read; all members were reminded to vote at a union hall by December 31 if not voting absentee. Crew talked about vacation benefits and what was required when applying. CHEMICAL PIONEER (USCS Transport), Dec. 28 – Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Grant Balik, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Engine Delegate Antonio F. Simon, Steward Delegate Jorge L. Ellis. Chairman made wage scale available to crew and familiarized crew with family leave regulations. He stated he would discuss ground transportation in Houston with captain. Educational director reminded mariners that they will be required to have TWIC cards in April 2009. Treasurer reported $1,180 in the ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for fine holiday cuisine. Next ports: Bayonne, N.J., Jacksonville, Fla., and Houston. EL FARO (International American Shipping), Dec. 8 – Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Joseph H. Brown, Deck Delegate Zinnonnon Jackson, Engine Delegate Marcus A. Pittman. Chairman went over ship’s policy on trash and thanked crew for their hard work prepping vessel for shipyard. He asked them to clean rooms and report any needed repairs. Secretary stated payoff would take place in Mobile, Ala., on December 22. Educational director discussed the importance of upgrading at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for a job well done. Suggestions were made regarding medical and dental benefits. Next port: Mobile, Ala. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 11 – Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Abdulhamid F. Musaed, Engine Delegate Jesse Canales Jr., Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman reported smooth sailing and stated ship was in excellent sanitary condition. Secretary encouraged March 2009 all Seafarers to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) fund. Members were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Beefs reported in the deck department; No disputed OT reported. Request was made for a dart board in the crew lounge. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Dec. 11 – Chairman Joseph A. Gierbolini, Secretary Johnny Cruz, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Engine Delegate Eddie J. Pittman, Steward Delegate Carlos Sanchez. Chairman explained why air conditioner was down and informed crew that company agreed to pay for steel-toed shoes. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of Piney Point school to enhance your skills. Treasurer stated ship fund was used for satellite TV and radio. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Recommendation was made to raise pension amount. Crew members expressed need for a new commercial dryer in laundry room. Request was also made for fans in crew rooms. Vote of thanks was given to all departments for working well together and keeping ship clean. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Dec. 29 – Chairman Gregory A. Agren, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director John A. Osburn Jr., Deck Delegate Martin H. Zeidenberg, Engine Delegate Allen E. Ward, Steward Delegate Benjamin M. Feria. Bosun discussed year-end payoff and urged members to donate to SPAD. He suggested all members check in with their port agents and also keep documents current. Departing mariners were asked to leave rooms neat for arriving crew. Secretary advised Seafarers to upgrade skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded everyone to get their TWIC card as soon as possible. Treasurer noted $219.33 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to President Sacco and his staff for a job well done. Crew members and Captain John Jablonski expressed gratitude to the steward department for outstanding cookouts and holiday meals. Crew was asked to keep noise down while watch-standers are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif., and Hawaii. HOUSTON (USS Transport Lines), Dec. 14 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck 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. Meal Preparation Time Aboard the MV Resolve Meal time is always an exciting point in the day aboard the SIU-contracted MV Resolve. Regardless of the meal being served, members of the crew never have to worry about having something wonderful to tickle their taste buds while they relax from their normal duties and catch up on the latest shipboard chatter. Demonstrating their respective skills in the culinary arts in these photos are galley gang members Steward Baker Robert Owens (above, left), Steward Assistant Charles Collies Jr., (above, right) and Chief Cook Robert Maschmeier. Members of the galley gang take great pride in preparing three squares for their hardworking shipmates. Delegate Nanwanko Sunday, Engine Delegate Daniel Daligcon, Steward Delegate Alex Cordero. Bosun reported ship was running well and expressed his satisfaction with the work being preformed by crew. He stressed the importance of safety first and reported non-skid material was applied to deck port side. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep pantry and mess hall clean. He reminded everyone to clean lint filters in dryer to prevent fires and make the dryer work more efficiently. Steward noted that food costs are up due to higher fuel and delivery costs and that food budget needs to be updated. Educational director reiterated the need to keep all necessary shipping documents current and noted TWIC deadline coming soon. Beefs and disputed OT reported in deck department. Port Agent Kenneth Moore has visited ship to try and resolve beefs. Crew expressed their appreciation for good food and hard work by steward department. Suggestion was made to reimburse members for added baggage fees when joining vessel. Next ports: Corpus Christi, Texas, and Houston. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 21 – Chairman Victor M. Beata, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director Charles Sneed, Deck Delegate Lou L. Teferi, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman announced payoff on December 24 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He went over ship’s itinerary and thanked crew for a safe voyage. Secretary reported stores to be received December 23. Educational director discussed the need for crew members to keep documents up-to-date. Treasurer stated $900 in ship fund, which is to be used to purchase TVs and DVD players for crew cabins. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new heavy-duty dryer. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 21 – Chairman Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Clyde D. Thompson, Educational Director Charles G. Sadler, Deck Delegate Lionel Rivas, Engine Delegate Charles G. Sadler. Chairman discussed the procedure for separating trash and asked mariners to keep wash room clean. Secretary urged crew members to keep all paperwork current. Educational director reported the need for new dryers in wash rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made concerning investment plans and Seafarers 401(k) Plan. Some crew members noted need for new mattresses. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 7 – Chairman Oliver M. Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Jeffrey D. Levie, Deck Delegate Paul Castillo, Engine Delegate Emilio C. Ordaniel, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman reported smooth trip and announced payoff December 8 in Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary reminded crew to leave cabins clean for reliefs. Educational director advised all mariners to enhance their seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for excellent Thanksgiving feast. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Malaga, Spain. Seafarers LOG 19 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:23 AM Page 20 Letters To The Editor Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or emailed to webmaster@seafarers.org. free of intimidation by the companies. Many companies and business groups have pledged millions of dollars to fight against passage of the EFCA. This will be an uphill battle, and I urge SIU members to contact their representatives and ask them to support the bill. Members also may sign an online petition at www.freechoiceact.org/page/s/petition in support of the legislation. This bill offers the best chance in decades to increase union membership, and I hope all members will help push for its passage. Michael Duggan D-1478 Harrison, Tennessee Support ‘Belated Thank You’ Bill Glenys I. Castro (in cap and gown, both photos) is all smiles on graduation day at LSU. She is pictured with her mother (photo at left), Glenys M. Castro, and with her father, engine-department Seafarer Salome Castro (far left), and her brothers. Seafarer Appreciates Scholarship Program I want to thank my SIU brothers and sisters and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for supporting the annual SHBP Scholarship program. My daughter, Glenys I. Castro, graduated from Louisiana State University on Dec. 19, 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences/chemistry (with a minor in Spanish). She graduated with a GPA of 3.8 and made the honor roll all four years. She has been accepted to the University of Ohio Medical School; she intends to become a cardiologist after she graduates from there. If it weren’t for the Seafarers scholarship, she would not have been able to attend LSU. I appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep this scholarship active, which in turn helps many members provide a means of education for their families. Salome Castro C-2142 Gibsonton, Florida Editor’s note: The deadline to apply for the 2009 SHBP Scholarship is April 15. Additional information was published in the last several issues of the LOG and also is available on line at www.seafarers.org Backing Legislation For Majority Sign-Up With the recent national elections, the SIU and other unions have an unprecedented opportunity to support sweeping changes regarding union recruiting efforts. In many cases, current labor laws have been loosely enforced (at best) during membership drives. This practice has allowed companies to harass, intimidate and even fire workers who voice support for union representation. A proposed law to help rectify this situation, cosponsored by President Obama when he was a senator, is called the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). This bill will allow for a more simple method for workers to express support for union representation, The fight is on. The Just Compensation Committee is in its fourth year of trying to get our remaining World War II U.S. Merchant Marine veterans their just dues. Now is the time to show our support. Now is the time to step up to the breach. I urge all union members to contact their senators and congressmen and to ask for their support of The Belated Thank You To The Merchant Mariners Of World War II Act Of 2009. This legislation calls for a monthly benefit to be paid to WWII mariners or their widows in lieu of benefits not received after World War II. When the House passed the bill in 2007, Congressman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) stated, “These veterans kept their promises to serve our country and it is not too late to keep our promises to those that have fought for our country.” Ian T. Allison Santa Rosa, 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 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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 ACTIVI- TY 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. March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:23 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 27 June 22 May 22 July 17 Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) April 13 April 17 Fast Rescue Boat June 29 July 3 Government Vessels April 6 June 1 July 27 April 10 June 5 July 31 Course Start Date Date of Completion Pumpman June 22 July 3 Welding April 6 May 4 June 1 April 24 May 22 June 19 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Firefighting March 9 March 20 Basic Firefighting/STCW Basic & Advanced Firefighting March 30 May 4 May 11 May 25 July 20 March 9 April 3 May 9 May 15 May 29 July 24 March 20 Medical Care Provider March 23 March 27 MSC Small Arms (Company designees) March 16 April 20 May 18 March 20 April 24 May 22 Steward Upgrading Courses Lifeboatman March 9 June 8 March 20 June 19 Radar March 30 April 10 Radar Renewal April 20 April 20 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman May 4 May 15 Tank Ship Familiarization/Assistant Cargo DL May 18 May 29 Tank PIC Barge DL May 11 May 15 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. March 30 June 22 April 24 July 17 Online Distance Learning Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) March 30 May 25 April 24 June 19 FOWT April 27 June 22 May 22 July 17 Junior Engineer March 9 May 1 Marine Electrician May 11 July 3 Marine Refrigeration Technician February 9 May 4 March 20 June 12 Machinist June 1 June 19 Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Refrigerated Container UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 February 23. Academic Department Courses 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 ________________________________________________ March 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. 3/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:23 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 712 recently completed requirements for graduation from the water survival course. Those completing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tousif Ahmed, Monserrate Blas, Matthew Bryant, Timothy Bryant, Casmir Cain, Eric Cunanan, Johnathan Diaz, Sarrof Dognia, Tyler Egan, Ray Fugit, Timothy Hess, Jordache Hunter, Louis Hutchins, Patrick Leming, Rafael Leon, Marcus Logan, Tremain McCoy, William Philpot, Rosalind Sparrow, Jerald Salas, Jesus Sifuentes, Kenneth Stearns, William Waldemann and Clayton Walker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Container Maintenance – individuals on Nov. 11 completed training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Jess Cooper, Erik Nappier and Scott Spilman. Their instructor, Calvin Beal, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG Unlicensed apprentices from Class 713 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Bryan Alvarez, Roberto Borras Valencia, Latiffe Brooks, Derrick Clark, Kenneth Ennenga, Daniel Etchevers Vargas, Jeremy Farlow, Kelvin Fussell Jr., Michael Hernandez, Keith Jordan Jr., Patrick Kirkland, Jordan Lawhon, Adam Lloyd, Shane Meely, Matthew Mike, Aaron Riggs, Peter Roth and Justin Spadoni. Able Seaman – Sixteen upgraders on Dec. 5 completed this course. Those grad- The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Dec. 5 graduated from this course: Ursel Barber, George Bieselin, Gregorio Blanco, Jess Cooper, James Demouy, Ron Embody, Robert Flesey, Gregory Johns and Dasril Panko. Their instructor, Calvin Beal, is standing second from left. Marine Refrigeration Technician – The following Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – uating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Fermin Baltazar, Dennis Barbosa, Satchel Caffy, Sean Fitzgerald, Thomas Halliburton Jr., Shantaz Harper, Ryan Kinser, Glenn Lopez, David Pacheco, James Petite, William Redinger, Scott Rosseel, Amer Saleh, Leroy Sierra Ramos, Andrew Thompson III and Daron Tinney. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Junior Engineer – The following mariners (above, in alphabetical order) on Oct. 24 graduated from this course: Ray Avie Jr., Steven Benavides Jr., James Cedeno, Eugene Davis Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Arlyn Fernandez, Oscar Garcia, Nicholas Gattuso, Adam Hansen, Latisha May-Christopher, Joshua McDaniel, Tomas Merel, Sandra Niegebauer, Pedro Santos, David Spaulding, Steven Torres, Mark Wertz and Edward Zimich. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at far right. March 2009 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:24 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Ten upgraders completed this course Dec. 19. Those graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Fermin Baltazar, Araceli Brunson, Glenn Lopez, Rashaad Mangram, Sedell Mitchell, Karen Suzuki, Kareem Walters, Luchi Watson, Mary Whatley and Michele Woodley. Their instructor, Stan Beck, 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. Welding – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Dec. 19: Milton Carmichael, Michael Gaciala, John McKay, Peter Meglow, Arnel Rusurreccion, Mario Suazo, Donato Surrell and Ruben Toledo Jr. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is fourth from left. Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman – The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) on Dec. 5 completed this course: Martin Baker, Reginald Berkes, Phillip Clemon, Jason Davis, Christopher Gonseth, Heather Hammons, Joshua Hansen, Kevin McCrea, Jarred Moylan, Tierria Noble, Robert Rothwell, Adam Sanders, Joshua Sanders, Ignacio Santos Aponte, Kenneth Summerford, Nelson Velez and Stephen Wood. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at left front, kneeling. Celestial Navigation – Seven individuals on Dec. 19 completed this 126hour course. The graduates (above, in alphabetical order) were Eugene Arcand, Patrick David, Jeffrey Jones, Mark Kane, David Nimmer, Michael Sherman and Gregory Smith. Stacey Harris, their instructor, is at far left. BST/STCW (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Dec. 20 graduated from this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Anthony Morris, Dayron Hawkins, Sara Washington, Rachael Ramos, Corey Nash, Michael Johnson, Nicholas Gatewood, Michael McClain, Raphael Holt, Darwin Rondon, Omar Tricoche, Kevin Reeves, Chrisler Blaise, Andrew Rathnow, Antwone Fentress, Casey Hermanson, Edwin Claudio, Austin Bjerke and Amy Lee BST/STCW (Hawaii) – The following individuals (photo at right, in no particular order) on Dec. 13 completed their training requirements in this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Krista Kriewald, Jeremy Scott, Tamara Perrin, Brandi Abele, Jason McReynolds, Pedro Morales, Rhonda Ubl, Daniel Rippberger, James Carter, Leonardo Baker, Anthony Collins, Martine Braddy, Todd Tripp, Solomon Davis, Adam Dillon, Elyse Edwards and Pamela Chareun March 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �53233_a:January 08 2/20/2009 4:24 AM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 3 March 2009 TWIC News And Reminders - Page 14 SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey addresses those in attendance during the inauguration event at the union hall in Houston. More than 300 Democrats and union members converged on the union hall to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Gerald Birnberg, chairman of the Harris County Democratic Party addresses the audience. Port of Houston ‘Big Screens’ Historic Inauguration People all across the country—in a variety of personal and public settings—on Jan. 20 experienced with excitement and great expectation the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama, the nation’s 44th president and first African-American commander-in-chief. The atmosphere at the SIU’s union hall in Houston, Texas, on that date was no exception as a multi-racial group of more than 300 Democrats and union members gathered at the Pierce Street location to witness the momentous event. According to a report by The Houston Chronicle, the hall—decked out with the American Flag, folding tables covered in blue vinyl and two large TV screens—was designated as the “official” Democratic Party watch site in Houston. Former President Bill Clinton once campaigned in the hall during his 1992 run for the White House. While waiting for the inauguration events to commence in Washington, those in attendance listened attentively to several speakers—among them SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey—who collectively celebrated the coalition of Houston labor unions and the Democratic Party. In addition to Corgey, official members of the dais during the event included Gerald Birnberg, chairman, Harris County Democratic Party; County Attorney Vince Ryan; County Judge Jim Sharp and District Courts Judge Steven E. Kirkland. At 10:27 a.m.—some 38 minutes before President Obama took his oath of office— Birnberg asked those in attendance to stand and repeat the following pledge: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of citizen of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States by participating actively, voting and doing what I can to keep the dream alive.” Bosun Francis Adams (left) and AB Earl Jones arrive at the hall to witness the inauguration. Recertified Steward Lou Johnson (seated in photo at left) grants an interview to a Houston reporter who covered the inauguration event at the union hal in Houston. In photo above, union members serve food to fellow mariners and guests who attended the event. More Happenings From the Port of Houston . . . The union hall in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area are hubs of non-stop maritime activity. Clockwise from the right, Patrolman Michael Russo presents SA Ron Jones with his full book while Safety Director Jimmy White does the same for SA Rose Ward. Crew members from a union-contracted Seabulk Tug gather during an off-duty moment in Port Aurthur, Texas while AB Kenneth Bayle and Father Sinclair Oubre chat during the recent holiday event. Members serve food to guests who turned out for the annual holiday meal at the hall. � 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 March 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD DELIVERS TANKER OVERSEAS BOSTON ADMINISTRATION SHOWS SUPPORT FOR WORKING FAMILIES PRESIDENT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS; VP CHAIRS MIDDLE CLASS TASK FORCE UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES PILOT ‘SULLY’ THANKS NY WATERWAY CREWS SEAFARERS QUICKLY RESCUED PASSENGERS FROM DOWNED FLIGHT 1549 SIU WINS USNS COMFORT ARBITRATION AFL-CIO PRESIDENT: NO FIX FOR ECONOMY WITHOUT REIGNING IN HEALTH CARE COSTS SENTATE CONFIRMS GOV. NAPOLITANO AS DHS SECRETARY NTSB ISSUES REPORT ON EMPRESS GROUNDING 5 MORE ‘DISTANCE LEARNING’ COURSES BECOME AVAILABLE PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE SPOTLIGHT NEW STUDY SAYS LAKES SHIPPING SAVES CUSTOMERS $3.6 BILLION SCHOOL GARNERS COUNTY AWARD FOR FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS UNION, SCHOOL TAKE CLOSER LOOK AT DOCUMENT RENEWAL PROCESS NMC TOUR, MEETING LEAD TO CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD ACTION NUMBER 444 TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL CARD EFFECTIVE APRIL 15, 2009 HOME AND ABROAD, UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES ARE DAUNTING CHAPEL MEMORIALIZES BOSUN’S FATHER, A WWII MARINER HORIZON SEAFARERS EARN RECOGNITION SIU-CREWED SHIP DELIVERS FOR ‘COBRA GOLD’ THOUSANDS RALLY FOR EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT PORT OF HOUSTON ‘BIG SCREENS’ HISTORIC INAUGURATION 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 03/01/2009 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. 3 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/95d579ec69f48af41d12d223b65c1b7f.pdf 604e03565314a44c538264fe300f15f6 PDF Text Text Volume 71, Number 4 MTD Maps Strategies To Boost Workers’ Rights, American-Flag Fleet During the winter meeting of its executive board, the Maritime Trades Department, AFLCIO, closely looked at pressing issues affecting America’s working families. The board adopted a number of statements designed to establish or reinforce its strategies for the weeks and months ahead. Several prominent guest speakers addressed the board Feb. 26-27 in Miami. Among those participating were (clockwise, starting with photo at top left) (left to right) U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, General Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, and SIU President Michael Sacco; ITF Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel; and other board members and guests. Pages 3, 9-14. April 2009 President Obama, Vice President Biden Reiterate Support For Working Families Reliable SIU Crew Helps Ensure Success of Operation Deep Freeze Seafarers will go to the ends of the Earth to deliver their cargo, as recently evidenced by the crew of the USNS Gianella (above) in Operation Deep Freeze. The annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station in Antarctica went well, according to a report from the crew. Page 7. TWIC Deadline Arrives Page 2 AFL-CIO leaders recently heard strong words of support from President Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden (above, left, with SIU President Michael Sacco early last month). The encouraging messages were delivered during a meeting of the federation’s executive council, on which President Sacco serves. A video address from President Obama kicked off the proceedings. During his remarks, the president reaffirmed his support for labor and voiced his agreement with the union movement’s goals, including health care reform, industrial revitalization and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Page 5. Mariner Credentialing News Page 4 Safety Milestones, Awards for Seafarers Page 6 �President’s Repor t Springing Forward As we move into spring and the second quarter of 2009, there’s no shortage of interesting news for the maritime industry or for the American labor movement. One thing that hasn’t changed with the seasons is discussion about the economy, which remains the number one topic all across the country. Everyone knows times are tough. And while it may seem impossible to fully understand the different stimulus packages and recovery programs, it’s not hard to grasp the reality of massive layoffs and rising unemployment. As I said last month, SIU-contracted companies aren’t immune from this recession and neither is the union. But, we are taking the Michael Sacco steps necessary to help ensure we ride out the storm. We are working cooperatively with our contracted operators, which is the norm anyway. We are working cooperatively with the other maritime unions to help make sure we’re all on the same page. Again, that has also been the norm for a number of years. In the bigger picture, we are remaining very active in the AFL-CIO as the labor federation acts to help improve the economy for America’s working families. Part of those efforts are directed through the AFLCIO’s Maritime Trades Department, which plays a vital role promoting not only shipboard jobs but others related to the industry, such as shipyard and longshore work. Check out this month’s LOG coverage of the most recent MTD meeting and you will quickly get an idea of why our affiliations and the department’s work are so important to Seafarers. New Era in Credentialing As Seafarers undoubtedly know by now, the TWIC deadline for mariners is finally here: April 15, 2009. Both the union as a whole and our individual members continue to make the best of it. We will go on with offering feedback and suggestions to the agencies and contractors involved in running the program. Meanwhile, if for some reason you’ve put off your enrollment, there’s simply no time left to wait. The TWIC is part of what we have to deal with in order to do our jobs. While the TWIC program has experienced a well-documented number of difficulties, the new merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC) seems to offer reason for cautious optimism. The MMC is the new document that will be phased in to replace our old z-cards or merchant mariner documents. The final rule for the MMC was issued last month, and while our industry (including the Coast Guard) is still sorting through and explaining what it all means, it appears that maritime labor’s comments and concerns during the rulemaking process were taken seriously. I am knocking on wood as I say this, but if the MMC program is well-implemented, it has the potential to be a significant improvement for mariners (see article, page 4). When and if the TWIC program starts running smoothly – and I know that’s a big “if” – it could mean in the long run a lighter burden than what our members currently face in terms of credentialing. One step at a time, though. Get your TWIC if you haven’t already done so, and be ready to make the switch to the new MMC when you’re ready to renew or upgrade your z-card. Majority Sign-Up Legislation Now that the Employee Free Choice Act has been reintroduced in both houses of Congress, anti-union factions have ramped up their misleading attacks on this basic legislation. For those who may have missed this point, contrary to what our opposition says, the bill would not eliminate secret-ballot elections in organizing campaigns. Instead, the legislation would leave it up to the workers to decide whether to vote by secret ballot or use the already legal majority sign-up process, which involves pledge cards. I don’t believe for one second that the businesses and other organizations opposing majority sign-up legislation are concerned about workers’ rights. What they want is to continue dominating a system that currently gives all the power to the company. It’s time to level the playing field, and the Employee Free Choice Act will be a great step in that direction. Volume 71, Number 4 April 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 Two Chinese trawlers stop directly in front of the USNS Impeccable, forcing the ship to conduct an emergency “all stop” in order to avoid collision. The incident took place March 8 in international waters in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy photo) Chinese Vessels Shadow, Harass Unarmed U.S. Surveillance Ship A confrontation involving Chinese ships aggressively sailing around the SIU-contracted USNS Impeccable in March provided a stark reminder of how U.S. Merchant Mariners at times are on the front lines of global unrest and political maneuvering when working as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. The Impeccable is an oceanographic surveillance ship operated by Maersk Line, Limited for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The ship was 70 miles south of Hainan Island conducting routine operations in international waters when five Chinese vessels shadowed and aggressively approached the Impeccable in the South China Sea. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the incident began as the ships surrounded the Impeccable and two craft closed to within 50 feet. The Chinese ships included a Chinese navy intelligence collection ship, a Bureau of Maritime Fisheries patrol vessel, a State Oceanographic Administration patrol vessel and two small Chinese-flagged trawlers. “We view these as unprofessional maneuvers by the Chinese vessels and violations under international law to operate with due regard for the rights and safety of other lawful users of the ocean,” said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman. Crew members aboard the Impeccable used fire hoses to spray one of the vessels as a protective measure. The Chinese crew members then reportedly disrobed to their underwear and continued closing to within 25 feet. The Chinese vessels dropped pieces of wood in the water directly in the Impeccable’s path, and two of the ships stopped directly in the U.S. vessel’s path, forcing it to stop. Whitman said the Chinese used poles in an attempt to snag the Impeccable’s towed acoustic array sonars. The Impeccable’s master used bridge-to-bridge radio circuits to inform the Chinese ships in a friendly manner that it was leaving the area and requested a safe path to navigate. “These are dangerously close maneuvers that these vessels engaged in,” Whitman said. The incident was the culmination of earlier harassment. On March 4, a Chinese patrol vessel shined a high-intensity spotlight on the USNS Victorious, operating in the Yellow Sea some 125 miles from China’s coast. A day later, Chinese maritime aircraft “buzzed” the ship 12 times. Additionally, a Chinese frigate crossed the bow of the Impeccable at a range of about 100 yards on March 5. Maritime aircraft also buzzed the ship after that incident. Another Chinese ship challenged the Impeccable over bridge-to-bridge radio on March 7, calling its operations illegal and directing the American ship to leave the area or “suffer the consequences,” officials said. The Impeccable is one of six surveillance ships that gather underwater acoustical data, Whitman said. U.S. ships routinely operate in the area. “We expect Chinese ships to act responsibly and refrain from provocative activities that could lead to miscalculation or a collision at sea, endangering vessels and the lives of U.S. and Chinese mariners,” a Defense Department official said. American embassy officials lodged a protest against these actions with the Foreign Ministry in China, and Defense Department officials have protested with the Chinese embassy in the U.S. Time’s Up: Mariners Need TWIC by April 15 All mariners are reminded that the 15th of this month (April 15, 2009) is the deadline for securing a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While informal SIU surveys show that most members were very responsive in getting their cards before the deadline, anyone without a TWIC as of April 15 should know that they won’t be allowed unescorted access on ships or in ports, in accordance with the federal law mandating the credential. TWIC applications must be submitted at TSA enrollment centers. Pre-enrollment is recommended and may be done via the agency’s TWIC web site: www.tsa.gov/twic. The overall process can take 45 or more days, so Seafarers who haven’t secured their cards should get started right away. Meanwhile, the TSA in February reported some follow-up information related to last year’s power outage that took place at the main facility used for processing the cards. According to an agency communication, “The power outage that disrupted TWIC activations on Oct. 21, 2008 only affected our ability to reset PINs on cards activated prior to that date – if a person forgot his or her PIN and subsequently locked their cards by attempting the PIN unsuccessfully 10 times. If your card was activated prior to October 2008 and you remember your PIN, you are fully able to use your card with a reader or entry-system that may require you to enter your PIN. “If your card was activated prior to Oct. 21, 2008 and you have forgotten your PIN (and necessitate a PIN), you may request a replacement card, free of charge,” the communication continued. “However, we recommend you visit an enrollment center to attempt your PIN before you do so. If your card is locked, you can request a replacement by contacting the TWIC Help Desk at 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) or at TWIC.Helpdesk@gcrm.com.” The TSA asks cardholders who request a replacement to keep the original card until the replacement arrives, then exchange the old one for the replacement. This must be done at an enrollment center. If the old card isn’t returned, according the agency, applicants will be charged a $60 “lost card” fee. Individuals who activated their TWIC after October 2008 and who have forgotten their PIN may visit the nearest TWIC enrollment center and reset their PIN. April 2009 �MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (photo left) notes that workers have support from President Obama and VP Biden. In the photo above, members of the executive board listen to remarks by AFLCIO President John Sweeney. MTD Charts Course for Strengthening Workers’ Rights, American-Flag Fleet Promoting the U.S. maritime industry and pushing for enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act were two of the main topics discussed during the Maritime Trades Department’s (MTD) recent executive board meeting in Miami. Guest speakers from government, the military, business and labor addressed the board Feb. 26-27. Their supportive comments helped the board map out a promaritime, pro-worker strategy for the months ahead. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD, which is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. The MTD comprises 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing more than five million working men and women. During his opening remarks, Sacco acknowledged that for America’s working families, times are challenging but not hopeless. He said workers have the support of President Obama and Vice President Biden, and recalled a recent meeting at the White House during which the president signed pro-labor executive orders. He also repeated a public comment made by President Obama concerning unions and the economy: “We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests. I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, it’s part of the solution.” With that kind of backing, Sacco stated, workers have reason for optimism. In order of appearance, the following guest speakers addressed the board Feb. 26: AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; Communications Workers of America President Larry Cohen; General Dynamics NASSCO President Fred Harris; Overseas Shipholding Group Senior Vice President Capt. Robert Johnston; and International Transport Workers’ Federation Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton. The next day, the following individuals spoke to the board: National Transportation Safety Board member Deborah Hersman; U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.); U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.); General Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii). NY Waterway President and CEO Arthur Imperatore and Seafarer Vincent Lombardi (a captain at NY Waterway) also informally addressed the board after receiving a commemorative ship’s wheel honoring the company’s role in the Miracle on the Hudson rescue. The board approved 16 statements which detail much of the MTD’s focus. (Many of those statements are summarized on page 14 of this edition of the LOG.) See pages 9-14 for full coverage of the MTD meeting Members Approve 3-Year Pact at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Seafarers overwhelmingly have ratified a new three-year contract at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD), according to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. Negotiations took place in mid-February and were followed by ratification aboard GLDD vessels later in the month. The new agreement, which covers more than 100 members, calls for annual wage increases while maintaining “Core Plus” health benefits. The contract also boosts pay for overtime and vacation; secures a yearly stipend for eligible mariners for the U.S. Coast Guard fees associated with renewing and upgrading documents; and increases the clothing and shoe allowances as well as maintenance and cure. Representing the SIU during negotiations were Tricker, Patrolman Brian Guiry and Seafarers Randy Beacham, Phil Kleinebreil, Duane Evans and Patrick Dollard. “We came out of it pretty good, I thought, and that seems to be the sentiments of everybody,” said Beacham. “George did a fantastic job and everyone is happy with what we got. When you look at what we were up against, the way the economy is going, I think everybody was tickled with the contract.” Bosun Mickey Earhart described the agreement as “a real blessing. Everybody’s happy about it. George did a good job, as always. Everyone involved with the negotiations did a good job, both on the union side and for the company.” Tricker commended the bargaining committee’s work. He also noted that prior to the negotiations, “We received lots of input from the membership, which helped. All in all, negotiations resulted in an agreement that met our stated objectives of maintaining benefits, wage increases and job security.” Seafarers operate GLDD vessels primarily on the East and West coasts. April 2009 Clockwise from above, Seafarer Robert Ellingson aboard the hopper dredge Terrapin Island and Seafarer Davic Paradelas are two of the more than 100 SIU members covered by the three-year agreement.Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo (left) and Seafarer Darrel Hulin discuss key points of the new contract. Those taking part in negotiations in Piney Point, Md., in mid-February were (seated, from left) GLDD Project Site Manager Bill Murchison, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, GLDD VP Bill Pagendarm, GLDD Dredge Manager David Allen, (standing, from left) Patrolman Brian Guiry and Seafarers Randy Beacham, Patrick Dollard, Duane Evans and Phil Kleinebreil. Seafarers LOG 3 �MSC Accepts Delivery of Ammo Ship USNS Brashear from NASSCO Additional tonnage on March 4 navigated its way into the SIU fold when the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of the USNS Carl Brashear in California. Built by San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO and designated T-AKE 7, the Brashear will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The vessel is the seventh in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships. Like her six sister ships which are already in the Navy fleet, she will be called upon to deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups. Collectively, these missions will allow underway Navy vessels to stay at sea for extended periods. The ship honors Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and was a Navy pioneer, becoming one of the first AfricanAmericans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and the first to qualify and serve as a master diver on active duty. After being severely injured in a diving accident, Brashear’s leg was amputated. Almost two years later, after strenuous rehabilitation and rigorous testing, he became the first person to be certified or recertified to dive as an amputee. Including the Carl Brashear, NASSCO now has delivered the first seven ships of the T-AKE class and has construction contracts for five additional ships. The Navy has also awarded contracts to NASSCO for the long-lead material for two more ships for a total class of 14 T-AKE vessels. “As we pass the halfway mark for this highly successful, U.S. Navy auxiliary program, the performance of the NASSCO team and the ships have been outstand- ing,” said Frederick J. Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “As a result of numerous production and process improvements, we are delivering each hull more efficiently and with fewer man-hours than the previous one. And from all reports, the deployed ships have proven their ability to ably serve the fleet in their primary mission and in a variety of other roles.” Construction of the USNS Carl Brashear began in May 2007. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into the T-AKE class ships, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs during their projected 40-year service life. With a cargo capacity of more than 10,000 tons, the primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions from shore stations to combat ships at sea. In a related development which will translate into still more new tonnage for the union-contracted fleet, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard on Feb. 23 cut steel on Hull 014, the tenth product tanker in the series of 12 to be built for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Production of this latest vessel commenced a few days after the Feb. 19 delivery of Hull 010, Overseas Boston. When completed, the new tanker will be sold to American Shipping Company, and in turn, will be bareboat chartered to OSG America. Like its sister ships, the still unnamed MT-46 Veteran class product tanker will be diesel-powered, boast a length of slightly more than 600 feet and have a beam of approximately 105 feet. It will be able to transport more than 332,000 barrels of petroleum products and feature a “cruising speed” of 14.6 knots. The 46,000 dwt vessel will carry refined petroleum products. The USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) launches into San Diego harbor during her Sept. 18, 2008 christening ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. (U.S. Navy Photo) Transition to New Mariner Credential Begins Mid-April Beginning April 15, U.S. seamen who renew or upgrade their Coast Guardissued z-card/merchant mariner document (MMD) will receive the new merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC) as a replacement. The MMC is a passportstyle document that has been in the works for some time. It consolidates the Coast Guard credentials issued to merchant mariners into a single document. The MMC program does not affect the legitimacy of currently valid zcards/MMDs. As previously reported, the MMC will be phased in over the next five years. The program itself has been structured in conjunction with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) so that, eventually, U.S. mariners will carry two documents: a TWIC and an MMC. It also has been set up to “reduce the burden on mariners by limiting the number of times they need to appear in person to provide fingerprints and proof of identity,” according to the Coast Guard. Indeed, the program eliminates the need for mariners to appear in person at a Coast Guard regional exam center (REC) provided they have applied for a TWIC (though they still have the option to go to an REC). The individual cost of the MMC is $45. The following text is taken directly from the final rule: “Under the current rule, applicants pay a $45 issuance fee for each credential that they apply for. Under this rulemaking the applicants will only apply for a single credential (the MMC) and as a result will only be required to pay one $45 issuance fee regardless of the number of endorsements that they carry. This change is not a reduction in any fee that a mariner must pay, but a reduction in the number of fees that the mariner must pay. Any Union Closes Boston Hall Permanently 4 Seafarers LOG mariner that would, under the current rules, solicit multiple mariner qualifying documents (such as both an MMD and a license), will benefit from this change in the fee structure.” (Besides the issuance fee, there will be an additional evaluation fee and an examination fee if applicable. Those fees vary.) (The cost of a TWIC is $132.50.) Since mid-March, when the MMC final rule was published in the Federal Register, the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center has issued several online communications providing details about the new credential, including sample images. Those bulletins along with the final rule itself are available on the SIU web site (in the “Heard at Headquarters” section) and also should be accessible at the union halls. Members are asked to periodically check the web site and/or contact their port agents for timely news about the MMC. Upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG will include detailed updates on the program. In one of its announcements from last month, the Coast Guard noted, “Under the previous regulations, the Coast Guard issued up to four credentials to a mariner: a merchant mariner’s document (MMD), a merchant mariner’s license (License), a certificate of registry (COR), and an International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) endorsement. Each credential served a separate purpose, thus creating the possibility that a mariner might need all four. The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 added a requirement for all mariners to obtain a transportation security card, implemented by the Department of Homeland Security as the TWIC. Without a regulatory change, a mariner could have been required to obtain up to five credentials, and to appear in person for duplicative applications. “The Coast Guard is streamlining its mariner regulations and consolidating the four separate Coast Guard-issued credentialing documents into one merchant mariner credential (MMC). In addition to reducing the number of credentials a mariner will need to hold, this rule also eliminates redundant burdens and government processes.” Additionally, the agency offered the following points about the “relationship” between the MMC and the TWIC. Mariners are required to hold a TWIC as of April 15. ■ The Coast Guard will use TWIC data received directly from TSA to determine the status of your TWIC. No mariner credentials will be issued without confirmation from TSA that an applicant has been approved to hold a TWIC. ■ If you are applying for a merchant mariner credential you must have at least applied for your TWIC before the Coast Guard will accept your application. Your credential will not be issued until your TWIC is approved. There may be a minimal delay between the time you apply for your TWIC and the time that data is received by the Coast Guard. Therefore, you should apply for your TWIC in advance of your application for your merchant credential. ■ If you are applying for your TWIC and mariner credential simultaneously, provide a copy of your TWIC application receipt with your credential application. ■ A TWIC is not required in order to apply for or receive a document of continuity. ■ You will need to ensure that the biographical data that you supply to TSA is The SIU’s Boston hall permanently closed as of April 1 due to a lack of shipping activities, including a long decline in the fishing industry. However, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will continue to operate the Boston-area clinic for membership use. Boston registration cards are valid at the SIU hall in the same as what you provide the Coast Guard on your merchant mariner credential application. If the Coast Guard cannot reconcile the data provided by TSA, you may be asked to work with TSA to update your information. ■ You will need to be identified as a Merchant Mariner in the TWIC system. This triggers TSA to provide your TWIC data to the Coast Guard. ■ When you enroll/Pre-enroll for a TWIC with TSA you need to select Merchant Mariner as your occupation. ■ For those that have already received their TWIC and did not “Self Identify” as a Merchant Mariner, or do not remember whether or not you self-identified, the NMC is working with TSA to automatically change your occupation field. The NMC anticipates that this will cover the vast majority of current mariners. 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. ■ If you carry a valid TWIC while serving on a valid Merchant Mariner Credential you will not be impacted while sailing regardless of whether you hold any of the four previously issued credentials, the MMC or any combination thereof. Brooklyn, N.Y., which is located at 635 4th Avenue. Membership records from Boston will be transferred to the Brooklyn hall. A complete list of SIU halls appears on page 16 of this month’s LOG and also is available on the union’s web site, www.seafarers.org. April 2009 �AFL-CIO Executive Council Welcomes Pledges of Support from Obama, Biden A full slate of items highlighted the agenda March 3-5 during the AFL-CIO Executive Council’s annual winter meeting, which took place in Miami. Convening in the union hall of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 349, council members – including SIU President Michael Sacco – during the three-day conference addressed a wide variety of issues relating to reviving the nation’s economy for working families, including growing good jobs, reforming health care, strengthening Social Security and revising the nation’s trade practices. According to union leaders, the economic recovery package is a good start to turning around America and putting workers back on the job. During their executive council meetings, they emphasized that rebuilding the nation’s major economic engine—manufacturing—will require strong compliance with the Buy American provisions in the package. A video address from President Obama kicked off the proceedings. During his remarks, the president reaffirmed his support for labor and voiced his agreement with several of the union movement’s goals, including health care reform, industrial revitalization and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). President Obama told the executive council that his administration has already started to change America on behalf of working people. “With your help, we passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan—the most sweeping economic recovery in out history,” he said. “I’ve always said that the gauge of our economic progress is clear: are we creating good jobs? Are we creating the kinds of jobs on which you can raise a family, own a home, afford college, save for retirement?” he continued. “That’s why this plan is so important. It will create or save three-and-a-half million jobs over the next two years—and it will do so by putting Americans to work doing the work that America needs done.” The president then reiterated his support of labor by stating, “I want to repeat something that those of you who joined us for the Task Force announcement heard me say: I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, and to my administration, labor unions are a big part of the solution. We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests – because we cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement.” Making her first public appearance since being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis attended the meetings. During her remarks to the council, she vowed to fully enforce the laws that protect workers. The labor secretary, who was one of the first supporters in Congress for the EFCA, also said she would work to pass and then enforce the legislation if it becomes law. Vice President Joe Biden also made an appearance at the meetings. The vice president told executive council members that returning our economy to health means restoring the basic right to join a union and bargain collectively. And the way to do that, he said, is by passing the EFCA. He quoted President Obama by saying, “I don’t buy the argument that providing SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and International Union of Operating Engineers President Vince Giblin serve on the federation’s executive council along with other labor leaders. U.S. Unemployment Rate Tops 8 Percent Nationwide employment and the economy continued on their slippery slope during the first two months of 2009, according to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment fell sharply during those months – by 651,000 – raising the unemployment rate from 7.6 percent to 8.1 percent. Those figures reflect a net loss of 2.6 million April 2009 Pictured during a break are (from left) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, SIU President Michael Sacco, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and United Steelworkers of America President Leo Gerard. workers with collective bargaining rights somehow weakens the economy or worsens the business environment. “If you’ve got workers who have decent pay and benefits, they also are customers for your business,” Biden said. “So let me add to that and say that I have a simple, basic belief, one that we’re going to work hard to put into action: If a union is what you want, a union you’re entitled to have.” The vice president also quoted AFL-CIO President John Sweeney’s recent remarks in his column which addressed basic truths that should guide the AFL-CIO during the upcoming year. “We can’t fix the economy by hurting workers. Rescuing the economy will require investments in jobs, infrastructure, health care,” Biden said. “When you’re in a deep hole, you need a long ladder. Rebuilding our broken economy gives us the opportunity to get it right and reward workers. Progressive, pro-family, pro-worker candidates won. So isn’t it time that we have progressive, pro-worker, pro-family priorities that win, too?” The vice president, who heads the White House Task Force on the Middle Class, told the council the Obama administration is dedicated to rebuilding the nation’s middle class. “You can’t have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement,” he said. “We will judge the success or failure of our administration at the end of our four years, based on whether or not the standard of living of the middle class has increased or not. That’s the bottom-line measure. And guess what? Neither one of us believes it can get better without you getting stronger. “For too long,” Biden said, “we’ve failed to have a White House that puts families front and center in our economic policies. That’s why the Obama economic recovery program focuses on jobs and the administration is pushing for real health care reform.” The vice president concluded by saying that the ObamaBiden team would never have won without the support of working families. The council adopted a number of action statements during the business portions of the meetings. Included was a statement calling for passage of the EFCA to help boost the economy by restoring workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages and benefits. The full text of that statement read as follows: “For more than a dozen years, we have worked and struggled to create the environment and the political climate in which we could pass serious labor law reform to restore workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain collectively. “We realized that we could not arrest the decline in living standards, nor save the middle class, nor lift working families from poverty until those freedoms were restored. And now our collective efforts to build support for the Employee Free Choice Act have brought us closer than we have been in a generation to ensuring the freedom of workers to form unions and bargain collectively for a better life. “The next few weeks are critical, as we fight to realize our long-held goal and the dreams of a better life for millions of working families. We share with our new president, the congressional majority and America’s workers the essential goal of building an economy that works for all. “We know this is our time to win back these fundamental freedoms. We cannot wait, defer or equivocate. We must act with the urgency created by an historical opportunity for change. “We also know that those who have always opposed workers’ rights, freedoms and advancement—the radical right wing and corrupt, corporate bullies—will fight us with everything they have and every advantage they can employ. They have spent vast sums and will spend even more—up to $300 million. “But our determination, will and urgency to act will overcome their wealth. We will: Raise the necessary funds for the Employee Free Choice Act media fund, so we can effectively counter the misinformation campaign of the corporations. AFL-CIO affiliates already have raised significant resources. We will endeavor to voluntarily contribute $2.50 per member to counter the corporate onslaught. Commit to ramp up a nationwide grassroots campaign. In each priority state we commit to release staff to work together to meet our ambitious member mobilization goals, coordinate with allies and reach senators in their home states. Build off our very successful Million Member Mobilization to move our members. We commit to engage and activate 1 percent of our membership each month in priority states to make calls and write letters to members of Congress to ensure their support for the Employee Free Choice Act. Executive Council members will reach out to our members and leaders in priority states through calls, letters and visits to achieve our goals. Continue our outreach to our employers to garner their support for the Employee Free Choice Act.” The council also adopted statements on many other issues including financial regulation, senior housing, bank bailouts, job growth, trade with China, health care reform, retirement security and more. All of those statements are available in their entirety on the AFL-CIO’s web site at www.aflcio.org/aboutus/thisistheaflcio/ecouncil/. The AFL-CIO Executive Council meets at least twice a year to consider important union-movement business and policies. The council regularly issues statements on legislative measures affecting the interests of working families, ongoing struggles for justice for workers and more. jobs nationwide in the past four months. Overall, according to government data, 12.5 million Americans were out of work. The scale of many recent layoffs further reflects their severity. The BLS also recently reported that in January, employers took 2,227 mass layoff actions which resulted in the separation of 237,902 workers. Each of those layoffs involved at least 50 workers. These numbers do not reflect 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 .3 percent. However, that gain has been offset by a .3 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in January. The CPI measures the prices consumers pay for goods. Home prices are also taking a hit. The S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index shows that the price of homes fell 18.2 percent during the final quarter of 2008, the biggest decline in the index’s 21-year history. (That index measures the change in value of the U.S. residential housing market.) One concern associated with the loss of value on homes is that most Americans have accumulated little or no wealth, or have lost money due to the lack or loss of equity in their homes. Seafarers LOG 5 �Ferry Crews Receive Public Service Awards America Recognizes NY Waterway Mariners for Rescue on Hudson River America recently hailed some of the heroes of the Miracle on the Hudson, as a ceremony took place at a NY Waterway Terminal in New York on Feb. 18. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen were among those who honored more than 100 “Good Samaritan” mariners, many of whom are SIU members employed by NY Waterway. The mariners received U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Awards for their key roles in the overall DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano commends those involved in the rescue. rescue of 155 passengers and crew from U.S. Airways Flight 1549, which crashlanded in the Hudson River on Jan. 15. During the ceremony, Secretary Napolitano said the rescue brought forth a strong sense of community. “The rescue reflects so many of the things we want to build on,” she stated. Captain of the Port of New York Robert O’Brien praised the Samaritans’ training. “It’s their years of getting ready to do what they did to make sure everything happened precisely the way it did,” he noted. He also reflected on the mariner’s rescue efforts during 9/11. “It was not a coincidence that these boat operators were there and knew what to do,” O’Brien said. The Coast Guard awarded the SIU group and NY Waterway its highest civilian honors for rescuing 143 of the survivors. During the presentation, NY Waterway President and Chief Executive Officer Arthur Imperatore said, “It was our people who did the job. They are highly trained and very committed.” Local Representative Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island) added extra emphasis to the importance of the rescuers by saying, “They not only saved lives but reminded us of the goodness in humanity.” Concerning the training and professionalism of the responders, Napolitano said, “The rescue also reminds us of the importance of training and exercising SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (far left in photo above) is pictured with NY Waterway crew members (left to right), Deckhand Pepe Carumba, Deckhand Honorio Rabanes, Captain Brittany Catanzaro, Deckhand Nestor Martinez, Deckhand Jose Torres, Captain John Winiarski, Deckhand Gregorio Pages, Deckhand Wilfredo Rivera and Captain Vincent Lombardi. In photo at right, VP Labor Relations for NY Waterway Burton Trebour (left), joins Captain Vincent Lombardi and Soresi before the fact. First responders at all levels must know what to do when it comes time to execute a mission – because seconds count. The successful rescue of Flight 1549 is a case in point.” As previously reported, Seafarers involved in the rescue included the following: Captains Vincent Lombardi, Manny Liba, Brittany Catanzaro, John Winiarski and Mohamed Gouda and Deckhands Honorio Rabanes, Wilfredo Rivera, Luis Salerno, Danny Convery, Natale Binetti, Giulio Farnese, Osman Berete, Cosmo Mezzina, Frank Illuzi, Jose Torres, Pepe Carumba and Gregorio Pages. CIVMAR-Manned USNS Bridge Wins Environmental Award A vessel crewed by SIU CIVMARS recently earned recognition for its environmental efficiency. In late February, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) reported that the USNS Bridge (manned in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division) is a winner of the fiscal year 2008 Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Quality Small Ship Award. The Bridge is one of MSC’s four fast combat support ships that replenish Navy vessels at sea with fuel, ammunition, food and other cargo. According to the agency, the 754-foot ship, which currently operates out of San Diego and has a total crew of 170, including a small contingent of active-duty Navy sailors along with civil service mariners, was cited for “the crew’s work in preventing pollution, ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues, conserving resources and complying with environmental regulations.” In announcing the award, MSC noted, “While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, each mariner received special training in environmental management, used environmentally friendly chemicals and conducted monthly spill drills. In two years, Bridge, under the command of civil service master Capt. Jeffrey Siepert, transferred 182.7 million gallons of fuel without a significant mishap.” Other accomplishments by mariners aboard the Bridge have included optimizing boiler operations to reduce fuel consumption by 1,000 gallons per day, and managing the ship’s successful programs for solid waste disposal and recycling. According to MSC, “The chief of naval operations environmental awards recognize ships, installations, and individuals or teams for their environmental stewardship. As a result of this selection, Bridge will compete in the secretary of the Navy environmental awards.” John P. Quinn, acting director of the CNO Environmental Readiness Division, extended his congratulations and noted that the winners’ and nominees’ “sustained commitment to environmental excellence is an integral party of Navy operations and is essential to overall Navy mission accomplishment.” The award is slated to be presented at a ceremony in June in Washington, D.C. The USNS Bridge, pictured late last year in the Pacific Ocean with a Sea Hawk helicopter, performs an ammo off-load with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy) Maersk Ships Achieve Safety Milestones in Late 2008 The prepositioning ship SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. has operated for six years without a lost time accident. 6 Seafarers LOG Earlier this year, SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) reported that the prepositioning ship LTC John U.D. Page had “marked an extraordinary safety milestone” in the final days of 2008. Specifically, the company noted, “The ship’s crew celebrated seven years of operations without suffering a lost time accident (LTA). An LTA is defined as an accident that results in a crew member sustaining an injury requiring him or her to miss at least one shift of work. The number of LTAs occurring aboard a ship are a maritime industry standard for measuring safety performance.” The Page is named for LTC John U.D. Page, a U.S. Army officer who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War in 1950. In announcing the achievement, Maersk further reported, “Extended time periods operating LTA-free are a key safety goal among the ships in the MLL fleet. Page’s sister ship, SSG Edward A. Carter Jr., the other MLL-operated ammunition preposi- tioning ship in the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning program, has been operating for six years without an LTA.” In fact, the Carter and Page are among seven MLL owned or operated ships (all with SIU crews) that have been operating for at least six years without an LTA. That group also includes the USNS Effective at seven years and the USNS Impeccable, CPL Louis J. Hauge, Maersk Rhode Island and Maersk Tennessee each at six years. In a news release, the company noted, “Preventing LTAs through constant care, awareness, and safety education is a key component of MLL’s company-wide safety program, ‘Drive to Zero.’ The program’s name is derived from its stated goal of ensuring shipboard safety by striving to eliminate all accidents.” One component of the program is a series of safety “boot camps” conducted at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, for Maersk crews and shore-side personnel. April 2009 �Research on behalf of the National Science Foundation is conducted at McMurdo Station (above). The USNS Gianella (right) delivers critical supplies to the station. Steward Recalls Antarctic Journey USNS Gianella Delivers Vital Supplies to McMurdo Station Editor’s note: Chief Steward Karl Meyer, assisted by fellow crew members, submitted this article and the accompanying photos. Once again, the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella, operated by Ocean Ships Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), participated in Operation Deep Freeze 2009. This is an annual resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s facility at McMurdo Station Antarctica. The SIU-crewed Gianella delivered more than 9 million gallons of fuel needed for the coming year to operate the base’s aircraft, vehicles and power plant. Departing the West Coast in early October, stops included Pearl Harbor; Ulsan, Korea; Guam; Singapore; Diego Garcia; Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. The vessel arrived in the Ross Sea from Fremantle, Australia, on Jan. 22 and was assisted by the Swedish icebreaker Oden through the shelf ice and ice channel into McMurdo. Prior to Fremantle, the ship also had on board a 12-person U.S. Navy “embarked security team” (EST), They provided 24-hour armed security for the vessel during its transit through the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden and also during its two transits of the Suez Canal. The vessel returned to Diego Garcia and the EST disembarked just after Christmas for their next assignment. The steward department showed their can-do spirit and attitude, feeding the expanded crew of 38 including the EST plus an SIU apprentice and two cadets. They also had the privilege of preparing a meal for U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Duncan McNabb and his staff, who were hosted by the ship’s master, Capt. William Taylor, for a tour and dinner while pier side in McMurdo. The members of the engine department used some down time to perform scheduled maintenance on the main engine and while monitoring the offload also had the opportunity to transfer some much-needed fuel to the icebreaker Oden as it was tied up alongside. Crew members also took advantage of the subfreezing weather to empty and clean out the ship’s freezer. All departments pitched in for this endeavor. On a lighter note, AB Jeff Pearce literally took the plunge when he braved the frigid waters and joined the annual “Polar Plunge” hosted by the New Zealand-operated Scott Base (located nearby). Also, there was ample time to buy some souvenirs, hike up to Observation Hill, and visit the Discovery Hut, also known as Scott’s Hut, which was built in 1901 and is as preserved today as it was then. After departing the ice on the 26th of January, the Gianella stopped in Gladstone, Australia, for bunkers and provisions before heading back to the Gulf Coast to complete its five-month journey to the Antarctic. SIU members sailing aboard the Gianella during the voyage to McMurdo Station included the following: ABs Jay Aki, Clifford Cronan, Jason Devine, Bernard Essiful, Mark Mahoney and Pearce; QMEDs Austin Parker and James Summer; Pumpman Darrell McDonald; DEUs Rodolfo Caldo and Vicente Ordonez; GSUs Budiman Chandra and Luis Valerio; Chief Steward Meyer; Chief Cook Mario Fernandez and UA Jesus Sifuentes. The deck department (photo above, left) included ABs Cliff Cronan, Jason Devine, Bernard Essiful and Jeff Pearce. Chief Steward Karl Meyer (left in photo above right) and AB Jeff Pearce check on stores. The Swedish icebreaker Oden (photo at immediate left) leads the way to McMurdo Station. As evidenced by the photo above, the Gianella sails through some rough weather after leaving the base. Clockwise, from photo at immediate left, members of the engine gang team up for a task while Pumpman Darrell McDonald makes the best of his icy surroundings. Connected to a safety line, AB Jeff Pearce does his part to foster international relations by taking the “Polar Plunge,” hosted by the New Zealand-operated Scott Base, which is located near McMurdo Station. In photo above, Members of a U.S. Navy security team, pictured with a few crew members, help ensure safe transit. April 2009 Seafarers LOG 7 �Union-Affiliated School Tests Electrician Apprentice Program Electrician Apprentice Carmelo Collazo (standing) gets hands-on instruction by USNS Wright Electrician QEE Gary Torres. Seafarers who want to become marine electricians have an opportunity to “fast track” their careers through a program being tested by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. The school has begun testing an electrician apprentice program to move qualified mariners into electrician careers faster while maintaining a quality training regimen after the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) identified a shortage of marine electricians in the industry. Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman noted, “The electrician program allows someone from our junior engineer program to accelerate by going aboard ship and – upon successful completion of a package of electrician skills while working with electricians – he or she is evaluated. After 90 days and completion of the skills, the student returns to the school for the electrician program. Finally, upon completion of the marine electrician program, the candidate will be able to sail in an electrician capacity.” He added, “Another phase of training is being considered to gain electrician specialties in one of three areas: container electrician, crane maintenance electrician or electronics maintainer.” Paul Hall Center Technical Instructor Jay Henderson explained the selection process to have an opportunity for the program is vigorous. “It’s performance-based and a student must have outstanding course grades and superior performance in the hands-on portion of the course work for consideration,” he said. Carmelo Collazo is the first electrician student so far to go through the new program. He is from Norfolk and spent two Recertified Steward Charles Curley (above) gets a breath of fresh air through a galley portal of the Green Ridge. The Seafarers-crewed vessel (photo at right) recently delivered commercial and military cargoes in the Middle East. Paul Hall Center Course Spotlight AB Aboard Green Ridge Recalls Poignant Moment Editor’s note: The following article and accompanying photos were submitted in late February by Second Mate Miri Skoriak. The SIU-contracted PCTC Green Ridge has just completed a 68-day round trip from the U.S. East Coast to various ports in the Middle East, delivering commercial and military vehicles. The return passage took us around Cape of Good Hope and featured the great summer weather the Southern Hemisphere had to offer. Sunday dinners were served outdoors, bringing all crew members together for a relaxed evening on steel beach. One of our crew members is AB Sheldon “Shel” Privin, who started sailing years ago after serving four years’ active duty in the U.S. Air Force. His first ship was the General Haan, a converted C-4 cargo ship. Since his first days on ships, AB Privin has seen many changes in the industry, but the most welcome and significant ones are the upgrades in living conditions (single rooms) and the improvement of the attitude of shipboard personnel relating to friendliness, courtesy and respect. AB Privin is full of great sea stories but the following is the one he considers the best: years in construction before he answered the sea’s call. While serving recently on board the USNS Wright, Collazo said, “This has been the greatest experience of my life. The apprentice program gave me the opportunity to go right to work with experienced electricians in actual working conditions. I feel like as soon as I shipped out I made a real difference because you don’t just follow behind electricians to watch what they do – you’re expected to roll your sleeves up and work on the ship. I’ve met some great people who would bend over backwards to help and teach if you’re willing to listen and give the job your all.” Collazo gained experience on three separate ships before completing the program’s requirements. He’s now back at the school, well-prepared to complete the marine electrician course. “Aboard the General Haan, we sailed from New York to Bremerhaven to pick up Hungarians who had escaped and received political asylum in Austria in the failed revolt against Communist oppression. The United States and other nations had agreed to a resettlement program. “On the return trip, we sailed into a major winter storm requiring the ship to divert south to the Canary Islands. It was a 14-day hellish crossing for the Hungarians, who had never even seen an ocean. The ship rolled heavily; people were sick and fearful. Finally reaching New York harbor, the passengers arose early at 0400 on a clear, cold winter morning to see the Statue of Liberty. In silence and awe they viewed Miss Liberty with tears streaming down their faces. Remembering that my parents, having emigrated from Europe many years before and having sailed into New York had seen the same sight was a poignant moment, and a reminder how lucky I am to be an American.” AB Privin would like to make a note of the mariners, union officials and company marine office personnel who personally extended themselves and gave him a fair shake. “My thanks and deep appreciation to you all,” he says. On behalf of the crew of the Green Ridge, I’d like to thank AB Privin for the inspiration and his good fellowship and wish him many more years on the oceans. 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 upgrading 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 Conveyorman The course of instruction leading to certification as a conveyorman includes a detailed look at the types of self-unloaders and their development; conveyor belt construction and types; belt adjustments; belt splicing procedures and practical application; reduction gear units; related electrical AC and DC systems; practical troubleshooting; electrical test equipment; power failure testing; hydraulic theory; practical hydraulic troubleshooting; pipefitting and threading; gate construction, maintenance and operation; and oxy-acetylene cutting and electric arc welding practical training. Crew members (photo above) take advantage of good weather by enjoying an outdoor meal. In photo at right, AB Sheldon Privin takes the wheel. 8 Seafarers LOG April 2009 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department 2009 Executive Board Meeting U.S. Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (standing at left), tells MTD board members and guests about the agency’s operations. Commander Cites Crucial Labor ‘Partnership’ Sees Relationship Between Transportation Command, Maritime as Valuable to Nation The commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) told the Maritime Trades Department executive board that the effective working relationship shared by TRANSCOM and American maritime labor remains extremely valuable to the nation. U.S. Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb cited the longstanding, positive relationship between the MTD and TRANSCOM. He said that today, as both entities work to ensure the continued viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the relationship “couldn’t be better, and I couldn’t depend on it more as the TRANSCOM commander. When I first took over, I said, of all the things I need to protect, it is that U.S.-flag fleet.” TRANSCOM is the division of the military which oversees the global movement of goods and materiel to our troops. Its components include the U.S. Military Sealift Command as well as the Air Mobility Command, and the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. On its web site, the agency reports that its “total wartime capability consists of a diverse force: 51,853 active duty; 88,089 reserve and Guard, and 16,606 civilian personnel. Similarly, USTRANSCOM relies on its commercial partners to meet 88 percent of continental U.S. land transport, 50 percent of global air movement, and 64 percent of global sealift.” McNabb gave a detailed presentation in which he described TRANSCOM’s numerous operations. He also repeatedly praised the performance and reliability of the nation’s mariners, and thanked MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco for his support. Gen. Duncan McNabb, U.S. TRANSCOM commander, thanks U.S. mariners for their reliability and dedication. April 2009 The general also offered high praise for the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which he has visited. Speaking about the Piney Point, Md.-based facility and its people, he said the “professionalism is amazing. This is a world-class education to get the folks up to a certain level, and then you continue that train- the supply chain.” Looking at the big picture where TRANSCOM and the nation are concerned, McNabb said, “The stakes couldn’t be higher.” He recalled being in the Pentagon on 9/11, not far from where the airplane hit. “If they could have killed 30,000 that day or 300,000 or 3 million, they “The ability to immediately surge is based on having trained merchant mariners ready, and you have done that. What a difference that has made….” - - - U.S. Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command ing, and I know (it) not only takes care of individuals but also their families.” Addressing Sacco, he said it was an honor to attend the MTD meetings “and not only say thanks to you, but to our great merchant mariners.” McNabb discussed some of the agency’s sealift assets, which include prepositioning ships, Ready Reserve Force vessels and other features available through the voluntary intermodal sealift agreement, abbreviated as VISA. Describing the overall maritime capabilities, he stated, “I can’t tell you how much we as a nation depend on that. You all do superbly, and I just want to say thanks (for) what you do every day.” Illustrating the historic importance of, and sacrifices made by, the merchant marine, the general recalled the Battle of Atlantic, when German Uboats initially had a field day against unarmed American-flag merchant ships. His point: “If you can stop the supplies, you basically can stop the operation. As we think about Iraq and Afghanistan, we have to bring everything to bear to make sure that doesn’t happen…. “We will make sure that we get the forces in. What you all do is the absolute key to all of this. In many cases it is the commercial side in which we can get stuff through in ways that we couldn’t do militarily. You do it day in and day out, and it is awesome. You do it despite attacks on would have done it, and they would still do that, if they could,” he said. “We’ve got to stop them…. It is a battle about the future of mankind.” He also said he definitely counts civilian mariners among those who answered the call following the attacks. Today, he continued, U.S. capability to deploy and sustain troops is unsurpassed. “I would say that it is one of the crown jewels that we have in the nation’s defense.” The same holds true for humanitarian missions including disaster relief, he added. The commercial sector “makes up a large amount of our capability,” McNabb explained. “We depend on it, and it also saves us a lot of money because then we don’t have to own it…. Because we have such great industry partners, we learn from you. We take the best from industry.” He concluded by noting that TRANSCOM’s emphasis is on serving the war fighter, who only cares that the materiel arrives on time and as needed. “The ability to immediately surge is based on having trained merchant mariners ready, and you have done that. What a difference that has made, because when the time is to go, you can’t say, ‘Yeah, I’m going to have that for us in about six months.’ When the president says, ‘I need to go now,’ we’ve got to be ready to go, and the (maritime supply) bridge is the first thing.” Seafarers LOG 9 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department 2009 Executive Board Meeting ‘A Time of Great Opportunity’ Congressmen Pledge Continuing Support For Maritime, other Pro-Worker Issues The three congressional representatives who spoke at the MTD meeting covered numerous topics, but each one emphasized opportunities for progress under the new administration. U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii), James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said they will continue supporting America’s working families, including the nation’s mariners. They also said that the elections last November of a pro-labor administration and Congress signal a beginning rather than an ending. Abercrombie, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, went so far as to say it isn’t too soon to look ahead to the next election year. He and other speakers said the reality of today’s Senate is that it takes 60 votes, not 51, to ensure passage of legislation. With that in mind, and pointing to the Employee Free Choice Act, Abercrombie told the board, “I want everybody in here dedicating themselves to 2010 and the elections so that we have an overwhelming majority of pro-labor members of the House and Senate so we can pass this legislation. “This is a time of great opportunity. What we need to do is what labor has always done. What we need to do is what labor does best: cool eye, cool head, organize. Zero in on these next elections so we can get 60-plus votes in there and we don’t have to worry about that in the Senate. Zero in on those states – those elections in those states.” Abercrombie said he believes the government can and should do more to support the U.S. Merchant Marine. Overall, he wants the U.S. to increase its emphasis on creating and sustaining good jobs in all sectors. For example, he asked, “How can you export anything if you don’t have a manufacturing base? How can you export anything if you don’t have an industrial base that you’re going to support? They call it subsidies; I call it investment. I want to see people working.” A sound domestic energy policy is another way out of tough economic times, he stated. “We’re sending $700 billion a year out of the country, to nations around the world, to get our energy – our natural gas and our oil – instead of developing ourselves,” Abercrombie said. “We’ve got to have a comprehensive program that labor has to back, and vote for members of Congress who are going to (support) energy independence in this country.” Clyburn, the House Majority Whip, also focused some of his remarks on energy. “We’ve got to create jobs,” Clyburn stated. “I like one of your mottos: your favorite four-letter word is J-O-B-S. For those of us who are supporters of the labor movement, we’ve got to look at ways to make our economy work by creating new, lasting jobs. And I believe the biggest job creator going forward is to have a comprehensive energy plan. “That energy plan cannot be limited to wind and solar and bio-diesel,” he continued. “I get a lot of flack for this, but I’m a big proponent of nuclear energy. That’s where the jobs are, that’s where the security is, that’s where the safety for our environment is. Working together, we will have a sustainable job creation energy program for the future.” Turning his attention to health care, Clyburn noted, “We want to make sure that nobody falls through the cracks. If you have a plan that says that 2 million people may still fall through the cracks, we have to have a safety net for that. The most expensive health care that you can get is in the emergency room and too many people are going to the emergency rooms for their health care. Let’s broaden, let’s expand, let’s fund these community health centers. The (economic) recovery package makes a big down payment on making sure that happens.” Thompson is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. He noted the numerous difficulties associated with implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program and said, “We’re going to make sure that the readers actually read. We will make sure that whatever problems have come up in the process of getting your TWIC card, we will correct it. We have committed ourselves to doing case work and we’ve been making people open their offices. We’ve heard about your members getting there and the offices are closed, your members sitting there six to eight hours unable to U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) vows to continue backing the Jones Act. 10 Seafarers LOG U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) believes the nation should boost its emphasis on creating and maintaining good jobs. get the card and then being told to come back the next day. We’re correcting all of that. I encourage you to let us know at the committee because we’re here to help.” Speaking about port security in general, Thompson said the most valuable component is people. “Port security continues to be a priority but we need your help,” he stated. “Don’t let anybody tell you that technology is really the answer. You know it’s the eyes and ears of your memberships that work in the ports that’s better security than any technology, because your members know what’s going on. We take the position that port security is a combination of technology and eyes and ears at the ports. “In addition to that, the Jones Act – we’re going to protect it but we’re going to take it one step further,” he added. “We’re going to make sure when times of national emergency happen we won’t let the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA waive the Jones Act so foreign-flag vessels can come in.” He concluded, “My office doors are always open, and every opportunity I get to raise the flag of labor, I do. I want to make sure that management understands that labor is the key to whatever success they have on their side and that partnership should exist.” MTD President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.). April 2009 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department 2009 Executive Board Meeting MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right in photo at left) looks on with pride as Captain Vincent Lombardi recalls parts of the “Miracle on the Hudson.” In photo above, guests and delegates listen attentively to the proceedings. MTD At a Glance The Maritime Trades Department is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. It consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing more than five million working men and women. The MTD executive board met Feb. 26-27 in Miami, where Don Keefe MEBA President board members and guests examined key issues facing not only the maritime industry but all working families. The articles on pages 9-14 are based on remarks and policy statements given at the meeting. The photos accompanying this text show some of the board members and guests, including rank-and-file SIU members. David Durkee BCTGM Sec.-Treasurer Warren Fairley Boilermakers International VP Bernard Hostein Steelworkers Asst. to President Lynn Tucker Machinists General VP Richard Hughes ILA President John Ryan GMP President Dan Kane Mine Workers Sec.-Treasurer Bill Lucy AFSCME Sec.-Treasurer Michel Desjardins SIU of Canada Executive VP Roman Gralewicz SIU of Canada President Robert Scardelletti TCU President Gunnar Lundberg SUP President Rank-and-file Seafarers took in the meeting and posed for this photo with SIU officials. Members in the photo include Irma Palma, Gazapata Nicholls, Fernando Domenicale, Gerard Rogers, David Marquez, Lester Barclay, Benjamin Wilson, Cesar Collantes, Wilson Peniston, Vasil Cholakovski, Cecil Scipio, Nicholas Vieira, Errol Mullings, Basic McMillan, Dan Brown and Bob Egri. SIU officials in the photo are President Mike Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP Contracts George Tricker and Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta. April 2009 Anthony Poplawski MFOW President Seafarers LOG 11 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department 2009 Executive Board Meeting Tough Times, but New Tonnage Still Coming Despite rough economic times, there’s still positive news about the U.S.-flag fleet’s future, including new tankers being built in Pennsylvania and California. That message was part of separate but similarly heartening addresses given to the MTD on Feb. 26 by Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard, and Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group. Both speakers stressed that cooperation from all segments of the maritime industry remains vital to the Americanflag fleet’s success. Johnston said that positive labor relations and a focus on long-term goals are “cornerstones that OSG has had for many, many years…. Working together, we can build mountains and we can solve any problem put before us. Labor can’t do it alone; management can’t do it alone. We have to work together.” He said that OSG’s strategic business unit is a testament to such cooperation. The company operates vessels in Alaska and on all three U.S. coasts with “good, quality crews – highly competent individuals.” Johnston noted that assistance from maritime labor in tackling a tax question was critical in allowing the company to commit to its current tanker build program. “As a result of hard work by both the union and management together, we solved the tax issue,” he said. “As a result of that, guess what? We made a commitment to Aker in Philadelphia and we put an order in for 10 product carriers” (which has since grown to 12). The vessels are being built by union members, he added, and are state-of-theart ships. “They are great ships manned by great union crews, and for that I want to thank the union leaders that are manning those ships,” Johnston said. “You guys are doing a fantastic job.” Focusing on the Jones Act, Johnston General Dynamics NASSCO President Fred Harris believes support for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program could lead to a major economic boost across the country. reported that because of strong support for that law from Congress and the administration, OSG “is going to be committed to continue its construction program, continue building its U.S.-flag fleet. We’re going to continue to build tankers and continue to build ATBs, and we may even start going into the tug business. We’re going to continue to increase and expand our U.S.-flag fleet, which means more jobs for the sailors.” Another important component of OSG’s success is training, he said. The mariners sailing aboard OSG ships “are some of the highest trained individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. These seafarers are good. When you talk to them, you recognize how well-qualified and well-trained they are. And that’s only because the unions recognized it. They have fantastic training Capt. Robert Johnston, senior VP at Overseas Shipholding Group, says the world-class training received by American mariners is a big plus for his company’s operations. facilities – some of the most modern facilities in the world, which are turning out some of the most well-trained seafarers in the world.” Of course, Johnston recognizes the difficult economic times, but he said OSG is forging ahead. “We are still looking at new projects,” he stated. “The company is very much committed to the U.S. flag…. We’re going to continue to grow and expand.” Harris, like Johnston a former mariner, heads the shipyard in San Diego. He said NASSCO currently employs 4,600 people and has “a strong backlog of ships to be built and crewed by skilled union craftsmen and skilled seafarers, and I am very happy about that.” NASSCO is in the midst of building and delivering 14 dry cargo/ammunition ships to the Navy, he said. Those are the Lewis-and-Clark class of vessels, abbreviated as T-AKE. The yard also performs repair work and commercial construction, including tankers now being built for SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners. Harris said credit for the yard’s excellent progress in recent years goes to “the people who every day build these ships, and they build them well. They understand that if we’re going to be a shipbuilding nation, we have to be productive…. We have the most skilled craftsmen in the world. What we need to do is continue to give them the tools to be as efficient as anybody else in the world.” To that end, NASSCO officials have thoroughly examined the systems and practices of other yards, including foreign shipyards. The San Diego facility also has heavily invested in training its workforce. Turning his attention to the aging domestic fleet, Harris noted that it’s difficult for shipowners to find money for new construction. In part, that’s why he believes the industry must aggressively get behind the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program, which “provides the U.S. government full credit guarantee for shipowners constructing ships in American yards.” He gave an example of how a $60 million yearly investment through the Title XI program for 10 years quite feasibly could lead to billions of dollars being poured back into the economy. For starters, the $60 million yearly figure would equate to approximately “97,000 man years worth of work over 10 years. That’s unbelievable, and it all gets paid back with interest. It’s one of the few programs that self generates the funding to pay for itself.” In conclusion, he said NASSCO remains “committed to the modernization of the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet, and I mean committed.” NY Waterway Recognized for Rescue on Hudson With the “Miracle on the Hudson” still relatively fresh in the audience’s mind, the MTD meeting on Feb. 27 featured a particularly uplifting moment as NY Waterway’s founder and one of its ferry captains were honored by the executive board. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Deborah Hersman also joined in commending the SIU-contracted company, whose personnel helped save the passengers and flight crew from the downed U.S. Airways jet that crashed into the Hudson River in January (see related coverage, page 6). MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco presented a ship’s wheel (dedicated to all of the captains and deckhands at the company) to NY Waterway founder Arthur Imperatore and to Captain Vincent Lombardi. The inscription reads, “With admiration and thanks for your outstanding actions which were an enormous part of the Miracle on the Hudson. Your lifesaving efforts helped lift the spirits of the entire nation.” The rescue of all 155 personnel from the downed aircraft (including 143 saved by SIU-crewed ferries) is “a great tribute to the union members who saved those people,” Sacco stated. “Virtually every person who rescued the passengers and crew from U.S. Airways Flight 1549 was a union member – and most 12 Seafarers LOG of them belong to MTD unions.” Lombardi was the captain of the first vessel that arrived at the rescue scene. Recalling that moment, he said he urged everyone on board the Thomas Jefferson to maintain their composure, because they didn’t know what they were about to see. He also thanked the MTD and SIU for their support and for the recognition on behalf of all the crews. Imperatore emphasized the commitment of NY Waterway employees, including their focus on safety training – some of which takes place at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. He also saluted the productive working relationship his company shares with the union, citing “the professionalism that we absorbed and we understood from our association.” “I’m proud of our people,” added Imperatore, 83, who founded the company in 1986. “They are highly trained and very, very committed to the work we do.” Hersman discussed various key aspects of shipboard safety and shared some of the NTSB’s most significant findings. She noted that the agency investigates accidents in all modes of transportation, determines probable cause and makes recommendations. She pointed to fatigue as “one of the most insidious” of all transportation issues and said that “long-duty days are associated with fatigue and degraded performance.” Concerning the NY Waterway rescue, she concluded, “When we see accidents and we go to accident scenes, they bring out the best and the worst of equipment, of training, of procedures. But I think that we can all say, on the river that day, we saw the best of humanity. Those who were on that water that day showed us what many of us already know – especially those who are involved in the transportation industry. We are our brothers’ keepers and we have to take care of each other, and those crews did that that day. My hat’s off to you all.” The MTD honored NY Waterway personnel including company founder Arthur Imperatore (left) and Capt. Vincent Lombardi (second from left). MTD President Michael Sacco (right) and Deborah Hersman of the NTSB credited the ferry crews for their fast action. April 2009 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department 2009 Executive Board Meeting ITF Maritime Coordinator Steve Cotton notes there is international support for the Employee Free Choice Act AFL-CIO President John Sweeney says the labor federation is “100 percent behind” the MTD’s pro-maritime agenda. EFCA Remains Priority for Organized Labor ITF Official Pledges Support for Legislation, Reports on ‘Flag-of-Convenience’ Campaign Three labor officials who addressed the MTD executive board said the Obama administration indeed has brought hope for working families, but many tough fights lie ahead – including a big one to enact the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which the president has vowed to sign if given the chance. One of those speakers, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton, said he believes the new administration and Congress seem more likely to improve working conditions not only in America but abroad. Cotton also pledged “100 percent support” from the ITF to the U.S. labor movement, especially when it comes to the EFCA, which also is known as the majority sign-up bill. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and Communications Workers of America President Larry Cohen devoted much of their respective comments to the EFCA, which was reintroduced in the House and Senate in early March. The legislation aims to restore fairness to organizing campaigns by truly giving workers the freedom to choose union representation, without the looming fear of management intimidation. Contrary to lies spread by the bill’s opponents, the EFCA would not eliminate the option for a secret-ballot election. It simply would let workers choose whether to utilize secret ballots or instead opt for the already legal cardcheck system (through which a union is recognized as the employees’ collective bargaining representative once a majority of workers has signed pledge cards). This has been organized labor’s top legislative priority in recent years and it remains so in 2009. Sweeney thanked the MTD for its “continued presence in the struggle to restore the rights of all workers to join unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act. This is a moment when the question is, unions yes, or no? And that affects all of us…. It has turned into a nasty fight, with the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into their campaign to defeat it.” April 2009 He continued, “The EFCA means so much to the future of our movement. The giant corporations and the financial institutions and their overpaid CEOs need to be brought under control, and the only way we can do that is to get bigger and stronger. Labor overall picked up approximately 400,000 new members last year, but that’s barely enough to hold us even as a percentage of the workforce. Let’s keep on working together and sticking together. If we do that, we will be winning together.” The labor federation president also said the AFL-CIO is “100 percent behind” the MTD’s pro-maritime agenda – “especially more American shipbuilding, funding for short-sea shipping, and continued protection of the cabotage laws, all of which create and keep good jobs.” He noted that with the new administration, “We’ve been included in most of the decision-making and, I’m happy to say, the president has been very open and available to hearing our views.” Cohen asked the audience, “Why are we the only democracy in the world that doesn’t have majority sign-up? The important point here is, Europe, South America, Asia, parts of Africa, Latin America like never before – they already have what we’re fighting for…. Why should this be the only country in the world where to have union recognition and bargaining, you have to fight the boss to get it?” He cited the cooperation between labor and management in the maritime trades as a great example of how a unionized work force can benefit all concerned. In fact, he noted that through letters supporting the EFCA, “Thousands of employers have signed on to say to Congress, ‘We work with unions. We know what partnership means. We know what happens when there’s a seat at the table.’” He concluded by saying the trampling of workers’ rights has contributed to today’s economic hard times and reiterated President Obama’s belief that significant recovery isn’t possible unless working families “are rising up in terms of CWA President Larry Cohen asserts that the “trampling of workers’ rights” helped lead to the current economic woes. their buying power. And the single best way to raise buying power is to give workers in this country bargaining power.” Immediately following Cohen’s remarks, he received a donation from five MTD affiliates – the SIU, AMO, ILA, MM&P and MEBA – for use in the EFCA campaign he is helping to lead. Cotton spoke on behalf of the ITF, a global federation of nearly 700 transport trade unions (including the SIU and many other MTD affiliates) which collectively represent 4.5 million workers in 148 countries. (SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section.) He said the international maritime industry is dealing with threats posed by piracy and a severe global economic downturn. He also reported that the ITF has fared well in its long-running campaign against so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) shipping, also known as runaway-flag shipping. Stressing that none of these issues can be resolved without the active participation of the American and Canadian governments, Cotton said that those nations have an important role to play in “leading us out of these difficult times.” “We need you,” he told the MTD board. What American and Canadian labor unions have achieved in recent years gives all maritime workers “great hope.” Cotton said the ITF continues to have success in negotiating new contracts and securing back pay with FOC fleets. Last year alone, the organization obtained $20 million in unpaid wages and overtime. He praised the efforts of the North American labor unions, noting that they have substantially increased the number of ITF inspectors. Less encouraging is the news about piracy, Cotton pointed out. Incidents are on the rise, and 10 vessels reportedly were being detained “at this very moment,” he said. “Imagine if 10 airplanes were being held hostage. How would the world community react?” He said that labor unions worldwide have stepped up to try to help solve the problem. For example, European, American, Russian and Indian unions have been urging employers to define high-risk regions and to get more government support. Seafarers LOG 13 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department 2009 Executive Board Meeting Statements Adopted by MTD Executive Board implementing the stimulus package…. The American economy depends on the American worker. The vaunted American middle class existed because of good jobs with decent benefits that included health care and retirement provisions – all the things unions have fought for through the years…. We must push to save America’s manufacturing base, then expand it into the new jobs that will be created for the energy and environmental needs of this century. We must fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. We must overturn laws and regulations aimed at shipping jobs overseas, while leading the charge to improve working conditions around the world…. And unlike the banking bailouts of last year which were supposed to ease the credit crunch of workers and homeowners but instead supplied cover for bonus payments to executives while profits tanked, we must make sure the government’s stimulus dollars are used to help those who need them the most – the working men and women of America. Printed on this page are excerpts from some of the statements approved Feb. 26-27 by members of the Maritime Trades Department executive board. Altogether, the board adopted 16 statements aimed at mapping out strategies and reinforcing positions on issues of importance to the MTD, its affiliates and the rank-and-file members of those unions. ■ Support The Troops The men and women who wear the uniform of the United States do whatever is necessary to protect freedom and fight tyranny wherever that call to arms occurs. We know these people are brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts. We also know many of them are union members…. The men and women who load and crew the U.S.-flag vessels that supply these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines continue to answer the call to duty as well. They realize their on-time delivery of materiel could mean the difference between life and death. That is why the MTD along with our affiliates and Port Maritime Councils again affirm our unqualified support for the brave members of America’s armed forces. May they perform their jobs well and come home safely to those who love and miss them. ■ Commercial Shipbuilding Industry The economic importance of a vibrant shipbuilding industry cannot be overstated. As a bipartisan coalition of 57 Senators and Representatives noted earlier this year, the industry, directly and indirectly, employs an estimated 400,000 people nationwide. Facilities include six major shipbuilding yards, several smaller ship construction and repair yards, and more than 4,000 major manufacturers of ship components and systems. The MTD, its affiliates and its Port Maritime Councils call upon Congress and the new administration to fund the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program. This is a sure way to stimulate the economy with good jobs and need vessels for the U.S.-flag fleet. ■ America’s Marine Highway System Promoted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, “America’s Marine Highway” seeks to ease congestion on America’s highway and rail systems by making better use of the nation’s waterborne resources. Recent economic studies show the wisdom of this approach. By relieving congestion in other modes of transportation, ocean-borne commerce can improve U.S. productivity rates, ease pollution and create new jobs, including many in the maritime sector. Also known as “short sea shipping,” the approach has won widespread support in the maritime industry, including from many affiliates of the MTD. The Department has long believed that “short sea shipping” has the potential for advancing many important national goals, as long as the integrity of U.S. cabotage laws like the Jones Act is respected. ■ Salute To First Responders Last month, the world witnessed what happens when well-trained workers go from handling their daily tasks to immediate first responders. The lives of all 155 people aboard a crippled U.S. Airways jet forced to ditch in New York’s Hudson River were saved. Did we happen to mention that all those who reacted so quickly without question were union members?! Yes, we have to mention that because you wouldn’t find that fact in any of the major media outlets. From the pilots and flight attendants aboard the jet to the air traffic controllers clearing the skies, from the mariners racing to the scene to the police officers and fire fighters who jumped aboard those vessels as they left port, all involved in the safety of the passengers were union members who had received safety training in case the totally unexpected were to happen. ■ Support For The New Administration Over the past year, President Obama was very clear about the need to preserve 14 Seafarers LOG Maritime Trades Department VP Ernest D. Whelan reads one of the statements during the most recent MTD meeting. America’s maritime industry and the important role that it plays in the defense and economic development of the nation. He has promised to support such vitally important programs as cargo preference, the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program. Moreover, important members of Congress are urging him to include monies in his stimulus package that would promote port modernization, humanitarian food aid, naval and commercial shipbuilding and America’s Marine Highway…. Above all else, we applaud President Obama’s commitment to sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law. ■ Maritime Security Program The need for rapid response of equipment for the U.S. military remains constant. That is why successful efforts like the Maritime Security Program (MSP) need to be in place and fully funded. The MTD and its affiliated unions have been at the forefront in support for the MSP since its inception immediately after the first Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s. America’s military planners discovered they could not count on foreign-flag crews aboard foreign-flag ships to deliver needed materiel to troops positioned around the globe the way U.S.-flag vessels with well trained and patriotic U.S.-civilian crews did.... The MSP proved to be an unqualified success. Praise has come from both Capitol Hill and the Pentagon…. Now, the MSP runs through 2016 and covers up to 60 ships. However, several times during the life of the MSP efforts have been made to cut its funding. Although the legislation creating, then extending, the MSP is 10 years in length, the program must have its funding authorized each year. The MTD, its affiliates and its Port Maritime Councils call upon the Congress and the new Barack Obama administration to make sure a program as thriving as the MSP remains in place with full funding. American troops know they can count on their Brothers and Sisters aboard U.S.-flag vessels to deliver their goods whenever and wherever duty calls. ■ Fixing The U.S. Health Care System Americans need reforms that will control rising and irrational costs; provide comprehensive, high-quality health care to all; give every family the opportunity and responsibility for preventive care; preserve the right to choose one’s own doctor; require the government to play a strong role in restoring balance to the current system; ensure more fairness and efficiency; lower employer costs and, in return, ask them to pay their fair share, along with government and individuals; and build on what is best about American health care while drawing from what works in other countries. Failure to act will only exacerbate the problem. In 2006, 47 million Americans had no health insurance. Nearly 8.7 million of those were children. Moreover, millions more are underinsured. Union members particularly have been hurt by these developments. Unions have negotiated a national standard of comprehensive health care benefits. As the cost of health care continues to spin out of control, businesses that offer the benefit are hobbled in a global marketplace and are at a competitive disadvantage here at home. ■ Pass The Employee Free Choice Act The hokum being stirred by the massive multi-million dollar campaign funded by Big Business and the Chambers of Commerce that federal labor law will be tossed on its head should the Employee Free Choice Act pass is pure garbage. The act is an effort swing the pendulum toward balancing the power structure currently controlled by business…. As for the argument that America cannot afford allowing workers a chance to improve themselves in these harsh economic times, one only needs to study history. The Wagner Act passed during the Great Depression. Unions began massive organizing campaigns that led to the creation of Social Security, health benefits, overtime regulations, workplace safety, secured pensions – the basic foundations for the great middle class. ■ Stimulate The Economy In the union movement, one four-letter word is all we need to plainly state how to stimulate the economy: JOBS! Americans want to go back to work and Americans need jobs. That is our central focus as it should be for the nation’s elected officials who are ■ Port Dredging Almost all goods that enter or exit the United States do so through a harbor. Waterborne commerce is the umbilical cord to the nation’s international trade. Yet, many of the channels needed by commercial vessels to transit America’s ports are covered with sediment and other debris…. What this means is vessels laden with American-made goods cannot carry all they are capable of holding because they would be too heavy to keep from running aground, nor can ships with imports for the U.S.-market enter due to the same concerns…. The International Union of Operating Engineers calls upon its fellow affiliates within the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO to urge Congress to pass legislation that would compel Harbor Maintenance Tax appropriations to more closely mirror the tax’s annual revenues. Similar language has been passed in previous Congresses concerning the proper use of Highway Trust Fund and Aviation Trust Fund revenues for their designated forms of transportation…. Thousands of good-paying American jobs would be created by expending Harbor Maintenance Taxes for their intended purpose: dredging America’s harbors and waterways. ■ Cargo Preference In letters sent to the presidents of the maritime unions of the MTD last year, President Obama put it best when he wrote: “A strong U.S.-flag commercial fleet needs our nation’s cargo preference laws. Whether it is carrying needed goods to those overseas in distress or moving government-generated cargo, American mariners aboard American ships make sure the job is done. People around the world look to the U.S. flag as a symbol of hope and determination. Ships flying Old Glory with American crews are important icons of our resolve.” The new Commander-in-Chief has it exactly right. Preserving the viability of the nation’s cargo preference laws is critically important. In addition to creating good-paying jobs for middle-class workers and taxes at all levels of government, a strong U.S.flag Merchant Marine promotes many defense interests – most notably, strategic sealift. The SIUNA-affiliated AMO had a strong turnout. Some of the union’s members and officials are pictured with MTD President Michael Sacco (fourth from right). April 2009 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February 16, 2009 — March 15, 2009 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Seafarers ‘Motor’ in Rolling Thunder For U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans Some SIU headquarters officials and employees are trying to determine whether there is enough interest for the union to participate in this year’s Memorial Day weekend “Rolling Thunder” event in Washington, D.C. “We would like to raise awareness concerning those who served our country on merchant vessels during times of war, supplying our troops,” one official noted. “Many of those mariners gave their lives in defense of our country.” Rank-and-file Seafarers, SIU retirees, union employees and family members who may be interested in riding at the May 24 event as part of an SIU contingent are asked to email their contact information to the following address as soon as possible: rollingthunder2009@gmail.com The Washington-based Rolling Thunder event is a yearly demonstration, largely by motorcycle riders, for POW/MIAs and veterans’ issues. According to a communication from Rolling Thunder, Inc., participants will assemble in the north Pentagon parking lot beginning at 8 a.m. They will leave at noon for the ride through D.C. to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial “to pay our respect to our brothers and sisters who gave their lives for freedom we enjoy every day and for the full accounting of all POW-MIAs and veterans’ rights. This is a demonstration – not a parade.” More information is available on the web at www.rollingthunder1.com (that’s a number “1” rather than a letter L in the address). According to the web site, Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a nonprofit organization “with over 88 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder are veterans, and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite.” April & May 2009 Membership Meetings 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 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 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 New York............................................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. April 2009 DECK DEPARTMENT 10 0 0 2 0 1 5 2 2 0 2 4 4 2 3 0 1 0 2 2 3 1 2 13 1 6 29 18 1 5 8 23 11 21 4 0 4 0 21 19 2 4 2 8 5 2 23 10 2 4 4 6 17 8 6 4 4 1 14 18 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 7 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 11 0 2 17 7 0 1 4 10 4 3 2 6 2 0 9 8 12 1 6 18 2 16 66 57 1 21 27 92 25 44 7 1 13 3 62 54 18 4 6 26 12 13 43 46 11 11 10 35 29 14 7 3 17 12 50 32 25 1 2 6 2 1 13 6 10 2 6 13 5 2 3 1 1 0 8 7 289 216 42 191 136 25 89 541 409 111 0 0 4 9 0 6 13 16 0 7 5 12 11 10 5 0 2 0 15 12 0 3 0 5 3 7 9 15 1 5 0 14 15 6 1 1 5 5 12 10 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 127 117 12 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 1 4 1 7 13 13 0 3 4 7 5 3 1 1 2 0 9 6 0 1 3 3 2 4 7 6 0 6 1 8 10 4 0 0 1 1 10 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 9 2 1 1 1 3 3 4 0 0 1 0 7 3 1 0 8 17 2 12 26 37 0 17 11 30 19 17 6 2 4 0 22 20 7 4 3 9 5 7 27 30 2 8 3 23 29 10 2 2 10 6 20 21 7 0 0 0 0 2 2 6 3 0 0 5 2 3 0 0 1 1 2 5 81 71 3 38 251 228 39 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 8 2 7 26 20 0 5 5 29 6 19 3 2 3 0 13 19 2 1 2 6 3 3 7 11 2 3 2 9 10 3 0 2 0 1 4 5 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 170 76 1 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 7 3 5 10 5 3 36 24 5 5 4 16 15 6 5 5 8 5 26 23 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 8 1 6 7 2 7 54 27 1 9 15 45 21 28 3 0 5 2 21 27 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 1 0 1 4 1 6 21 0 0 6 4 18 9 15 1 4 2 2 12 12 0 0 0 2 0 5 4 12 1 1 2 5 10 3 0 2 1 2 1 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 12 4 0 2 1 4 3 5 1 0 2 0 7 5 2 0 3 12 5 14 39 27 0 9 13 44 14 31 4 3 4 0 29 37 8 2 3 15 6 5 11 9 2 4 2 13 13 10 1 2 1 2 11 7 7 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 128 55 6 51 290 127 25 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 5 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 6 1 3 3 1 6 21 21 4 6 1 16 15 17 0 16 2 0 14 10 7 0 0 5 0 7 8 8 0 2 0 9 12 8 1 24 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 1 2 0 3 4 1 3 9 8 0 1 3 7 12 8 0 14 0 1 9 8 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 7 0 1 1 1 6 2 2 17 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 14 3 0 1 1 19 0 7 0 0 1 0 8 5 20 4 7 9 2 14 36 43 6 13 6 39 36 22 0 6 5 1 14 20 19 1 0 15 0 15 12 20 5 6 3 19 22 14 1 19 3 0 5 11 21 163 97 17 93 48 0 55 323 193 607 572 162 417 355 82 178 1137 1087 368 Seafarers LOG 15 �Inquir ing Seaf arer 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 Inquiring Seafarer questions were posed to members at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Caroline Thomas, OS Home port: New York Question: What does being a merchant mariner mean to you? “It totally changed my life. I’ve been blessed to meet and make friends of different cultures and colors from around the world. I’ve been given a chance to see the world, and make a good income, all without ever having to drive to work. I’m so proud to be a part of something that means so much to our nation and the world. For me, being a merchant mariner is priceless. I don’t think I could have had these opportunities elsewhere.” HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Francis S. Brown, OMU Home port: New Orleans HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 Question: Why are the Jones Act and U.S. Merchant Marine important? JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 “It’s about quality. American mariners have to be qualified to do certain jobs and nowhere will you find better-qualified mariners. It’s also about keeping jobs in America. During this recession, none of us can afford to have our jobs outsourced to nations that don’t offer the industry the quality and service we do. This is a great industry. I’ve had the chance to travel on the lakes, inland waterways and on salt waters and see a lot of things and meet a lot of people.” Abraham Goldberg, GVA Home port: Pascagoula, Miss. Question: Why are the Jones Act and U.S. Merchant Marine important? “They’re both vital to the U.S. economy. The U.S. economy and international transportation wouldn’t be as strong. I think without the Jones Act, U.S. competition would fall to the point where companies would turn to foreign labor. Many foreign mariners are willing to accept lower standards of life and lower shipboard living standards. This would turn back the clock in how mariner’s quality of life has improved over the years.” Mark Simpson, Chief Cook Home port: Norfolk, Va. Question: How important is the merchant marine to you? “I was in the Navy for 23 years so I saw firsthand the importance of deliveries by merchant mariners. I missed the sea when I left the Navy and started in the SIU on LMSRs. We carried a lot of tanks, humvees, MRAPs and other equipment and it made me remember how important these deliveries were. When we picked up some of the equipment to take it home, I saw the damage to it such as bullet and mortar holes, remembered how many lives this equipment saved and remembered in the Navy saying thank God for the people who delivered 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 Engine Utility James Balmy (left) and Stewart Gary Walter in 1971 tested their wits during a friendly game of pinochle in the recreation area aboard the Seafarers-crewed SL181. The newest vessel in Sea-Land’s fleet at the time, the vessel at the time this photo was taken was docked in New York Harbor. Ultra-modern in all respects, SL181was 720 feet long, 95 feet wide and boasted a dead-weight tonnage of 25,515 long tons. Her draft was 34 feet and she had a service speed of more than 23 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 16 Seafarers LOG April 2009 �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 ALBERT AUSTIN Brother Albert Austin, 65, became an SIU member in 1986 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the USNS Stalwart; his last the Cape Johnson. Brother Austin attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member continues to live in his native state of North Carolina. VIRGILIO DONGHIT Brother Virgilio Donghit, 66, joined the union in 1994 in the port of New Orleans. He initially sailed on the USNS Antares. Brother Donghit was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Donghit’s final ship was the ITB Mobile. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla. RICHARD GIBBONS Brother Richard Gibbons, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the City of Alma. Brother Gibbons, who sailed in the deck department, was born in New York. In 1964 and 1979, he enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. Brother Gibbons was last employed on the Golden Endeavor. He makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. FREDERICK GROSBEIER Brother Frederick Grosbeier, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1968. He originally shipped aboard the McKee Sons. Brother Grosbeier frequently took advantage of educational opportunities available at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in Wisconsin. Brother Grosbeier most recently worked on the PFC. James Anderson Jr. He is a resident of Paris, Tenn. HENRY HAYES Brother Henry Hayes, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1990. His first vessel was the USNS Pollux. Brother Hayes upgraded on three occasions at the union-affiliated school. He was a member of the steward depart- April 2009 ment. Brother Hayes’ final voyage was aboard the USNS Loyal. He calls Jackson, Miss., home. SANFORD KLAVANO Brother Sanford Klavano, 64, was born in Portland, Ore. He began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Seattle. Brother Klavano initially worked on the Columbia Beaver as a member of the deck department. He attended classes in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Klavano last shipped aboard the Maersk Tennessee. He resides in Auburn, Wash. RUDOLPH LOPEZ Brother Rudolph Lopez, 60, became a Seafarer in 1970. His first ship was the Peary; his last the Motivator. Brother Lopez visited the Piney Point school often during his SIU career. He was born in Texas and sailed in the engine department. Brother Lopez continues to live in his native state. JOSE RABULAN Brother Jose Rabulan, 65, started his SIU career in 1996 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His earliest trip to sea was on the USNS Kane. Brother Rabulan worked in the deck department and frequently enhanced his skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Gilliand. Brother Rabulan was born in Sorsogon, Fla., and settled in Virginia Beach, Va. PAUL SHIH Brother Paul Shih, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1989. He was originally employed on the Independence. Brother Shih was born in China. He upgraded his skills in 2000 and 2001 at the Seafarers-affiliated school. Brother Shih’s last ship was the Patriot. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and now makes his home in Honolulu. RICHARD SMALLWOOD Brother Richard Smallwood, 65, joined the union in 1970 while in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Kyska. Brother Smallwood was born in New Jersey. The engine department member attended classes on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center to upgrade his seafaring abilities. Brother Smallwood’s final voyage was on the USNS Wilkes. He is a resident of Neptune, N.J. LONNIE JOHNSON Brother Lonnie Johnson, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1981. He was mainly employed with Alabama Pilots Inc. as a member of the deck department. Brother Johnson calls Coden, Ala., home. CLAUDIO UDAN Brother Claudio Udan, 65, was born in the Philippines. He donned the SIU colors in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Udan worked in the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Trader. In 1989 and 2001, he visited the Piney Point school to upgrade. Brother Udan continues to reside in the Philippines. INLAND GREAT LAKES ALBERT HAMIEL Brother Albert Hamiel, 58, joined the Seafarers in 1969. His first ship was the Reiss Brothers; his last the Sam Laud. Brother Hamiel was born in Michigan and worked in the deck department. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school. Brother Hamiel makes his home in Manistique, Mich. department. Brother Henderson was born in Phenix City, Ala. His final trip to sea was on the Cape Avinof. GREGORY HOPKINS Brother Gregory Hopkins, 55, became an NMU member in 1977 while in the port of Houston. His earliest voyage was aboard the Gulf Crest. Brother Hopkins was born in Oakland, Calif. He most recently shipped on the Corpus Christi in the steward department. JAMES WILBY Brother James Wilby, 64, was born in Long Branch, N.J. He joined the union in 1966, initially sailing aboard the Oceanic as a member of the steward department. Brother Wilby’s last ship was the Integrity. ANTHONY ENNA Brother Anthony Enna, 55, became a union member in 1981. He sailed primarily with Crescent Towing of New Orleans for the duration of his career. Brother Enna is a New Orleans native. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Enna now lives in Metairie, La. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION CLEVE HENDERSON Brother Cleve Henderson, 55, started sailing with the NMU in 1978 from the port of Norfolk, Va. He originally sailed aboard the African Sun as a member of the steward Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 After a strike of less than one week’s duration, the SIU reached 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. lifeboat training at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. In the future, examinations for lifeboat certification will be given to seamen who attend the school after their lifeboat training without a wait to allow them to build up 90 days of sea time. Under the arrangement with the Coast Guard, seafarers who pass the examination at the end of their lifeboat training will be automatically given their lifeboat tickets after they have sailed for the required 90 days to gain certification. This Month In SIU History 1963 The SIU-manned Floridian became the first American merchant ship fired on by Cuban MIG jet airplanes when she was attacked by two of the Russian-built aircraft about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets first circled the ship for 20 minutes before opening up with machine guns. The attack came in the same waters between Florida and Cuba where Cuban MIGs attacked the American shrimp boat Ala with rockets and machine guns on Feb. 20. Seafarer Jack Nelson, an AB, took pictures of the attack from the deck. He handed the pictures over to U.S. intelligence sources in Miami when the ship docked. 1967 The U.S. Coast Guard granted approval of the 1994 Seafarers aboard the Sugar Islander helped support humanitarian efforts led by the World Food Program of Rome, Italy, when the Pacific Gulf Marine vessel delivered 20,000 metric tons of corn to the destitute country of Angola, on Africa’s west coast. “It was a very long and hard trip, but we got the job done. The entire trip took a total of 70 days, and 34 of those days were spent offloading,” AB Arthur Machado said. The crew began loading the yellow corn on March 7 in the vessel’s home port of New Orleans. On March 8, the crew finished loading and set sail for the African nation. The Sugar Islander arrived in the Angolan port of Lobito on March 29 and remained docked until April 21 when the last of the cargo was offloaded. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Depar tures DEEP SEA WILLIAM ANDERSON Pensioner William Anderson, 85, passed away Dec. 7. Brother Anderson was born in Platte City, Mo. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Anderson worked in the steward department. He retired in 1968 and made Kent, Wash., his home. KENNETH BLAIR Pensioner Kenneth Blair, 81, died Dec. 20. Brother Blair became a Seafarer in 1947 while in the port of New York. He was born in Tennessee. Brother Blair initially sailed in the deck department of a Calmar Steamship Corporation vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1992, he shipped aboard the Mariner. Brother Blair settled in McMinnville, Tenn. LEROY EDMONDSON Pensioner Leroy Edmondson, 76, passed away Dec. 30. Brother Edmondson started sailing with the union in 1969 from the port of San Francisco. The engine department member was born in Texas. Brother Edmondson’s first ship was the Belgium Victory; his last was the Sealift Antarctic. He went on pension in 1995 and called Manteca, Calif., home. ENRIQUE GARRIDO Brother Enrique Garrido, 54, died Jan. 30. He first donned the SIU colors in 1991. Brother Garrido’s earliest trip to sea was on the 18 Seafarers LOG USNS H.H. Hess. His final voyage took place aboard the Intrepid. Brother Garrido, a member of the steward department, was born in the Philippines. He lived in San Diego. TRAWN GOOCH Brother Trawn Gooch, 57, passed away Feb. 9. He joined the SIU ranks in 1969. Brother Gooch primarily sailed on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping Corporation to include the Ft. Hoskins and the El Morro. He was born in Baltimore and worked in both the engine and deck departments during his seafaring career. Brother Gooch was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. RAYMOND HODGES Pensioner Raymond Hodges, 88, died Dec. 28. Brother Hodges began sailing with the union in 1944 while in the port of Baltimore. He initially worked on a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Hodges was born in Surry, N.C. Before retiring in 1979, he was employed aboard Sea-Land’s SS Mayaguez. Brother Hodges made his home in State Road, N.C. CLAUDE HOLLINGS Pensioner Claude Hollings, 88, passed away Dec. 27. Brother Hollings was born in Alabama. He signed on with the SIU in 1941 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Hollings’ first ship was the Iberville. The steward department member last shipped on the Overseas Valdez. Brother Hollings became a pensioner in 1982 and continued to reside in his native state. SAMUEL JAMES Pensioner Samuel James, 88, died Oct. 4. Brother James, a member of the steward department, began sailing with the MC&S in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard the Santa Magdelena. Brother James was born in Pledger, Texas. His final trip to sea was on the Santa Maria. Brother James started collecting his retirement compensation in 1985. He settled in Wharton, Texas. BILLY LOCKHART Pensioner Billy Lockhart, 69, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Lockhart became a Seafarer in 1981. He originally shipped aboard a Bay Tankers Inc. vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Lockhart was born in Prattsville, Ark. His most recent ship was the Sam Houston. Brother Lockhart went on pension in 2004 and called Little Rock, Ark., home. WALLACE MASON Pensioner Wallace Mason, 85, died Feb. 1. Brother Mason started his seafaring profession in 1952. His earliest trip was on the Chiwawa. Brother Mason sailed in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the SLMP 853 Tacoma. Brother Mason was born in Hanson, Mass., but made his home in Adamsville, Tenn. He began receiving his pension in 1982. ROBERT SPENCER Pensioner Robert Spencer, 83, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Spencer first donned the SIU colors in 1948 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. He was initially employed on the Hastings as a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1994, Brother Spencer worked aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. He continued to live in his native state of Alabama. RUDOLF SPINGAT Pensioner Rudolf Spingat, 79, died Nov. 29. Brother Spingat joined the MC&S in 1966 while in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was on the Santa Magdelena. Brother Spingat’s final trip to sea was aboard the Chief Gadao. The Germanborn mariner shipped in the steward department. Brother Spingat retired in 1998. He was a resident of Spain. INLAND WILLIAM BURRISS Pensioner William Burriss, 69, passed away Feb. 21. Brother Burriss was born in Cumberland, N.C. He signed on with the union in 1963. Brother Burriss primarily sailed on vessels operated by Cape Fear Towing Company. He became a pensioner in 1994 and settled in Wilmington, N.C. JENETA KUPPE Pensioner Jenetta Kuppe, 77, died Jan. 12. Sister Kuppe began shipping with the SIU in 1987 while in St. Louis. She worked aboard Orgulf Transportation Company vessels for the duration of her career. Sister Kuppe sailed in the steward department. She started collecting retirement stipends in 1997. Sister Kuppe was born in Union City, Tenn., but called Hickman, Ky., home. JIMMY MCNUTT Pensioner Jimmy McNutt, 73, passed away Jan. 10. Brother McNutt joined the union ranks in 1980. The deck department member was mainly employed on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Brother McNutt was born in Alabama. He went on pension in 2004 and called Gulfport, Miss., home. WILLIAM MILLER Pensioner William Miller, 81, died Feb. 4. Brother Miller started sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. He was born in Maryland and worked in the deck department. Brother Miller mostly shipped with McAllister Towing of Baltimore. He retired in 1984 and lived in Edgemere, Md. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Baptiste, Audley Centeno, Roberto Cisneros, Jorge Cruel, Julius Dufresne, Alfred Gaspard, Lawrence Henley, Samuel La Forgia, Nicholas La Rocque, Alvan Lewis, William Logston, Von Lopez, Pablo Lopez, Phillip Marrero, George Morgan, Joe O’Connell, Arthur Padilla, Wilfredo Polk, Washington Pope, William Reese, John Richardson, Fred Rolling, Leo Taylor, Thurston Thurman, Willmon Youngblood, Duane Age 94 83 81 95 80 84 92 82 82 87 83 85 93 77 71 75 81 85 91 73 83 79 89 85 61 DOD Jan. 6 Jan. 25 Feb. 5 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 18 Jan. 8 Feb. 13 Jan. 8 Feb. 13 Dec. 26 Dec. 31 Jan. 13 Feb. 7 Jan. 18 Feb. 5 Jan. 23 Feb. 11 Nov. 13 Feb. 9 Feb. 8 Jan. 17 Jan. 27 Jan. 15 Feb. 8 April 2009 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), Jan. 4 – Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Jeffery L. Smith, Educational Director Odilio G. Evora. Chairman praised crew for their hard work and positive attitude in the cold and icy conditions while in Valdez, Alaska. He informed Seafarers that 60-day stores would be purchased in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary talked about the coming flu season and the impact it could have on them. He went over ways to reduce exposure and curb the spread of the virus. Crew members were thanked for their positive response to the elimination of paper cups. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of Piney Point school to enhance their skills. He also reminded them to stay abreast of deadline for document renewals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew decided on new lounge furniture arrangement and discussed getting satellite internet. CHARLESTON (USCS Transport), Jan. 30 – Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Abraham M. Martinez, Educational Director David Spaulding, Deck Delegate Eddie L. Major, Steward Delegate George A. Burgos. Chairman 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. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to increase pension, medical and dental benefits. Seafarers requested the union look into getting cable boxes for each crew member’s room and they could pay a monthly fee. FLORIDA (Maersk Line, Limited), Jan. 20 – Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Christina Nuttier, Educational Director Jeffery D. Levie, Deck Delegate Jon P. Dillon. Chairman thanked crew for their help, cooperation and understanding during the transition to the new ship. Secretary read and discussed letter from Maersk Line, Limited concerning vessel orientation. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that some equipment has been stored for transfer onto the new vessel. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., and Houston. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 26 – Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Pablo C. Alvarez, Deck Delegate Floyd Patterson, Steward Delegate Consulalia M. Oatis. Bosun announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 1. He asked the mariners to leave rooms clean for next crew members joining vessel. Secretary discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He requested crew fill in their completion of rotation form. Educational director advised members to keep up with the latest union news. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase pension benefits. Crew noted the trip went smoothly. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), Jan. 30 – Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Edvaldo C. Viana, Educational Director Mohamed Y. Abdullah, Deck Delegate Donald Wallerson, Engine Delegate Mike Andrucovici, Steward Delegate Jerry E. Stuart. Chairman stated payoff would take place in Port Elizabeth, N.J., on Feb. 2. He thanked Seafarers for a smooth, safe trip. Members were asked to 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. Golden State Ties up in Wilmington The Seafarers-crewed Golden State in February tied up in the Port of Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent Jeff Turkus, while servicing the vessel, had an opportunity to meet and chat with members of the crew. The photo above captures some of that interaction. Pictured in the back row (from left to right) are: AB Sergey Sitnikov, Pumpman Oscar Garcia, Bosun Burkley Cooper, ACU Cesar Santos and Apprentice Timoth Hess. In the front row are AB Dennis Bracamonte, Oiler Arlyn Fernandez, Recertified Steward Reynaldo Magpale, Port Agent Turkus and Apprentice Monserrate Blass. leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for relief. 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. Requests were made for new blankets, quilts, pillows and an extra dryer. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. Next port: Newark, N.J. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, ITB Jacksonville at Sea Limited), Jan. 25 – Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Steward Delegate Natividad A. Zapata. Chairman announced payoff on Jan. 28 in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew for doing their jobs well and safely; no lost time injuries in over 2,000 days. Departing mariners were asked to leave cabins neat for arriving crew and put keys on the desk. Educational director suggested crew check out what the Piney Point school has to offer. Treasurer reported $2,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to reduce age required to retire. Next ports: Newark, N.J., and Norfolk, Va. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), Jan.12 – Chairman Jesse Natividad, Secretary Exxl C. Ronquillo, Educational Director Christopher Eason, Deck Delegate Joseph B. Thielman, Steward Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Bosun noted payoff would take place at sea on Jan. 20 and expressed his gratitude to the steward department for excellent meals. Secretary thanked everyone for their help keeping ship clean, especially stripping and waxing rooms. He urged all Seafarers to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) fund. Educational director advised members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed contract provisions pertaining to hazardous cargo, and method by which they should be informed when vessel is transporting such cargo. The union-contracted ITB Jacksonville recently completed a humanitarian voyage to East Africa. During a segment of the return trip, Chief Steward Peter Crum snapped the photo which appears above. Pictured are the vessel’s officers and crew as they celebrate following an on-board cook-out. April 2009 MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), Feb. 15 – Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Alan A. Rogers II, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama, Engine Delegate Alcido Lopes. Chairman expressed appreciation for everyone being safety conscious and looking out for shipmates. Secretary reported stores would be purchased in Virginia. He thanked crew members for pitching in and keeping house clean. No disputed OT reported; beef reported in the engine department which will be taken care of in Newark, N.J., at payoff. Next ports: Newark, N.J., and Charleston, S.C. MAERSK MICHIGAN (Maersk Line, Limited), Feb. 1 – Chairman David N. Martz, Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Sheldon S. Greenberg, Deck Delegate Cornelio M. Bartolome, Steward Delegate Charles R. Rumble. Chairman reported new dryers were being installed. He asked everyone to keep noise down and be careful closing doors so they don’t slam. Educational director encouraged mariners to be mindful of their responsibilities and contractual duties. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to raise pension benefit amounts and lower sea time requirements. Next port: Greece. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), Feb. 8 – Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Hernegildo Batiz, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Engine Delegate James A. McRevy Jr., Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman recommended mariners review contracts and the Seafarers LOG to stay informed on matters that affect them and the maritime industry. Secretary discussed the need for crew members to keep all paperwork up-to-date. Educational director advised crew to attend classes at the union-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made concerning medical benefits. Members requested satellite TV in everybody’s room and new mattresses. Seafarers LOG 19 �New Law Contains Tax Breaks For Working Families Editor’s note: This article was prepared by the accounting firm Buchbinder Tunick & Company LLP. $46,700 for individual taxpayers, and $70,950 for married couples filing joint returns. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law. While many people associate this tax act with bailouts and business stimulus packages, there are numerous deductions and tax credits that affect individual taxpayers as well. This summary will list some of the more common provisions of the act that may affect working families, including mariners. American Opportunity Education Credit Making Work Pay Credit More than 95 percent of working families in the United States will be eligible to receive this refundable tax credit, which can be up to $400 for individuals and up to $800 for working families. The credit is for tax years 2009 and 2010. This benefit can either be claimed on a tax return, or an employer may reduce the amount of Federal Income Tax Withholding that is deducted from each paycheck an individual receives. This tax credit begins to phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples that file joint returns). Increased Refundable Child Tax Credit For 2009 and 2010, the refundable portion of the child tax credit will be calculated as 15 percent of earned income over $3,000. Previously, the credit was calculated as 15 percent of earned income over $8,500. The total child tax credit remains unchanged at up to $1,000 per qualifying child. Increased Transit Benefits Starting in March 2009, the amount of transit benefits an employee may receive from his or her employer that is free from payroll, federal, and state and local income taxes, has been increased to $230 per month, and will be indexed annually beginning in 2010. This increase brings the amount of tax-free transit benefits up to the amount already allowable for parking benefits issued by an employer. AMT Relief For taxpayers that are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), the act will provide some relief from the AMT by extending nonrefundable personal credits, and increasing the AMT exemption amount to This credit replaces the old HOPE education credit, increases the number of taxpayers eligible to claim the credit, and increases the maximum amount of the credit. Taxpayers may claim this credit for themselves and their dependents for all four years (up from the first two years) they are enrolled in college. The credit is calculated at 100 percent of the first $2,000 paid during the year for tuition and related expenses (including books), and 25 percent of the next $2,000 paid for these qualifying expenses, for a total maximum credit of $2,500. This credit can be claimed per student. Additionally, 40 percent of the amount of this credit is deemed to be refundable. This tax credit begins to phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples that file joint returns). Above-the-line Deduction for Vehicle Sales Taxes For new vehicles purchased after February 17, 2009 and before January 1, 2010, a taxpayer may deduct any state and local sales or excise taxes paid that are attributed to the first $49,500 of a new car, light truck, recreational vehicle, or motorcycle. This deduction begins to phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $125,000 ($250,000 for married couples that file joint returns). Tax Break on Unemployment Benefits For 2009, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits received will not be subject to federal income tax. Additionally, through December 31, 2009, the act continues the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program which provides up to 33 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to workers exhausting their regular benefits, and increases the amount of weekly benefits by $25. Residential Energy Efficiency Improvements Expanded 529 Plan Qualifying Education Credit Expenses For 2009 and 2010, the new act has tripled the tax Distributions from 529 education plans may now be expended on computers and computer technology in addition to tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and books. Refundable First-time Home Buyer Credit Taxpayers who are first-time home buyers (taxpayers who had no present ownership interest in a principal residence for the three-year period ending on the closing date of the new home purchase), may claim this credit, valued at the lesser of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home or $8,000, if their new home is purchased after December 31, 2008 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the previously existing $7,500 first-time home buyer’s credit, the new $8,000 credit does not have to be repaid unless the taxpayer sells the home within three years. This tax credit begins to phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples that file joint returns). Please note that an individual can make a special election to claim this credit on his or her 2008 tax return. If a person has already filed his or her 2008 tax return, an amended return may be filed rather than waiting to receive the credit by filing the 2009 tax return. credit for residential energy efficiency. Taxpayers may now claim a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the amount expended for qualified energy efficient improvements made to existing homes, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500. Qualified energy efficient improvements include electric heat pumps, central air conditioners, water heaters, wood stoves, natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces and hot water heaters, exterior windows, doors, skylights, and insulation. It is important to note that the efficiency standards used to qualify for the credit have been increased to a higher standard. Please check with the IRS web site (www.irs.gov) for more details. Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit Taxpayers who purchase a qualified plug-in electric vehicle after February 17, 2009 and before 2012 may claim a credit ranging from $2,500 up to over $7,000 for the first 200,000 units the manufacturer sells. Once the manufacturer records its 200,000th sale, the credit is reduced in subsequent quarters. This credit is allowed against the alternative minimum tax. Additionally, there is a separate credit valued at 10 percent, up to $4,000, for the cost of converting a motor vehicle to a plug-in electric drive motor vehicle. 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. April 2009 �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 Basic Firefighting/STCW May 11 May 25 July 20 May 15 May 29 July 24 MSC Small Arms (Company designees) April 20 May 18 April 24 May 22 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 27 June 22 May 22 July 17 Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) April 13 April 17 Fast Rescue Boat June 29 July 3 Government Vessels June 1 July 27 June 5 July 31 Lifeboatman June 8 June 19 Radar Renewal April 20 April 20 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman May 4 May 15 Tank Ship Familiarization/Assistant Cargo DL May 18 May 29 Tank PIC Barge DL May 11 May 15 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 March 23. 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 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. Advanced Refrigerated Container June 22 July 17 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) May 25 June 19 FOWT April 27 June 22 May 22 July 17 Marine Electrician May 11 July 3 Marine Refrigeration Technician May 4 June 12 Machinist June 1 June 19 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Pumpman June 22 July 3 Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later Welding May 4 June 1 May 22 June 19 Important Notice discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take Safety Specialty Courses their places Basic Firefighting/STCW May 4 May 9 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________________ April 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. 4/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 714 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Nofoalii Aiaga, Brandon Braam, Joseph Brewer, John Cooper, Carlos Davila, Julian Davila, Devarian Durant, Alejandro Esparza, Kelly Forbis, Lamont Green, Kevin Jenkins, Adam McLaughlin, Anthony Pena, Gary Richards, Jose Rivas Escudero, Ricky Rivers Martinez, Curtis Royal, Cedric Short and Shatina Wright. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. Marine Electrician – Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 715 recently completed training in the water survival course. Graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Brandy Baker-Days, Paul Cooper, Will Dalton, Todd Favaza, Amber Fisher, Jon Garland, Thomas Garland, Charles Harris Jr., Joshua Harris, Antoine Hoggard, James Honaker, Thomas Huminski, Johnny Hunter, Russell Macomber, Sean Mannix, Juan Negron-Miro, Valentine Okei, Luis Ramos-Rose and Jonathan Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Five upgraders on Feb. 27 completed training in this 280-hour course. Pictured with the members of his class (above, left) is Instructor Jay Henderson. Class members (from left to right) were: Carmelo Collazo, Michael Lais, Charles Sneed, Jerome Culbreth and Christopher Earhart. OSG Cooks (Tugboat) – Five individuals, all employees of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, on Feb. 13 graduated from this steward department course. Those graduating (above, from left to right) were Richard Dean, Noah Metzger, Bob Simpson, John Mackey and Richard Edward. John Dobson, 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. Advanced Container Maintenance – One upgrader on Jan 30 completed training requirements for this course. Graduating from the course (above, right) was Samuel Addo. His instructor, Calvin Beal, is at left. 22 Seafarers LOG FOWT – Eighteen mariners on Feb. 27 completed their requirements for graduation from this course. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Chris Shiralieu, Patrick Milton, Joangel Sierra, George Santiago, Tonya Gist, Mark Merenda, Joshua Johnson, Larry Locke, Spencer Hiruko, Algernon Ramseur, DeMorris Duggins, Marlon Green, Kareem Walters, James Fells, Robert Orloff, Fred Nyarro, Jose Orengo and Ashley Carmichael. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at far left). April 2009 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization (Phase III) — Two classes of Phase III apprentices on Jan. 23 completed their training requirements in this 63-hour class. Graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Bryan Alflen, James Baldwin, Sarah Billingsley, Rashid Body, Ernest Bullock Jr., Larry Byrd, Charlotte Chastain, Erik, Clausen, Prentice Conley, Jack Corn, Scott Daly, Andrew Delutis, Van Dixon, Jarrell Dorsey, Christopher Funderbuck Jr., James Grant, Ian Harding, Byran Howell, Aretta Jones, Byran Howell, Aretta Jones, Ryan Klinewski, Joshua Luna, Celso Maldonado-Rivera, Marqualis Matthews, Devin McCoy, Douglas McLaughlin, Nekesha Miller, Mitchell Newingham, Jeremy Paschke, Thomas Reed II, Maurice Reine, Jonathan Rivera-Rodriguez, Andre Robinson Sr., Chenequa Rodriguez, Yatniel Sanchez-Padilla, Michael Spirit, Jesse Sunga, Richard Vega, Charles Wescott, Devin Wood and Lee Wright. Marine Refrigeration Technician – Four upgraders completed this course on March 20. Graduating (above, beginning second from left) were Jessie Vlibus, Jomar Rodriguez, Mark Ponzatuwsky and Roger Dillinger Jr. Their instructor, Calvin Beal, is at far left. Tank Ship Familiarization DL - The following upgraders (above, in no particular order) on Feb. 20 completed their training in this 63-hour course: Steven Hoskins, Alfred Martin, Oleg Derun, Jethro Powers, Ahmed Ali, Parris Mancuso, Alex Busby, Michael Presser, Donivan McCants, Mauricio Elopre, Bobby Darku, Anita Santos, Charles Horton, John Williamson and Haeven Bautista. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is at far right. Crowd Management (Hawaii) – The following eight individuals (above, in no particular order) graduated from this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Mamadou Diallo, John Minutillo, Vincent Atillo, Efren Pahinag, Kelly Stier, Timothy Griffin, Andrew Christensen and Ahmed Omer. Able Seaman – Ten mariners on Feb. 13 completed their training requirements for this course. In photo above, Instructor Bernabe Pelingon (left) joins class graduates (in no particular order) Richardo Grushkin, Winston Franks, Deniel Thompson, Roy Logan, Robert Brackbill, Steven Sidler, Enchantress Johnson, Robert Day, Johnathan McNeil and Matthew Martinson. Marine Electrician – Eight upgraders on Dec. 19 completed their training requirements for this 280-hour course. Graduating and receiving certificates (photo at right, in alphabetical order) were: Ray Avie Jr., Rigoberto Beata, Martin Hamilton, Benny Orosco, Hashiem Pittman, David Spaulding, Daryl Thomas and Philander Walton. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. April 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 71, Number 4 April 2009 T-AKE Ship Brashear Delivered - Page 4 The 2008 Toys for Tots campaign in the Port of Tacoma was a hugh success. Clockwise from left, bikes and a variety other toys are staged for collection in the hiring hall. GUDE Alfredo Genio, AB Morgan Piper and Patrolman Kris Hopkins make their donations for the effort while Sgt. Mansoo Masga, Staff Sgt. Patrick Salmon and Lance Cpl. Ben Abraham pose in front of a vehicle which has been loaded to capacity with toys donated to the Toys for Tots campaign by Tacoma-area Seafarers. At Port of Tacoma Toys for Tots Huge Success A number of children in the Tacoma Wash., area had a more enjoyable Christmas thanks to the generosity of Seafarers. SIU members in and around the port of Tacoma, while participating in the U.S. Marine Corps’- sponsored Toys for Tots campaign donated six new bicycles and more than 100 toys to some 30 families (50 children) during the 2008 Christmas holiday season. The effort represented the single largest donation in the Tacoma area for the second consecutive year, according to Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo. The items were donated from Oct. 1 through Dec. 14 in the hiring hall. Union members collected the items following the hall’s annual holiday luncheon. With the assistance of Staff Sgt. Patrick Salmon and fellow Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Command, 12th Marine Corps District in Tacoma, members following the luncheon collected and loaded the toys into two large vehicles for distribution. “The year 2008 was tough for families in the Tacoma area as well as throughout the nation,” Vincenzo said. “With unemployment soaring, many men and women were unable to provide even the basic necessities such as putting food on the table for their children, let alone Christmas gifts. “Many have been victimized because of huge layoffs,” he continued. “Unlike them however, we still have good union paying jobs and because of that we are in position to help. “I am personally honored and privileged to have been a part of this worthy goodwill effort,” he concluded, “and I am extremely proud of how our membership responded to those needing assistance in our community.” The 2008 Toys for Tots campaign in the Port of Tacoma was an overwhelming success. Besides rank-and-file members, others responsible (above, left to right) included Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo, Safety Director Ryan Palmer, Tacoma Adminintrative Assistant Brenda Flesner, Staff Sgt. Patrick Salmon, Lance Cpl. Ben Abraham, Patrolman Kris Hopkins and Sallie Shawl, director, Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful. In photo below, GUDE Alfredo Genio (foreground, center), other Seafarers and guests partake in the hiring hall’s annual Christmas luncheon. At the conclusion of the luncheon, members loaded items donated for the Toys for Tots campaign into vehicles for distribution. Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo (right in photo above, wearing white shirt) thanks Tacoma-area Seafarers for their genorosity during the port’s 2008 Toys for Tots campaign. In photo below, Vincenzo (left) chats with Recertified Bosun Tony Gurney, Staff Sergeant Salmon and Lance Corporal Abraham during the hiring hall’s Christmas luncheon. � 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 April 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CHINESE VESSELS SHADOW, HARASS UNARMED U.S. SURVEILLANCE SHIP MTD CHARTS COURSE FOR STRENGTHENING WORKERS’ RIGHTS, AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET MEMBERS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT AT GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK MSC ACCEPTS DELIVERY OF AMMO SHIP USNS BRASHEAR FROM NASSCO TRANSITION TO NEW MARINER CREDENTIAL BEGINS MID-APRIL AFL-CIO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WELCOMES PLEDGES OF SUPPORT FROM OBAMA, BIDEN U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TOPS 8 PERCENT FERRY CREWS RECEIVE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS CIVMAR-MANNED USNS BRIDGE WINS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD MAERSK SHIPS ACHIEVE SAFETY MILESTONES IN LATE 2008 STEWARD RECALLS ANTARCTIC JOURNEY UNION-AFFILIATED SCHOOL TESTS ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICE PROGRAM AB ABOARD GREEN RIDGE RECALLS POIGNANT MOMENT PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE SPOTLIGHT COMMANDER CITES CRUCIAL LABOR ‘PARTNERSHIP’ ‘A TIME OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY’ CONGRESSMAN PLEDGE CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR MARITIME, OTHER PRO-WORKER ISSUES TOUGH TIMES BUT NEW TONNAGE STILL COMING NY WATERWAY RECOGNIZED FOR RESCUE ON HUDSON EFCA REMAINS PRIORITY FOR ORGANIZED LABOR STATEMENTS ADOPTED BY MTD EXECUTIVE BOARD SEAFARERS ‘MOTOR’ IN ROLLING THUNDER FOR U.S. MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS TOYS FOR TOTS HUGE SUCCESS 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 04/01/2009 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. 4 2009 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/2eb8403fcfe26f6b2658cbb6e49024e3.pdf 7eeb839684b391fb3e4910a1297cbee2 PDF Text Text 54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:04 PM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 6 June 2009 2 More Tankers Christened SIU-Contracted Fleet Continues Adding New Tonnage As this edition of the LOG went to press, christening ceremonies were scheduled for the double-hulled tankers Overseas Nikiski (top photo) and Pelican State (directly below). The vessels reflect the steady addition of new tonnage into the Seafarerscontracted fleet. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard built the Overseas Nikiski, while General Dynamics NASSCO constructed the Pelican State. Page 3. Maritime Labor Testifies on Piracy D.C. Events Honor U.S. Mariners The SIU had a typically strong turnout May 22 for this year’s National Maritime Day events in Washington, D.C. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (right) was the featured speaker at the morning ceremony and at the traditional luncheon. Among those in the group photo below are SIU President Michael Sacco (center), MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO John Reinhart and students from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Page 5. Representatives from the SIU and other U.S. maritime unions have taken their united voice to Capitol Hill to call for protection of American-flag ships sailing in dangerous waters. Pictured at a May 20 hearing of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation are (right to left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, AMO Legislative Affairs Director Paul Doell, MM&P Executive Assistant to the President Mike Rodriguez and MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Bill Van Loo. Page 3. Ceremony Recognizes Efforts of Mariners in ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ Medals were presented on May 13 to Seafarers and other rescuers involved in the “Miracle on the Hudson.” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood handed out the awards during a ceremony in New York City. At right, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine (left) congratulates NY Waterway founder Arthur Imperatore (right) and SIU Capt. Vincent Lombardi. Page 4. Scholarship Winners Announced Pages 2, 7 Charter Member Likes Union’s Direction Page 6 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 5:49 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t New Tonnage and Better Days Ahead It has taken a while, but we’re finally starting to read and hear about cautious projections for an eventual economic recovery in the U.S. For example, the White House last month reported on significant progress stemming from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, including job creation and the funding of more than 3,000 transportation construction projects in all 50 states. Some economists are also saying they see hints of a recovery, and Federal Reserve policymakers in late May said they notice “tentative evidence” of improvement. While those reports and forecasts aren’t cause for celebration, they beat the gloomand-doom accounts that have been in the news for so long. There’s still a long way to go, of course, and on balance, things may even get a little worse before they get better. In the SIU, we are well-positioned to ride Michael Sacco out this economic storm. One reason we’re in good shape is because we have jobs in so many sectors of the industry. Just like one of the basic rules of investing money is to diversify, we don’t put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to employment for the membership. We have jobs aboard deep-sea commercial ships sailing internationally and in the domestic trades. We have jobs aboard privately owned military support vessels and on government-owned ships. We have jobs on the Great Lakes and in the inland sector, including aboard tugboats, dredges, self-unloaders and more. We have jobs aboard passenger ferries and on the only American-flag, deep-sea cruise ship. Obviously, our industry and our contracted operators still are feeling the effects of the rough economy just like everyone else. But we have reason for long-range optimism, and part of the foundation for that belief can be seen in all the new tonnage coming into our fleet. The new tanker programs in Philadelphia and San Diego (for OSG and U.S. Shipping, respectively) are moving right along. Crowley is bringing in new ATBs on schedule. APL is in the process of “flagging in” four ships. In the Government Services Division, new dry cargo-ammunition ships are being added to the fleet. These are just some of the examples reflecting our strength, our diversity and our long-term security. As always, however, the union takes nothing for granted and is constantly working to fulfill our top priority: protecting the jobs and job security of the membership. As I’ve noted in recent months, the SIU has survived tough times in the past and we will survive the current challenges, too. In fact, I believe we will come out of this recession in excellent shape, because we are examining new opportunities for our members. We just have to stay the course. Progress on Piracy, but Work Remains Piracy may be off the front pages of the nation’s newspapers, but it remains sharply in focus for the SIU and for our counterparts throughout American maritime labor. As reported elsewhere in this edition, we have been fully engaged in working to find timely, effective solutions. Inevitably, that work involves meetings and hearings – it’s simply how things get done in Washington. We are in regular contact with our contracted operators and also are communicating with the military and the administration. Some progress has been made. Understandably, for security reasons, not all the steps taken can be reported. But, the successful prevention of attacks against the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia and USNS Lewis and Clark in late May showed how the beefed-up military presence in the danger zones is working. A number of other attacks also have been turned back since the highly publicized incidents involving the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun back in April. The pirates definitely aren’t out of business, though. They have boarded other ships and undoubtedly will continue trying to attack others. We’re on record as stating that the U.S. military should provide protection for American crews aboard U.S.-flag ships. This seems especially logical when considering that most if not all of our ships in that area carry government cargo. We also understand that other solutions have to be considered in conjunction with military support. Strictly in terms of American-flag ships, one of the more interesting facts to emerge from this situation is that there aren’t very many “low and slow” vessels sailing in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. For the most part, those are the truly vulnerable ships. Protecting them must be a top priority of this nation, and our union won’t rest until effective protection is in place. Volume 71, Number 6 Rank-and-File Committee Okays SIU’s Financial Records for 2008 Seven SIU members last month reviewed and approved the union’s financial records for 2008, following careful examination of those files in Camp Springs, Md. The Seafarers – who were elected by fellow rank-andfile members to serve on the yearly financial committee – found the records in good order. In accordance with the SIU Constitution, the committee’s report will be read in all ports at the union’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. The report formally was presented to the SIU secretary-treasurer, also in accordance with the constitution. Serving on the committee following their election at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., were Seafarers Gerard Costello (chairman), Members and officials review some paperwork as the committee wraps up its duties. Tawrence Abrams, Thommie Hampton, DeCarlo Harris, Brandon Maeda, Martin Simmons and Rodger Taylor. In its report, the committee noted, “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 delegat- In accordance with the union’s constitution, the yearly financial committee examined the appropriate records last month at headquarters. Pictured above are committee members and union officials (seated, from left) Tawrence Abrams, DeCarlo Harris, Rodger Taylor, Thommie Hampton, (standing) Gerard Costello, Martin Simmons, Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Brandon Maeda and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. ed to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The report also pointed out, “Representatives of the certified public accounting firm who periodically audit the union’s books and records explained their auditing procedures for the checking of the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records. They further discussed with us the overall financial operation of the union. In addition, the secretary-treasurer worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to the committee…. All of said records were, in fact, examined by the committee.” The committee worked at SIU headquarters during the first full week of May. 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 Health and Benefits Plan Awards $132,000 in Scholarships Exemplary Seafarers, their spouses and dependents for more than 50 years have been the recipients of scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). Members of the SHBP scholarship selection committee took action to continue that tradition April 24 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, when they chose eight individuals – two active Seafarers and six dependents – as scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. Each of the two Seafarers will receive two-year scholarships for $6,000 while the six dependents will be awarded individual four-year scholarships for $20,000 in order to attend institutions of their choices. In total, the 2009 scholarship recipients will be awarded $132,000 from the SHBP. This year’s winners are: Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda; QMED Robert Oliveto; Jeffrey Monteiro, son of Deep Sea Engineer Francis Monteiro; Bethany Horner, daughter of inland Captain Arthur Horner; Matthew Taylor, son of inland Captain Rodger Taylor; Jillian Cairco, daughter of retired deep sea Chief Engineer Gary Jarvis; Giselle Bodden, daughter of inland AB-Tankerman Albert Bodden; and Alyssa Rothschild, daughter of inland Chief Mate Robert Rothschild. The scholarship recipients were selected by a group of distinguished professional educators: Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired); Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gustavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). See Page 7 for brief biographical backgrounds, scholastic accomplishments and educational goals of each of the above college-bound scholarship recipients. June 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 The 2009 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee on April 24 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, chose eight individuals as recipients of $132,000 in scholarships. After making their selections, committee members joined SIU Assistant Plans Administrator Kitty Eno (third from right in photo above) and SIU Deputy Assistant Plans Administrator Miriam Bove (third from left) for this photo. Committee members (from left) were: ; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gustavus Adolphus College; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired); and Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 3 2 More Tankers Christened APL Containership Reflags Under Stars and Stripes The nationwide economic slowdown has not prevented substantial progress in several new-build programs affecting Seafarers, as evidenced in part by christenings that were scheduled to take place in late May and early June. The double-hulled tanker Pelican State was slated for christening May 30 (after press time) at San Diego’s NASSCO shipyard. The vessel is a product carrier built for Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners. Overall, the shipyard is under contract to build nine tankers for U.S. Shipping. Earlier this year, the first vessel in the series – the Golden State – completed sea trials and was delivered. Each tanker in the program will be 600 feet long and 49,000 DWT, with a cargo capacity of approximately 331,000 barrels. They will carry petroleum and chemical products between U.S. ports – commerce that is covered by the Jones Act, which stipulates that cargo moving from one domestic port to another be carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Progress continues on the East Coast, too, where Aker Philadelphia Shipyard was scheduled to conduct a naming ceremony in early June for its latest double-hulled tanker: the Seafarers-contracted Overseas Nikiski. It will be operated by Overseas Shipholding Group, as are the previously built vessels in the 12-ship program (Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas Texas City and Overseas Boston). Meanwhile, Seafarers-contracted American President Lines planned to reflag the containership APL Pearl under the Stars and Stripes June 1 in Charleston, S.C. Overall, the company is bringing four ships into its U.S.-flag fleet, with Seafarers filling all of the unlicensed positions aboard two of the vessels (APL Pearl and APL Cyprine) and manning the steward-department slots aboard the two others (APL Agate and APL Japan). Members of the union’s Government Services Division also see ongoing advancement in the military’s T-AKE program, taking place at NASSCO. The shipyard has delivered seven of the dry cargoammunition ships to the U.S. Navy and is under contract to build five to seven additional ships in the Lewis and Clark class. Two of those vessels (the USNS Charles Drew and USNS Washington Chambers) are under construction. The Pelican State underwent sea trials May 13 in San Diego, Calif. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) tells members of a House subcommittee about safety training conducted at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. AMO Director of Legislative Affairs Paul Doell is seated at Tellez’s right during the May 20 hearing. Unions Testify on Piracy American maritime labor has stated its unified position on piracy via a letter to President Obama and through joint testimony submitted at two recent Congressional hearings. Meanwhile, SIU headquarters officials recently participated in anti-piracy meetings with high-ranking U.S. military leaders and government officials. While not ruling out other possible solutions, the SIU, American Maritime Officers (AMO), Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), and Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) essentially told the president and Congress that the best short-term answer to preventing attacks on American-flag commercial vessels is to provide military protection. In the letter to President Obama, the four union presidents (Michael Sacco of the SIU, Tom Bethel of AMO, Don Keefe of MEBA and Tim Brown of MM&P) noted, “We believe that the most effective step that must be taken to prevent further aggressive action against U.S.flag commercial vessels and their crews is for our government to immediately provide U.S.-flag vessels with the force protection necessary to prevent any further acts of piracy against them. There should be no question but that it is the responsibility of the United States government to provide the protection necessary to ensure the safety of life and property aboard United States-flag vessels. When a vessel flies the United States flag it becomes an extension of the United States itself, regardless of where in the world the vessel is operating.” The unions later expanded on those points, first at a May 5 hearing conducted by the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, and then at a May 20 hearing conducted by the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. At the latter hearing, and in reference to finding practical but timely solutions to piracy, Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) stated, “We want this thing done right, but we want to get it done.” That sentiment is shared by maritime labor and, undoubtedly, by other segments of the industry, too. While some of the steps taken to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa remain closely guarded, it appears progress has been made since the SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun were attacked in separate incidents in April. At least three U.S.-flag ship operating companies have hired armed guards for their vessels sailing in dangerous waters, and the international military presence there has been bolstered. Several attempted attacks by pirates have been turned back, including one against the Seafarers-crewed USNS Lewis and Clark (see story, page 4) and one against the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia on May 22. Canadian and Italian naval helicopters turned back the attempted attack on the Maersk Virginia in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard in mid-May issued an anti-piracy directive calling for updated vessel security plans. The agency also reported that since the attacks against the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun, Continued on Page 13 Training, Drills Pay Off Aboard Liberty Sun The captain and crew of the Liberty Sun said there’s no doubt that preparation – including fire fighting training and shipboard anti-piracy drills – proved valuable when the vessel came under attack April 15 near the Gulf of Aden. “We had practiced what to do in case it happened, and everybody did their job,” said Recertified Bosun Mark Downey. “The guys did great. Everybody knew where to go.” “Everybody pulled their weight, apprentices included, and we had a lot of help from the U.S. Navy,” stated Captain Donald Grosse, the ship’s master. “Our preparations were up to the task.” The incident occurred one week after the highly publicized boarding of another SIUcrewed ship, the Maersk Alabama. In the Liberty Sun’s case, pirates fired bullets and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) but didn’t attempt to climb aboard. “We weren’t expecting RPG fire,” Downey noted. “It sounded like you were in a metal box getting hit by sledgehammers. We figured they might take some potshots at us, but after we’d heard about the threats of violence against the next American crew if they were captured, we June 2009 knew it was more than just the pirates wanting the ship. If they did get on board, they were planning on killing somebody.” While the ship wasn’t boarded, one of the RPGs caused a fire on the Liberty Maritime vessel. Unlicensed Apprentices Ken Stearns and Bill Waldmann used portable extinguishers to put out the fire. “My fire fighting training from Piney Point came in quite handy,” Stearns said in reference to time spent at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. “I think it’s a very good school. The instructors there are top-notch.” Concerning the attack, Stearns observed, “The crew did a good job. I was on the bridge wing at the time…. I think everybody was scared, but it didn’t interfere with what had to be done. It happened fast and everybody did what they were told.” He added that the experience won’t prevent him from continuing with the apprentice program. “Oh, absolutely – I’ll keep going,” Stearns said. “That’s the only reason I got off the ship (so he could return to the school for the next phase of training). I plan on eventually getting my master’s license.” Waldmann said he, too, will move ahead with the program. “Oh, yeah, definitely. I’m not going to let this scare me away,” said Waldmann. “The school is well worth it – well worth the time. It’s a necessity to get the background.” He added, “The training on the ship was helpful. We had practice runs and meetings over what to do. As far as the school goes, going through fire fighting definitely helped, as did learning how to handle the hoses. Luckily, we didn’t have to use any first aid or CPR, but if something had happened….” After the attack, the vessel received assistance from the USS Bainbridge – a Navy destroyer which, ironically, was transporting Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips at that time. The Navy personnel “were great,” Downey said. Waldmann described them as “real nice guys.” Grosse said the Navy’s presence “took a lot of pressure off of us.” The captain added that the attack and the subsequent interaction with the military reminded him of the dangers routine- ly faced by our troops. “They are the real heroes,” he said. “We just had a short experience, but the reality of this existence (coming under fire) all of a sudden became very clear to us. The armed forces have to put up with incoming rounds all the time. My hat goes off to them.” Downey offered special praise for Stearns and Waldmann. “All of the apprentices I’ve sailed with have been good, but I’ve never had ones that performed like these guys,” the bosun said. “They were great and I’d welcome them back any time. Under pressure, they both acted like this was nothing new.” He also commended the work of QMED James Glover, whom Downey credited with going “above and beyond.” Seafarers aboard the Liberty Sun during the attack included Bosun Downey, ABs Thomas Conry, Jimmie Joseph, Tyrone Benjamin, Osnan Arriola and Mohammed Haruna, QMED Glover, GSTU Wilmer Alvarez, GUDEs Hector Guity and Talal Saleh, Recertified Steward Fernando Guity, Chief Cook Carlos Rosales and Unlicensed Apprentices Stearns and Waldmann. Seafarers LOG 3 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 4 New Shipping Boards in Place Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood describes the rescuers as “extraordinary men and women.” Transportation Secretary LaHood Honors Mariners from ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ Dozens of Seafarers were among those honored by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood during a May 13 ceremony in New York cele- SIU President Mike Sacco credits NY Waterway mariners for their heroic efforts. brating the safe conclusion of the “Miracle on the Hudson.” SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker at the ceremony, which took place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Along with Secretary LaHood, the other speakers included New York Governor David Paterson, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Maritime Administrator James Caponiti, NY Waterway President Arthur Imperatore and Bill White, president of the museum. SIU mariners from NY Waterway and other personnel involved in the January rescue of passengers and crew from US Airways Flight 1549 received Merchant Marine Outstanding Achievement Medals, presented by LaHood. “I congratulate our NY Waterway crews for a fantastic effort. Brothers and sisters, your lifesaving work helped lift the spirits of an entire nation,” said Sacco. The SIU president also pointed out that “virtually every person who rescued the passengers and crew from US Airways Flight 1549 was a union member. And for the most part, they all received safety training through their union-affiliated schools.” LaHood said of the mariners and other rescue personnel, “These extraordinary men and women woke up on a cold January morning, expecting an ordinary day. Yet by the time they got to bed that night, they were true heroes. Thanks to their bravery and skill, they helped save more than a hundred lives.” All 155 passengers and crew from the downed plane were saved – the vast majority having been picked up by SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries. According to the Department of Transportation, the Merchant Marine Continued on Page 13 Some of the SIU members and officials attending the ceremony are pictured at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which hosted the event. Fourth Arm of Defense Stands Up to Aggression Three recent actions against Seafarers-crewed vessels show that merchant mariners are still on the front line of unrest at sea. When Chinese vessels harassed two surveillance ships in April, it brought the total of Seafarerscrewed ships being bothered by the Chinese to at least four in two months. The latest two were the USNS Victorious and USNS Loyal. Both ships are operated by Maersk Line, Limited. The ocean surveillance ships were conducting routine exercises some 200 miles off the coast of China when fishing boats approached dangerously close. According to the Defense Department, one Chinese vessel closed to within 30 feet of the Victorious. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Williams commented, “The Chinese vessels clearly 4 Seafarers LOG As part of an upgrade to the shipping and registration system, new electronic shipping boards now are in place at the union halls. The modern system is designed to benefit members by saving time and by making more information available to them more quickly than under the old system. Related new equipment at the halls includes not only the shipping boards (the one pictured in the background above is located in Piney Point, Md.) but also scanners, state-ofthe-art computers and faster network connections. Known as SMIS (Seafarers Management Information System), the new system will be further enhanced throughout the year. Business as Usual on U.S. Shipping Vessels The union in late April informed crews aboard U.S. Shipping Partners vessels that their jobs are protected even though the company has filed for a type of bankruptcy called chapter 11. “This move does not affect operation of U.S. Shipping’s SIU-crewed vessels,” Vice President Contracts George Tricker said in a communication to the ships. “It is business as usual aboard the ships…. While I do not mean to minimize the seriousness of a chapter 11 filing, this essentially is a strategic business move designed to help ensure the company’s longterm viability.” In a prepared statement, U.S. Shipping noted, “The voluntary pre-arranged filing allows the company to continue its operations in the normal course through the financial restructuring process, providing uninterrupted service to its customers…. The plan is supported by a substantial majority of the company’s secured lenders and noteholders.” demonstrated unsafe seamanship.” In the case of the Victorious, the crew manned fire hoses and turned them on the Chinese craft without hitting them. In both instances, the Victorious and Loyal crews radioed nearby Chinese military vessels to escort their fishing vessels from the scenes. Meanwhile, civilian mariners were again in the thick of pirate hostility on May 8 aboard the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark off the east coast of Somalia. While the CIVMAR-crewed vessel was transiting north to provide logistics support for U.S. Navy and coalition ships, two pirate skiffs pursued the Lewis and Clark for more than an hour, closing to a distance of approximately one nautical mile. Once shipboard lookouts spotted the two suspected pirate skiffs, the Lewis and Clark conducted evasive maneuvers and increased speed. The ship’s embarked security team also used a long-range acoustical device to issue verbal warnings to the approaching skiffs. The pirates then fired small arms weapons from approximately two nautical miles toward the Lewis and Clark, which fell one nautical mile short of the ship’s stern. The Lewis and Clark continued to increase speed and the skiffs ceased their pursuit of the U.S. ship. According to the Navy, “Despite recent successful pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia, merchant mariners have proven successful as first-line defenders against pirates. Along with Lewis and Clark, a number of merchant vessels have conducted evasive maneuvers and other proactive defensive measures, including embarked security teams, to protect their ships and their cargoes.” In lauding the overall efforts of American Seafarers, the Navy commented in a news release, “U.S. Merchant Mariners have a long and storied history of providing direct support to U.S. military operations ashore. From re-supplying Navy ships at sea to delivering combat cargo to deployed troops in war zones, merchant mariners have played an integral logistics support role in U.S. military operations.” June 2009 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:25 PM Page 5 Retired Navy Vice Adm. Albert J. Herberger (above, left) and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (above, right) were two of the event’s guest speakers. The Smithsonian’s Flag Hall (photo at right) provided the setting for this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony which was jointly sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Maritime Day Cites Mariners’ Contributions The service and sacrifice of members of the fourth arm of defense were honored during National Maritime Day, May 22, in the halls of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Flag Hall in Washington, D.C. Flag Hall is home of the Star Spangled Banner, the flag to which, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key penned his poem that became America’s National Anthem. While the Smithsonian hosted the ceremony, it was sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration, and the memorial service and wreath-laying was hosted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The event was held in conjunction with the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest exhibit, “On the Water: Stories from Maritime America,” which is a dynamic depiction of American maritime history. Attendees to the event included an SIU delegation of SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, who stood at attention in a mezzanine section above the ceremony like sentries guarding the memory of the sacrifices of their seafaring forefathers. Lauded at the event were the crew members of the Maersk Alabama who recently thwarted a pirate attack. “These brave Unlicensed Apprentice Antonio Jones (photo at right) places a wreath and then salutes in honor of all U.S. Merchant Mariners. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right in photo below) chats with students from the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A contingent of students from the center participated in the the day’s events. June 2009 Americans remind us of the service and patriotism of U.S. Merchant Mariners,” said featured speaker Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “For 76 years, National Maritime Day has stood as a proud reminder to our nation that mariners have put their lives at risk to answer our nation’s call to duty. The Department of Transportation is proud to support these highly trained mariners.” Special guest speaker former Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (Retired) Albert J. Herberger commented, “In times of war, the U.S. Merchant Marine has a wonderfully rich heritage of service to the nation. By carrying critical supplies and equipment, merchant mariners have provided the essential support to our armed forces and often to our allies. Today, they are supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and delivering food aid to many parts of the world. Their devotion to duty is a tribute to the generations of men and women who have served our nation with courage and determination in every conflict in America’s history.” Also at the heart of the ceremony was the placing of a wreath to commemorate the sacrifices that generations of mariners have made in service to the nation. The wreath ceremony was led by Paul Hall Center student Antonio Jones and featured a single bugle playing the lonely call of Taps in remembrance of those who were lost at sea. Among the union members and officials attending the ceremony were (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, AB Veronica Hernandez, SIU President Mike Sacco and AMO President Tom Bethel. The day’s events concluded at a large gathering at a luncheon jointly sponsored by local chapters of the Propeller Club and the Kings Point Club, where Secretary LaHood expressed the Transportation Department’s vision for the future of the U.S. shipping industry. “U.S. ships opened trade for our nation and DOT sees a growing future. We see a possible increase of projects and shipping in U.S. ports of 50 percent, a growth in industry grants by ten-fold, a strengthened commitment to the U.S. marine highway and making maritime one of the strongest modes of transportation.” National Maritime Day 2009 Proclamation By the President of The United States of America A Proclamation Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of security and prosperity. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, and criss-crossed by a myriad of inland waterways, America’s destiny as a maritime nation was a story foretold. The Merchant Marine took up arms alongside the Continental Navy to help defeat the British Navy during the American Revolution. Since then, they have served bravely as the United States has faced threats ranging from war to piracy, and our seafaring fleet has proven instrumental in protecting our safety. In times of conflict and crisis, the Armed Forces rely on the Merchant Marine’s sealift capability to transport critical equipment and supplies. Time and again, mariners have demonstrated their willingness and ability to meet daunting challenges. Waterways have also enabled much of the commerce that has expanded America’s economy. Domestic and international commerce occurred along rivers and coasts even before our Nation’s birth. Great cities have sprouted near waterways, and maritime activity remains crucial to our economy today. The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the many other workers who have supported the maritime industry have made significant contributions to our leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security. On this National Maritime Day, we also mark the opening of a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, “On the Water.” It demonstrates the importance of the maritime industry and chronicles our history as a maritime nation. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2009, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA Seafarers LOG 5 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 6 Charter Member Says SIU Remains on Right Course acquired by the Navy and converted to a As a teenager in Port Everglades, Fla., mine-layer. He helped organize one of the Jack Johns often watched the seemingly union’s first contracted companies: Peninsula giant merchant ships sail away, past the horiand Occidental Steamship, which sailed veszon. sels between Florida and Cuba. “I used to wonder where those big ships “We use to run overnight trips,” Johns went,” recalled Johns, a charter member of remembered. “Havana was a nice town then, the SIU. “All of a sudden, I got on one and with all the casinos. A rum and Coke then went with it.” Johns, 88, signed aboard with the union in was 25 cents.” After initially sailing as a civilian mariner December 1938 – about two months after the in World War II, Johns found himself in the SIU received its charter from the American Federation of Labor. He would spend the bet- Navy, where he sailed as bosun’s mate. He served aboard destroyers at D-Day and durter part of the ensuing half-century as a ing the launch of the Seafarer, first as a atomic bombs. rank-and-file member Immediately, after in the deck departthe war, Johns returned ment and then from to the SIU. He sailed the mid-1950s to the with various unionearly 1980s as a union contracted companies official. Along the including Waterman, way, he served at difA.H. Bull Line, ferent times during Calmar Steamship, World War II in both Victory Carriers and the U.S. Navy and Isthmian Lines (which U.S. Merchant Marine he also helped orga– he was at Normandy nize). Encouraged by on D-Day. He walked then-SIU President his share of picket lines, too, which he Retired Seafarer Jack Johns, pictured out- Paul Hall, he came described as “rough side the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., ashore in 1956 and says the SIU’s progress throughout its his- worked in different and tumble, but we tory is remarkable. positions under Hall really won out.” and Bull Shepard, one Where the SIU is of the founders of both concerned, it’s not the SIU and the school in Piney Point. much of a stretch to say Johns has seen it all, Johns was based in Baltimore when the including an up-close look at the founding of southern Maryland training facility project the union’s affiliated training center in Piney came to fruition in 1967. His proximity to Point, Md. He remains involved with the Piney Point and his work duties afforded him union today, regularly visiting the hall in Ft. a good look at the challenge of building a Lauderdale, Fla., in addition to serving as an officer with the local chapter of the American maritime school on what had been a Navy torpedo-testing facility. Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). “It’s unbelievable what the school has Asked what motivates him to stay active with the union, Johns replied, “I’m just trying become and what it has done for the SIU,” he stated. “It’s a miracle, really, and the to help everybody I can help in the SIU, same thing is true for the SIU when you look which I’ve tried to do all my life.” at how everything has improved over the years. Challenging Start “Today’s members probably don’t know This won’t surprise anyone even loosely familiar with the early 20th century merchant how lucky they have it – the pay, the features aboard ship,” he continued. “But it marine, but Johns confirms that in those looks like they’re doing real good and they days, making a living at sea meant low pay have a good future.” and less-than-ideal surroundings. Johns added that he wouldn’t change “We had nothing at the beginning, really,” much about his career if given the chance. the former bosun noted. “The living condi“I’d go through the same thing,” he said. “I tions were rough. Eventually, we started getwas just a young kid when I started…. It was ting paid overtime. That was a big deal.” what I wanted to do in life. I worked for the Johns first sailed as an ordinary seaman union and they took good care of me.” aboard the Estrada Palma, a car carrier later Notice TWIC, MMC Reminders April 15 was the deadline for mariners to have obtained a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). That date also marked the roll-out of the new merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC), a passport-style document which over the next five years will be phased in as a replacement for the current z-card/merchant mariner document (MMD). Following are some reminders concerning the TWIC and MMC. ■ If you currently hold a merchant mariner document/credential, you are required to obtain a TWIC. ■ If you do not currently hold a merchant mariner document/credential but plan to get one in the future, you will be required to obtain a valid TWIC in order to secure the mariner credential. ■ When applying for a TWIC, identify yourself as a merchant mariner. This should help to avoid delays in processing MMC applications (whether originals, upgrades, renewals or endorsements). ■ Mariners will need to ensure that the biographical information they supply to the TSA during the TWIC application process is the same information included on the Coast Guard merchant mariner credential application. This is important as the Coast Guard will be comparing data from TSA to determine if mariners hold a valid TWIC. ■ Mariners do not need to rush to get an MMC. The rationale for the fiveyear phase-in period is that, starting April 15 (earlier this year), 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. ■ To protect the personal information of mariners, in October 2008 the Coast Guard removed the mariner’s Social Security number from all the credentials issued after that date and replaced it with a “mariner reference number” generated by the agency’s merchant mariner licensing and documentation (MMLD) system. While the Social Security number is still collected on a credential application, it is not printed on the credential and it is not used internally by the Coast Guard when processing the application. When a mariner applies for an original credential for the first time, they will receive a mariner reference number and an application identification number. The mariner reference number is unique to the mariner and will not change during subsequent credential transactions. Mariners wishing to check the status of their application on-line via the Coast Guard’s Homeport portal (http://homeport.uscg.mil) will need to use their mariner reference number and the application ID number. ■ The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC Program Help Desk is 1-866-DHSTWIC (1-866-347-8942), while the e-mail address is Credentialing@dhs.gov. ■ The phone number for the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is 1-888IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662), while the web site address is http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ ■ To begin the application process for a TWIC, visit the TSA’s website at: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm Company Issues Statement About Hawaii Superferry In early April, the top official at Hawaii Superferry issued a statement after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a state law allowing the high-speed catamaran to operate was unconstitutional due to issues related to environmental impact studies. The statement by President and CEO Tom Fargo read in part, “We would like to extend our gratitude to the more than 250,000 customers who have voyaged and booked with us and to all who have supported our service. I am especially grateful to the businesses that have sailed with us and now have apparently lost an economical alternative…. “This is a difficult time for all of us. Our employees have been nothing but stellar in their dedication to our company and in their service to our customers and our community. I have been impressed with the commitment of our team in executing with great detail and energy all of our procedures to properly address environmental concerns and provide our passengers with the best customer service. “As I mentioned [earlier in April], we are hugely disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision that Act 2 is unconstitutional. After a year of operations, including a successful winter season, we looked forward to the upcoming spring break with great energy and enthusiasm. 6 Seafarers LOG “The problem before us today is there appears to be no short-term solution to this ruling. To conduct another EIS, even with the work done to date, and move it through legal review might take a year or so. Other options don’t provide the certainty necessary to sustain a business. “As a result, we are going to have to go out and find other employment for Alakai, for now. “Obviously, this is not even close to our preferred outcome. We have believed from the start and continue to believe that there is a clear and unmet need for an inter-island high speed ferry system for the state. My hope, our hope, is that the conditions will eventually be such that we can realize that vision in Hawaii.” In mid-May, the court denied the state’s motion to reconsider its earlier ruling. According to news reports, the ferry has returned to Mobile, Ala., where it was constructed. Meanwhile, the state is proceeding with the environmental impact study. Ironically, after the court’s initial ruling, Hawaii Superferry won an award from the local chapter of the American Marketing Association (for best marketing of a new product or service). The new merchant mariner qualification credential (above and inset) is a passport-style document. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 7 SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships A panel of professional educators in April selected two active Seafarers and six dependents as recipients of scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). A total of $132,000 was given during this year’s scholarship program. Two Seafarers were awarded $6,000 scholarships for study at a four-year college or university. Each of the six dependents received $20,000 grants to pursue their educational aspirations. Following are brief biographical sketches of each scholarship recipient as well as recaps of their respective educational goals. Brandon Maeda Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda is the recipient of one of two scholarships designated for active Seafarers. A native of Honolulu, Maeda is a 1974 graduate of 71st High School in Fayetteville, N.C. He joined the union in 1982 and has since been sailing in the deep sea division as a member of the steward department. Nine years following his initial voyage aboard the SS Independence and on the advice of a friend, Maeda made his way to Piney Point for upgrade training. “I finally made it there (Piney Point) in 1991 and it became a turning point in my life, one of the best experiences I have ever had,” he said. “I’ve been back many times and became a recertified chief steward in 1996.” Brandon Maeda Maeda has been sailing for 23 years. “In a way, I grew up in the SIU…. I went from a young adult to middle age and have had a great life because of the union,” he continued. “I have never regretted my decision to become a Seafarer and will always cherish my time at sea and the wonderful people I have met along the way. “Now I would like to take on the challenge of becoming a registered nurse,” he continued. “Becoming a nurse would afford me the opportunity to give something back to the community and the Seafarers. Hopefully, I can still sail as a nurse or medical person aboard one of the (union-contracted) ships.” Maeda currently is enrolled in a nursing program at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus. He hopes to graduate at this year’s end with an associate’s degree. As of the time he submitted his package to the scholarship selection committee, Maeda already had finished his prerequisites and completed his first year in the school’s ADN program. He did so while achieving a 3.9 grade point average. “Because I am an older student, the pathway to success hasn’t always been easy,” he shared. “There were plenty of adjustments that had to be made.” Maeda has had to sail for one year at a time and then attend college the following year. “For example, in 2006, I attended spring, summer and fall classes and completed all my prerequisites with the help of my scholarship and money I had saved. I sailed for most of 2007 to replenish my savings and attended college again in 2008, sailing only during the summer months. “College is all about hard work and achievement and that’s something I have never been afraid of,” he concluded. Following his graduation from the College of Southern Maryland, Maeda hopes to attend Vila Julie College in Stevenson, Md., where he plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing. Robert Oliveto QMED Robert Oliveto is the second active mariner selected to receive an SHBP scholarship. A 2002 graduate of Moultonborough Academy in Moultonborough, N.H., he joined the SIU in 2004 in Piney Point. Oliveto’s goal is to become a marine engineer. Following his graduation from the Paul Hall Center, the Loconia, N.H.-born mariner sailed as a wiper aboard the Alaska Tanker Company-operated Alaskan Frontier. “After working in the engine room for only four months, I was hooked,” he said. “There were so many things going on at the same time.” He specifically recalled an Robert Oliveto instance when engineers were performing maintenance on one of the vessel’s main diesel generators. “This was a very important task because the diesel generator produces power for the propulsion,” Oliveto said. “As I watched and helped out where instructed, I got to see all the moving parts.” Having caught a glimpse of this aspect of the generators and the details of the vessel’s main engine components, Oliveto became even more fixated with the idea of working in the engine room permanently. Returning to Piney Point in 2005, Oliveto completed the FOWT course. Next up was four work tours aboard the S/T Denali followed by a second stint on the Alaska Frontier where he still works. In an effort to realize his goal of becoming a marine engineer, Oliveto in December 2007 applied for admission to the Maine Maritime Academy. After submitting his application package, though, he discovered that he fell short of the institution’s academic requirements for acceptance. June 2009 “I was a little let down, but at the same time I wanted to know what requirements I needed,” he said. “The e-mail I received (from the academy) listed four classes: algebra II, trigonometry, college prep physics and English composition.” After going online and researching local community colleges that offered the courses he needed, Oliveto found an institution to his liking. On the downside though, he ended up having to take introductory algebra before he could enroll in intermediate algebra, which meant that he now had a total of five required classes. He enrolled in an intro as well as a college prep class and completed them both during the winter. He completed intermediate algebra during his summer vacation. Next, he would launch his assault on college physics and trigonometry. Although he found it challenging, he completed physics with flying colors and acquired a solid foundation for trigonometry, which he began in March. “I have mailed all transcripts for the three classes that I have taken so far to the academy,” Oliveto said. “I currently have a provisional acceptance letter to attend classes as a fulltime student this fall.” He concluded by saying that he has worked extremely hard to get into the marine engineering program. Oliveto also credited the union for the tremendous role it has played in his life so far. “I feel that that SIU has been there for me since day one at Piney Point,” he said. “It has helped me to develop the essential skills I’ll need as I pursue my goal: responsibility, teamwork and hard work.” Jeffrey Monteiro Jeffrey Monteiro was born in Hackensack, N.J. A 2009 graduate of Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J., Jeffrey is the son of engine-department Seafarer Francis Monteiro (and mother, Dorothy). Monteiro’s dream is to someday make a difference in the lives of those who have not been fortunate enough to have experienced many of the privileges he himself in years past often took for granted. “My parents have always reminded me that I am privileged to have the life that I claim as my own,” said the 18-year-old, who Jeffrey Monteiro has applied for admission to Boston College, Seton Hall University and Stonehill College. “Their words, however, never really struck me....until the spring of my sophomore year when my mother planned a short spring vacation to India to visit my grandmother and extended family that I received the life-altering experience necessary for me to reach great heights,” he said. As Monteiro exited the Mumbai Airport, he noticed a woman dressed in tattered garments lying on a sidewalk. A few feet away sat the woman’s child who was naked, crying and continuously being bitten by horseflies. “Despite the child’s plea for help, the people exiting the airport—myself included—made no attempt to help him. He was simply ignored.” Jeffrey said that during the remainder of his stay in Mumbai, he noticed that in general, every beggar was ignored. “The thought (of their plight) began to eat away at my conscience the longer I remained there,” he said. “One day as my mother and I were walking to church,” he continued, “a physically deformed boy asked me for money. I felt compelled to give him money, but my mother shook her head and told me later that many of the children begging for money are usually forced to do so by someone who provides them with food and shelter.” These providers, Jeffrey’s mother told him, subsequently misuse the money they obtain from the children for drugs or alcohol. “The brutal reality of the situation began to sink in,” he said. “Even if I did give money to that child, it would not have has a lasting effect and in most cases it would do more damage than good.” When he returned home, he said the experiences he had stomached with the poor of Mumbai have scorched his mind. “My failure to help them now serves as a catalyst for me to aid others less fortunate whenever possible,” he said. “I have been become involved in multiple volunteer institutions such as BRIDGES and Habitat for Humanity. Also, I collect books, toys, school materials, clothing and arts and crafts for children in Zambia.” Jeffrey said he also has developed a keen interest in an organization known as Invisible Children which promotes awareness for the children who are caught up in the middle of a government conflict in Northern Uganda. “My desire to help those less privileged than me is something I plan on implementing in my future career,” Monteiro concluded. “After achieving success in the business world, I hope to one day have my own organization and return to Mumbai so I can give the impoverished the opportunity to reach heights which they think are unattainable.” Bethany Horner Bethany Horner is a 2009 graduate of Clarkston High School in Clarkston, Mich. The daughter of inland Captain Arthur Horner (mother Beth is a registered nurse), she graduated in the top 12 percent of her class which numbered more than 600 students. In addition to excelling in the academic arena while in high school, Horner made her mark in extracurricular activities. “I loved high school from the very beginning and I soon became a very involved member of my student body,” she said. “My most important achievement had to be my involvement in the Clarkston High School’s drama program. In total, Horner was involved in eight drama productions during her high school tenure and won numerous awards along the way. In her estimation, the most meaningful recognition corralled was the Clarkston Foundation’s Performing Arts Award, which she claimed first Bethany Horner as a freshman, then as sophomore and finally as a senior. More important than the awards, however, were the positions of leadership bestowed upon her while participating in the drama program. “The titles of drama club president, musical theater camp director, crew chief, lights chair and pyro technician were my greatest accomplishments,” she said, “because they demonstrated that not only adults believed I was a strong leader, but also my peers.” In addition to drama, Horner during her scholastic years also was intensely involved in what she labeled her favorite tradition. “Every summer, beginning when I was seven, I would attend a camp that meant the world to me,” she said. “Finally, when I was old enough (the end of her sophomore year in high school), I was able to volunteer as a counselor for the camps. “My hope was that I could provide children with the same wonderful experiences I had when I was a camper,” Horner continued. She initially signed up for only one week of service at a camp for girls, but when that was over, she decided to give a bit more. “I immediately signed up as a volunteer at the boy’s camp for a week and then Camp Ozanam—a camp entirely for underprivileged children—the week after,” she said. When the camps were over, she had accumulated three weeks of service and logged some 200 hours as a volunteer. “No number can be assigned to how much I learned during those three weeks and there is no way to describe how much the experience affected me,” she said. “But I will say that is was the most inspiring experience of my life and I am a better person because of it.” Horner’s ambition is to become a nurse. “I was accepted to Michigan State University in East Lansing which has been a dream of mine for a very long time,” she said. “I will be majoring in nursing and anticipate graduating in the spring of 2013. “Being a nurse means so much to me and I believe it is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world,” she concluded. “I want to help the sick get better and perhaps one day volunteer in a foreign country assisting people who suffer as a result of limited access to quality healthcare.” Matthew Taylor Matthew Taylor was born in Philadelphia but now makes his home in Mt. Ephraim, N.J. A 2007 graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, N.J., Matthew is the son of inland Captain Rodger Taylor (mother Patricia is a revenue agent). Taylor was an exceptional student in high school, amassing an overall 3.69 grade point average. He was a Dominican Scholar during his four years at Gloucester Catholic—a first in the school’s history—and as a junior was selected for membership in the Marion Chapter of the National Honor Society. A year later as a senior, he was elected as the society’s vice president. Matthew served on the school’s student council and also was involved in a host of communiMatthew Taylor ty service projects including Habitat for Humanity (school chapter president), Volunteers for America and JusticeworkX. Additionally, he represented his school at Model United Nations. Following his graduation from high school, Taylor enrolled in Washington, D.C.’s Catholic University where he remained for one semester. In January 2008, he transferred to LaSalle University in Philadelphia where he is majoring is public administration. Taylor recently completed his sophomore year at LaSalle. So far, he has posted an overall 3.45 grade point average. He is president of his fraternity (TKE), holds membership in the Young Democrats Club and the National Honor Society and is a member of the university’s student council. In the athletic arena, Taylor participates in rugby, cross country, track and swimming. “My goal is to continue working hard and studying during my years at LaSalle University,” he said. “I hope to earn both a bachelor and master’s degree in public administration.” Both Taylors gained national prominence in August 2008 when they, along with two ferry crew members aboard the Freedom Ferry, rescued a woman in distress in the Delaware River. The senior Taylor at the time was captain of the vessel while Matthew was a deckhand. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, within minutes of seeing the distressed woman, the Taylors and SIU Deckhands Zack Tannoia and Kevin Fisher had teamed to safely extract the woman from the water, administer first aid and transport her to shore. Local fire and rescue personnel arrived a short time later and transported See Committee, Page 11 Seafarers LOG 7 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 8 More Majority Sign-Up Myths Debunked Employee Free Choice Act Would Allow Workers to Choose Voting Method Naysayers opposing the right to majority sign-up at the workplace – an already accepted method which would be enhanced through enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – claim the legislation would ruin the economy, among other myths. Recent studies and news items have exposed some of the untruths broadcast by foes of the EFCA. For instance, a University of Illinois study found no union coercion against employees in firms that used majority signup when determining whether to unionize. The report, released last month by University of Illinois Professor Robert Bruno, analyzed data from public sector workers in Illinois for six years and found that out of more than 21,000 people who joined unions through majority sign-up (a process sometimes referred to as “card check”), there was not a single proven case of union or employer intimidation. The report states, “In brief, from 2003 to 2009, 21,197 public sector workers employed in state, county, municipal and educational institutions voluntarily joined a union. Most importantly, contrary to business claims, in nearly 800 petition cases, there was not a single confirmed incidence of union coercion.” “Today’s report shows that corporations are throwing more lies to keep workers from forming unions,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “Workers form unions to bargain for a better life, not because of outside intimidation. Workers need the majority sign-up provision because it gives workers the choice of how to form a union, not corporations.” According to the findings, the lack of intimidation on either side also shows that when there is a clear path to forming a union, the workplace as a whole functions more smoothly. The report concludes, “As is true in so many other policy areas, on the subject of union representation the states are incubators for new ideas and practices. Illinois has demonstrated that a majority authorization petition can genuinely determine the will of the employees to be unionized and provides a functional, largely non-adversarial and event-less process for insuring a fair work environment for everyone.” According to Bruno, the Illinois state law is very similar to the proposed EFCA majority sign-up provision. The report, commissioned by the United Association for Labor Education, is the first part of a nationwide report which analyzes similar state laws. Majority sign-up is a process by which workers may choose union representation, provided more than half of the employees sign authorization or pledge cards – and provided the employer honors the selection. Under current law, the employer still can force a National Labor Relations Board-run election, even after a majority of workers signs cards indicating they want to be represented by a union. The AFL-CIO and other labor organizations indisputably have proven that in many cases, employers use the time leading up to an election to harass, intimidate and possibly even fire pro-union workers. The EFCA would rectify this situation by guaranteeing union representation when a majority of workers signs authorization cards. In other words, the bill would let the workers – not the employer – decide if and how they select union representation. Other components of the EFCA address issues such as employers stalling in negotiations for a first contract. In other news concerning the legislation, American Rights at Work, a think tank devoted to employment research, recently noted there is general consensus among economists that unionization is linked to reduced turnover. The organization also reported that businesses are working with unions to help reduce turnover via training and career development. Taking it a step further, American Rights at Work pointed out that whereas many small businesses may not be able to afford formalized employee training, many unions already have programs at their disposal – programs which arguably would benefit the employer. Also according to American Rights at Work, many businesses are turning to unions to help pool their workforces with others in health care programs because of better services and reduced costs in union-affiliated plans. Businesses, especially small ones, find it good for employee retention and quality, the organization reported. The EFCA has been introduced in the current session of Congress, and President Obama has stated he will sign it into law if given the chance. Ground Broken for National Workers Memorial M o n u m e n t S p o t l i g h t s ‘ I m p o r t a n c e o f Wo r k p l a c e S a f e t y ’ Labor leaders and workers from around the U.S. gathered at the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Md., to honor America’s fallen workers on Workers Memorial Day, April 28. During the ceremony, officials read the names of deceased workers and broke ground for the college’s planned worker memorial. The memorial – tentatively scheduled for completion by September – will commemorate the more than 5,000 workers who are killed on the job each year and the more than 50,000 who die from occupational illness and disease. During the ceremony, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis told the crowd of about 300 there is no doubt that knowledgeable workers have a safer workplace and there is no more knowledgeable group than union workers. “It is appropriate that we dedicate this memorial at the National Labor College,” she said. “Not only will this calm and quiet spot serve as a gathering place to pause and remember the men and women who have lost their lives while pursuing their livelihood, but it will serve as a reminder to future labor leaders about the importance of workplace safety.” The open-air memorial will be centered on the college’s campus and will feature paver bricks that individuals and groups can ensure are included in the memorial’s The memorial will include blank bricks replaced over time, one by one, with other bricks engraved with the names of fallen workers. 8 Seafarers LOG Officials participating in the groundbreaking included (left to right) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, CWA-AFA President Pat Friend, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, National Labor College President William Scheuerman, UMWA President Cecil Roberts, OPCMIA President Patrick Finley, UFCW President Joe Hanson and BAC President John Flynn. design by donating to the project and its upkeep. The bricks will carry the names of fallen workers as a tribute to their contributions and sacrifices. Thinking of the families and shipmates of fallen Seafarers, the SIU has contributed to erect a granite bench at the memorial. The SIU bench will honor the sacrifices of Seafarers who have served as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. When completed, the inscription on the bench will read, “Dedicated to members of the Seafarers International Union. In memory of the thousands of Seafarers who have given their lives on the job. Since our founding, SIU members have served our troops and our country in every conflict, always answering their call to duty. Seafarers also serve this nation by transporting vital commercial cargo to and from our shores. Their courage and sacrifices shall not be forgotten. 1938-Present.” Solis was joined by National Labor College President William E. Scheuerman, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts and other union officials and members as well as college faculty, students and staff who were on hand for the groundbreaking. “Today, what working people are establishing on the campus of the National Labor College is a lasting tribute to those workers who lost their lives simply trying to make a living,” said Sweeney. “Through the efforts of this college, the union movement and all those who work to improve health and safety conditions on the job, we will continue to fight to ensure that workers are able to return home alive and well, every single day.” Solis also announced the sponsoring of an engraved brick in honor of Department of Labor Employees who gave their lives in service. According to an AFL-CIO annual report, on an average day, 15 workers lose their lives as a result of workplace injuries and disease, and another 10,959 are injured. Originally founded by the AFL-CIO in 1969 as the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, the center became the National Labor College in 1997, offering bachelor’s degrees in labor studies disciplines and union skills courses. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an independent, regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information about the memorial go to the following web site: www.nlc.edu/alumniCommunity/workers_memorial.html Maritime Labor Backs Bill Addressing Medical Evaluation Process, Fatigue The nation’s maritime unions, the SIU included, have expressed support for Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s (D-N.J.) bill S. 685, which calls for improvement in the medical review process for merchant mariner credentials by establishing a national registry of medical examiners. The legislation calls for a medical review system based on a network of physicians similar to that used successfully in other transportation modes. It also would task the Coast Guard in assessing the role that workload, manning levels and fatigue have on safety and accidents. Senator Lautenberg is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security (and an ardent supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine). In a letter dated April 22 and addressed to the senator, the maritime unions said the provisions in the bill “are extremely important to American merchant mariners and will, in our opinion, greatly enhance the Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) health and wellbeing of American seafaring personnel and the safe operation of American vessels of all types.” The unions also commend the legislation as being a step forward in helping end delays in the medical review process and in determining the physical fitness of mariners. An amendment suggested by maritime labor would increase the range of medical examiners authorized to conduct mariner medical evaluations in order to accommodate mariners who don’t reside near doctors who would be included in a national registry of qualified medical examiners under S. 685. Another amendment would assure the right of appeal for mariners found unfit for duty in some or all capacities during the medical evaluation process. In addition to the SIU, representatives from the following unions signed the letter: American Maritime Officers; InlandBoatmens’ Union of the Pacific; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Local 333, United Marine Division, ILA; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; and Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 9 Letter To The Editor 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 Credit to Maersk Alabama Crew April 9, 2009 Having lived for 74 years, today was one of my proudest days to be an American and former mariner, when I read that an American-flagged ship with 20 unarmed American citizens took on the lawless pirates off the coast of Somalia. They did what hundreds of crews of foreignflag ships did not do. I have no knowledge of the Maersk Alabama or its crew, but past experience tells me that they are from all across our country, all having different backgrounds and all members of unions with the common goal of protecting the ship and its cargo. My heart and prayers are with these fine seafarers and their families, and I hope there are no casualties. I also hope that their action prompts action by international or American authorities, as Presidents Jefferson and Ford took with U.S. Marines against pirates in the 1800s and 1970s. Meanwhile, the American spirit and ingenuity live. Remembering Brother Adams Fellow mariners aboard the El Faro recently memorialized the late Recertified Bosun John T. Adams as they scattered his ashes at sea while the vessel sailed between Puerto Rico and Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Adams, 69, passed away March 14. He was a graduate of the old Andrew Furuseth Training School in New York, where he signed on with the union in 1959. He started his maritime career as a porter aboard passenger ships. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired in 1995 – 20 years after completing the bosun recertification course in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Expedition. Franklin K. Riley Jr. Chico, California Honoring Capt. Pete Johnson Horizon Lines Recognizes ‘Heroes’ Seafarers-contracted Horizon Lines recently praised the work of two SIU members and an officer who went “above and beyond the call of duty” aboard the Horizon Trader. For their efforts, Recertified Bosun Tony Mercado, Electrician Tom Flynn and Chief Engineer Paul McCarthy were hailed as “Horizon Heroes.” The title is part of a new employee recognition program. Honorees receive gift cards as tokens of Horizon’s appreciation. According to an article by the company’s corporate communications office, the Horizon Trader was sailing to San Juan, P.R., when the ship’s 10 cm. radar scanner failed. Flynn and Mercado then “scaled the radar mast in 20-plus knot winds to unbolt and bring down the motor assembly for repairs,” the article notes. “The motor assembly, which weighs approximately 35 lbs., houses the gears that keep the horizontal antenna turning at a precise speed. The antenna detects and monitors objects on the water and nearby land, yielding precise range and bearings critical to a safe voyage.” The nearest replacement part was in Japan, so Flynn fabricated and reinstalled two new bushings in the unit. “With the full repair completed, Flynn and Mercado then hoisted the assembly back into position and re-bolted it atop the mast, allowing the Trader to continue on course without any delays,” the company pointed out, adding that the entire operation “was truly a cooperative effort among the crew.” April Data Shows Unemployment Growing Earlier this year, the union presented Pacific-Gulf Marine CEO Todd Johnson (right) with a shadow box containing elements designed in tribute to Todd’s father, the late Capt. Pete Johnson, who passed away late last year. The shadow box features a printed sentiment expressing the union’s respect and appreciation for Capt. Johnson (who founded Pacific-Gulf Marine), and components of his honorary SIU book. Presenting the item to Todd Johnson prior to the Maritime Trades Department meetings in Florida are SIU President Michael Sacco (center) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The recession continued its steady march in April. The U.S, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported unemployment rose by another 563,000 Americans in April, which translates to an unemployment rate of 8.9 percent. Overall, according to government data, 13.7 million Americans were out of work. The recession, which is now the longest in the post-World War II period, has eliminated more than five million jobs. The Labor Department also reports that the number of Americans collecting unemployment compensation has climbed to 6.35 million, the fourteenth straight record. Additionally, the recession continues to batter homeowners as government statistics show that nearly 804,000 homes received at least one foreclosure-related notice within the first three months of 2009. 30 Seafarers Complete Maersk Safety Session Thirty SIU members last month finished a twoday safety “boot camp” hosted by the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education for Maersk Line, Limited. The gatherings are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to sustain and improve workplace safety. They are attended by shipboard personnel and shore-based Maersk employees. Graduating from the May 5-6 safety boot camp (and among those pictured at right) were the following Seafarers: Mark Pearson, Alice Kwasnjuk, Daniel Wehr, Bryan Maddox, Terry Smith, Nathan Lamb, Moses Mickens, Michael Carello, Army Joe Leake, Nathan Elliot, Edward Villanda, Eufemiano Gomes, Maximo Lacayo, James Brockington, Stephen Katel, Robert Engelhart, Soreno Berame, Raymond Alexander, Jervona Vorise, Elwyn Ford, Daniel Heintz, Jimmie Robles, Luisito Antolin, Walter Matt, Ronald Scintilla, Donald Dabbs, Gary Dewitt, Hugh Wildermuth, Bryan Fountain and Hanapiah Ismail. June 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:36 PM Page 10 MEETING IN ALGONAC – The group photo at left shows Seafarers attending the March membership meeting at the hall in Algonac, Mich. That same day, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (left in photo above) swears in Scott Wake (right), who received his full membership book. Snapshots from Around the SIU WELCOME ASHORE – Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand (left) congratulates QMED Emanuel Paul on his retirement. The Seafarer is shown in late April picking up his first pension check. “Emanuel has been a dedicated member for many years, and I know I speak for the entire Brotherhood of the Sea in saying we all wish him nothing but the best in retirement,” Marchand noted. PRAYERFUL SUPPORT IN HOUSTON – Before the April membership meeting at the Houston hall, Father Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member, leads fellow Seafarers in a specially written prayer of blessing for the spiritual and physical healing of mariners from the Maersk Alabama. The Houston meeting took place April 13 – one day after Capt. Richard Phillips had been freed by U.S. Navy SEALS, and five days after the Alabama had been attacked by pirates. MEMBERS GATHER IN NEW YORK – Playing a friendly game of dominoes at the New York hall (photo at left from the left) are Seafarers Efrain Moreira, Ernest Martinez, Reynaldo LaCayo, Mario Clotter and Mauricio Arriola. CRONAN CREDITS TRAINING – John Cronan (standing at microphone) sailed as third engineer during the recent, highly publicized pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama, but he definitely hasn’t forgotten his SIU roots. A graduate of Trainee Class 379 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Cronan attended the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where SIU President Michael Sacco asked if the hawsepiper would like to address the audience. Cronan noted that in addition to completing the trainee program and upgrading courses, he also earned his high school diploma through the Paul Hall Center. He described the overall training as “priceless” and added, “This school set me right.” PRIDE AND PARTICIPATION AT PETTY’S ISLAND – Seafarer Robert Weinhardt Jr. submitted these photos of fellow members at Petty’s Island. Taken in late March, two of the photos show members voluntarily donating to the Maritime Defense League. The other (above, right) features Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) congratulating Seafarer Frank Lyons on his last day of work heading into a well-earned retirement. In a follow-up note to the LOG, Weinhardt wrote, “We have been walking around our terminal with a deep sense of pride and dignity as fellow SIU members since the Maersk Alabama incident.” He cited the “absolute professionalism, quality training and sense of brotherhood” that he says exists not only among the Alabama mariners but throughout the organization. Petty’s Island is located in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 10 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:29 PM Page 11 Committee Awards SHBP Scholarships to Eight Individuals Continued from Page 7 the unidentified woman to Thomas Jefferson Hospital, located about five blocks away. Captain Taylor said that when he first maneuvered the ferry into rescue position, one of the deckhands threw a life ring into the water, but the woman didn’t respond. Matthew then jumped into the river to save her, just as she appeared to be going under the water. Jillian Cairco Jillian Cairco hails from Henderson, Texas. She is the daughter of retired deep sea Chief Engineer Gary Jarvis (and of mother Betsy). Born in North Carolina, Cairco attended A. Beka Academy in Pensacola, Fla. She graduated recently and posted an overall grade point average of 4.03. While in high school she was very active in civic and church organizations in her community. She served as vice president of the Rusk County (Texas) Library’s Teen Advisory Board and did volunteer work at the Henderson Civic Theatre, Henderson Inner-City Church Jillian Cairco Ministry and the Rusk County Library. Jillian also gave of her time to the Salvation Army in Henderson and worked full time at a Henderson tax service business. Cairco hopes to have a successful future in the film production and theatre arena. To this end, she has applied for admission to Savannah College of Art and Design, in Savannah, Ga. If accepted there, or at other institutions at which she is still contemplating applying, she will pursue a dual major: film and television and performing arts. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve been attracted to the fine arts,” she said. “As a small child in South Carolina, I spent the majority of my time performing in church plays, cantatas and creating artistic masterpieces on our home’s kitchen table.” Shortly after moving to Florida when she was eight, Jillian auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” at a community children’s theater. Her audition was successful and “I was cast as the Wicked Witch of the West,” she said. “After opening night, it was official that I had fallen in love.” Her passion toward the stage flourished during and throughout the years that followed as she traveled the world and matured. “I assumed theater was going to be my future,” she shared. “That was before I wrote, edited, directed and filmed my first short film at the age of 15. To me, watching all of my hard work coalesce and seeing my story being told on screen was as rewarding as a standing ovation in theatre.” Taking her past into perspective—especially her fond memories about the arts with respect to creating and performing—Jillian said her plans for her future were virtually predetermined. “When it came time to apply for college, I knew I wanted to do something that I loved,” she said. “And there was no hesitation as to just what that was: film production and theatre.” At this point, Cairco says that she has no firm idea as to what her specific career path will be, based on her college majors. “But I do have one goal and that is to inspire,” she said. “I aim to be able to weave a story powerful enough that is inspires audiences towards progression. “To change the world would be an admirable but ridiculous aspiration,” she concluded, “but to influence just one person would be a dream come true.” Giselle Bodden Giselle Bodden is the daughter of inland AB-Tankerman Albert Bodden (mother Trixie is an ultrasound technician). Born in Dade County, Fla., she has two siblings. Giselle is a 2009 graduate of Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, Fla. She ranked 28th in her class of 201 students while amassing an overall 4.62 grade point average. Giselle is a member of the National Honor Society, the International Thespian Society and is an inductee to the National Honor Roll. Extremely active in extracurricular activities, Bodden was vice Giselle Bodden president of her 11th grade class, a member of Lincoln Park’s student government, the captain of her school’s dance troupe and a member of her school’s 2008 prom committee. Additionally, she held membership in the Save Darfur Club, Beta Club and Relay for Life. Bodden someday hopes to have a career in multimedia. To date, she has applied for admission to Florida State University, New York University and Savannah College of Art & Design. Giselle and her family moved from her place of birth to Port St. Lucie when she was 11 years of age. “The move caused me to become more in touch with my creative talents,” she shared. “I spent much time writing stories and poems to ease my boredom during the first few months of the move.” After enrolling at Lincoln Park Academy for her eighth grade year, she decided to remain there for her entire high school experience. “I aspire to attend the film school at Florida State University,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to own and operate a multimedia production company, but I essentially wish to become a documentary and mainstream film director. “Every man has his own perspective of the world and I believe it can be shared through media,” Bodden suggested. “I want to share my perspective in order to compel change in society by revealing truths. “I want to use my vision to impact the lives of others,” she concluded, “even if it is in a minor way. Alyssa Rothschild Alyssa Rothschild hails from New City, N.Y., and is the daughter of inland Chief Mate Robert Rothschild 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, 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). 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 $327,255 as of July 31, 2008, compared to $677,570 as of August 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $350,315. 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 $7,639,604, including employer contributions of $7,543,674, gains of $1,912 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $94,018. Plan expenses were $7,989,919. These expenses included $446,264 in administrative expenses, and $7,543,655 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. ■ An accountant’s report; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; June 2009 ■ Assets held for investment; and ■ Transactions in excess of 5% 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 $12.25 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 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. (mother Sandra is teacher). She is a 2009 graduate of Clarkstown High School North in New City. Alyssa ranked 179 in her class which numbered 380 and finished her requirements with an overall 3.02 grade point average. She served as editor and reporter on her school’s newspaper and was a member of the Clarkstown High fencing team. Rothschild held membership in the Bella Alyssa Rothschild North and Help Our Planet Clubs, sang in her high school chorus and mentored ninth grade students during her junior and senior years. Additionally, she was a member of Clarkstown High’s Superintendent Advisory and served as class treasurer while a sophomore. Alyssa did volunteer work at the Sunrise Assisted Living facility. Rothschild’s goal is to become a registered dietician. In pursuit of that objective, she has applied for admission to the University of Connecticut, Simmons College and Northeastern University. As an adolescent, Alyssa suffered through extreme weight fluctuations due to an undiagnosed metabolic disorder. “I gained a shocking 40 pounds in two months and my self esteem was completely shot,” she shared. “My doctor who once accused me of eating nothing then accused me of eating everything…. He claimed that I was a closet eater.” Rothschild’s mother refused to accept the doctor’s evaluation and decided to seek a second opinion. She forwarded the results of one of Alyssa’s blood tests to one of her friends—an adolescent pediatrician—for analysis. This professional examined the results and came to the conclusion that Rothschild’s weight problem was the result a metabolic disorder. “It all finally made sense,” Alyssa said. “Everything that happened to me could be explained and, better yet, treated to make me my dream self again.” The recovery plan laid out by the pediatrician worked and life again looked positive for Alyssa—an outcome she admitted thinking would never happen again. “In the 11th grade, I went back to being me,” she said. “My weight stabilized and I was no longer bouncing around.” Rothschild’s grades took a radical spike and she began posting A’s and recording 100’s on tests. “I no longer thought I was stupid,” she said. “Instead, I realized that I am smart and intelligent.” Alyssa said that she’s now back to the person she once dreamed she would be. “In high school, I became everything,” she shared. “I was the smart girl, the stupid girl, the thin girl, the fat girl, the happy go-lucky girl and the sad girl. But in the end, I’m just the extraordinary girl who’s ready for the next challenge in her life. “I’m ready to move on and go to college – one that has a dietetics program,” she concluded, “because it is my dream to become a registered dietician.” SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 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 the Trust. Plan expenses were $9,810,009. These expenses included $1,022,768 in administrative expenses and $8,787,241 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 2,819 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $122,240,712 as of July 31, 2008, compared to $130,306,177 as of August 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $8,065,465. 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 $1,744,544, including employer contributions of $32,420, losses of $885,495 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $2,588,830 and other income of $8,789. 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. 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; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; ■ Assets held for investment; ■ Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets; 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 SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, who is the administrator, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco CA 94107, (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.25 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, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 11 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:39 PM Page 12 The Independence II (photo at left) docks in Baltimore. The vessel (photo above) is part of a program that boosts U.S. national and economic security. With Seafarers Aboard the Independence II The SIU-crewed Independence II is a car carrier that has been part of the union-contracted fleet since May 2008. Operated by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), the ship was built in 1994. It is 653 feet long and can sail at up to 18 knots. OMU Gilberto Baltazar When the Independence II reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, General Norton Schwartz called it an important addition to the nation’s “arsenal of democracy.” (General Schwartz, now U.S. Air Force chief of staff, was the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command at that time.) That sentiment very much remains true today, as the ship is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The MSP has been a key element of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The U.S. Maritime Administration describes the MSP as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag and U.S.crewed liner fleet in international trade which is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency…. These vessels are modern, efficient and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels which can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP helps retain a labor base of skilled American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war.” The photos on this page were taken in late April in Baltimore. Bosun Rafael Clemente (left in photo above), AB Mark Cordova and AB Ferdinand Lugo prepare cargo to be loaded aboard the vessel. A car carrier, (photo below) the Independence II was built in 1994. Recertified Steward Hazel Johnson (photo at left), SA Melany Rivas (above) and SA Shantay Joquin (photo at right) do a masterful job ensuring that members of the crew consume nutritious meals. 12 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:36 PM Page 13 Professor Has Maritime Documentary in Works A college professor whose father and uncles were NMU members is putting together a television documentary about mariners of color, and the SIU is assisting in the effort. Dr. Denise B. Santiago, who teaches anthropology and is the director of multicultural affairs at Pace University in New York, started the project in 2004. At that time, though, she envisioned it as a book, possibly about merchant mariners in Puerto Rico. For various reasons the undertaking changed course, and Santiago reached out to the SIU. Last month, she and her colleague Al Santana, a veteran documentary filmmaker, visited the union’s headquarters building (located in Camp Springs, Md.) and its affiliated training facility (based in Piney Point, Md.). They conducted interviews with retired NMU officials Rene Lioeanjie and Charles Stewart, SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and rankand-file members who were with the NMU before that union merged into the SIU in June 2001. (Lioeanjie was the NMU’s fourth president while Stewart was vice president. Both became SIU vice presidents after the merger.) “My father’s travels and stories subconsciously nurtured my desire to learn about cultures – hence my career in anthropology,” Santiago noted. “I decided to initiate this documentary because it is an important part of history, particularly among people of color, which has not been documented.” She anticipates the finished product will be ready by the end of this year. The documentary likely will air on PBS and may also have an international distribution. Anyone interested in contributing stories or financial support to the documentary may contact the professor at dsantiago@pace.edu Rene Lioeanjie, the NMU’s fourth president (right in photo above), sets up for his turn on camera while Professor Denise Santiago (left in photo at far left) interviews retired union official Charles Stewart (right). Al Santana (center in same photo) mans the recording equipment. Among other topics, the documentary will examine the NMU’s history. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left in photo at immediate left) explains some of the mechanics of the 2001 merger of the NMU into the SIU. U.S. House Votes to Thank Maritime Labor Addresses Piracy WWII Merchant Mariners Continued from Page 3 U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, last month announced that the full House of Representatives approved H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009. The House approved the legislation on May 12. The bill next will be considered by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The legislation would establish a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund and allow qualifying mariners to receive monthly payments of $1,000 out of that fund. Individuals eligible for payments would be those who, between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946, were documented members of the U.S. Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service). Officials from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) are urging the bill’s sup- porters to contact their senators and President Obama to ask for their backing. Filner noted, “I have been fighting for more than a decade to provide merchant mariners of World War II the thanks they deserve for their forgotten service – not just in words, but in deeds. This Congress is once again on the precipice of correcting a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the merchant marine of World War II. These heroes were not granted veteran status until 40 years after the War. We are here today to rectify the improper denial of G.I. Bill benefits and to find a way to compensate them, more than 60 years later, for their heroic deeds.” U.S. Rep. William Delahunt (DMass.) stated, “Those who served in the merchant marine risked their lives to make sure our troops would have the food, fuel and ammunition to fight and win the war. This legislation gives them the long overdue recognition they deserve.” Crews Receive Recognition Continued from Page 4 Medal for Outstanding Achievement recognizes individuals who have made extraordinarily valuable contributions to the merchant marine. In all, 72 civilian mariners who participated in the rescue of the passengers and crew from Flight 1549 received medals. Seven representatives from companies and private vessels involved in the rescue effort joined LaHood and other officials on stage to receive medals in the official ceremony: SIU Capt. Vincent Lombardi, NY Waterway; Scott Keon, M/V Lt. Michael P. Murphy; Captain Ed Werber, Circle Line; Robert Giordano, New York Water Taxi; Greg Hanchrow, Staten Island June 2009 Ferry; Captain Kenneth Poesl, Ken’s Marine; and Glenn Miller, Miller’s Launch. Meanwhile, a week after the ceremony, NY Waterway mariners were back in the news thanks to another successful rescue. Seafarers aboard the Admiral Richard Bennis (which also was involved in the Miracle on the Hudson) saved four local men whose 19-foot fishing boat overturned May 19. According to news reports, two of the four men weren’t wearing life jackets, and one couldn’t swim. Capt. Kurt Hansen and Deckhand Tom Lennane pulled them from the water within minutes. Speaking later to local reporters, Hansen credited the regular safety training that NY Waterway crews receive for manoverboard scenarios. Coast Guard units, working with the U.S. Navy, “have made four interdictions, resulting in the apprehension of at least 30 suspected pirates.” In their testimony to the two subcommittees, the unions thanked legislators for their support while also emphasizing the need for prompt, effective action. Citing the successful outcomes of the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun sagas – both of which relied on military support – the unions noted, “This is important not only because no American ship, cargo or crew member was lost but because our country unequivocally demonstrated that we will protect our U.S.-flag fleet, which contributes to the economic, political and military security of the United States. Our country cannot allow pirates to force the U.S. flag off the high seas or to drive American citizens out of our industry. All too often the role that our organizations and the United States citizen merchant marine officers and crew we represent 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 [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 to protect America’s interests. Consequently, we are extremely disappointed that the Department of Defense has apparently decided not to accept primary responsibility for protecting United States-flag vessels and their U.S. citizen crews.” The unions continued, “We do not disagree that there is a limit to any government’s resources – even America’s. In fact, due to the vastness of the area to be covered – and the areas of threat are continually growing larger – our Navy and the coalition of other navies currently positioned in the Gulf of Aden region may simply not have the resources to provide all the protection necessary to prevent and stop every attack. “Nor do we disagree that private industry must and should assume some responsibility. But, it is in our opinion naive at best to believe that private industry does not need and deserve the U.S. government’s help. Simply having the Department of Defense respond to an attack, rather than working in concert with private industry to prevent attacks, is not enough to properly assure American mariners that their government stands ready, willing and able to protect them from attack by pirates.” They further noted that the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce recently reported that compared to the first quarter of 2008, piracy incidents have almost doubled in the first quarter of 2009, from 53 to 102. According to the IMB, this increase is due almost entirely to increased pirate attacks off the Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Somalia. The unions went on to say that they realize the root of the problem lies in the political and economic conditions within Somalia. Because of that instability, there is no quick, perfect solution to the attacks at sea. Further, they noted, the situation calls for “a coordinated international effort” rather than one solely driven by the United States. “But while the world works to confront the root causes of piracy, it is critical that the United States and the rest of the world act to address piracy itself – to develop an international approach that entails uniform response procedures when pirates are discovered in waters near a vessel; that includes a uniform approach to protecting vessels and crews; and which covers the prosecution for piracy and penalties for those convicted. We also believe that all flag nations, including those which do not have military forces to contribute to this effort, must therefore participate in this effort financially. They should pay their fair share to help offset the cost of protecting their flag vessels that the United States and other countries will incur.” Turning to the subject of possibly arming the civilian crews, the unions said, “We categorically reject the notion that this should be considered the best or even a primary solution to the problem of piracy or that it is ‘the answer’ to the threat posed by pirates. Rather, we believe that to the degree this option is considered – and we believe it must be considered – it should be considered as only one part of an overall, comprehensive response. Even then, it should entail no more than a few highly trained individuals who, as determined by the ship owner and master, have extensive training and expertise in the use of weapons and that only these few individuals have access to the arms. Conversely, we do not believe that an individual should have access to arms aboard the vessel simply and exclusively because he happens to hold a certain rating or license.” They also pointed out that existing law prevents mariners aboard commercial ships from carrying arms – a statement echoed in others’ testimonies. During a question-and-answer session at the May 20 hearing, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez told the subcommittee that hundreds of Seafarers have completed Military Sealift Commandapproved small arms training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. However, being trained in safe use and handling of firearms is “a different story” compared to knowing the rules of engagement, he noted. In that regard, piracy presents a unique and wide-ranging set of challenges. Seafarers LOG 13 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:36 PM Page 14 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, 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). 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 $(24,014) as of June 30, 2008, compared to $(134,986) as of July 1, 2007. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $110,972. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $616,512 including employer contributions of $483,529, earnings from investments of $228 and other income of $132,755. Plan expenses were $505,540. These expenses included $411,528 in administrative expenses and $94,012 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. ■ 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. 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, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008 (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 2008 January 1, 2008 151.11% $7,954,211 $5,263,805 2007 January 1, 2007 142.17% $7,977,823 $5,611,333 2006 January 1, 2006 138.14% $8,087,142 $5,854,244 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. For 2006, the Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” was 136.4%, the Plan’s assets were $8,087,142, and Plan liabilities were $5,928,474. 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, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,061,480. As of December 31, 2007, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $8,143,400. As of December 31, 2006, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $8,253,399. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 949. Of this number, 289 were active participants, 553 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 107 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding and 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 4.11 2. U.S. Government securities 23.60 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred 13.11 All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred 0 All other 29.50 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 0 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 0 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) 0 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 31.61 14 Seafarers LOG 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other 0 0 0 -1.93 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 US 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 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. 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 office of the Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, 301-899-0675. 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 1-800-4007242). June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:37 PM Page 15 Personal Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Alicia Rios is looking for Albert Rios or any mariners who sailed with him during his career. Rios sailed from 1942 to 1969 and was born in Colorado or Michigan. Alicia may be reached at (801) 414-8468. June & July 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point.......................................Monday: July 6, August 3 Algonac ............................................Friday: July 10, August 7 Baltimore.......................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 Guam.........................................Thursday: July 23, August 20 Honolulu ........................................Friday: July 17, August 14 Houston.......................................Monday: July 13, August 10 Jacksonville...................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 Joliet...........................................Thursday: July 16, August 13 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: July 15, August 12 New Orleans......................................Tuesday: July 14, August 11 New York.........................................Tuesday: July 7, August 4 Norfolk..........................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 Oakland .....................................Thursday: July 16, August 13 Philadelphia................................Wednesday: July 8, August 5 Port Everglades ..........................Thursday: July 16, August 13 San Juan ........................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 St. Louis .........................................Friday: July 17, August 14 Tacoma ...........................................Friday: July 24, August 21 Wilmington.......................................Monday: July 20, August 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention Seafarers It Takes A 4-Letter Word To Be Heard CONTRIBUTE TO SPAD June 2009 April 16, 2009 - May 15, 2009 Port Total Registered Total Shipped Trip Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C Deck Department 2 3 0 1 2 7 4 12 1 5 6 5 38 27 22 15 4 3 5 1 5 4 44 13 14 16 20 6 1 5 0 3 4 7 26 11 2 0 26 18 226 162 Engine Department 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 7 0 7 4 0 1 1 1 4 4 0 15 14 1 16 11 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 2 8 10 4 7 9 0 10 4 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 2 4 1 14 11 0 0 0 0 8 11 14 100 98 Steward Department 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 1 2 6 2 0 2 3 1 4 2 0 17 4 2 12 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 4 0 27 6 4 7 7 0 20 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 2 0 0 1 0 12 3 13 126 46 Entry Department 4 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 8 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 3 8 7 9 9 0 5 1 0 0 3 0 4 2 0 4 7 4 16 12 1 10 6 3 9 1 0 1 71 0 7 2 0 1 6 5 10 0 0 1 10 4 5 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 TOTAL 5 1 4 13 1 9 49 31 4 17 9 43 15 9 2 1 2 25 3 31 274 7 2 8 15 5 5 35 26 6 5 8 18 22 13 3 7 9 27 7 25 253 1 0 1 7 0 1 10 6 1 1 3 4 4 2 1 7 0 2 1 3 55 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 TOTAL 0 0 5 9 1 6 11 16 1 5 4 24 11 10 1 2 4 13 3 11 137 5 0 5 7 2 4 16 14 1 3 10 9 15 7 1 4 9 24 2 13 151 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 TOTAL 1 0 2 10 2 9 22 16 1 7 5 15 9 26 0 2 0 16 1 25 169 6 0 2 6 2 1 6 7 0 2 4 8 6 3 0 1 1 4 2 5 66 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 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 2 7 1 4 0 0 0 6 0 3 11 0 5 8 1 5 24 17 0 4 9 25 16 14 0 9 1 18 2 12 TOTAL 31 181 152 24 Totals All Departments 611 651 234 476 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 1 6 0 1 1 2 25 1 0 1 4 0 1 28 15 2 4 4 14 6 7 1 0 3 15 0 15 121 9 1 9 23 6 15 87 50 2 35 28 69 28 43 7 3 10 62 4 59 550 16 5 6 27 4 13 66 54 7 8 17 46 36 23 9 7 12 51 11 40 458 13 0 1 10 0 1 12 9 0 3 6 13 9 5 2 4 1 9 0 7 105 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 2 0 3 11 10 1 5 0 3 4 5 4 0 1 8 0 3 62 0 0 8 13 1 15 33 26 0 13 11 32 21 23 2 3 8 22 4 23 258 6 2 3 16 3 9 26 33 1 11 8 18 33 21 3 4 14 27 8 29 275 5 0 0 0 1 3 1 4 2 0 0 3 5 3 0 0 0 3 1 2 33 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 11 0 0 1 3 1 0 6 4 0 3 3 7 0 8 0 0 0 5 1 10 52 2 0 5 10 2 18 54 32 0 12 12 38 13 36 1 4 1 29 2 66 336 5 0 4 17 2 4 15 15 2 5 3 11 16 8 1 2 5 10 2 8 135 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 7 15 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 2 2 6 2 53 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 3 3 0 1 0 0 7 10 2 0 1 2 12 0 12 0 0 0 9 0 4 15 0 2 13 3 15 45 41 0 10 10 49 25 31 0 5 3 39 0 32 12 0 0 11 0 12 23 24 1 8 2 18 26 15 4 26 4 10 0 15 98 77 16 63 338 211 404 118 251 1207 1206 364 Seafarers LOG 15 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:37 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 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 members at the Tacoma union hall. Question: What was your first ship and what do you remember about it? countries, meeting interesting people…. I do remember one little thing. The bosun was from Brooklyn. He told me the first live cow he ever saw in his life was in India. He never saw one in the U.S. Scott Opsahl, Recertified Steward The Independence, in 1980. Those were the good old days, definitely. I took care of (the late actor) Cary Grant as a room steward. After coming back from the liquor barn, he and his entourage were at the door, and it was locked. It was supposed to be open. I finally got the door open and there were welders in the room, welding his bed together. We’re all wedged in this room and the PR guy goes, “Where are the flowers?” We had him on board for two weeks, and whatever he wanted, he got. He had a lot of steak and lobster…. I had a lot of fun on board. I was 21 years old and I remember good times on the fantail, with ukuleles and guitars. At times it looked like we were having more fun than the passengers. Gary Loftin, Chief Cook I shipped out of Piney Point as a (newly graduated) trainee on the Monticello Victory, a T2 tanker that I caught in Baltimore. It was 1980 and I was the messman. From Baltimore, we went through the Panama Canal to Amarilla, Panama. Then, we would come back through the Panama Canal and discharge in Corpus Christi, Texas, or we would discharge at the Hess facility in the Virgin Islands. That was our run. I was on there for about 90 days. The steward, my boss – he was great. He used to do a little thing with the menus. He’d put up riddles, and if you got it, he’d give you a silver dollar. That was cool…. We’d pull in (to port) really close and stay for three or four days. It was a good start on a good career. I never looked back. Wayne Casey, Recertified Bosun I was an OS on the Sea-Land Boston, running out of Elizabeth, N.J., to Europe – Bremerhaven, Felixtowe, Glasgow. It was 1968 or 1969 – that’s going back a long time ago. It was my first seafaring experience, and I liked it. The rough weather, travelling to different Amanda Suncin, Recertified Steward It was the SS Monterey, a Marine Cooks & Stewards passenger ship, in 1976 out of San Francisco. (The MC&S merged into the SIU in 1978.) I was sailing as a waitress. It drastically changed my life – it was like Cinderella walking off to the ballroom. The older members reached out and helped the people who were new to the industry. It was a beautiful experience – like a big, united family. They worked with me, gave me that patience and the time I needed. The maitre d put me on the staff table until I felt comfortable giving the first-class passengers the service they were entitled to…. My father was a merchant mariner and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He worked in the engine room, in the black gang…. I still see continued support today with all of our union officials, especially here in the hall in Tacoma. The support we get from them is awesome. Kevin McCagh, QMED-Electrician The Cape Nome, an old stick ship, in 1990. I had spent nine years drifting around the country. Finally, I put myself through college and got a bachelor’s degree, but I couldn’t get a job afterward. I shipped out of Baltimore and the port agent, Sal Aquia, really jumped through hoops for me and went out of his way later to help me, too. I swear I jumped up and down when I left the hall after I got a job…. My memory is of making a decent living for the first time in my life. My other jobs had been non-union. When I got into this union and found out I was getting paid overtime on the weekends…. I stayed on seven months. It was always from Germany to Holland, Saudi, Dubai. We were carrying armaments before the first Gulf War. I took a month off and went back for five more. Somebody would ask me to get a tool and I’d run, I was so excited. I must have been the happiest oiler in the SIU. 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 Trainees for the first time attended the monthly union meeting at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point , Md, during the summer of 1970. In those days, just as it is today, the monthly meetings afforded trainees a firsthand opportunity to see how the union functions and keeps its members informed. In the photo above, school President Robert Matthews explained the operations of the union to the trainees and informed them about their responsibilities as union members. 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 June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 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 OSWALDO BERMEO Brother Oswaldo Bermeo, 73, joined the union in 1968. He initially sailed on the Steel Age. Brother Bermeo was born in Ecuador and shipped in the engine department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Bermeo’s final ship was the Motivator. He resides in Miami. MICHAEL BOLGER Brother Michael Bolger, 65, became an SIU member in 1967. His first ship was the R.D. Conrad; his last the USNS Potomac. Brother Bolger attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in New York and now lives in Gold Beach, Ore. RICKIE BURGESS Brother Rickie Burgess, 55, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. His first voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Burgess, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Tennessee. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burgess was last employed on the Cape Island. He makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. RODERICK COLEMAN Brother Roderick Coleman, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1990. He originally shipped aboard the USNS Harkness. Brother Coleman upgraded on three occasions at the union-affiliated school. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Coleman most recently sailed on the Seabulk Energy. He is a resident of his native state, Alabama. JAMES DAVIS Brother James Davis, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1978. His first vessel was the Manhattan. In 1984 and 1987, Brother Davis enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. He was born in Ohio and sailed in June 2009 the engine department. Brother Davis’s final voyage was aboard the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He calls Las Vegas home. TAN JOON Brother Tan Joon, 59, signed on with the Seafarers in 1971. He was initially employed on the Trans Oregon. Brother Joon was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. His last ship was the Quality. Brother Joon sailed in the deck department and now makes his home in Kissimmee, Fla. THOMAS LONG Brother Thomas Long, 65, became a union member in 1961. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Mermaid. Brother Long worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Champion. Brother Long resides in Mobile, Ala. ROBERT SNOW Brother Robert Snow, 44, was born in Washington State. He began sailing with the SIU in 1987. Brother Snow originally shipped aboard the USNS Indomitable as a member of the steward department. He often visited the Piney Point school during his seafaring career. Brother Snow’s most recent voyage was on the Tacoma. He lives in Tacoma, Wash. CHARLES SPENCE Brother Charles Spence, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1973. He worked in both the Great Lakes and the deep sea divisions. Brother Spence’s first ship was the Kinsman Enterprise; his last the Overseas Motivator. He was born in California and attended classes in 1985 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Spence, who was a member of the deck department, settled in La Quinta, Calif. INLAND JAMES O’MEARA JR. Brother James O’Meara Jr., 55, joined the union 1977 while in Piney Point, Md. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the maritime training center. Brother O’Meara initially sailed aboard the Charleston. The deck department member was born in Washington, D.C. Brother O’Meara’s final trip was on an OSG Ship Management vessel. He is a resident of Chester, Md. HAROLD THORNTON Brother Harold Thornton, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1990 while in New Orleans. He primarily worked in the deck department aboard the Delta Queen. Brother Thornton was born in Mississippi. He now calls Vidalia, La., home. BRADLEY THOMAS JR. Brother Bradley Thomas, 55, joined the union in 1972, initially sailing on a Steuart Transportation Company vessel. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Seafarersaffiliated school. Brother Thomas was born in Virginia and worked in the deck department. His most recent trip was with Express Marine Inc. Brother Thomas makes his home in Tangier, Va. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM STRAUB Brother William Straub, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1968. His first trip was with ESCO Dredge & Fill Corporation. Brother Straub was born in Pennsylvania. He was last employed aboard a vessel operated by Erie Sand & Gravel. Brother Straub resides in Erie, Pa. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION LUIS FLOWERS Brother Luis Flowers, 68, became an NMU member in 1967, originally shipping from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. on the Flying Foam. Brother Flowers was born in Honduras. The deck department member most recently sailed aboard the Cape Decision. Brother Flowers lives in Jacksonville. FRANCIS MCDONALD Brother Francis McDonald, 64, was born in Boston. He began shipping with the union 1981. Brother McDonald worked in both the steward and engine departments. His final voyage was on the Islander. Brother McDonald is a resident of Falmouth, Mass. STEPHEN PETERSEN Brother Stephen Petersen, 58, donned the NMU colors in 1974 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the John Lykes; his last the Philadelphia Express. Brother Petersen shipped as a member of the deck department. He was born in Houston but calls Pasadena, Texas, home. AGUEDO SABINO Brother Aguedo Sabino, 66, joined the union in 1992 while in Boston. He was born in Cape Verde. Brother Sabino sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise as a member of the deck department for the duration of his seafaring career. He now makes his home in Portugal. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG submit discharges and, on that basis, will receive pro-rata vacation pay. 1941 1973 The SS Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to be sunk by the Germans. The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboat and were about one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the ship, sinking it. The action led to the union’s demand for higher crew bonuses and insurance. By proclamation, President Nixon has opened the way for the first time to increased use of American-flag ships in the carriage of some of the nation’s oil imports by providing financial incentives to importers. Under terms of the proclamation, importers who use American-flag tankers to bring in motor gasoline or finished products or unfinished oil manufactured in the Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam get a special break on import fees. This Month In SIU History 1951 The SIU made history when it negotiated with its contracted operators a revolutionary, industry-wide vacation plan which guarantees all Seafarers the equivalent of two weeks’ paid vacation for each 12 months of service. Regardless of how many ships or companies a member works for, the operators will pay into a central fund a certain amount for each day worked. The mariner no longer has to go to the company office to collect his/her vacation pay – the person merely goes to the union hall to 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eightmonth fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Seafarers LOG 17 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA EDDIE BOWERS Pensioner Eddie Bowers, 93, passed away Jan. 15. Brother Bowers was born in Mobile, Ala. He joined the union in 1952, initially sailing on the Alcoa Patriot. Brother Bowers worked in the steward department. He last worked aboard the Guayama. Brother Bowers retired in 1979 and continued to make his home in Alabama. THOMAS BROWN Pensioner Thomas Brown, 81, died Jan. 12. Brother Brown became a Seafarer in 1947. His first trip was with Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Brown was born in Georgia and sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he shipped on the Pacer. Brother Brown settled in Savannah, Ga. ANTONIO HALL Pensioner Antonio Hall, 71, passed away Jan. 2. Brother Hall started sailing with the union in 1991 while in the port of New Orleans. The steward department member was born in Panama. Brother Hall’s first ship was the Cape Mendocino; his last was the Cape Hudson. He went on pension in 2008 and called New Orleans home. ANDERSON JORDAN Pensioner Anderson Jordan, 75, died Jan. 19. Brother Jordan first donned the SIU colors in 1960. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Alcoa Partner. Brother Jordan, a member of the steward department, was born in Florida. His final voyage took place on the Sam Houston. Brother Jordan became a pensioner in 1998 and lived in Mobile, Ala. 18 Seafarers LOG ABELL MACK Pensioner Abell Mack, 69, passed away Jan. 28. Brother Mack joined the SIU ranks in 1972 while in the port of New York. He initially worked aboard the USNS Potomac as a member of the deck department. Brother Mack was born in South Carolina. Before retiring in 2004, he was employed on the Transcolumbia. Brother Mack made his home in Chesapeake, Va. WILLIAM MANSFIELD Brother William Mansfield, 84, died Jan. 16. He was born in California. Brother Mansfield signed on with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. The deck department member last shipped aboard the Independence. Brother Mansfield was a resident of Collinsville, Ill. OSCAR MARTINEZ Pensioner Oscar Martinez, 81, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Martinez began his seafaring career in 1974. His earliest trip was on the Beaugard. Brother Martinez was born in the Philippines. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Martinez’s last voyage was aboard the Cleveland. He went on pension in 1993 and continued residing in the Philippines. ROBERT PADON Pensioner Robert Padon, 67, died Dec. 10. Brother Padon first donned the SIU colors in 1991 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He primarily sailed on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping Corporation to include the Cape Fear and the El Morro. Brother Padon was born in New York and worked in the engine department. In 2007, he retired and settled in Jacksonville, Fla. DAVID SEIBEL Brother David Seibel, 68, passed away Dec. 19. He became a Seafarer in 2002 in the port of Seattle. Brother Seibel’s first voyage was on the USNS Able. The deck department member was born in Yakima, Wash. Brother Seibel’s final trip was aboard the Observation Island. He lived in Silverdale, Wash. MARION SIMONEAUX Pensioner Marion Simoneaux, 86, died Jan. 19. Brother Simoneaux joined the SIU ranks in 1951, initially shipping with Eagle Carriers Inc. Prior to his retirement in 1987, Brother Simoneaux, a member of the deck department, sailed aboard the Panama. He was a resident of Metairie, La. CHARLES SMITH Pensioner Charles Smith, 79, passed away Jan. 5. Brother Smith was born in Mississippi. He started his seafaring career in 1955. Brother Smith’s earliest trip was on the Steel Age as a member of the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother Smith began collecting his pension in 1993 and continued to make his home in his native state. & Stewards (MC&S) while in the port of San Francisco before that union merged into the SIU. He was born in Hong Kong and shipped in the steward department. Brother Wah’s final trip to sea took place on the Maunalei. He became a pensioner in 1981 and called San Francisco home. SAMUEL WITT Brother Samuel Witt, 58, died Jan. 17. He began his SIU career in 1969 while in the port of New York. Brother Witt initially sailed aboard the Buckeye Atlantic as a member of the engine department. The New York-born mariner most recently shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Witt resided in San Juan, P.R. INLAND WOODROW BALL SR. Pensioner Woodrow Ball Sr., 90, passed away Dec. 31. Brother Ball first donned the SIU colors in 1964. He originally worked aboard a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Brother Ball was born in North Carolina. He last sailed with Marine Towing & Transportation Company. Brother Ball retired in 1980 and settled in Chesapeake, Va. RAY TODD Pensioner Ray Todd, 73, died Dec. 22. Brother Todd signed on with the union in 1961 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Morning Light; his last was the Ultramax. Brother Todd was born in Mississippi. The deck department member went on pension in 2003. RAYMOND GARNER Pensioner Raymond Garner, 81, died Jan. 8. Brother Garner was born in Mississippi. He joined the union in 1962. Brother Garner mainly shipped on Dixie Carriers vessels in the deck department. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990 and lived in Gulfport, Miss. KOK WAH Pensioner Kok Wah, 93, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Wah joined the Marine Cooks RODNEY JEZIOROWSKI Pensioner Rodney Jeziorowski, 67, passed away Jan. 16. Brother Jeziorowski signed on with the SIU in 1967. His earliest trip was aboard a Marine Fueling Inc. vessel. Brother Jeziorowski’s final voyage was with H&M Lake Transport Ltd. He was a resident of Toledo, Ohio, and went on pension in 2003. GREAT LAKES PERRY WILLIS Pensioner Perry Willis, 75, died Jan. 19. Brother Willis started sailing with the union in 1973 while in Detroit. His first vessel was the George D. Goble; his last was the Paul Thayer. Brother Willis was a member of the deck department. He resided in his native state of West Virginia. Brother Willis became a pensioner in 1999. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) have passed away. Name Age Alvarez, Roberto 66 Bargas, Paul 77 Batista, Gilberto 85 Beckford, Charles 78 Castro, Jose 84 Cousin, Manuel 78 Crawford, Warner 83 Cugno, Corrado 90 Dela Barcena, Ricardo 80 Economy, John 89 Elmuflihi, Naser 76 Ferreira, Jose 95 Gordan, Robert 77 Guenard, Arcadio 90 Hafemeister, David 86 Harkless, Flowis 79 James, Joseph 94 Jones, Samuel 89 Koslowski, Joseph 95 Lamb, Rodney 71 Lassare, Alvin 75 Leite, Alvoro 75 Martinez, Pedro 94 McCoy, Sullivan 71 McCree, Robert 83 McWilliams, Jesse 83 Medina, Juan 89 Melendez, Juan 84 Mente, Alois 81 Mooney, Alphones 85 Muentes, Francisco 90 Murray, George 84 Nelson, Frank 88 Nobles, Aubrey 77 Nunes, Alyrio 96 Pace, Leroy 83 Paddy, Robert 82 Pruden, Clarence 87 Rivera, Severo 71 Rodriguez, Julio 89 Salfford, Robert 77 Tatum, Harding 86 Torres, Jose 87 Trojan, Andrew 87 Valencia, Alfredo 91 DOD April 8 Feb. 24 April 22 April 1 April 23 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Jan. 25 March 30 Feb. 3 Dec. 27 Jan. 28 April 16 Feb. 13 March 21 April 8 Feb. 26 April 26 Feb. 15 March 1 April 14 Jan. 25 Feb. 27 March 19 April 3 April 18 April 14 April 3 March 13 Feb. 10 March 1 Jan. 11 Feb. 22 April 17 April 18 March 30 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 April 4 Jan. 18 March 3 March 31 March 1 Jan. 1 April 4 June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CHAMPION (Maersk Line, Limited), April 19 – Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Stanley C. Smith. Chairman informed crew members that sanitary inspection would take place on April 22. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. She announced that there would be another Maersk Line, Limited safety boot camp at the Piney Point school and encouraged crew to attend. Educational director reminded fellow members to prepare in advance when renewing z-cards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to raise pension amounts and lower retirement age. It was reported that new dishwasher would be picked up in Norfolk, Va. Steward department was thanked for great food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Mobile, Ala.; and Norfolk, Va. EL MORRO (Interocean Aboard the Padre Island SIU Norfolk, Va. Port Agent Georg Kenny recently submitted these photos from the dredge Padre Island. Kenny serviced the vessel in Wilmington, N.C. Operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, the Padre Island is a trailing suction hopper dredge and is 281 feet long. Some of those aboard the union-contracted Padre Island during SIU Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny’s recent visit were AB/Dragtender Duane Evans (above); AB/Dragtender Brad Burnett, Chief Engineer Dave Bragdon and Captain Bill Cliette (from left to right in photo at immediate right) and Mate Carl Sanderson (photo at far right). American Shipping), April 29 – Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Rafael A. Cardenas, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown, Engine Delegate Rickey J. Pettaway, Steward Delegate John L. Foster. Bosun talked about the importance of reading the Seafarers LOG to stay informed on issues affecting the maritime industry. He urged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made regarding medical benefits. Request was made for satellite TV in all crew rooms. Next ports: San Juan, Port Everglades, Fla. and Jacksonville, Fla. Delegate Robert L. Richardson, Engine Delegate Michael S. Kirby, Steward Delegate Nasser Ahmed. Chairman thanked crew members for working well together. Secretary asked mariners departing ship to leave cabins neat for arriving crew. Educational director recommended all seamen upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. He also urged them to keep dues up-to-date and donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested concerning “trip tour off.” HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), April 26 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Stanley W. Parker, Engine Delegate Allen Ward, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman reported smooth sailing. He asked those getting off vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for new TV remote. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), April 4 – Chairman Shawn M. Strand, Secretary Mark V. Cabasag, Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Deck June 2009 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. Lines), April 6 – Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Morris A. Jeff, Steward Delegate Mussa A. Mohamed. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash., on April 11. Educational director advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center and get TWIC cards ASAP. Treasurer stated $2,345.14 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to pension benefits. Crew discussed new policies and charges at airlines and what could be done about it. Motion was made to use ship fund money to purchase a computer for crew use only. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), April 5 – Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita, Deck Delegate Brent Johnson, Engine Delegate Carl J. Castagna, Steward Delegate Else David. Chairman reported payoff would take place at sea April 5. He informed members that captain has requested everyone check out no more than two movies at a time. Crew members were reminded that ideas to improve safety could get you appointed “safety sailor of the month” which includes an extra day off. Secretary expressed his gratitude for help keeping ship clean. He asked mariners to let him know of any food requests and stated they would be filled if possible. Captain purchased halibut, crab and cob for the ship. Request was made for members to not use as much laundry detergent in new washer. New dryer has been installed; crew was asked to keep lint traps emptied at all times. Educational director suggested crew check out what the Piney Point school has to offer and keep dues current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks were given to Else David, Al Hollinger and Chef Mo Shibly for excellent meals. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), April 9 – Chairman Eric J. Perez, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate Ricardo C. Quinones, Engine Delegate Eddie J. Pittman. Bosun praised crew for a smooth, safe voyage. Secretary urged everyone to make sure company physical and all necessary shipping documents were upto-date. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade not only for job security but to stay on top of the technology on the new ships coming out. Treasurer reported $316 in ship’s fund with $133 of that going for satellite radio subscription. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members wished President Sacco the best with his new term in office. Recommendations were made regarding vacation and pension benefits. Seafarers expressed the need for another clothes dryer. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R. and Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), April 19 – Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Paul P. Pagano, Deck Delegate Redentor G. Borja, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced payoff April 25 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary noted that the guards at the port of Guam will not let you in or out of the gate without your TWIC card. Educational director sug- gested mariners apply early for z-cards. Treasurer stated $690 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to lower age requirements for pension benefits. Request was made for company to install a satellite system with crew making monthly payments. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), April 9 – Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate Christopher A. Green, Engine Delegate William P. Stone, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman notified crew members of payoff and lay-up in Orange, Texas, on April 19. He thanked everyone for a great voyage, especially Louins Johnson for impressive menu and meals. Secretary expressed his gratitude for crew willingness to help keep pantry and lounges clean. Members were asked to clean rooms before departing vessel. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made concerning eligibility requirements for retirement. Crew member inquired about purchasing refrigerator for rooms and getting reimbursed from company. Next port: Orange, Texas. Seafarers LOG 19 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 20 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, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008 (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. 2008 Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities January 1, 2008 121.6% $700,482,858 $575,915,644 2007 2006 January 1, 2007 116.8% $676,260,582 $578,933,983 January 1, 2006 111.3% $633,159,327 $569,011,172 Fair Market Value of Assets As of December 31, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets are estimated to be $797,500,000, subject to audit. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 16,917. Of this number, 8,839 were active participants, 4,188 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 3,890 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 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 2 29 0 18 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 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. Events with Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities Federal law requires trustees to provide in this notice a written explanation of events, taking effect in the current plan year, which are expected to have a material effect on plan liabilities or assets. For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2008 and ending on December 31, 2008, the following events are expected to have such an effect: During 2008 the Seafarers Pension Plan Trustees approved a merger with the Pension Plan of the National Maritime Union (“NMU”). The Seafarers Pension Plan was the successor Plan and assumed all assets and liabilities of the NMU Plan. At the time the Trustees approved the merger, the NMU assets exceeded the liabilities and it was deemed a prudent action by both parties. The severe economic downturn during the latter part of 2008 resulted in significant investment losses to the Plan and a decline in assets. Although the decline in assets has no effect on plan liabilities, the Plan’s funded level has declined and the actuarial funding requirements will increase significantly. The results of both of these events will be reflected in the next annual notice. 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 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, 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 1-800-400-7242). 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 certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman 20 Seafarers LOG 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 circum- stances 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. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 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 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 Electrician October 26 December 18 Marine Refrigeration Technician November 9 December 18 Machinist September 14 October 2 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 October 12 July 17 September 11 November 6 ARPA June 8 July 20 June 12 July 24 Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 GMDSS June 15 July 6 July 27 June 26 July 17 August 7 Government Vessels July 27 September 21 July 31 September 25 Lifeboat June 8 September 28 June 19 October 9 Radar July 6 November 2 July 17 November 13 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 24 October 19 September 4 October 30 Tanker Assistant July 27 September 21 August 7 October 2 Tank Pic Barge September 21 September 25 Advanced Firefighting Safety Specialty Courses August 17 August 28 Basic Firefighting/STCW July 20 September 14 November 9 July 24 September 18 November 13 Fast Rescue Boat June 29 August 17 July 3 August 21 Medical Care Provider August 31 September 4 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 June 1. 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) July 20 September 14 November 9 August 14 October 9 December 4 FOWT June 22 August 17 October 12 July 17 September 11 November 6 Junior Engineer August 31 October 23 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 ________________________________________________ June 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 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes RADAR – Seven upgraders completed their training in this course April 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Albert Bharrat, Jason Boyer, Randolph Knipfer, Winton Rich, Jon Silveria, Neil Sullivan and Guillermo ZapataNichols. (Note: Not all are pictured.) UNLICENSED APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS – Unlicensed apprentices from class 717 recently completed requirements for graduation from the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Andrew Beach, Samuel Blancard, Lorenzo Chaparro, Maldonado Cortes, Christepher Cross, John Eastman, John Edwards, Nathaniel Fitzpatrick, William Fountain, Mayra Gaines Otero, Kelvin Jennings Jr., Patricia Lamb, Allen Ludlow, Noorudin Muthala, Mauriceio Oubre, David Santiago Arroyo, DeShawn Smith, Marcus Toby, Dean Trott, Lisa Williams, and James Williamson. BASIC & ADVANCED FIRE FIGHTING (INLAND) – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed training in this 41-hour class April 17: Luis Burgos, Roderick Frazier, Robert Knowlton, Charles Mull Jr., and Jackie Pruitt. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at far right. ADVANCED CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Four Seafarers on April 24 completed their requirements in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Roger Dillinger Jr., Joseph Letang, Marc Poniatowski and Charles Sneed. Calvin Beal, their instructor, is at left. JUNIOR ENGINEER – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on May 1 finished their requirements and graduated from this course: Sandra Baker, Damien Bautista, Arkady Bichevsky, Donald Bishop, Francis Brown, Michael Clark, Mervin Cruzat, Marion Cruzat, Arman Deblois, Jose Deoferio, Oscar Garcia, Lawrence Guerrero, Nat Lamb, Peter Meglow, Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Orlando Pabon, Christian Rosado, David Ruggirello, Ronald Sease, JoVannii Sprauve, and JoVanio Sprauve. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:39 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes ARPA – Five upgraders enhanced their skills by completing this course April 17. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Boyer, Randolph Knipfer, Jon Silvera, Neil Sullivan and Rodger Taylor. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is at left. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Fourteen Seafarers on April 10 finished their requirements for the completion of this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abdo Ahmed, Joselito Beof, Luis Burgos, David Bustos, Donnell Criswell, Jioia DeLeon, Waldemar Gajc, Claude Letts, Aldrin Saez, Adrian Schubert, Tyrell Thabit, Cade Vaussine, Randy Wallace and Shedrick Walker. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at far right. STCW – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on April 3 completed this course: Gregory Baker, Antonio Baskins, Joselito Beof, David Bustos, Donnell Criswell, Donald Dabbs, Carlos Eclevia, Raymond Fernandez, Brian Freme, Claude Letts, Lyle McCorison, Cameron Mitchell, Andres Param, James Peterson, Aldrin Saez, Ronald Scintilla, Cade Vaussine and Randy Wallace. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. WELDING – Nine upgraders completed this 103-hour course April 24. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Aquino Aristeo, George Box, Tyesha Boyd, Angel Cintron, Abner Diaz-Torres, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Michael Maldonado, Caroline Thomas and James Tyson. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is third from right in the back row. Computer, College Classes BST/STCW (Hawaii) - Twelve individuals completed training requirements in the course April 25 at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Those graduating (above in no particular order) were Jonathan Diggs, Terry Weatherford, Sarah Kinney, Amy Nupp, Todd Wacker, Travis Havelka, Emily Music, Jillian Smith, Charles Wise, Robert Cook, Emmanuel Santos and Monica Frake. Four Seafarers, each of whom underwent upgrade training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., recently completed computer courses. A fifth individual completed a pair of academic courses. Earning certificates for finishing computer courses (above, from the left) were: Sajid Foster, Jason Boyer, Charles Sneed and Tonya Gist. Lawrence Cormier (left in photo at left below and right in photo at below right) completed academic courses in History 101 and Math 101. Rich Prucha (second from left in photo above and left in photo at below right) served as instructor for the computer and Math 101 courses while Peggy Densford (left in photo below) provided instruction for the History 101 course. BST/STCW (Hawaii) – The above individuals, in no particular order, completed this course April 4 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Chris Alvarado, Brett Lyons, Robyn Norris, Jeffrey Griggs, Renato Rapayrapay, Michael Hart, Richard Guerin, Erin Burns, Elaine Richardson, Ebony Gregory, Denis Amador, Irvin Arroyo, Orlando Apodaca, Omar VegaBarrera, Bernard Runo, Frances Cahill, Krista Kluke, Angela Mokate and Mark Neglia. June 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:53 PM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 6 June 2009 Funding Notices, Summary Annual Reports - Pages 11, 14, 20 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 two courses 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 Small Arms Training Approved by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the course is designed to provide basic familiarization, knowledge and skills needed to meet the U.S. Navy standards for Small Arms Training for Security Personnel Afloat. Topics include an indepth study of small arms safety, use of force and deadly force, the fundamentals of marksmanship, the use of a 9MM pistol, use of an M-14 rifle and the use of a 12-gauge shotgun. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. In addition, students must demonstrate the ability to qualify with a 9MM M9 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and an M-14 rifle. Students are required to qualify on each weapon in order to receive certification. Small Arms Training is a minimum three-day, twenty-one (21) hour course designed for candidates who are qualifying on small arms for the first time, or who failed on all three weapons initially or during the re-qualifying firing, or whose certificate of qualification or re-qualification is greater than one year old. Class size is established at not more than 16 students. Practical assessments will be conducted with a student/instructor ratio of not more than four to one (4:1). Small Arms Re-Qualification The Small Arms Re-Qualification class is a minimum one-day, sevenhour course designed for students: ■ Who are not qualifying on small arms for the first time, ■ Who have qualified on the 9MM M9 pistol, the M-14 rifle and the 12gauge shotgun and ■ Whose certificate of qualification or re-qualification is not greater than one year old. The course is designed to provide the student with the level of knowledge and skills necessary to meet the U.S. Navy standards for Small Arms training for Security Personnel Afloat. Students must demonstrate the ability to re-qualify with a 9MM M9 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and an M-14. Class size is established at not more than 16 students. Practical assessments will be conducted with a student/instructor ratio of not more than six to one (6:1). � 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 June 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES RANK-AND-FILE COMMITTEE OKAYS SIU’S FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR 2008 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN AWARDS $132, 000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS 2 MORE TANKERS CHRISTENED UNIONS TESTIFY ON PIRACY TRAINING, DRILLS PAY OFF ABOARD LIBERTY SUN TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD HONORS MARINERS FROM ‘MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON’ BUSINESS AS USUAL ON U.S. SHIPPING VESSELS FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE STANDS UP TO AGGRESSION MARITIME DAY CITES MARINERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS CHARTER MEMBER SAYS SIU REMAINS ON RIGHT COURSE COMPANY ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT HAWAII SUPERFERRY MORE MAJORITY SIGN-UP MYTHS DEBUNKED EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT WOULD ALLOW WORKERS TO CHOOSE VOTING METHOD GROUND BROKEN FOR NATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL MARIITME LABOR BACKS BILL ADDRESSING MEDICAL EVALUATION PROCESS, FATIGUE HORIZON LINES RECOGNIZES ‘HEROES’ APRIL DATA SHOWS UNEMPLOYMENT GROWING PROFESSOR HAS MARITIME DOCUMENTARY IN WORKS U.S. HOUSE VOTES TO THANK WWII MARINERS PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE SPOTLIGHT 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 06/01/2009 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. 6 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a7508c77c58349fea266e72b32cf3a3c.PDF 1764e6a4cc248f990f4c0bebbc5ed48f PDF Text Text 54775_P01_24:January 08 6/25/2009 7:09 PM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 7 July 2009 Maersk Completes Fleet Upgrade Newer Vessels Reflag U.S., Enroll in Maritime Security Program SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited recently announced it has completed a project which saw the company reflag nine ships under the Stars and Stripes. According to Maersk, the effort involved an investment of nearly $400 million. The nine ships replace nine older vessels, and all of the newer ones are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Pictured directly above, the Maersk Kentucky is one of the newly reflagged ships; at left, the American flag is raised aboard the Maersk Utah; top photo, QMED Olson Thorne (left) and OMU Ruben Haynes report a “good and safe” voyage aboard the Maersk Wisconsin. Page 3. Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation on June 5 christened the tugboat Commitment (inset, left) and its accompanying barge, 650-6. Together, the new tonnage forms the sixth of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATBs that the company is scheduled to receive by the end of 2010. In the group photo, SIU members are joined by union officials and Crowley President and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. Page 3. Texas Tug Crews Ratify Contracts Crowley Maritime’s Commitment Displayed In More Ways Than One New State-of-Art ATB Joins Fleet By overwhelming margins, SIU boatmen from Moran Towing of Texas and Seabulk Towing, respectively, recently approved new three-year contracts that maintain benefits while increasing wages. Pictured above are some of the members of the union’s negotiating committee for the Moran contract (from left): Mate Glenn Dupree, Patrolman Mike Russo, Chief Engineer Cliff Champagne and AB Paul Paszkiewicz. Page 4. Union Endorses Rich Trumka Page 2 Great Lakes Photos Galore Pages 12, 13, 24 �54775_P01_24:January 08 6/25/2009 8:05 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Health Care, Front and Center As the first days of summer arrived, much of the country’s attention was focused on health care and how our current system might change. That was definitely the case in the nation’s capital, where new health care legislation had been introduced late last month, and where several different plans still are being debated. Additionally, at press time, Seafarers were scheduled to participate in a massive Capitol Hill rally for health care reform. Although it has been a long time since I’ve written about the out-of-control costs of health care, those expenses are a big part of a problem that hasn’t gone away. In fact, it has become worse – reaching the point where the question no longer is whether the country needs reform, but rather, what’s the best new approach? Obviously it’s a very complicated issue. But some basic facts put a spotlight on just how severe and far-reaching the problem is. Michael Sacco The other day, I heard a news report that projected a nine percent cost increase this year for employer health insurance premiums. That would be on top of a five percent increase that happened in 2008 – and that’s actually a slowdown, if you can believe it. With this topic, there is always a danger of getting lost in too many statistics. I think there are a few numbers that really have to be considered in order to understand the problem, though. For one, going back over the last 10 years, job-based health insurance premiums have increased by 120 percent. No, that’s not a typo. But it is four times greater than overall wage growth in that same stretch, and it’s almost three times greater than inflation. Not surprisingly, companies can’t afford to bear all of those increases. Some of the costs get passed on to workers, as anyone who has served on a contract negotiating committee will tell you. We remain fortunate in the SIU, in that our members don’t have to pay just to maintain their coverage. But the vast majority of Americans with health insurance do have to pay at least part of their employer-sponsored premiums, and for those people, their costs have more than doubled since the start of this decade. Nationwide, on average, the same holds true for individual out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-payments for medications, and co-insurance for office and hospital visits. Again, within the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan we have been fortunate compared to many others, but it has required serious choices and sacrifices to maintain our coverage. Like I said, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, but those figures alone help explain many related problems. The latest studies and media reports say that health care costs often are a factor in personal bankruptcies. Roughly one of every four people struggles to pay for health care. Tens of millions remain without any health coverage or are underinsured. Then there are those who keep their coverage up-to-date, follow the rules – and get dropped anyway. This issue came to light last month at congressional hearings which followed a government investigation. Turns out some insurers have dropped thousands and thousands of people from their policies simply because those individuals had the nerve to actually get sick. The companies made excuses, but it was obvious they had cancelled certain policies in order to avoid paying for expensive treatments. With all of those factors in mind, it is good to see the subject of health care getting the attention it needs. And it is good to see President Obama identifying the health care crisis as something that must be addressed now. For our part, the SIU’s goals remain the same as those of the labor movement as a whole where health care is concerned. Our nation must control rising and unreasonable costs. We must ensure that quality health care is available to all. We must give every family the opportunity for preventive care. We must fight to make certain that employersponsored health care isn’t taxed. Not to be overlooked is the fact that organized labor wants to preserve the right to choose one’s own doctor. People on talk radio and elsewhere have tried to scare the public into believing otherwise, just as they’ve painted reform as automatically meaning the U.S. would adopt the worst health care problems faced in other nations. That’s nonsense. We want to build on what is best about American health care while drawing from what works best in other countries. In short, we want more fairness, efficiency and affordability. How we get there has yet to be determined, but for the sake of working families all across the land, we’d better get there soon. Volume 71, Number 7 SIU Endorses Trumka For AFL-CIO President The SIU last month announced its support for Richard L. Trumka in his bid to win election as president of the AFL-CIO. Trumka has served as secretary-treasurer of the federation since 1995. The next president of the AFL-CIO will be elected at the federation’s convention in Pittsburgh in September. John Sweeney, who has held that post since 1995, has announced he plans to retire. SIU President Michael Sacco, a member of the AFL-CIO executive council, has worked with Trumka for more than 30 years. “Rich is the right man for the job,” Sacco stated. “He’s got big shoes to fill, because John Sweeney has done fantastic work for our movement, but Rich is up to the task. I really believe he will do a great job leading the labor movement.” Sacco noted Trumka’s effectiveness during last year’s presidential campaign, when the former United Mine Workers president carried a powerful pro-worker message across the nation. Trumka’s outreach to working families gained prominence through an internet video, where his no-nonsense, dynamic speaking style and compelling ideas appealed to broad audiences. “But that’s the same Rich Trumka we in the labor movement have known for decades,” Sacco added. “Rich has always been a great advocate for workers. He is one of the most accessible, hardest-working people I’ve ever known, and his record of accomplishment is second-to-none when it comes to advancing workers’ rights. Whether it’s job safety or retirement security or employee-employer communications or any SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka are pictured at Maritime Trades Department meetings early last year. Trumka has supported maritime labor for many years. other issue, Rich is always pushing for fair treatment and equitable gains. “The SIU is proud to support him, just as he has supported us over the years.” A third-generation coal miner, Trumka came up through the ranks of the UMWA. He started working in the mines at age 19. Years later, after finishing law school and returning to work for the union at the local and district levels, he was elected UMWA president in 1982. He led the Mine Workers through difficult strikes which preserved the membership’s strength and livelihoods. Vice Adm. Harnitchek Appointed TRANSCOM Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Mark D. Harnitchek recently was appointed as the deputy commander of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Vice Admiral Harnitchek replaces longtime SIU friend Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau. Vice Admiral Harnitchek will serve as a principal advisor and assistant to the commander of TRANSCOM, General Duncan McNabb. TRANSCOM is the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense. One of the agencies it oversees is the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Vice Admiral Harnitchek, a native of Philadelphia, received a bachelor of arts degree from Penn State University in 1977 and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy through the ROTC Program. In 1987, he earned a master’s degree in management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. He has served in a variety of sea tours including aboard two submarines, the USS Will Rogers and USS Buffalo; two surface ships, the USS Holland and USS Proteus; and the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. On shore, his tours include commander Task Force 74 in Yokosuka Japan, Navy Ships Parts Control Center, commanding officer Naval Inventory Control Point, Naval Air Station Oceana, and the chief of naval operations staff. Vice Adm. Harnitchek most recently served as TRANSCOM’s director of strategy, policy, programs and logistics. He also served as the United States Central Command Deployment and Distribution director in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom from June 2007 to January 2008. July 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 Vice Admiral Mark D. Harnitchek is the new deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command. Past Deputy Commander of TRANSCOM Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau visited the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training. July 2009 �54775_P01_24:January 08 6/25/2009 7:36 PM Page 3 The Sealand Mercury (above) and the Maersk Idaho (right) signify newer tonnage for the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Both ships are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Maersk Line Completes Flag-In of 9 Ships SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) last month announced that the company has completed a “recapitalization” of its U.S.-flag container fleet. The effort involved an investment of nearly $400 million for the purchase and reflagging of nine ships into the U.S. registry. Announcing the milestone on June 1, the company noted, “In keeping with its commitment to provide world-class U.S.-flag transportation services, MLL’s recapitalization plan called for the company to remove nine older, smaller ships from its U.S. fleet and replace them with larger, faster and more modern U.S.-flag tonnage. All nine of the reflagged ships are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program.” “This additional capacity and capability, paired with the optimization and expansion of our U.S.-flag network, will enable us to provide even more reliable, timely and flexible service to our government customers,” said Bill Kenwell, MLL’s chief commercial officer. The SIU-contracted ships joining MLL’s fleet include the Maersk Kentucky, Maersk Idaho, Maersk Utah, Maersk Wisconsin, Maersk Wyoming, Sealand Champion, Sealand Eagle, Sealand Mercury and Sealand Racer. According to the company, these ships feature an average capacity of more than 4,000 TEU and an average age of just 10 years, while the nine ships they replace had an average capacity of 3,400 TEU and an average age of 23 years. “The newer tonnage is good news for the SIU and good news for America’s national and economic security,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Maersk deserves credit and recognition for its ongoing, solid commitment to the American-flag fleet and to the U.S. Merchant Marine.” MLL’s Technical Organization and its Maritime Technical Services business unit, which develops and applies advanced operating, maintenance and lifecycle strategies for maritime customers, are managing the sale and recycling of the nine older U.S.-flag ships. “Moving a total of 18 vessels into and out of the U.S. fleet is a complex challenge,” said Bob Bowers, MLL’s senior director of maritime technical services, “but our close working relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard, the class societies and other regulatory agencies allows us to keep the project on schedule and minimize downtime for the ships.” Ships being removed from MLL’s U.S.-flag fleet include the Maersk Arizona, Sealand Achiever, Sealand Atlantic, Sealand Commitment, Sealand Florida, Sealand Motivator, Sealand Performance, Sealand Pride and Sealand Quality. All ships selected for recycling will be recycled using environmentally sound practices. In addition, the size and efficiency of the newer ships will result in reduced fuel consumption and emissions, both of which are key components of the Maersk environmental strategy. The deck gang on the Maersk Wisconsin includes (from left) AB Sherman Hudson, AB Bill Baker and AB Ferdinand Viniegra Capably manning the galley aboard the Maersk Wisconsin are (from left) SA Ariel Lopez, Recertified Steward Edward Porter and Chief Cook Ali Hydera Pictured from left to right aboard the Sealand Mercury are AB Aubrey Davis, DEU John Cooper and UA Jeremy Farlow. Union-Contracted Crowley Maritime Christens ATB Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation on June 5 christened the sixth of 10 new 185,000-barrel articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessels that the compa- ny will take delivery of by the end of 2010. Seafarers and SIU officials attended the ceremony, which took place in Long Beach, Calif. Paula The new tug Commitment (left) and barge 650-6 (right) are part of a large fleet of new Crowley ATBs. July 2009 Taylor, wife of Bill Taylor, Crowley vice president, bulk petroleum and chemical transportation, christened the 9,280 HP-tug Commitment, while Brenda Lawrence, wife of Bill Lawrence, chartering specialist for BP Shipping USA, christened barge 650-6. SIU officials in attendance included Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Wilmington, Calif., Port Agent Jeff Turkus. The company pointed out that, as of the christening date, Crowley’s existing Seafarers-crewed ATB fleet had carried approximately 193,432,788 barrels without a spill. The new vessels were designed and built by Crowley’s technical services group at VT Halter Marine and are being operated by Crowley’s petroleum services group. Crowley already has nine ATBs in operation and has Enjoying the ceremony are (from left) Paula Taylor, Crowley President and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. and Brenda Lawrence. announced plans to build three larger 750-series (330,000-barrel capacity) ATBs for delivery by the middle of 2012. Once all vessels are received, the fleet will stand at 17, according to the company. Seafarers LOG 3 �54775_P01_24:January 08 6/25/2009 7:15 PM Page 4 Texas Boatmen Approve Two Contracts It wasn’t easy, but SIU boatmen from Moran Towing of Texas and Seabulk Towing, respectively, recently secured new three-year contracts that maintain benefits while boosting wages. The agreements are separate, but they also are nearly identical. Both are retroactive to June 1. For the Seabulk agreement, which covers more than 70 SIU members, voting took place in Port Arthur and Beaumont, Texas, and in Lake Charles, La. Nearly 90 percent of the votes were cast in favor of the contract. Voting on the Moran contract took place in Port Arthur, where approximately 94 percent Patrolman Mike Russo (left) and Captain Chad LaGrappe helped secure a new three-year contract, as did the other bargaining committee members. of the votes were affirmative. SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee and Patrolman Mike Russo served on both negotiating committees. In the Moran negotiations, they were joined by rank-and-file delegates Chief Engineer Cliff Champagne, Mate Glenn Dupree and AB Paul Paszkiewicz. For the Seabulk negotiations, delegates Chief Engineer Michael Hoffpauir, AB Dewayne Guillory, Mate Donald Nutt and Captain Chad LaGrappe rounded out the SIU group. Both companies are based in Port Arthur. They offer harbor-docking services. McGee said the negotiations were “long and arduous, but the delegates stood fast and we came out okay. I give our delegates a lot of credit. They did a great job.” The rank-and-file delegates from both committees offered a largely uniform view of the outcomes. They said that while it is human nature to always want a little bit more, they also understand today’s difficult economic climate. Especially in that light, the contracts are solid achievements, they noted. Both agreements call for wage increases in two of the three years. They maintain top-ofthe-line medical coverage through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, and they continue participation in the Seafarers Pension Plan. “I think it went well,” said Champagne. “It’s so hard these days with the economy the way it is, to push these companies too much. The big picture is we got a three-year contract and kept our benefits and our pension. I think we did well. Your benefits – all that stuff costs Retired Seafarers Dave Wright (left) and Richard Dobbyn stand next to the new U.S. Merchant Marine monument located at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. money. You have to give and take.” Champagne specifically pointed to the constantly escalating cost of health care as “really making it difficult to negotiate much of a wage increase. I’m sure everybody’s having the same trouble.” Indeed, officials and members from many different unions across the nation in recent years have unequivocally said health care routinely is the top issue in contract negotiations. That is one reason why organized labor is pushing for good, affordable health care for all citizens. Dupree said the negotiations went “pretty good, I thought. The contract is okay by me, and everybody seems fine with it.” Paszkiewicz mentioned that the committee regularly kept in touch with fellow members to update them on the negotiations. “We’re satisfied,” he stated. “We kept our pension and our health and benefits plans. The company wanted to take that away from us but we really wanted to stay with it.” Paszkiewicz said that he previously has served on bargaining committees, and the most recent negotiations reflected tough times. He added that he appreciated the support from the SIU: “Being in the union, you’ve got somebody to back you.” Speaking about the Seabulk contract, LaGrappe said, “I think most people were expecting a little more, but at the same time, we did get a couple of raises. We understand the situation. In the company’s eyes, the uncertainty of the economy is what they focused on. We’re glad we’re not getting a pay cut and we still have jobs.” SIU delegates on the Seabulk negotiating committee included Mike Hoffpauir (left) and Dewayne Guillory. This was LaGrappe’s first time serving on a negotiating committee. “It was good to see what it’s all about and what it’s like on the other side,” he noted. “It opens your eyes to a lot of things – it did mine, anyway. I enjoyed it and I thought it was a good experience.” Hoffpauir stated, “Overall, it could have been better but it could have been a lot worse, too. It’s hard to please everyone, but everybody understands that in today’s economy, a lot of other people are out of work. We’re not laying up any boats and we still have jobs. The wage increase – that’s a plus right there.” Among those pictured near the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial in San Pedro, Calif., are active and retired Seafarers and officials George Siegel, Ron Johnson, Rick Bernhardt, Jason Stutes, Jeff Turkus, Bob Flesey, Mary Lou Lopez and Jesse Solis. Seafarers Help Honor Mariners, Other Veterans Across Nation Active and retired Seafarers and SIU officials across the country recently helped honor veterans, including U.S. Merchant Mariners who sailed in World War II. In addition to participating in the traditional National Maritime Day ceremonies in the nation’s capital (reported SIU Guam Port Agent John Hoskins (third from left in photo above and far right in photo below) represents the union at a National Maritime Day ceremony aboard a U.S. Coast Guard vessel. Also pictured are (from left) USN Commander Delbert Yordy, United Seamen’s Service Center Director John Nelson and USN Captain Michael Uva. Wearing a U.S. Merchant Marine cap, SIU member Todd Curry (front) participates in a Memorial Day observance in Alton, Ill. 4 Seafarers LOG in the June edition), SIU contingents turned out for National Maritime Day and Memorial Day events, respectively, in places including San Pedro, Calif.; Alton, Ill.; Boscowen, N.H.; and Guam. The Guam ceremony took place May 22 (National Maritime Day) aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Washington. SIU Port Agent John Hoskins represented the union and participated in a ceremonial wreath-laying. Members, retirees and officials also were on hand May 22 in San Pedro for the annual ceremony and luncheon hosted at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial. SIU crew members from the nearby Cape Inscription and Cape Isabel were among the attendees, as was SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent Jeff Turkus. U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) was a featured speaker. Eight days later, retirees Richard Dobbyn and Dave Wright attended the U.S. Merchant Marine monument dedication at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscowen. The dedication was followed another cere- mony for Memorial Day which drew more than 4,000 people, including New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.). Dobbyn, who sailed as a recertified bosun, said both ceremonies were “really something nice. At the monument dedication, a couple of U.S. Merchant Marine veterans from World War II described the Murmansk Run and spoke about how they weren’t officially considered veterans for a long time. One of the speakers from the military said we couldn’t have won the war without the merchant marine.” In Illinois, Assistant Cook/Utility Todd M. Curry participated in a Memorial Day remembrance at the Alton National Cemetery. “We must never forget those who have gone before us, or those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Curry noted. “May God grace us with the wisdom, strength and knowledge to continue answering freedom’s cry when this nation calls upon us.” July 2009 �54775_P01_24:January 08 6/25/2009 7:16 PM Page 5 Study Finds U.S. Employers Becoming More Aggressive to Keep Out Unions Threats, intimidation and stall tactics increasingly are being used by employers to thwart the will of workers who simply want a better way of life, says a study called “No Holds Barred, The Intensification of Employers’ Opposition to Organizing.” The study, completed by American Rights at Work, the Economic Policy Institute and noted analyst Kate Bronfenbrenner, is an examination of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) campaigns and surveys from 1999 to 2003. The study shows private-sector employer opposition to workers seeking their legal right to union representation has intensified. Compared to the 1990s, employers are more than twice as likely to use 10 or more tactics in their anti-union campaigns, with a greater focus on more coercive and punitive tactics designed to intensely monitor and punish union activity. It has become standard practice for workers to be subjected by corporations to threats, interrogation, harassment, surveillance, and retaliation for supporting a union. The analysis shows that: ■ 63 percent of employers interrogate workers in mandatory one-on-one meetings with their supervisors about support for the union; ■ 54 percent of employers threaten workers in such meetings; ■ 57 percent of employers threaten to close the worksite; ■ 47 percent of employers threaten to cut wages and benefits; and ■ 34 percent of employers fire workers. Employers have increased their use of more punitive tactics such as plant closing threats and actual plant closings, discharges, harassment, disciplinary actions, surveillance, and alteration of benefits and conditions. According to the AFL-CIO, the national federation of trade unions (to which the SIU is affiliated), employers routinely go to extremes to obstruct and ultimately derail workers’ rights to make free and fair decisions on joining or forming unions. Although labor law prohibits such tactics, the government often has been unwilling to step in and protect workers’ basic rights in the workplace. As a result, the federation contends, working families are paying a huge price for this interference, because unions play an essential role in society, and the rights of workers to organize them are crucial. Union representation is a vehicle to help earn a decent wage, encourage profit sharing between owners and workers, provide health care and pension benefits for families, improve health and safety in the workplace, advocate economic and social policies that support all workers, and offer workers a role in workplace decisions. Recent polls show that as many as 60 million workers would be willing to join a union, but most believe that current laws and workplace situations are stacked against them. That is why union members and others across the country are working with Democratic and Republican members of Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. The Employee Free Choice Act has three major provisions: First, it calls for certification of a union as the bargaining unit if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit have signed authorizations designating the union to be their representative. Basically, the act would make majority sign-up or card-check organizing campaigns the law of the land. Second, it would put and end to delaying tactics to prevent negotiations for a first contract that have been used by many businesses to the detriment of workers. Instead, the measure would allow either party involved in the talks to reach out to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) after 90 days. If the FMCS cannot resolve the dispute within 30 days, it may be referred to arbitration whose results would be binding for two years. Third, just as the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against unions whenever there is a reasonable cause to believe that the unions have violated secondary boycott provisions, the legislation would call upon the NLRB to do the same if there is reasonable cause against an employer who has discharged or discriminated against workers or engaged in action that interferes with employee rights to organize or negotiate a first contract. The act also provides penalties. The AFL-CIO states that there’s little doubt in the labor community that the Employee Free Choice Act will help fix the flawed process through which workers currently form unions. This important legislation would make sure workers have a fair chance to exercise their democratic right to choose a union. If Congress passes the measure, stronger enforcements instantly would be in place to deter violations of labor law and help workers reach contracts quickly and fairly. St. Louis Port Council Hosts Annual Event Three individuals were honored by the Maritime Trades Department’s St. Louis Port Council on June 6, during the organization’s annual dinner-dance. This year’s honorees were Lewis E. Reed, president, St. Louis Board of Aldermen; Vincent Todt, business manager for Elevator Constructors Local 3; and Michael S. Kelley, founder of The Kelley Group, a communications company. Pictured in the group photo (from left) are Port Council President Dick Mantia, SIU St. Louis Port Agent and Port Council Secretary-Treasurer Becky Sleeper, Kelley, Todt, Reed, Port Council VP Jack Martorelli and SIU President Michael Sacco. In the other photo, Sacco introduces Reed. July 2009 Keystone’s Kurz, NOL’s Widdows Selected as 2009 AOTOS Recipients ` The United Seamen’s Service (USS) last month announced the honorees for the organization’s 40th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS), to be presented later this year in New York. This year’s recipients are Donald Kurz, president and CEO of SIU-contracted Keystone Shipping Co., headquartered in Philadelphia, and Ronald Widdows, group president and CEO of NOL (Neptune Orient Lines) of Singapore, parent company of Seafarers-contracted American President Lines (APL). A Special AOTOS Award also will be presented to the United States Coast Guard. The event is scheduled to take place Nov. 13 in New York City. Richard Hughes, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, made the announcement June 22 on the occasion of the USS Annual meeting. “The Keystone Shipping portfolio has one of the largest fleets under the U. S. flag and we are fortunate to honor Donald Kurz and his maritime-committed family for their roles in America’s commercial shipping legacy,” said Hughes. “At the same time, Ron Widdows has been instrumental in innovative programs at APL that have allowed the company to grow and prosper in highly competitive trade lanes.” Hughes added, “It is also our honor to present a muchdeserved AOTOS to the Coast Guard, whose diligence to duty and incredible role in these times of uncertainty, terror and ongoing search, rescue and recovery missions. With a manpower force smaller than the New York police department, their significant roles worldwide is daunting and compelling.” All proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American mariners who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea, including the crews of both the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun for their actions in the face of piracy at sea. Kurz began his maritime career as a tanker broker in London in 1973. Since he joined Keystone in 1974, the company has transformed from a traditional tanker owner/operator to the operator of the diversified fleet portfolio that exists today. Under Kurz’s leadership, Keystone established a major presence in the liquid and dry bulk storage and pipeline business in the Port of Los Angeles. Together with partners British Petroleum and OSG, Kurz helped to create the Alaska Tanker Company, and he has led the diversification of Keystone’s operating fleet. Keystone Shipping and the Kurz Group of Companies have participated in U.S. maritime transportation services for more than 100 years, when its founder, Charles Kurz, began working in the ship agency business and with the transportation and storage of salt. Today, Keystone operates six fleets of vessels, including tankers, dry bulk carriers, tug barges, roll-on/roll-off and special purpose military vessels. Kurz is the recipient of more than a dozen awards involving shipping and various philanthropic endeavors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master of Business in Finance from New York University. Widdows joined the NOL Board in July 2008 upon being appointed group president and chief executive officer. Since 2003 he has been the CEO of NOL’s container shipping business, APL. Prior to that, he was executive vice president, Global Operations and Network, where he was responsible for APL’s day-to-day operations including the line-haul and feeder fleets, global equipment management, procurement, terminals and alliance relationships. He has tracked the container shipping industry from port-toport services to today’s end-to-end supply chain management. His innovative style has led to the introduction of liner trains and “stack train” services, post-Panamax ships and leadership in the evolution of carrier alliances that have created worldwide service networks. He has also been a leading voice on public policy issues and an advocate on the importance of improved transportation infrastructure. Widdows has worked in the shipping industry for more than four decades and joined APL in 1980. He has held senior executive roles in Asia, the United States and Canada. Widdows is chairman of the World Shipping Council and of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement and Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement research and discussion groups. He is on the advisory boards of the International Transport Forum and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Hughes noted, “The U.S. Coast Guard’s mission is to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests — in the nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security. No small part of this is their commitment to placing their own lives at risk while endeavoring to save the lives of others is distressful situations at sea. Truly an arm of U.S. Defense, this special AOTOS recognizes their thousands of successful missions.” For AOTOS 2009, Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union, is dinner chairman. Tony Naccarato of Crowley Maritime Corporation and Samuel B. Nemirow will be serving as national committee co-chairmen. Other committee members and chairmanships will be announced shortly. The USS continues to provide community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces, and seafarers of the world. A non-profit agency established in 1942, the USS operates centers in eight foreign ports in Europe, Asia, and Africa and in the Indian Ocean. Seafarers LOG 5 �54775_p1_24x2:January 08 6/29/2009 6:10 AM Page 6 Maersk Missouri Rescues Yachtsman When Italian yachtsmen Gianfranco Tortolani’s boat, the S/V Citta di Salerno, capsized and its mast broke June 21 off the coast of Nova Scotia, the crew of the Seafarerscontracted containership Maersk Missouri swung into action to rescue him. The yacht’s pilot was alone on his boat, participating in a transatlantic race from Portsmouth, England to Rhode Island when he called in an SOS via satellite phone that was relayed to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In turn, the rescue coordination center contacted an affiliated unit in Norfolk, Va., requesting assistance because rescue planes and helicopters couldn’t get to the stranded pilot due to high winds and low visibility. Responding to the distress call, the Missouri, which was headed for Newark, N.J., turned around and steamed 130 miles to a point approximately 160 miles south of Sable Island, Nova Scotia, where the rescue took place. On rolling seas, the Missouri crew rescued the pilot using life rings and brought him safely aboard. John M. Coleman, master of the Maersk Missouri, described the crew’s efforts as “true heroism at sea.” Involved in the rescue were (left to right) CM Mark Rhodes, rescued mariner Gianfranco Tortolani, SIU member AB Nabassin Adedouawongobou and 2E Mark Jones. The capsized S/V Citta di Salerno (photo at left) drifts in the waters off of Nova Scotia. In the photo above, Yachtsman Gianfranco Tortolani was plucked from the sea by Maersk Missouri crewmembers. Road Sign Memorializes Joseph Sacco 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 entrylevel students. The following is a brief description of a 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 The road leading to the union-affiliated fire fighting and safety school in Piney Point, Md., finally has a name, as shown in photos above and below. Recently, after securing the appropriate permissions from the local government, school personnel posted the new “Joey’s Way” sign on the road leading to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Both the safety school and the road are named in memory of Joseph Sacco, who passed away in 1996. Affectionately known as Joey, he came up through the ranks and was serving as the union’s executive vice president at the time of his death. The road leading to the safety school had been, in essence, an unnamed farm road. Pictured from left to right in the photo above are instructor Bobby Dean, SIU President Michael Sacco, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson. Below, Hanson puts the finishing touches on posting the street sign. Machinist This is a 102-hour class. Upon successful completion of the course, which is part of the pumpman program, the student will have the practical skills and the knowledge to be certified as a machinist with the qualified member of the engine department (QMED) certification by being able to read blueprints, operate and maintain a lathe, use a grinding wheel, select drill sizes and series, and conduct metal fabrication in a work-safe machine ship environments. Major topics in this course include the fundamentals of metallurgy, machine shop safety, linear measurement and measurement instrumentation, machine thread fasteners, blueprint reading, basic repairs, sawing, grinding, drilling, basic lathe operations, and fabrications. Methods of instruction include classroom lectures, audio-visual materials, extensive machine shop practical exercises with assessments and proctored final examination and practical assessments. 6 Seafarers LOG July 2009 �54775_p1_24x2:January 08 6/29/2009 6:10 AM Page 7 SIU-Contracted Companies Honored for Rescues, Safety Numerous SIU-contracted companies were among those honored June 4 in Houston as the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) hosted its yearly safety awards luncheon. The CSA represents 33 U.S.-based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships, and other merchant vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades. The association also represents other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. As is its custom, the CSA presented Jones F. Devlin Awards to companies that have operated ships for at least two years without any lost-time injuries. Recipients included Alaska Tanker Company, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, Crescent Towing, Crowley Petroleum Services, E.N. Bisso & Son, American Overseas Marine, Higman Barge Lines, Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping Corporation, Keystone Shipping Co., Maersk Line Limited, Moran Towing, Ocean Shipholdings, OSG Ship Management, Sea Star Line, Seabulk Tankers, Seabulk Towing, and Totem Ocean Trailer Express. Additionally, SIU-crewed vessels and Seafarers-contracted companies were recognized through the association’s Ship Safety Achievement Award program, which is part of the same event. Those awards are reserved for “outstanding feats of safety that contribute to saving a life, a ship or other property,” according to the CSA. This year, the “Highest Honors” went to the USNS Fred W. Stockham of the Military Sealift Command, operated by Keystone Shipping Co. The award was based on the crew’s “extraordinary courage and superior seamanship without regard to their personal safety in adverse weather conditions on June 21, 2008 when they successfully assisted with the rescue of 43 Manila passengers on the Princess of the Stars vessel when it capsized and sank off of Romblon Island in the Sibuyan Sea with great loss of life during the sudden onslaught of Typhoon Fengshen. Their actions exemplified the devotion to duty and skills inherent in the professional mariner,” the association reported. The M/V Courage of American RollOn Roll-Off Carrier received a citation of merit for the crew’s alertness and good seamanship in responding to a situation on June 8, 2008 when they were diverted by the U.S. Coast Guard to evacuate three people from the French racing sailboat SV Motus, located northwest of the Azores. “Their professional seafaring skills, excellent ship handling and attention to detail led to a successful rescue,” the CSA noted. The M/V Patriot (operated by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier), USNS Seay (operated by American Overseas Marine), M/V Presque Isle (operated by Keylakes, Inc.) and several other vessels were awarded letters of commendation. In opening remarks, Joseph J. Cox, CSA president, said, “CSA’s involvement in safety is longstanding. We continue to represent the industry, domestically and internationally, on safety issues encompassing every facet of ship operations. It is therefore only fitting that an industry so focused on safety, publicly recognizes the skills and dedication of the women and men who are responsible for actions in keeping with the highest traditions of the sea – aid to those in peril.” He pointed out that the association has sponsored safety awards since the mid1950s. He said that the number of awards presented this year reflects an “extraordinary record attributable to the professionalism of our seafarers and the dedication of shore-based company personnel to safe operation.” The new tanker is shown while under construction (photo at left) at NASSCO in November 2008. In photo above, the Pelican State in mid-May sailed on its sea trials. Tanker Pelican State Christened SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (second from right) represented the union at the christening ceremony in San Diego. Also pictured are members of the SIUNA-affiliated American Maritime Officers, AMO Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard (left), AMO National Executive Board Member Danny Shea (right) and ship sponsor Carolyn Evans. The AMO members are Second Assistant Engineer Evan Dub, First A.E. Mike Mooney, Capt. Stephen Byrnes, Capt. Peter Whiting and Chief Mate Ben Story. The tanker’s christening party included (from left) Fred Harris, Carolyn Evans, Veronica Rojas, Ron O’Kelley and Kevin Mooney. July 2009 The Pelican State – the second in what has become a planned series of five new double-hulled tankers – recently was delivered by General Dynamics NASSCO following the vessel’s christening on May 30. A few days later, it was reported that SIU-contracted Crowley will operate all five ships: the Pelican State, sister ship Golden State and the remaining three tankers, all of which are under construction (Sunshine State, Empire State and Evergreen State). That announcement followed the dissolution of a partnership between U.S. Shipping Partners and the Blackstone Group. As noted last month in a communication to all SIU halls, U.S. Shipping will continue to operate the Chemical Pioneer along with two ITBs and two ATBs. The Pelican State (state nickname of Louisiana), like the other tankers in the series, is slightly longer than 600 feet and has a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels. It will be used to transport petroleum and chemical products in the Jones Act trades (between U.S. ports). Construction of the vessel started at NASSCO, a union shipyard, in August 2007. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union at the christening. “Completed more than eight months ahead of our original schedule, under budget, and in substantially fewer manhours than the lead ship of the class, the Pelican State reflects NASSCO’s high performance in product carrier construction,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO (and a former union mariner). “We look forward to obtaining additional shipbuilding production and cost efficiencies during the build-out of this ship class.” The Sunshine State is expected to be delivered later this year, while the Empire State and Evergreen State are slated for delivery in 2010. NASSCO, located in San Diego, also is building a series of dry cargo/ammunitions ships that are crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Ship Sponsor Mrs. Carolyn Evans christens the Pelican State as NASSCO President Fred Harris looks on. Seafarers LOG 7 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:23 PM AB John Barnard III (right) stands a cargo watch with a military stevedore. Page 8 Pictured from left to right are (standing) Unlicensed Apprentice Kevin Kelly, AB John Barnard III, GSU Yolanda Martinez, Unlicensed Apprentice Rosalind Sparrow, AB Steven Roquemore, AB Christopher Brady, AB Daryl Spicer, Recertified Steward Theodore Quammie, AB Sacarias Suazo, GUDE Oheneba-Francis Ackon, Recertified Bosun Elkanah Ladia, (kneeling) Chief Cook Alphonzo Berry and GUDE Vincent Turner. Alliance New York Mariners Honor Crew Member’s Milestone Seafarers and officers aboard Liberty Maritime’s Alliance New York recently took a few moments to honor a professional milestone reached by AB Christopher Brady. In a written message to the Seafarers LOG, Capt. Costas Balomenos, master of the vessel, noted that on May 6, Brady “hit the milestone of having enough years to retire. That doesn’t mean he wants to or will retire, but it probably is a nice feeling for him to know he could. A small ceremony was held on the bridge, where he was congratulated by his fellow SIU brothers and sisters along with the MEBA mates and engineers on board.” Brady, who ships out of the Philadelphia hall, first sailed with the SIU in 1969, aboard the Seatrain Louisiana. Balomenos added, “It really is good to have someone like AB Brady on board any time, but an honor that he reached this milestone while on the Alliance New York.” The captain also described the unlicensed mariners on the ship as “once again a hard-working, good group of SIU members. It will be nice for them to get some recognition.” During the recent voyage, the vessel was transporting U.S. military vehicles from the United Arab Emirates, to Jacksonville, Fla. Those vehicles had been utilized by American troops in Afghanistan. Military equipment being returned from Afghanistan through a port in the United Arab Emirates is loaded on board from a security compound built with containers. AB Sacarias Suazo (left in photo above) and GSU Yolanda Martinez enjoy a meal. In photo at right, Unlicensed Apprentice Rosalind Sparrow helps serve food to honor U.S. military personnel during a shipboard reception conducted in their honor. Retired Seafarer’s Daughter Wins Union Plus Scholarship Like so many other parents, retired SIU QMED James O’Meara of Chester, Md., scrambled to find education funding to send his daughter to college. While looking, O’Meara turned to his union roots and suggested to his daughter Margot she apply for an AFL-CIO Union Plus scholarship. The effort recently paid off with a $1,000 scholarship award. The program offers a total of $150,000 in scholarships annually to union members, their spouses and dependents and is sponsored by the 8 Seafarers LOG Union Plus Education Foundation, an arm of Union Privilege, which provides consumer benefits to members and retirees of participating unions. Active and retired SIU members and their families are eligible to apply. Margot takes her studies and future seriously. She is a member of the National Honor Society and, with the help from the scholarship, she plans to attend St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City, Md. She plans to major in political science and eventually to attend law school. She says she missed her father during his seafaring career, but he was always a good provider. She plans to spend a lot more time with him now that he’s retired. “I’m so thankful for what the union has done for my family and what Union Plus is doing for me,” Margot notes. “We really do take care of our own and I’m proud to be part of the union family.” For more information about the program, go to: www.UnionPlus.org/Scholarships. Union Plus scholarship recipient Margot O’Meara and her father retired SIU member James. July 2009 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/26/2009 1:24 AM Page 9 At Sea & Ashore With the SIU CHECKING IN FROM BLUE RIDGE – SA Lezlie Vehikite reports smooth sailing aboard the Blue Ridge, evidenced in part by these recent snapshots. ABOARD THE USNS MAJ. STEPHEN W. PLESS IN GUAM – SIU Guam Port Agent John Hoskins (right in both photos) recently submitted these images, taken in May aboard the Waterman-operated USNS Maj. Stephen W. Pless. In the photo above, Seafarer Jesselo Unabia receives his full book. In the photo below, the port agent greets an SIU member he knows better than most: QMED Steven M. Hoskins, his brother. Pictured from left to right are GUDE Agustin Clotter, QMED Rodolfo Opinaldo, QEP Nestor Martinez and AB Liberato Viray. SA Vehikite proudly describes the ship’s galley as “the cleanest and shiniest in all the Gulf Coast!” Pictured with the spotless evidence (photo above) are SREC Brown (left) and Chief Cook Sierra. Pictured at left are Recertified Bosun Ken McLamb, Chief Cook Carlos Sierra and Recertified Steward Danny Brown. SHIPBOARD MEETING IN BALTIMORE – Quickly gathering for this photo aboard the Honor in Baltimore after a recent shipboard meeting are (seated, from left) Chief Steward Patty Sullivan, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, STOS Carlos Dominguez, (standing, from left) AB Donald Desir, SA Ron Byrd, Chief Cook Allen Van Buren, Interocean American Shipping VP Bob Rogers, Bosun Billy Hill and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. COMET CREW – Recertified Bosun Jeff Libby sent this picture of mariners aboard the Sealand Comet, which is one of the vessels enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The MSP helps ensure that U.S.-flag vessels and well-trained American crews are available to the U.S. military during times of crisis. It also gives the military access to a modern, technologically advanced intermodal network that spans the globe. JACKSONVILLE COOKOUT – SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware said members from the Jacksonville, Fla., hall did a great job putting together a recent cookout, where these photos were taken. Pictured from left to right above are OMU Anjwar Brooks, ACU Anthony Rutland, AB Janaro Jackson, OMU Anthony Jones, OMU Degrick McLendon, AB Jackie Jones, AB Darnell Goggins, GUDE Justin Ravnell, AB Christopher Cash and ACU Duane Washington. ‘JAWS’ THEME NOT INCLUDED - Demonstrating both AB Janaro Jackson, AB Jackie Jones, AB Roosevelt Clark, SIU Representative Brian Guiry July 2009 AB Randell Porter a sense of humor and an artistic touch, Bosun Carl Pedersen painted a shark inside the swimming pool aboard the Independence II. This photo was taken June 1 while the vessel was docked in Baltimore. Seafarers LOG 9 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:29 PM Page 10 Bosun LBJ Tanoa QMED Phillip Greenwell Pictured in the engine room are (left to right) GVA Mohamed Mohamed, Bosun LBJ Tanoa, QMED Phillip Greenwell and QMED Greg Abalos. Government cargo is loaded onto the SIU-crewed vessel. With Seafarers Aboard The SS Cape Intrepid SREC Eric Manley (right) serves up dinner onboard the SS Cape Intrepid. The photos on this page show crew members aboard the Seattle-based SS Cape Intrepid. The Cape Intrepid is a roll-on/roll-off ship owned by the U.S. government. The unlicensed mariners are SIU members under contract with Crowley Maritime. It is part of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and is 685 feet long, with a beam of 102 feet. GVA Mohamed Mohamed sprays a new coat of paint on the SS Cape Intrepid. QMED Greg Abalos WHO Raises Swine Flu Alert to Pandemic Status The World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised the worldwide alert status of the Novel H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, to Level 6. At this level the WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. This assessment is based on scientific evidence available to the WHO, as well as input from various nations on the pandemic’s impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning. Novel H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person to person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. The following guidance has been offered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. However, there are routine actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: ■ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. ■ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. ■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. ■ Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 10 Seafarers LOG ■ Stay home if you are sick for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. The CDC also recommends being prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. Specifically, a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand cleaners, tissues and other related items could be useful and may help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing? If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin, if possible, or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze. What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu? Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. The CDC recommends that when you wash your hands – with soap and warm water – do so for at least 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. What should I do if I get sick? If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: ■ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath ■ Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen ■ Sudden dizziness ■ Confusion ■ Severe or persistent vomiting ■ Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus? To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste. What cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus? To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled? Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but (importantly) these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. Additional information and updates are available on the CDC web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ July 2009 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:29 PM Page 11 The SIU-crewed lst Lt. Alex Bonnyman (photo at left) transits the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal. Members of the vessel’s crew (above) take in the sights during the transit. Members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers perform a variety of duties in the daily operation of the locks. Affiliated Union Members Play Vital Roles at Panama Canal Representation Helped Workers Secure Hard-Earned Benefits Workers in the Panama Canal Zone for decades have played a significant role in the economic growth and prosperity of not only their own country but also those of numerous other locations around the globe. Collectively, canal zone workers—mostly union members—provide the lion’s share of the labor which supports the republic’s welldeveloped services sector – one that accounts for two-thirds of its gross domestic product. It was not until 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed into law Executive Order 10988, however, that these same workers started being fairly compensated for their seemingly countless hours of dedicated labor. Under this measure, workers in the Canal Zone for the first time were afforded the right to union representation and the opportunity to bargain for their wages and benefits. Not long after the order went into effect and at the request of a large contingent of the workers, Rene Lioeanjie (now a consultant for the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers) visited the Canal Zone to launch a wide-reaching organizing campaign. An accomplished author on the maritime transportation industry, Lioeanjie is a former president of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and former vice president-atlarge of the SIU. Within months of his arrival in Panama and following many hours of intense and often perilous dialogue, Lioeanjie organized some 4,000 workers as members of the NMU. Descendents of those original NMU members in Panama who remained with the union became UIW members in 2001 when the SIU (the UIW’s parent union) and NMU merged. But the road that had to be traveled for these workers to gain true union representation along with their right to bargain for fair wages and benefits was not short or easily navigated. En route to obtaining these returns, Lioeanjie, with the assistance of several of U.S.-based labor colleagues, was compelled to address and dispense with a series of institutionalized barriers that functioned to the detriment of workers. Many of these impediments had been in place since construction of the Panama Canal began in 1903. Most dealt with issues of pay, benefits and leave, and over the years led to more than a few riots, work stoppages, sickouts and even strikes. Several new memorandums of understanding, pieces of legislation as well as treaties between the United States and the government of Panama had to be drafted, negotiated and ratified before working conditions for union members in the Canal Zone arrived at their current state. Through it all, however, union officials were there, leading the charge to secure the best representation possible for the workers. “I was assigned to the NMU in Panama in 1963,” said Lioeanjie. “The hopes of the Members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers position their eqiupment (a railed locomotive called a Mule) into position to assist another vessel through the Miraflores Locks. July 2009 workers grew daily during our organizing campaigns because they could see how hard we were working. They understood that we were defending their rights. “They saw that the NMU was a union that was 100 percent for what was right and that we would not allow discrimination of any kind … especially due to race, color, political beliefs, religion or nationality,” he said. “When you signed into the NMU, you were a union member right away, which gave you the same rights and benefits of union members from the United States.” Union efforts from that era have translated into favorable conditions for a host of union as well as non-union workers in the Canal Zone. Two such individuals are UIW members Fernando Duran and Johel Tolato. Duran is employed in the Panama Canal Authority’s (PCA) Storehouse Division while Tolato works in the PCA’s Line Handling Division. “Prior to getting my current position in the storehouse division, I worked as a union member in the Panama Railroad Division,” said Duran. “I’ve been a member of the union since 1988 and the experience has been very positive for me. Being in the union has benefitted me personally, socially and economically. “Through the union, I have been able to enhance my relationships with others and gain more respect in the workplace,” he added. “Union members make better salaries and enjoy greater benefits than non-union members including life and health insurance. I have no regrets about becoming a union member and I’d highly recommend union membership to others. The union is very positive.” Tolato concurred with Duran, adding, “The union has been a welcomed change to my life. It has helped me a great deal and I’d have no hesitancy about suggesting joining the union to others.” He donned the UIW colors in 2004 after being employed at the AC Nielsen Company. “Since joining the union, I have enjoyed upgrades in all aspects of my employment,” he said. “These include salary increases, access to life and health insurance and a variety of other benefits. “I also have improved my capability to interact with other people,” he concluded. “Most importantly though is that since joining the union, I have a permanent job.” Through collective bargaining, unions have helped raise the standard of living for millions of American workers. There is a distinct economic advantage in belonging to a union and working under a union contract. For example, figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the typical union worker’s pay and benefits are 33 percent higher than what non-union workers get. Additionally, according to data from the agency, union representation means that workers are more likely to be able to retire with security and dignity. Overall, 90 percent of full-time union workers participate in at least one retirement plan, compared to only 74 percent of unrepresented workers. Union workers are far more likely to participate in traditional defined benefit plans – 86 percent for union members versus only 50 percent for non-union workers. Such plans are almost always financed entirely by the employer, and the retirement benefits are guaranteed by the federal government. Moreover, unions have pioneered the provision of health care as an employee benefit. Many union contracts provide health care coverage, often paid for substantially or entirely by the employer. Among union workers, 52 percent have family medical coverage that is wholly paid by the employer. In nonunion work places, only 18 percent have such coverage. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) and SIU Controller Nancy Beltran recently met with Rene Lioeanjie (right), now a consultant with the SIU-affiliated UIW, in Panama. Lioeanjie is a former president of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and former vice president-at-large of the SIU. Seafarers LOG 11 �54775_p1_24x2:January 08 6/29/2009 6:11 AM Page 12 AB Carlton Dorrance, AB Foaad Saleh American Mariner AB Sadig Saeed Presque Isle 2nd Cook Walter Wise Adam E. Cornelius 2nd Cook Dariu Walter J. SIU-Crewed Great Sailing Despite Ro AB William Padgett H. Lee White AB Joseph Hance Walter J. McCarthy GUDE Salahuddin Saleh American Mariner Even though cargo volumes on the Great Lakes are down this year due to the economy, most of the Seafarers-contracted fleet in that region has been operating since fit-out started earlier in 2009. “The reliability of SIU crews and the various types of training they’ve completed have definitely helped us to weather the economic storm,” said SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “Overall, we have fared relatively well despite the recession. Our crews and our contracted companies here deserve credit.” Most of the SIU-crewed tonnage on the Great Lakes consists of self-unloaders. The vessels carry cargoes including coal, lime- ston L oper Lak Jone vess mus Am T earl lake Safety Joel Le Seafarers meet with SIU Representative Don Thornton (right) a board the Walter J. McCarthy. 12 Seafarers LOG July 2009 �54775_p1_24x2:January 08 6/29/2009 6:11 AM Dariusz Czepczynski er J. McCarthy Page 13 SA Steve Martin Presque Isle SA Gary Lapczynski American Mariner SA Monassar Saleh Adam E. Cornelius at Lakes Ships Rough Economy stone, iron ore, cement, salt and more. Like the other Seafarers-contracted ships operating between domestic ports, the Great Lakes fleet is covered by a vital law called the Jones Act. This federal directive requires that vessels sailing from one U.S. port to another must be crewed, flagged, built and owned American. The photos on these two pages were taken earlier this year aboard various SIU-crewed lakers during fit-out. 2nd Cook Maxine Bell Indiana Harbor SA Saleh Elhubishi Walter J. McCarthy afety Director Monte Burgett, Recertified Bosun oel Lechel, Walter J. McCarthy OS Fadel Quraish Presque Isle July 2009 GUDE Asker Abubaker American Mariner SA Yahya Mohsin H. Lee White AB Jason Pechette American Mariner 2nd Cook Amy Shunkwhiler Indiana Harbor GUDE Clint Kujawa, SIU Algonac Safety Director Monte Burgett, Recertified Bosun Joel Lechel, Walter J. McCarthy Seafarers LOG 13 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:31 PM Page 14 The deck gang gathers in the crew mess for a snapshot. Tyco Dependable Docks in New York SIU Patrolman Mark Von Siegel submitted these photos from a mid-May servicing of the Seafarers-crewed Tyco Dependable in New York. The 459-foot vessel was built in 2002. It has been part of the SIU-contracted fleet since 2003. Members of the engine department are pictured aboard the cable ship. AB Michael Kanga The steward department includes (from left, wearing white) GVA Michael Sivells, GVA Danilo Achacoso, Recertified Steward Brian Gross, GVA Francisco Calix and Chief Cook Franz Schnell. Capt. Yann Durieux is standing at rear. Happenings in Hawaii On May 15, the union thanked Larayne Koide (left, with SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell) for many years of dedicated service to the SIU and its membership. Her retirement took effect at the end of May. The SIU wishes her fair winds and following seas. 14 Seafarers LOG Each year, the SIU participates in graduation ceremonies of the Navy Junior ROTC program at Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The union presents a “Good Shipmate Award” to a graduating cadet. At this year’s ceremonies, which took place May 14, the union recognized the achievements of Cheyenne Ritt (left in photo at left above, with SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz). Also at this year’s event, the son of SIU member Roberto Firme received accolades for his accomplishments. The son, also named Roberto, led a close-order drill team and was honored by the Hawaii King’s Guard. Pictured from left to right in the group photo (above right) are Seafarer Firme, Commander John Hutchinson, Cadet Firme and Dietz. July 2009 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:36 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May 16, 2009 - June 15, 2009 Port SIU Members Participate In ‘Rolling Thunder’ Event A small but enthusiastic contingent of Seafarers, SIU officials and family members recently participated in the 2009 “Rolling Thunder” event in Washington, D.C. Rolling Thunder is a yearly demonstration, mostly by motorcycle riders, for POW/MIAs and veterans’ issues. Upwards of a halfmillion individuals rode on May 24. The SIU group – on hand to honor all veterans but particularly to raise awareness about those who served our country on merchant vessels during times of war – first gathered at the union-affiliat- SIU participants initially met in Piney Point, Md., (photo ed school in Piney Point, above) and then proceeded to Md., and then proceeded to the main staging area at the the main assembly point at Pentagon (photo at top and the Pentagon. From there, the below). official demonstration included travelling to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. Plans already are in the works for Seafarers to ride in the 2010 demonstration. August & September 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............Monday: August 3, Tuesday, September 8* Algonac ....................................Friday: August 7, September 11 Baltimore.............................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Guam.................................Thursday: August 20, September 24 Honolulu................................Friday: August 14, September 18 Houston...............................Monday: August 10, September 14 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Total Registered Class A Class B Class 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 TOTAL 17 1 4 11 9 7 43 43 2 13 21 46 17 26 10 1 8 31 2 32 344 8 3 1 10 9 6 34 26 6 9 9 14 16 14 9 3 5 36 3 23 244 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 TOTAL 3 0 5 9 2 12 20 23 1 10 9 15 4 12 2 0 6 7 0 17 157 1 3 1 2 2 6 19 18 2 5 2 16 14 10 4 1 4 13 2 7 132 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 TOTAL 0 0 5 8 3 12 22 17 2 8 6 19 8 25 5 2 4 10 2 28 186 2 2 0 12 2 7 7 4 2 1 5 5 10 8 1 0 0 4 0 7 79 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 TOTAL All Departments: 2 0 0 1 0 2 4 3 0 0 1 8 1 4 0 0 0 4 0 3 33 720 17 3 4 3 2 7 18 16 1 4 1 36 13 17 1 6 0 11 0 13 173 628 Joliet..................................Thursday: August 13, September 17 Mobile............................Wednesday: August 12, September 16 New Orleans............................Tuesday: August 11, September 15 New York................................Tuesday: August 4, September 8 Norfolk................................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Oakland .............................Thursday: August 13, September 17 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: August 5, September 9 Port Everglades .................Thursday: August 13, September 17 San Juan ..............................Thursday: August 6, September 10 St. Louis ................................Friday: August 14, September 18 Tacoma...................................Friday: August 21, September 25 Wilmington.............................Monday: August 17, September 21 *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. July 2009 Total Shipped Class A Class B Class C Deck Department 4 13 6 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 4 11 7 1 1 2 5 0 0 2 5 0 5 29 25 3 2 24 16 1 1 2 5 1 0 15 3 0 3 13 7 0 5 22 20 1 8 14 18 1 2 21 8 0 0 2 6 0 0 1 2 1 0 4 5 0 2 27 28 0 0 0 4 0 6 25 13 1 43 231 186 12 Engine Department 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 3 2 0 2 6 6 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 12 0 0 9 14 3 1 0 1 1 1 3 3 0 0 4 3 0 2 9 3 0 2 8 10 1 1 10 6 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 5 6 0 0 0 0 0 3 12 6 1 15 82 80 10 Steward Department 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 5 1 0 0 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 18 3 0 1 9 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 7 0 0 1 7 5 1 1 16 1 0 0 6 10 0 0 17 6 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 2 0 1 13 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 17 2 0 5 130 48 6 Entry Department 7 1 11 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 6 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 2 2 6 3 9 5 8 0 8 5 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 21 5 5 0 8 4 9 4 8 0 2 0 1 4 18 0 3 23 2 0 1 0 4 5 6 1 0 0 0 0 7 1 8 3 80 19 100 54 143 462 414 82 Trip Reliefs Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 5 0 1 13 17 0 7 12 5 14 8 2 0 3 20 0 13 121 9 2 8 23 5 18 90 68 2 31 27 81 24 43 11 2 11 62 4 57 578 10 6 4 28 8 14 59 53 7 12 16 34 32 27 11 7 12 56 7 36 439 7 0 0 8 1 0 11 10 0 3 7 13 16 5 1 4 0 10 0 15 111 0 0 2 4 0 2 3 11 1 2 2 0 6 5 0 0 3 8 0 4 53 1 0 7 14 2 20 36 35 2 15 12 32 11 17 2 3 8 23 4 24 268 6 1 2 12 4 9 32 28 2 9 7 25 32 25 4 3 15 35 6 28 285 4 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 2 1 0 5 5 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 30 0 0 1 2 0 3 6 3 0 0 4 9 3 11 1 1 3 4 0 5 56 0 0 2 14 3 24 35 30 2 14 10 37 14 39 3 5 1 20 3 62 318 3 2 2 16 0 8 14 15 1 4 6 13 14 7 1 2 3 8 1 8 128 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 9 17 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 2 0 2 11 241 1 0 1 0 0 3 9 4 0 1 3 14 1 10 0 0 0 7 0 7 61 1,225 16 2 4 12 2 12 51 47 0 8 9 63 28 29 0 8 1 40 0 38 370 1,222 14 0 0 12 0 5 30 22 0 7 2 10 25 18 3 18 3 8 0 19 196 354 Seafarers LOG 15 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:37 PM Page 16 Inquir ing Seaf arer 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 Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was posed to Seafarers who recently were enrolled in courses at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Question: What are some of the better aspects of upgrading at the school? the school are awesome as far as upgrading is concerned. All the classes have (corresponding) computer programs in the library. I didn’t know that until I came to upgrade for AB, but I really liked it. It’s comfortable here. I graduated from Class 697 last May. Nicole Walton, Oiler, welding class For one thing, the distance to the school, since I live in Virginia. I just graduated (from the apprentice program) in August, Class 701. I’ve been here to upgrade and also took a computer class. I enjoy the teachers here, especially Buzzy Andrews. I also like it that you can go to other teachers and they will help you. They really take the time to help. Please mention that my niece is (SIU member) Fee Walton – she’s the reason I joined. Nicholas Dippel, QMED, marine electrician class I like the fact that it’s technical and they tell you more about what goes on aboard the ships. They tell you what you’ll experience, what you’ll troubleshoot. The teachers are great. Because of where the base is located, you’re not subject to outside influences. I’ve been to the school a lot – four or five times to upgrade, plus I was in the apprentice program. I’ve taken welding, junior engineer, oiler and BAPO (basic auxiliary plant operations). The biggest thing is you learn skills you will use on the job. Brooke English, AB, welding class You need to know as much as possible on these ships so you’re qualified. Sometimes, on some ships, you won’t survive if you don’t know certain things. The resources here at Robin Bourgeois, D-MAC, machinist class The educational opportunities here are just amazing. I’ve also found out that the school has a lot of extra programs, like the college program, which I’m doing. I like how they have free Wi-Fi and they keep making things better and better. It’s definitely a good thing to be able to come here and feel like you’re at home. Upgrading is the best thing anybody can do. I’ve been to the school as an unlicensed apprentice in 2004, then for oiler, junior engineer and college courses. Each time I come back, it’s better. It has been a blessing and it has changed quite a bit in the last five years. The union takes care of you. Chavalier Maycock, Chief Electrician, marine refrigeration technician class A lot of guys who’ve sailed for years continue to get an education at school and upgrade. It’s always good to get more knowledge. We’re so busy on the ships, but you have time at the school – more time to study. The teachers reinforce the lessons. Overall it helps you a lot on the ships. For instance, you learn the cycles, the functions, the electrical parts and how they all go together. You’re never too old to learn. I’m glad I come to the school and I would advise the younger people to get into the refrigeration training programs. It’s all about knowledge and upgrading. It’s a lot of work, but this is an important part of your life. 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 The late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay (right) chats with Seafarers Patrick Dorrian (left), Arthur Raio and John Gallagher during a special meeting in the port of Philadelphia. This photo was taken in 1975 just prior to the start of a crews conference in which Dorrian (engine department), Raio (steward department) and Gallagher (deck department) had been elected to serve as delegates. Fay, who at the time was port agent in Philadelphia, briefed the three mariners on what to expect during the conference. 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 July 2009 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/26/2009 1:27 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 THOMAS ARTHUR Brother Thomas Arthur, 55, joined the union in 1978. He initially sailed on the Montpelier Victory. Brother Arthur was born in New Jersey and shipped in the engine department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Arthur’s final ship was the USNS Sisler. He resides in Seaside Heights, N.J. MAURICE FORMONTE Brother Maurice Formonte, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 while in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard the Kyska. Brother Formonte, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Brazil. He was last employed on the Overseas Vivian. Brother Formonte continues to make his home in Brazil. LARRY LIGHTFOOT Brother Larry Lightfoot, 65, became an SIU member in 1970. His first ship was the Warrior; his last, the North Star. In 1987 and 2000, Brother Lightfoot enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. The steward department member was born in South Dakota. Brother Lightfoot lives in Seattle. AHMED MEFTAH Brother Ahmed Meftah, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1967. He originally shipped aboard the Transwestern. Brother Meftah was born in Arabia and worked in the engine department. He most recently shipped on the Santa Mariana. Brother Meftah is a resident of San Francisco. July 2009 JAMES REEVES JR. Brother James Reeves Jr., 72, was born in Alabama. He began sailing with the union in 1957 from the port of Mobile. Brother Reeves initially worked aboard the Alcoa Pioneer as a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Reeves calls Semmes, Ala., home. INLAND JAMES COOPER III Brother James Cooper, III, 56, joined the SIU in 1974. He was employed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville for the duration of his career. Brother Cooper upgraded on two occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He resides in his native state of Florida. RICHARD GORDON Brother Richard Gordon, 77, signed on with the union in 1963 while in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He initially worked in the Great Lakes division aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Gordon was a member of the engine department. The New York native’s last trip was on the Bob-Lo Island. Brother Gordon settled in River Rouge, Mich. JOHN MALONEY Brother John Maloney, 65, became a Seafarer in 1998. His earliest trip was aboard an OSG Ship Management vessel in the inland division. Brother Maloney was born in Maryland and enhanced his skills often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Maloney makes his home in Northport, N.Y. CHARLES VARNEY JR. Brother Charles Varney Jr., 64, joined the SIU ranks in 1991 while in Puerto Rico. The deck department member was born in Massachusetts. Brother Varney upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He primarily worked with Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Varney lives in Canyon Lake, Texas. ROBERT WALKER JR. Brother Robert Walker Jr., 62, was born in Hampton, Va. He donned the SIU colors in 1990. Brother Walker originally shipped on a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. He frequently took advantage of opportunities available at the maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Walker’s final trip was with Penn Maritime Inc. He is a resident of Ware Neck, Va. . GREAT LAKES EDWARD KESTER Brother Edward Kester, 65, started his maritime career in 1964. He first sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Kester’s last trip was with Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1944 The War Shipping Administration has established new rules for medical examinations for merchant seamen. The new directive requires a complete annual physical examination for all seafarers shipping aboard WSA ships in addition to the regular signing-on physical. The WSA designated that the U.S. Department of Public Health and its facilities be in charge of implementing the new regulations. It also established that any seaman who does not pass a physical examination can appeal the rejection in accordance with the provisions of his collective bargaining agreement. The WSA also established a requirement that seamen be required to take immunization shots when their vessels will be proceeding into pestilence areas. Great Lakes Associates Inc. He is a New York native but now calls Cleveland home. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION RODOLFO RIGONAN Brother Rodolfo Rigonan, 65, joined the NMU in 1991, initially sailing from Charleston, S.C. His first ship was the Austral Rainbow; his last was the Cape Decision. Brother Rigonan was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. He settled in Goose Creek, S.C. meeting at headquarters, President Paul Hall told the members that facilities for the training and upgrading of seamen were being expanded. In addition to local training sites in New York and other outports, the SIU has recently purchased a 28-acre site at Piney Point, Md., to train members for entry-level jobs aboard American-flag ships. This will be in addition to upgrading training to enable working seamen to qualify for promotions after specialized training. 1982 Construction on the SIU’s brand new sixstory headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md., is nearing completion. The building is located just minutes by car from downtown Washington, D.C. All of the exterior work has been completed, and interior work is moving along rapidly. The building should be ready for occupation in the next few months. The opening of this structure gives the SIU a very visible presence in Washington, where the fortune of the U.S. maritime industry is decided on a daily basis. This Month In SIU History 1950 On July 20, the SIU signed agreements with its contracted operators providing that Seafarers aboard contracted ships in the five zones along the Chinese coast will be protected against war risks by terms of riders supplementing the ships’ articles until agreement is reached with the operators on adequate bonus payments, personal effects payments and attack bonuses. The agreements on the war bonuses payments were made retroactive to the date that the Korean hostilities broke out. Crew members of the affected ships will receive in addition to basic wages and allowances, 100 percent of their base wages while in the five specified areas rendered unsafe, including the waters around Korea. 1967 In a report to the Atlantic and Gulf membership during the regular July membership 1990 As the demand increased for vessels to supply the stepped-up military operations in the Persian Gulf, the SIU instituted a manpower alert to assure that all manning assignments within the union’s responsibility would be met. In issuing the alert, SIU President Michael Sacco called on all union members to participate fully. He urged all Seafarers who are currently on the beach to immediately contact the nearest union hall or the SIU’s manpower center to register for employment. In addition, Sacco extended the call to all physically fit pensioners, as well as to inactive SIU members. Seafarers LOG 17 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/26/2009 1:45 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA JOHN ADAMS Pensioner John Adams, 69, passed away March 14. Brother Adams became a Seafarer in 1959. The New York native shipped in the deck department. Brother Adams first sailed in the inland division with Boston Towing Boat Company. His last vessel was the Horizon Expedition. Brother Adams went on pension in 1995 and called Jacksonville, Fla., home. EGLICERIO BARRACA Pensioner Eglicerio Barraca, 76, died March 2. Brother Barraca joined the union in 1989. He worked with American Hawaii Cruises aboard the Independence for the duration of his career. Brother Barraca retired in 2000 and lived in Pandan, Antique, Philippines. ELLSWORTH BELL Pensioner Ellsworth Bell, 91, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Bell was born in Dayton, Ohio. He signed on with the SIU in the port of San Francisco. Brother Bell was a member of the steward department. He began collecting his retirement compensation in 1977 and lived in Queen Creek, Ariz. CURTIS BRODNAX Pensioner Curtis Brodnax, 76, died Feb. 3. Brother Brodnax started sailing with the Seafarers in 1962. His first trip to sea was on the Hurricane; his last was aboard the Dodge Island. Brother Brodnax shipped in the steward department. He resided in his native state of Virginia. Brother Brodnax went on pension in 1995. ANTONIO COLON Pensioner Antonio Colon, 94, passed away March 12. Brother Colon joined the SIU in 1951. He originally worked with AH Bull Steamship Company. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Colon was born in Puerto Rico. Prior to his retirement in 1973, he sailed aboard the Trans Oregon. Brother Colon continued to make his home in Puerto Rico. GERALD CORBIN Brother Gerald Corbin, 48, died Dec. 28. He first donned the SIU colors in 1979 while attending classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Corbin’s earliest trip to sea was on the Overseas Alice. He was born in Beaufort, S.C., and shipped in the deck department. Brother Corbin’s final voyage was aboard the Cape Washington. He settled in Clinton, Md. PHILIP DIEGO Brother Philip Diego, 57, passed away March 2. He began his seafaring profession in 1991. Brother Diego initially sailed on the Independence as a member of the engine department. He was born in New York. Brother Diego most recently worked aboard the ITB New York. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. 1961. His first voyage was on the Mt. Rainer. Brother Huggins was a member of the engine department. He was born in Tennessee. Before retiring in 1993, Brother Huggins sailed aboard the USNS Kane. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. WALTER KARLAK Pensioner Walter Karlak, 78, died March 2. Brother Karlak signed on with the Seafarers in 1952. His first ship was the Steel Chemist; his last was the Elizabeth. Brother Karlak shipped in the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1987 and settled in Woodside, N.Y. HAROLD MURPHY Pensioner Harold Murphy, 76, passed away Feb. 25. Brother Murphy was born in Wisconsin. He joined the union in 1956. Brother Murphy’s earliest voyage was on the Mt. Evans. The deck department member last worked with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Murphy went on pension in 1981 and continued to live in his native state. JACK GARDNER Pensioner Jack Gardner, 86, died March 9. Brother Gardner, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1943 from the port of Baltimore. His first trip was on the Alcoa Pennant. Brother Gardner was born in Shelby, Tenn. He was last employed aboard the Charleston. Brother Gardner started receiving his pension in 1983. He called Sea Level, N.C., home. CLINTON SMITH Pensioner Clinton Smith, 81, died Feb. 13. Brother Smith began his SIU career in 1946. He primarily sailed aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines, including the Del Norte and Del Sud. Brother Smith shipped in the engine department. He continued to reside in his native state of Mississippi. Brother Smith retired in 1983. WILLARD HUGGINS Pensioner Willard Huggins, 81, passed away Feb. 14. Brother Huggins joined the SIU ranks in JOSEPH COURVILLE Pensioner Joseph Courville, 77, passed away March 17. Brother Courville first donned the SIU INLAND colors in 1963. He was born in Eunice, La. Brother Courville mostly shipped aboard vessels operated by Seabulk Tanker. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1993. Brother Courville was a resident of Marksville, La STEVE JONES Pensioner Steve Jones, 68, died Feb. 10. Brother Jones joined the union in 1968 initially sailing with Dravo Basic Materials Company. Prior to his retirement in 2003, he worked aboard vessels operated by Martin Marietta. Brother Jones resided in Alabama.. STANLEY MANOWSKI Pensioner Stanley Manowski, 91, died Feb. 2. Brother Manowski became a Seafarer in 1956 while in the port of Baltimore. He originally sailed on Arundel Corporation vessels. Brother Manowski was born in Maryland. Prior to his retirement in 1980, he worked with McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother Manowski called Baltimore home. JEAN SAVOIE Pensioner Jean Savoie, 74, passed away Feb. 20. Brother Savoie joined the SIU ranks in 1973 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. The steward department member was born in Massachusetts. Brother Savoie sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions; his earliest trip was with Allied Transportation Company. His final ship was the Cornhusker State. Brother Savoie went on pension in 2000 and made his home in Portsmouth, Va. died Feb. 28. Brother Turner signed on with the union in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was with Arundel Corporation. Brother Turner last sailed aboard a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. He was a native of Baltimore but called Fort Myers, Fla., home. Brother Turner retired in 1983. GREAT LAKES ROBERT KANE Pensioner Robert Kane, 86, passed away Feb. 25. Brother Kane was born in Conneaut, Ohio. He started sailing with the SIU in 1961, primarily on vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Company. Brother Kane became a pensioner in 1984 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Alonso, Jose Alpert, Milton Barthelemy, Duvic Bermudez, Mack Carcamo, Robert Carvajal, Alphonse Constantaras, James Diaz, Neftali Doroba, Marian Gilmore, Russell Grant, Lee Hydock, Thomas Johnson, Claudio Jones, Anthony Jones, James Kavanagh, Henry Leal, John Lesassier, Theodore Montijo, Quintin Natal, Juan Nolen, Zenith Ortega, Manuel Reyes, Felipe Rubio, Luis Santiago, Carlos Schmidli, Donald Tatum, Harding Thomas, Carlos Tomlinson, Elsadia Victorine, John Visbal, Reeding Age 84 81 82 83 80 93 84 85 88 80 92 81 82 84 95 92 87 81 89 89 84 91 73 85 83 86 86 85 95 92 83 DOD April 8 May 2 May 2 May 18 April 28 April 25 April 26 May 19 April 29 April 27 March 30 April 13 May 31 April 15 May 2 May 27 May 5 April 24 May 2 May 22 May 21 May 6 May 17 May 13 May 23 May 15 March 31 April 23 April 8 May 1 May 12 CHARLES TURNER Pensioner Charles Turner, 87, July 2009 �54775_p1_24x2:January 08 6/29/2009 7:57 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings EAGLE (Maersk Line, Limited), May 3 – Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary John Reid, Educational Director Daryl D. Thomas, Deck Delegate Korron Richardson. Chairman notified crew members of upcoming sanitary inspection and asked them to keep rooms clean. He also thanked the steward department for great meals. Secretary reported a smooth trip and expressed his gratitude to his fellow mariners for their help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to keep documents current and visit the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade skills. Treasurer reported $925 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that a stainless steel grill had been purchased for galley. Suggestion was made to lower retirement age and increase benefits. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), May 22 – Chairman Joseph J. Olson, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate Justin S. Beal, Engine Delegate Gary M. Bartlett. Chairman requested clarification on medical coverage while on foreign voyage. Bosun was asked to check into getting flat-panel TV for crew lounge. Secretary reminded crew to let him know of any items they would like stocked in the slop chest. Educational director stressed the importance of keeping individual records straight. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications are posted as received. Next port: Portland, Ore. H. LEE WHITE (American Steamship Company), May 12 – Chairman William H. Mulcahy, Secretary Jeffrey J. Van Slambrouck, Educational Director Dean M. Parks, Deck Delegate Raymond C. Hotchkiss, Engine Delegate Mohsin K. Nasser. Chairman talked about the importance of keeping seafaring documents up-to-date and contributing to the 401(k) plan. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners were encouraged to enhance their skills at the Piney Point school. All new crew members were reminded to stay alert on deck and in the engine room. HOUSTON (U.S. Shipping Partners), May 10 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Michael L. Williams, Deck Delegate Victor Cooper, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Fields, Steward Delegate Anthony Rutland. Bosun reported good voyage and July 2009 thanked reliefs for their hard work and professionalism. Secretary expressed his appreciation for crew’s help keeping pantry and messhall clean. Members were asked to clean lint filters in dryer so it will work more efficiently and to prevent fires. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications were read from VP of contracts and Fort Lauderdale port agent. It was noted that new washing machine has been installed in crew laundry. Request was made to reimburse members for added baggage fees when joining vessel. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), May 31 – Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Alexander Bank III, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper. Chairman announced payoff June 1 in Newark, N.J. Secretary urged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) because when you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the union-affiliated school has to offer. He suggested mariners compare information on vacation checks to discharges and also recommended mariners keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Treasurer reported $1,000 in ship’s fund; crew would like to use money for satellite TV system. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a cold drink dispenser, barbecue grill and an instant coffee machine. Steward department was thanked for great meals. Crew sent well wishes to all brothers and sisters on vacation, asking them to have fun and be safe. Maintenance required on watertight doors on A B and C deck, as evidenced during driving rain. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, Va. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), May 3 – Chairman Oliver M. Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Jaime A. Colon, Deck Delegate Gregory T. Johnson, Engine Delegate Ibarra A. Mangaya, Steward Delegate Jose F. Manandic. Bosun stated payoff to take place in Elizabeth, N.J., on May 4. Chairman reported great crew and smooth voyage. Secretary asked departing crew members to leave cabins neat for reliefs. Educational director advised seaman to take advantage of the Piney Point school to enhance their skills. He reiterated the need to keep documents current. Treasurer stated $2,000 in ship’s fund. 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. Aboard the Maersk Ohio The union-contracted Maersk Ohio recently made a voyage which involved the transit of the Suez Canal. Recertified Bosun Jim Joyce lauded his shipmates for their hard work and professionalism during the trip and sent these photos to the LOG. In photo above, Joyce (center) takes a break from his duties to pose with AB James Robinson (left) and AB Donald Wallerson. Pictured in the inset photo is SA Salea Mohmohd. In the photo at right, the Maersk Ohio makes its way through the Suez Canal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., Norfolk, Va. and Egypt. MAERSK UTAH (Maersk Line, Limited), May 13 – Chairman Herbert Charles, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Eric Bain, Deck Delegate Raphael S. Vargas, Steward Delegate David Halim. Chairman thanked crew for working well together and keeping house clean. Secretary reminded Seafarers leaving vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director encouraged mariners to check credentials’ expiration dates and take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Savannah, Ga. TYCO DEPENDABLE (Transoceanic Cable Ship), May 3 – Chairman Sanyboy Whiting, Secretary Emmanuel F. Laureta, Educational Director Ely R. Cuaresma, Deck Delegate John G. Salarda Jr., Steward Delegate Rolando A. Alonzo. Bosun talked about the importance of union and solidarity. He also discussed why union meetings take place and how union officials can’t help unless they are kept informed of what’s happening on board the vessel. Secretary expressed gratitude to fellow members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director recommended mariners attend classes at the SIU-affiliated school to improve job skills. Treasurer noted that new DVD and boxing gloves had been purchased from the ship’s fund money. No beefs or disputed OT reported. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), May 24 – Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Robert S. Davis, Educational Director Herman Castro, Deck Delegate Agustin Miranda, Engine Delegate Joe E. Hargrove. Bosun announced payoff May 29 in Jacksonville, Fla. Patrolman will be coming to ship. He also stated sanitary inspection would be May 26 and suggested everyone turn mattresses. Members were reminded to check dates on documents and renew early. Secretary notified mariners that he has a copy of the letter to President Obama from President Sacco regarding piracy if anyone wants a copy. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like to check on getting new recliners in crew rooms and getting the ice machine on cabin deck fixed. Steward department was thanked for terrific job especially Chief Cook Roderick Franklin and GUDE Juan Colon. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:46 PM Page 20 Letters To The Editor The Sabatinis are all smiles on graduation day. Bosun’s Son Capitalizes On SHBP Scholarship Enclosed is a photo of Anthony R. Sabatini, son of Recertified Bosun Anthony Sabatini and his wife, Debbie. Four years ago, Anthony was awarded a $20,000 scholarship from the Seafarers International Union and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. On May 30, 2009, Anthony graduated (with honors) from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Kathleen Eno, Gloria (Coley) and Beverly (Watkins) from the scholarship department for their timely help. We would also like to thank the Seafarers for giving Anthony this great opportunity. 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. honor to represent Mr. A.J. Wichita, president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, and also Mr. Ian T. Allison, co-chairman of the Just Compensation Committee. This year’s ceremony took place May 7 and was hosted by the Australian American Association, Western Australian Division. I made my own floral wreath (photo enclosed). There was a big roll-up of service personnel and ex-service personnel. A message from President Barack Obama was read by Capt. Michael P. Donnelly, USN (ret.). The words I wrote on the wreath’s card were, “In memory of the men of the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II who gave their lives for the U.S.A. and their bodies to the oceans and seas and P.O.W. camps of the world – and their souls to God. They are now anchored safely in God’s harbor. Lest we forget….” I would like all Americans, young and old, to take note that at the memorial here in far away Australia, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, formerly from Boston and now 100 years old, climbed lots of steps to lay a wreath in memory of his fallen comrades. His name is Victor Lane and he was a sergeant. God bless America and God bless Australia, always loyal shipmates. John E. Helman, age 89 Hamilton Hill, Western Australia The Sabatini Family San Diego, California U.S. Mariners Remembered At Ceremony in Australia Once again, at the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial service here in Fremantle, Western Australia, I had the John Helman put together this wreath as a tribute to U.S. Merchant Mariners of WWII. At a separate commemoration for the Battle of the Coral Sea, Robert Bickerton from the Catafalque Party is pictured at Sir Thomas Blamey Square, Canberra, Australia. Belated Thank You Bill Deserves Full Support Recently, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is not a bailout. It is not an earmark, nor is it an entitlement. It is a 65-year-old war debt that has never been paid. So what is the big holdup? If we can spend trillions of dollars bailing out these corporations … why can’t we pay a 65-year-old war debt? We can’t seem to compensate the few old WWII merchant marine veterans who are left after so many years. Why? Please do what is right and help generate support for S. 663 today. There is a trail of dead bodies from the U.S. all the way across the North Atlantic to Russia. These unmarked graves tell the story of the many brave veterans of the merchant marine who gave their lives for their country. Robert Simpson Antioch, Tennessee 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: 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 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. 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. July 2009 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:47 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 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 Machinist September 14 October 2 Pumpman October 5 October 16 Welding July 6 September 7 October 5 November 2 November 30 July 24 September 25 October 23 November 20 December 18 Safety Specialty Courses August 17 November 30 August 28 December 11 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Firefighting August 17 October 12 September 11 November 6 Basic Firefighting/STCW ARPA July 20 November 16 July 24 November 20 July 20 September 14 November 9 July 24 September 18 November 13 Fast Rescue Boat Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 June 29 August 17 July 3 August 21 GMDSS July 6 July 27 July 17 August 7 Medical Care Provider August 31 December 14 September 4 December 18 Government Vessels July 27 September 21 November 16 July 31 September 25 November 20 Lifeboat September 28 October 9 Radar July 6 November 2 July 17 November 13 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 24 October 19 September 4 October 30 Tanker Assistant July 27 September 21 August 7 October 2 Tank Pic Barge September 21 September 25 Able Seaman 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 June 29. 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. Engine Upgrading Courses Online Distance Learning Courses Advanced Refrigerated Container October 5 October 30 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 20 September 14 November 9 August 14 October 9 December 4 FOWT August 17 October 12 September 11 November 6 Junior Engineer August 31 October 23 Marine Electrician October 26 December 18 Marine Refrigeration Technician November 9 December 18 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 ________________________________________________ July 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. 7/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:48 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Twenty unlicensed apprentices recently completed their requirements for graduation in Class 718 for this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ezallah Ali, Jessica Crockett, Jason Demayo, Timothy Denny, Alethea Earhart, Michael Fernandez, Lamont Fulton, Joseph Gibbens, Miran Harris, Michael Knight, Nicholas McAbier, Darryl McCoy, Sunnil Motley, Tyrell Perry, Michael Sheehan, Joel Shelton, Sean Smith, William Smith, Vincent Steppits and Zatarian Turlington. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Able Seaman – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course on May 22: Jeffrey Amestoy, Stephen Amthauer, Keithan Bland, LaDarus Clark, Angela Corbitt, John Curran, Joven Deocampo, James East, Brooke English, John Figgins, Nicholas Gustafson, Jose Layz, Cameron Mitchell, Jesse Mixon, Juan Ortega Jr., Paublito Ramos-Ortiz, Ronnie Rodriguez, Anthony Snoeyenbos and John Wahl. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Welding – Ten upgraders on May 22 completed training in this 103-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Sandra Baker, Francis Brown, Michael Clark, Marion Cruzat, Melvin Cruzat, Arman Deblois, Sherrod Frazier, David Ruggirello, Ronald Sease, and Jesse Tornabene. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is sixth from the left. FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on May 22 graduated from this course: Larbi Andaloussi, Tsawang Gyurme, Brian Jackson, Henry Sheppard, Charles Toliver, Bernard Wade, Nicole Walton, Oshema Watson and Igor Yakunkov. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank PIC Barge (DL) - Twenty-three individuals on May 15 completed training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: James Baldwin, Jose Baltazar, Andrew Browning, Harvey Carvajal, Scott Daly, Denis Dubro, Eugene Edwards, Tyler Egan, Byron Graham, Richard Gruskin, John Harper, Veronica Hernandez, Rafael Lanila, Parris Mancuso, Joe Mieluchowski, Johnnie Owens Jr., Kyle Parson, Michael Ribeiro, Cesar Runatay, Justin Spadoni, Samuel Stewart, Donald Wellentin and Herbert Zehnder. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, standing, seventh from right. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2009 �54775_p1_24x2:January 08 6/29/2009 6:33 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Twenty Phase III unlicensed apprentices on May 15 completed training in this 63-hour course. Graduating from the class (left, in alphabetical order) were: Tallentyre Barmann, Collins Brooks, Casimir Cain, Vicki Coats, Scott Collins, Eric Cunanan, Timothy Cunningham, Maurice David, Miguel Hernandez, Jonathan Johnson, Patrick Leming, Marcus Logan, Jesus Pacheco, Bruce Raquet, Enrique Rodriguez, Angel Rodriguez, Jerald Salas, Richard Vega, Edwin Velez and Osburn Wyche Jr. Computer Classes Christian Rosado (above right) recently completed training in several computer courses while upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Rosado proudly displays his certificates of course completions while posing with Rich Prucha, his instructor. STOS – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed training in this 70-hour course on May 15. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Eugene Ajoste, Ahmed Almihany, Joseph Barnes, Arnold Castro, Jayson Cummings, Abdul Ghaleb, Larry Middleton, Amin Mohamed, Anthony Newbill, Alfredo Nieto, Jamal Sailan and Daniel Wilcox. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is at left. Medical Care Provider (Hawaii) – Six individuals on May 2 finBST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on May 16 completed training in this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Carl Barry, Chad Cid-Hogan, John Jackson, David McDaniel, Michael Wren, Stephen Foster, Chulsoo Kim, Blakely Marquez, Mark St. Denis, Zachary Davis, David Robbins and James Ruhle. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on May 8 graduated from this course in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Sue Mayes, Sandy Frate, Elizabeth Johnson, Antonina Kozyryeva, Christopher Arnold, Cindy Lowe, Michael Wippert and Carlos Lopez. July 2009 ished their training in this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaiibased Seafarers Training Center. Graduating, above, in no particular order were: Chuck Howard, Chinando Pacis, Calvin Kaawa, Kalani Low, Jim Carras and Keoki White. BST (Hawaii) – Eighteen individuals on May 9 completed training in this course at the Hawaiibased Seafarers Training Center. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were: William Bryant, Edith Taylor, Serina Dolly, Jason Charles, Amber Wehrle, Cindy Gonzalez, Tan Tran, Jacob Carey, Curtis Hill, Yves Balbinot, Clinton Wayne Barnes, Cindy Crawford, Dario Daraman, Geovannie Marin Rivera, Kris Steinke, Robyn Foster, Adam Straga and James Edward Gill. Seafarers LOG 23 �54775_p1_24x:January 08 6/25/2009 11:53 PM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 7 July 2009 Members of SIU Affiliate Help Keep Panama Canal Operating Smoothly - Page 11 On the Job at Luedtke Engineering Capt. Dale Leonard S IU members play important roles in the ongoing success of Luedtke Engineering Co., a family owned dredging and marine construction business based in Frankfort, Mich. More than 30 Seafarers are employed at Luedtke, which was founded in 1930. They work aboard tugs, derrick boats, dredges and other equipment. Luedtke has been an SIU-contracted com- Derrick Boat No. 16 (above) is part the company’s stable of top-notch equipment. pany for approximately 35 years. “Part of the key to our success is wellqualified people, experience and the equipment,” the company notes on its web site. “These capabilities show that Luedtke personnel have the skills and ability to keep our equipment running efficiently.” The photos on this page were taken recently at a work site in the Saginaw (Mich.) River. Seafarers conduct dredging operations (photo above and below) in the Saginaw River. Seafarer Charles Wallace Deckhand Abdulwali Eljahmi Tugboat Kurt R. Luedtke � 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 July 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CROWLEY MARITIME’S COMMITMENT DISPLAYED IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE TEXAS TUG CREWS RATIFY CONTACTS SIU ENDORSES TRUMKA FOR AFL-CIO PRESIDENT VICE ADM. HARNITCHEK APPOINTED TRANSCOM DEPUTY COMMANDER MAERSK LINE COMPLETES FLAG-IN OF 9 SHIPS UNION-CONTRACTED CROWLEY MARITIME CHRISTENS ATB TEXAS BOATMEN APPROVE TWO CONTRACTS SEAFARERS HELP HONOR MARINERS, OTHER VETERANS ACROSS NATION STUDY FINDS U.S. EMPLOYERS BECOMING MORE AGGRESSIVE TO KEEP OUT UNIONS KEYSTONE’S KURZ, NOL’S WIDDOWS SELECTED AS 2009 AOTOS RECIPIENTS MAERSK MISSOURI RESCUES YACHTSMAN PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE SPOTLIGHT SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES HONORED FOR RESCUES, SAFETY TANKER PELICAN STATE CHRISTENED ALLIANCE NEW YORK MARINERS HONOR CREW MEMBER’S MILESTONE WITH SEAFARERS ABOARD THE SS CAPE INTREPID WHO RAISED SWINE FLU ALERT TO PANDEMIC STATUS AFFILIATED UNION MEMBERS PLAY VITAL ROLES AT PANAMA CANAL SIU CREWED GREAT LAKES SAILING DESPITE ROUGH ECONOMY TYCO DEPENDABLE DOCKS IN NEW YORK SIU MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN ‘ROLLING THUNDER’ EVENT ON THE JOB AT LUEDTKE ENGINEERING 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 07/01/2009 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. 7 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d74c257b7859bee706f4c8e9b69803ef.pdf d71b6554448010b66690a56bc71893bc PDF Text Text 55309_P01_24_X3:January 08 7/28/2009 10:40 AM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 8 Sealift, Inc. Awarded Contract for Charter of Prepositioning Vessel August 2009 3PSC to Operate Oceanographic Ships According to a recent announcement by the U.S. Navy, Sealift, Inc. has been awarded a contract for charter of the MV MAJ Bernard F. Fisher (above). The agreement with the Seafarers-contracted company includes options extending to the year 2014. Page 3 Thousands Rally for Health Care Reform The Department of Defense on July 20 announced news that signals ongoing job security for SIU members aboard oceanographic surveillance ships. Seafarers-contracted 3PSC LLC has been awarded a contract to operate and maintain six survey ships (including the USNS Bruce C. Heezen, pictured above) for the Military Sealift Command. The DOD contract includes an option for a seventh ship (the USNS Henson). It also includes other options which, if exercised, would extend work to the year 2017. According to the announcement, six of MSC’s seven oceanographic ships (the Heezen, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Sumner, USNS Henson and USNS Mary Sears) are multipurpose and perform different types of surveys which provide much of the U.S. military’s information on the ocean environment. These ships, which have carried SIU crews for many years, use multi-beam, wide-angle, precision sonar systems that make it possible to continuously chart a broad section of ocean floor. The other oceanographic survey ship (the USNS John McDonnell) collects data in coastal regions around the world. The data collected helps improve technology in undersea warfare, ship detection and charting the world’s coastlines. Additional details about the new contract, including information on turnover operations (slated to begin in October), will be included in an upcoming issue of the LOG and will be posted online at www.seafarers.org Seafarers joined fellow union members and others at a late-June rally in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators and speakers called for effective changes to the nation’s health-insurance system. Among those who addressed the crowd of thousands was actress Edie Falco, a cancer survivor, pictured here with Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentices (above, from left) Ryan Boltz, Brandon Hutchinson and Omar Rodgers and Port Agent Pat Vandegrift. Pages 12-13. Jacksonville Hall Update Page 2 SIU Members Stand Up for Employee Free Choice Act Seafarers including Recertified Steward Pedro Sellan (above) recently joined other union members in South Florida for a demonstration supporting both the Employee Free Choice Act and workers from a Wal-Mart store in Miami. Page 11. House Passes Anti-Piracy Amendment Page 3 TWIC, MMC Reminders Page 6 �55309_P01_24x:January 08 7/24/2009 7:46 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Progress and Politics Both for our union in particular and for the labor movement as a whole, there definitely hasn’t been a summertime slowdown. As reported in this edition, the SIU recently welcomed two separate announcements that reflect ongoing job security for the membership. These stories involve the oceanographic survey ships and a prepositioning vessel which will remain under SIU contract. Also, we’re in the process of relocating our Jacksonville, Fla., operations to an area that undoubtedly will be seen by Seafarers and their families as an improvement. At our affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., work is being done to enhance the simulators. New anti-piracy curriculum is being developed to help increase shipboard safety. Additional web-based “distance learning” courses recently have been added. Michael Sacco We should have more good news to report in the months ahead. In the larger picture, health care remains the absolute hottest topic all across the country. President Obama has identified health-insurance reform as a top priority, and the AFL-CIO has done the same. Bills have been introduced in Congress aiming to make coverage more affordable while insuring more people. Obviously, this debate has been happening for many years. The system could be right on the verge of significant, historic changes, but no one knows for sure. What I can say with certainty is that health care costs too much. Quality, affordable care should be available to all, and employer-sponsored health care must not be taxed. Labor’s other major legislative priority remains the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Despite published reports that the bill may move ahead without a majority sign-up provision, such an alteration is far from certain. In any case, organized labor will continue pushing for meaningful reform that restores fairness to the nation’s labor laws when it comes to protecting a worker’s right to choose union representation. Just as our nation’s health care system has significant flaws, I don’t see how anyone could argue that the current, employer-dominated, overall process for choosing a union doesn’t have lots of room for improvement. We’ve been working on this issue for years. It’s time to level the playing field for workers who want to exercise their legal right to join a union. Not that we needed any reminders, but the debates on health care and EFCA definitely reinforce the importance of political action. They illustrate why it’s so important to elect people who support working families. Of course, throughout our union’s 71-year history, we have always been politically active. Seafarers understand that we work in a heavily regulated industry, so political activity – from the grassroots level on up, no matter the party – is nothing short of vital for maintaining SIU jobs and job security. For example, some may recall the heated battles to preserve the Jones Act back in the mid-1990s. As I would hope most Seafarers know, the Jones Act is a staple of our industry. It requires that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports be crewed, flagged, built and owned American. Even though this law is nothing short of vital to America’s national and economic security – in part because it is crucial to maintaining a viable U.S. Merchant Marine – it regularly comes under attack. Usually, the people behind those salvos (like the ones recently reported from overseas) are foreign-flag interests who want to sink us, while conveniently ignoring similar laws in their nations. Thanks to the support of Seafarers and others who realize what’s at stake, we’ve been able to elect representatives in Congress and the White House who aren’t fooled by those who want to do away with this indispensable law. But it goes beyond maritime. Politics and legislation affect practically every aspect of our lives. That’s why we remain so active at every level, and why I truly appreciate the ongoing support of our membership, whether it’s through volunteer efforts for pro-worker, pro-maritime candidates or contributing to SPAD, the union’s political action fund. That’s something to keep in mind as we follow the current headlines and as we keep working to make things better for Seafarers and for all working families. Volume 71, Number 8 The current hall is pictured when it opened in 1974 (above) and in July 2009 (at right). On the Radar: New Jacksonville Hall The union is working to finalize plans for a move to a new hall in the Jacksonville, Fla., area. As reported by SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel at the July membership meetings, Seafarers already have approved the sale of the existing hall, located at 3315 Liberty Street. The pending sale is due to close in September. Meanwhile, the union has reached an agreement to purchase a new facility located in the Belfort Park area of Jacksonville. The spacious building is in move-in condition. It is located approximately 14 miles from the current hall. “I would like to thank the membership for their support in approving the sale of the Jacksonville property at the June membership meetings,” Heindel noted. “The union has been diligent in looking for a new facility in the Jacksonville area that will be suitable to better serve the needs and interests of our membership. I believe we have found such a facility. I am sure the membership and their families will feel safe and comfortable conducting business there.” He added that the new building was constructed in the year 2000 and sits on slightly more than three acres of land. SIU Assistant Vice President Archie Ware, who is based in Jacksonville, agreed that the new building will mark a substantial upgrade. “We’ve been in the current location since November of 1974,” Ware pointed out. “The new building is located in a business/industrial area that is well-developed and features a number of restaurants and hotels. The building itself is a definite improvement and the area is very, very nice.” Trumka Formally Announces Candidacy Slate for AFL-CIO Offices Includes Arlene Holt Baker, Liz Shuler AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka on July 9 formally announced his candidacy for president of the AFL-CIO to succeed the retiring John Sweeney. Trumka has served as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer since 1995 and is a proven friend of maritime and the SIU. At a rally that drew several hundred supporters at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., Trumka threw his hat in the ring for the top office of the national labor federation, whose 56 affiliated national and international unions (including the SIU) represent more than 10 million workers. Joining Trumka on the ticket are Liz Shuler, executive assistant to the Electrical Workers (IBEW) president, for secretary-treasurer and incumbent AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker for re-election. No other presidential candidate has announced plans to run for office. Earlier this year, AFLCIO President John Sweeney said he was retiring when his fourth term as president expires in September. Delegates to the AFLCIO’s 26th Constitutional Convention, meeting in Pittsburgh Sept. 13-17, will elect the AFL-CIO’s new officers. In a joint statement, Trumka, Shuler and Holt Baker note that the labor movement “faces tremendous challenges,” including an unregulated global economy, labor laws that favor employers over workers and a political system in which the wealthy wield far too much influence. “At the same time, we have historic opportunities, with a president and Congress we elected, to overcome these challenges. Our most important task is to make sure our economy creates jobs. And we are keenly aware that we must look within our movement for answers about how we can create full employment, organize workers and make sure workers prosper in the 21st century.” Before being elected AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer (the same year Sweeney took the helm of the AFL-CIO), Trumka served as president of the Mine Workers (UMWA) from 1982 to 1995. He is a third-generation coal miner and graduate of Pennsylvania State University and holds a law degree from Villanova University Law School. Speaking about the future, Trumka said, “For employers who want to work with us and want to work with workers, we’ll be the best friend they ever had. For those that want to abuse people, take benefits away, jettison retirees, then we are going to do everything in our power to stop that from happening.” Trumka also spoke about corporate America and multi-national corporations. “For 30 years corporate America has really dominated the political scene, and it has hurt this country,” he said. “Somewhere along the line, their interests began to diverge from the interests of the country. Multinationals do what they think is best for them even if it’s not in the interests of the country. One of our main objectives is to realign the interests of corporations with the interests of the nation.” In an SIU endorsement of Trumka’s candidacy, SIU President Michael Sacco, a member of the AFL-CIO executive council who has worked with Trumka for more than 30 years, stated, “Rich is the right man for the job. He’s got big shoes to fill, because John Sweeney has done fantastic work for our movement, but Rich is up to the task. I really believe he will do a great job leading the labor movement.” Richard Trumka has announced his candidacy for AFL-CIO president. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker is running for re-election. Liz Shuler of the IBEW is a candidate for AFL-CIO secretarytreasurer. August 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 August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:23 AM Page 3 SIU Jobs are Secure aboard MV Fisher Sealift, Inc. Awarded Contract for Charter of Prepositioning Ship The Navy recently announced that SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc., has been awarded a contract for charter of the MV MAJ Bernard F. Fisher. The agreement includes options that extend to September 2014. “The ship’s primary mission will be to preposition U.S. Marine Corps ammunition at sea. Fisher is expected to operate in and around Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean,” the Navy noted in its announcement in mid-July. Seafarers already sail aboard the 652foot Fisher, but the newly awarded contract “protects the job security of SIU members on this vessel,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “There’s never a guarantee that these types of agreements will go to one of our contracted operators, so this recent announcement shouldn’t be taken for granted. “At the same time, both the crew members and the company deserve credit for excellent past performance,” Tricker added. “There is a solid history of reliability and dependability from the ship for the Military Sealift Command, and that history also shouldn’t be taken for granted.” Prepositioning ships are an important part of MSC’s operations. Vessels in the prepositioning fleet are stationed at key points around the globe, fully loaded and ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice. The Fisher has a beam of 105 feet and can sail at up to 19 knots. It is named in honor of U.S. Air Force Major Bernard Francis Fisher of San Bernardino, Calif., who is believed to be the first living Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor. His citation reads as follows: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On that date (March 10, 1966 in Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam), the Special Forces camp at A Shau was under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hostile troops had positioned themselves between the airstrip and the camp. Other hostile troops had surrounded the camp and were continuously raking it with automatic weapons fire from the surrounding hills. “The tops of the 1,500-foot hills were obscured by an 800-foot ceiling, limiting aircraft maneuverability and forcing pilots to operate within range of hostile gun positions, which often were able to fire down on the attacking aircraft. During the battle, Maj. Fisher observed a fellow airman crash land on the battletorn airstrip. In the belief that the downed pilot was seriously injured and in imminent danger of capture, Maj. Fisher announced his intention to land on the airstrip to effect a rescue. Although The MV Fisher provides support for the U.S. military. aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, he elected to continue. Directing his own air cover, he landed his aircraft and taxied almost the full length of the runway, which was littered with battle debris and parts of an exploded aircraft. “While effecting a successful rescue of the downed pilot, heavy ground fire was observed, with 19 bullets striking his aircraft. In the face of the withering ground fire, he applied power and gained enough speed to lift-off at the overrun of the airstrip. Maj. Fisher’s profound concern for his fellow airman, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.” Rep. Cummings Introduces Bill Requiring DOD-Embarked Protection Against Pirates Attacks earlier this year against the SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun awakened much of the public to the issue of piracy. Above, the lifeboat from the Maersk Alabama is hoisted aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer in the Indian Ocean after the successful rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Rasmussen) August 2009 Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) recently introduced legislation – passed last month by the House – that would pit pirates attacking United Statesflagged merchant ships against the might of U.S. military forces. Around the same time, an international report clearly indicated that even though piracy mostly has faded from the headlines in the U.S., the problem hasn’t gone away. According to the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Center, piracy attacks around the world during the first half of this year more than doubled to 240, compared to last year’s figure of 114 attacks during the first six months of 2008. The pirate attacks on the U.S.-flagged, Seafarers-crewed vessels Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun earlier this year focused the nation’s attention on lawlessness on the high seas, so much so that Congress has conducted a number of high-profile hearings in which representatives from maritime unions including the SIU were invited the testify on courses of action that could be taken to help thwart future attacks. During a Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing earlier this year, Rep. Cummings perhaps gave a glimpse of legislation to come when he commented, “We have long argued that we need a U.S.-flagged merchant fleet to carry U.S.-government cargoes and to provide sealift capacity to support DOD needs in time of war and national emergency. Given this, isn’t it in our national interest to utilize the very limited U.S. military resources that would be necessary to protect our U.S.-flagged fleet rather than leaving them to implement their own defensive measures?” Shortly after the May 20 hearing, Rep. Cummings introduced an amendment that was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 2647, that would require the Department of Defense to embark military security personnel on certain U.S.-flagged ships that travel through areas with a known presence of pirates. “We would never leave the U.S. homeland unguarded if it were at risk of an attack, and we should apply this same standard to our ships instead of leaving them to fend for themselves,” Rep. Cummings said. “We anticipate that embarking military security personnel on these vessels will require far less manpower than patrolling the region with multiple Navy vessels and be much more efficient and effective in keeping our mariners safe. “Our merchant fleet has always depended on our nation’s Naval power to ensure its safety, and U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md. we cannot shirk that duty now,” he added. “Embarking military security personnel on these vessels makes a loud statement that our nation stands behind these ships and that we will not allow pirates to intimidate us.” The Authorization Act passed the House with Rep. Cummings’ amendment. The Senate version of the act, S. 1309, at press time was before the Senate for debate. In joint testimony from the SIU and other maritime unions (AMO, MEBA and MM&P) submitted for the May 20 hearing, the unions noted, “American mariners working aboard U.S.-flag vessels operating in [dangerous waters near Somalia] continue to face an immediate and ongoing threat from international pirates. As our American mariners simply attempt to do their jobs, their lives are in constant peril as these pirates decide when – not if – to take further aggressive action against commercial ships. “It remains our firm conviction that as an essential first step, the United States government should immediately provide protection for the United States-flag vessels that are and will be operating on sea lanes where piracy remains a serious threat. This protection should entail military escorts or military security detachments placed aboard the vessel.” Seafarers LOG 3 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:23 AM Page 4 Study Shows Unions Positively Influence Workplace Policies Unions have a positive impact on family- important than ever before because more famifriendly workplace policies like paid family lies are jugging work and care-giving responsileave, paid sick days, family health insurance, bilities. For example, nearly 25 percent of U.S. and child-care benefits, according to a new households provide care to people aged 50 or report released July 16 by the University of older, and 75 percent of children live in families California (UC) Berkeley Center for Labor where all parents work. “As Congress prepares to debate the Research and Education and the Labor Project Employee Free Choice Act in coming months, for Working Families. “As more Americans are struggling to raise policy makers should understand that unions and care for their families at the same time have helped improve workplace policies for they’re holding down a job, workplace policies thousands of working families and could do the that facilitate a work-family balance are becom- same things for millions of families if EFCA ing increasingly important. We looked at becomes the law of the land,” said report coauthor Netsy Firestein, whether unions make a difexecutive director of the ference for these families, nonprofit Labor Project For and it turns out that unionWorking Families. ization has a positive AFL-CIO President impact on key familyJohn Sweeney said the new friendly policies like family report “comes at a seminal health insurance, paid fammoment for the debate on ily leave, and child-care economic and labor law benefits,” said Jenifer reform in this country. This MacGillvary of the UC report emphasizes a crucial Berkeley Center for Labor point – that unions help Research and Education, a families at a time when co-author of the new report, workers are forced to work “Family-Friendly more hours in an increasWorkplaces: Do Unions Make a Difference?” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney ingly unstable environment, and as the social sysAccording to the UC Berkeley report, evidence from the research lit- tem in our country is being chipped away. “A unionized workplace dramatically helps erature on family-friendly workplaces suggests: ■ Unionization promotes compliance with working families,” Sweeney continued. the Family and Medical Leave Act. Unionized “According to the report, unions increase comemployees are more likely to have heard of the pliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, have fewer wor- ensure paid sick leave for employees and their ries about taking leave, and are more likely to children, and increase the likelihood that health care is covered for families. As corporations receive fully paid and partially paid leaves. ■ Comparing hourly workers who take fam- force working people to work longer and spend ily and medical leave, 46 percent of unionized more time away from their home, unions are workers compared to 29 percent of nonunion- key to creating an economy that works for everyone and ensuring that workers have flexiized workers receive full pay while on leave. ■ Unionized workers are 1.3 times as likely bility in handling their family and work responas nonunionized workers to be allowed to use sibilities.” He added that corporations “have spent biltheir own sick time to care for a sick child, and they are 50 percent more likely than nonunion- lions to try to eliminate benefits like paid sick ized workers to have paid personal leave that can leave, time off, and health care coverage. Without workers’ freedom to form and join be used to care for sick children. ■ Companies with 30 percent or more union- unions, corporations will continue to chip away ized workers are five times as likely as compa- at the family-friendly practices that help worknies with no unionized workers to pay the entire ing people across the country.” To download “Family-Friendly Workplaces: family health insurance premium. Even when unionized employees are required to pay part of Do Unions Make a Difference?” go to: or their family insurance premium, they pay a http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu much lower share of the premium than http://www.working-families.org. There is also a link to the report under “Heard at Headquarters” nonunionized workers do. Family-friendly workplace policies are more on www.seafarers.org. Congrats on Milestone AB Duane Costello (center) is pictured recently at the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla., where he collected his first pension check. Congratulating him on the milestone are Asst. VP Archie Ware (right) and Patrolman Brian Guiry. “Duane is very supportive of his union,” noted Ware. 4 Seafarers LOG Pictured at Los Angeles/Long Beach Dock 86 are (from left) Capt. Roger Stewart, Crowley Director of Marine Operations Frosty Leonard, Mate Jim Brown, AB/Engineer Mike Privette, Chief Engineer Craig Perry, AB Herman Moningka and SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus. Crowley tugs in that area now utilize shore-side electrical power. Seafarers-Contracted Crowley Announces New ‘Green’ Initiative Move Will Cut Fuel Consumption, Reduce Emissions SIU-crewed Crowley tugboats used for ship assist and escort operations in the Port of Los Angeles have begun using newly installed shore-side electrical power when not on the job to cut fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the company announced in late June. Previously, the tugs tied up at the dock needed to run their generators to provide electrical power. Crowley and the Port of Los Angeles recently completed this environmentally friendly initiative, also known as cold ironing, at Berth 86. The port paid to run electrical power to the dock, and Crowley purchased and installed the electrical connections to the boats and transformers to take the voltage from 440 volts to 220 volts. Overall, Crowley expects to conserve fuel used by the generators daily in its Los Angeles operations, and consequently reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 486,180 pounds in the first year. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, each gallon of diesel fuel produces approximately 22.2 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Crowley already has cold ironing capabilities in Seattle, Jacksonville, Pennsauken and Puerto Rico. “We are very pleased to be a part of this important green initiative with the Port of Los Angeles,” said Frosty Leonard, Crowley director of marine operations in California. “Using shoreside power is not only the environmentally friendly thing to do, it’s just good business.” As an added benefit, Leonard said shore-side power eliminates the constant noise from the engines that disrupts the crews’ rest periods and provides engineers a quieter engine room in which to work. Seafarers from four Crowley tugs join Port Agent Jeff Turkus and Safety Director Abdul Al Omari for a safety meeting. August 2009 �55309_P01_24x:January 08 7/24/2009 7:54 PM Page 5 Papal Encyclical: Honor Right to Form Unions A recent letter from Pope Benedict XVI stresses the need to protect workers’ rights. In a communication called an encyclical, the Pope observed, “Through the combination of social and economic change, trade union organizations experience greater difficulty in carrying out their task of representing the interests of workers... The repeated calls issued within the Church’s social doctrine, beginning with Rerum Novarum (issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891), for the promotion of workers’ associations that can defend their rights must therefore be honored today even more than in the past.” The encyclical was released on July 7. The entire document is available online at http://www.papalencyclicals.net/ Reacting to the Pope’s most recent letter, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, “Pope Benedict XVI’s commitment to the cause of working people worldwide shines today. In the new encyclical, Caritas in Veritate or Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict XVI offers an ethical critique of the global economic crisis and proposes concrete elements for policies anchored in moral values that enhance the dignity of all, especially the poor and working people. The encyclical levels a strong critique at the forces of unfettered free-market capitalism and globalized greed. “Particularly, the new encyclical offers a much-needed reminder that to create an economy that works for everyone it is critical to protect workers’ fundamental right to join together as a union and bargain for a better future,” Sweeney continued. “As the Pope makes clear, it is not only working people, but also entire communities – nations even – that stand to benefit when workers exercise this right. In the document, the Pope reaffirms the Church’s longstanding position that labor unions play a vital role in efforts to build a more just economy – one in which even the most marginalized workers are guaranteed basic dignity and respect.” Sweeney concluded, “As the gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to widen, and workers around the world are denied the dignity and freedom they deserve, the union movement stands with the Catholic Church in its call for a global economy that works for working people. Now, more than ever, we must rally to protect the rights of workers – at home and worldwide – to come together in unions and build a better future for us all.” The Catholic Labor Network also welcomed the encyclical and in a new release pointed out, “We Americans live in a nation where workers face increasing harassment when they seek to form a union, in large measure because of widespread unlawful action by employers to obstruct the right of workers to organize in unions. We urge all our brothers and sisters in the faith involved in today’s contentious debate over the Employee Free Choice Act to reflect on their position in light of the new encyclical and consider how we can best reconcile our attitudes towards American trade unionism with those expressed by the Holy Father.” Radio Commentator WWII Mariners Could Reap Compensation Says Union-Busters ‘Belated Thanks’ Bill Awaits Senate Action Need to Remember Miracle on Hudson One of the most vivid examples used to demonstrate the value of hard-working, welltrained union members continues to be the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The latest call for union support came from national radio commentator and writer, former Texas Agriculture Commissioner turned populist celebrity Jim Hightower. In a recent editorial picked up by the national news services and published in newspapers around the country, Hightower wrote, “The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) analysis confirms what we learned from news reports at the time – Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and the rest of the crew on Flight 1549 performed marvelously in the face of looming disaster, saving the lives of 150 horrified passengers by landing the jet intact and quickly evacuating it. Their performance has been hailed with such phrases as ‘stoic,’ ‘nearly flawless,’ and ‘heroic.’ But another laudatory term should be applied to them as well: ‘union.’ “Practically everyone involved in averting this disaster was a union-trained professional,” he continued. “Captain Sully himself is not only a member of the Airline Pilots Association, but also served on its national governing committee and is APA’s former safety chairman. Indeed, he and his union have had to fight airline chieftains who’ve tried to cut back on the safety training programs that allowed him to save those lives. Likewise, the cool-headed flight attendants who so expeditiously moved those nearly-panicked people off the plane are members of their union, the Association of Flight Attendants, which also stresses safety. “The ferry crews that zipped into action, skillfully and quickly maneuvering their boats right up to the wings to rescue passengers – they’re in the Seafarers International Union, which gives them the safety courses that enabled them to respond as they did,” he added. “The cops, firefighters, and air traffic controllers also performed marvelously – all union trained. “At a time when corporate interests in all sectors of our economy are trying to eliminate unions, remember Flight 1549 – the union-made miracle on the Hudson,” Hightower concluded. The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 passed in the House of Representatives in May. The bill would establish a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide monthly payments in the amount of $1,000 to qualifying members of the United States Merchant Marine who served during World War II. The bill, H.R. 23, also includes qualifying members of the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. A similar Senate version, S. 663, has been referred to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. At press time, the legislation had 37 co-sponsors in the Senate. “I have been fighting for more than a decade to provide U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II the thanks they deserve for their forgotten service – not just in words, but in deeds,” stated Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Bob Filner (D-Calif.). “This Congress is once again on the precipice of correcting a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II.” The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), which has chapters across the country, encourages mariners and other supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine to contact their senators and urge Senate passage of the legislation. Letters may be sent to: United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. For e-mail contact information, go to www.senate.gov. Updates may be available at www.usmm.org Thousands of U.S. Merchant Mariners paid the ultimate price in WWII, as reflected in this photo of a merchant ship ablaze and going under during the war. Harris Sworn in as Deputy Labor Secretary Another friend of labor joined the ranks of the Flexibility. He served as the chair of Obama for Obama administration as Seth Harris was recently America’s Labor, Employment, and Workplace Policy sworn in as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor under Committee and a co-chair of its Disability Policy Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. The Committee. swearing-in ceremony was attendDuring the Clinton administraed by various labor leaders includtion, he served as counsel to the ing SIU Executive Vice President Secretary of Labor and Acting Augustin Tellez and SIU Assistant Secretary of Labor for Secretary-Treasurer David Policy, among other policy-advisHeindel. ing positions. Before joining the Harris most recently was the administration, he was a law clerk Obama Transition Project’s to Judge William Canby of the Agency Working Group Leader for U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th the labor, education, and transCircuit and Judge Gene Carter of portation agencies. He is a profesthe U.S. District Court for the sor and the director of labor and District of Maine. He graduated employment law programs at New cum laude from New York York Law School. He is also a University School of Law where Senior Fellow of the Life Without he was editor-in-chief of the Limits Project of the United Review of Law & Social Change. Cerebral Palsy Association and a He received his bachelor’s degree member of the National Advisory from Cornell University’s School DOL Deputy Secretary Seth Harris Commission on Workplace of Industrial & Labor Relations. Two New Maryland Laws Reflect ‘Commitment to Working Families’ With the right strategy and perhaps a little luck, recently improved workers’ rights in Maryland may soon set a nationwide trend. The state has adopted two measures that improve fairness on the job and are considered groundbreaking in leveling the playing field for employers who play by the rules. The Workplace Fraud Act of 2009 provides the state with tools to crack down on deceptive practices such as wrongly classifying employees as independent contractors or not classifying employees at all. This procedure allows employers to cut payroll costs significantly, leaving employees unprotected by critical workplace protection laws and creating a competitive disadvantage for those employers who fol- August 2009 low the letter of the law. Workers who are wrongly classified as independent contractors are denied access to unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and other protections, and taxpayers are deprived of millions of dollars to the unemployment insurance trust fund and the state general fund. The second piece of legislation, called the “Fair Share Act,” allows labor unions representing state employees to negotiate for service fees from all members of the bargaining unit. Currently, those state employees who are members of unions are footing the bill for representing all employees. This new law ensures that unions have the option to ask all workers who benefit from negotiated union contracts to pay their fair share. “These new laws should illustrate the state’s commitment to Maryland’s working families and to protecting their rights,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. The workplace fraud law takes effect Oct. 1. It imposes penalties on employers who knowingly misclassify their workers. The law also clarifies the definition of an independent contractor. The Fair Share Act became law July 1. The state has approximately 30,000 employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. Seafarers LOG 5 �55309_P01_24x:January 08 7/24/2009 9:10 PM Page 6 Notes and Reminders Merchant Mariner Credential, TWIC April 15 was the deadline for mariners to have obtained a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). That date also marked the roll-out of the new merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC), a passport-style document which over the next five years will be phased in as a replacement for the z-card/merchant mariner document (MMD). Following are some notes and reminders concerning the TWIC and MMC, along with a list of the U.S. Coast Guard’s regional exam centers. ■ Seafarers are urged to inspect their MMC closely and immediately upon receipt. Check to make sure the credential contains accurate and complete information. For example, at least a few mariners have reported that they received MMCs which erroneously were missing the pages that would have shown the 1995 STCW Certificate. ■ User fees may be paid online at www.pay.gov. MMC applications submitted to an REC must include a copy of the pay.gov payment receipt. ■ An MMC application acceptance checklist is available on the web at the following address: http://uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/MLD-FM-NMC108_Application_Acceptance_Checklist.pdf. That page also may be accessed by visiting the NMC’s home page at www.uscg.mil/nmc/ and then opening the “What’s New at NMC” tab and then the “Announcements” section. ■ In order to apply for an MMC, a mariner must either possess a TWIC or be able to show a TWIC application receipt. ■ Mariners may apply for an MMC at a Coast Guard regional exam center or by mailing an application package to an REC. If applying by mail, it is critical that the materials are sent to an REC and not to the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center. Submitting an application package to the National Maritime Center will result in “significant delays,” according to the agency. ■ Credentials may be renewed at any time, as long as the applicant meets the renewal requirements (including a physical, drug test and appropriate sea service). ■ As previously reported, mariners do not need to rush to get an MMC. The rationale for the five-year phase-in period is that, starting April 15 (earlier this year), 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. ■ To protect the personal information of mariners, in October 2008 the Coast Guard removed the mariner’s Social Security number from all the credentials issued after that date and replaced it with a “mariner reference number” generated by the agency’s merchant mariner licensing and documentation (MMLD) system. While the Social Security number is still collected on a credential application, it is not printed on the credential and it is not used internally by the Coast Guard when processing the application. When a mariner applies for an original credential for the first time, they will receive a mariner reference number and an application identification number. The mariner reference number is unique to the mariner and will not change during subsequent credential transactions. Mariners wishing to check the status of their application on-line via the Coast Guard’s Homeport portal (http://homeport.uscg.mil) will need to use their mariner reference number and the application ID number. ■ In years past, when a mariner submitted a z-card/MMD to add or upgrade a rating, the document itself normally was renewed, with a new expiration date. That is not the case with the new MMC unless the applicant specifies that he or she wants to renew the credential (and pays the associated fees). In other words, modifying an MMC to reflect an upgrade from STOS to AB, for example, does not automatically change the credential’s renewal date. ■ In late June, the National Maritime Center announced that “in the near future, the NMC intends on providing capabilities for mariners to submit credential applications by email.” ■ Mariners will need to ensure that the biographical information they supply to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the TWIC application process is the same information included on the MMC application. This is important as the Coast Guard will be comparing data from TSA to determine if mariners hold a valid TWIC. ■ The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC Program Help Desk is 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942), while the email address is Credentialing@dhs.gov. ■ The phone number for the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662), while the web site address is http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ Seafarer Matthew Martel displays a TWIC and a new merchant mariner credential (MMC). ■ When applying for a TWIC, identify yourself as a merchant mariner. This should help to avoid delays in processing MMC applications (whether originals, upgrades, renewals or endorsements). ■ To begin the application process for a TWIC, visit the TSA’s website at: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers Editor’s note: RECs are closed on federal holidays. The hours of operation listed here are Monday through Friday. New York Battery Park Building 1 South Street New York, NY 10004-1466 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (212) 668-6394 Hours of Operation: REC: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Massachussetts 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (617) 223-3034 Hours of Operation: REC: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Maryland U.S. Custom House Bldg. 40 S. Gay St., Room 420 Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (410) 962-0930 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Exam Room: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Ohio 420 Madison Ave, Suite 700 Toledo, OH 43604-1265 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (419) 259-7558 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Exam Room: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Tennessee 200 Jefferson Ave. Suite 1301 Memphis, TN 38103 6 Seafarers LOG Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (901) 544-3372 Hours of Operation: REC: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exam Room: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15p.m. South Carolina 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (843) 720-3259 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Exam Room: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Florida Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 S.W. 1st Ave. 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (305) 536-4304 Hours of Operation: REC: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Missouri 1222 Spruce Street Room 7105 St. Louis, MO 63103-2846 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (314) 269-2733 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Noon to 3:30 p.m. Louisiana 4250 Hwy 22 Suite F Mandeville, LA 70471 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (985) 624-5757 Hours of Operation: REC: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Texas 8876 Gulf Freeway Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77017 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (713) 948-3360 Hours of Operation: REC: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exam Room: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Washington 915 Second Ave., Room 194 Seattle, WA 98174-1067 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (206) 220-7329 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Exam Room: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon 911 NE 11th Ave, Rm #637 Portland, OR 97232-4169 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (503) 231-6738 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Exam Room: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Noon to 3:30 p.m. California Oakland Federal Bldg. North Tower 1301 Clay Street Room 180N Oakland, CA 94612-5200 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (510) 637-1126 Hours of Operation: REC: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. REC: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exam Room: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Alaska 800 E. Dimond Blvd. Suite 3-227 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (907) 271-6742 Hours of Operation: REC: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Exam Room: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 9105 Mendenhall Mall Rd. Suite 170 Mendenhall Mall Juneau, Alaska 99801 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (907) 463-2482 Hours of Operation: REC: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exam Room: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hawaii 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (808) 522-8277 Hours of Operation: REC: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exam Room: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 501 W. Ocean Blvd Suite 6200 Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 1-(888) 427-5662 Fax: (562) 435 -1050 Hours of Operation: August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:23 AM Page 7 Anti-Piracy Curriculum Developed, Submitted A cooperative effort involving maritime labor, management, the military and government has led to the development of a new anti-piracy course. The curriculum last month was submitted to the proper reviewing agencies. Once approved and finalized, it will be offered at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. A key step in crafting the course took place June 22-23 at the Paul Hall Center, where representatives from several organizations participated in an anti-piracy conference. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel welcomed officials from the Military Sealift Command, Maritime Administration, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Office of Naval Intelligence, American Service Technology, American Maritime Officers, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association and Masters, Mates & Pilots. Together, they examined various aspects of piracy and anti-piracy training. “A lot of the tactics are ship-specific and therefore are taught during security drills aboard the vessels,” noted J.C. Wiegman, Paul Hall Center director of training. “At the same time, the industry is seeing a need to standardize training at schools such as the Paul Hall Center, including incorporation of the latest guidelines on preparation before leaving port. Guidance from MSC and their force protection program was invaluable in the preparation of the course.” Generally, the proposed new course covers protective measurers that may be taken when entering high-risk areas, evasive maneuvers, individual mariner assignments, communications, planned responses to small-boat attacks and hostage situations, searching for boats or ships, and much more. The impetus for the new course was the attacks earlier this year against two American-flag ships: the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun, both of which are crewed by SIU members. In the case of the Maersk Alabama, the vessel’s master, Richard Phillips, was taken hostage by pirates aboard a lifeboat, leading to a protracted ordeal that topped the headlines for days in mid-April. Since then, both domestic and international efforts to combat piracy (primarily in waters off Somalia) have increased. A number of attempted attacks have been thwarted, but the scourge continues. Long-term solutions appear complex and elusive. Short-term fixes have included increased naval presence in the high-risk area, use of private security guards, and better communications between vessels entering the zone and anti-piracy coordinators. The Paul Hall Center already offers an anti-terrorism briefing to all students, both at the school itself and through the center’s “distance learning” program. The school’s courses include security awareness; vessel security officer; basic and advanced fire fighting; chemical, biological and radiological defense; vessel familiarization; small-arms training; damage control, and dozens more classes. Union, School, Company Team Up Representatives from the SIU, G&H Towing and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education met last month at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., to continue developing new curriculum for boatmen and pilots. The parties are working together to help ensure that the Paul Hall Center’s simulators are as realistic as possible, in order to help increase efficiency while creating a safer environment for navigation. In this case, particular attention is being devoted to how the simulators reflect the specific equipment used by SIU boatmen and pilots in the Gulf Coast and to the exact locations where they operate. During last month’s sessions, personnel utilized the school’s main bridge simulator (photo below, right) and three auxiliary bridge simulators which served as z-drive tugboats. Pictured in the group photo (outside the simulator building, from left) are American Service Technology CEO John Mason, G&H President Stephen Huffman, G&H Director of Marine Operations Capt. Steven J. Huttman, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman, Houston Pilots Presiding Officer Capt. Tom Pace and G&H Port Captain Clinton “Butch” Schuessler. Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman (standing) addresses the gathering, including (right) Owen Doherty, director of the Maritime Administration’s Office of Security. PHC 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 overall description of online classes offered through the school. For a list of upcoming course dates, see page 21. 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 Online ‘Distance Learning’ The Paul Hall Center has launched a series of online preparatory classes. Seafarers Blackboard, the school’s “distance learning” vehicle, now hosts several preparatory classes on its web site. For example, students attending the Paul Hall Center to take advanced deck and engine courses may take advantage of math preps specific to their needs. Seafarers Blackboard offers courses in beginning and intermediate math. Steward Department mariners likely would benefit from the Basic Culinary Skills course. Basic Culinary Skills is strongly recommended for all students coming to the Paul Hall Center for Galley Operations. Also, members whose first language is not English would benefit from the extensive vocabulary lessons in this course. Steward department mariners returning to the Paul Hall Center for Chief Cook or Advanced Galley Operations likely would find it worthwhile to brush up on their vocabulary and measuring-units skills. All of the online classes are non-credit courses, meaning no certificate will be awarded. However, they are designed to help the student maximize his or her time at the Paul Hall Center. Students interested in these preparatory courses should indicate their interest when contacting the admissions department to register for classes. The admissions office will direct the student to Dale Rausch, academic department coordinator for enrollment in Blackboard. Even students who are not planning to come to the Paul Hall Center in the near future are encouraged to take a prep course to keep their skills sharp. All an interested student needs to enroll is the requisite sea time and an email address. The academic department is happy to respond to any questions for additional online preparatory courses. Contact Dale Rausch at (301) 9940010, extension 5411, or at drausch@seafarers.org if you have suggestions for other preparatory courses. As of July 2009, the following distance learning classes are available: Fire Extinguishers, Shipboard Firefighting, Back Safety, Basic Math Refresher, Intermediate Math Refresher, Basic Navigational Math Prep, Basic Marine Engineering Math Prep, Communications, First Aid Preparation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Basic Culinary Skills, Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Protection, Heat Stress Management, Environmental Awareness, Shipboard Pest Management, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. These classes are taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. G&H Towing Crews Honored by Coast Guard Earlier this year, Seafarers employed by G&H Towing Co. were honored in Houston by the U.S. Coast Guard for what the agency described as “their heroic efforts during Hurricane Ike.” In photo at left, from left, Coast Guard Capt. William Diehl on May 19 presents the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award to Seafarers Guy Pulliam, Robert Stevens, Antonio Gonzales and Eddie Cox. Also honored (but not pictured) were Seafarers Stephen Eickhorn, Kevin Kirk, Jason Jones, Paul Irvin and Nicholas Moraski. SIU boatmen from G&H were credited with helping prevent an allision between a freighter and the Interstate Highway 610 Bridge on Sept. 13, 2008, during the hurricane’s peak. The Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award is “the highest public recognition that the Commandant of the Coast Guard may award,” the agency noted. August 2009 Seafarers LOG 7 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:23 AM Page 8 Second Lock Offers National Security Benefits Lakes Task Force Official Describes Project as ‘Investment in America’ A second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., will be a significant investment in America’s future and an outstanding return on taxpayers’ dollars. That was the message delivered June 30 in Toledo, Ohio, by a shipping industry official at ceremonies marking groundbreaking for the coffer dams that are the first step toward construction of the lock. This project creates “the economic equivalent of a small automobile plant,” said James H.I. Weakley, 1st vice president of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, the largest coalition ever to promote waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes. (The SIU is a member of the task force.) The project also provides “national security benefits and economic stability for our mining, manufacturing and power-producing heartland,” declared Weakley, who is also president of Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes. The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior to the lower four Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Cargo movement through the locks typically tops 80 million tons a year. The major cargos are iron ore for steel production, coal for power generation, and grain for overseas export via the Seaway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers the Soo Locks the “single point of failure that could cripple Great Lakes shipping.” Seventy percent of U.S.-flag carrying capacity is restricted to the Poe Lock. If that chamber was incapacitated for even a short period of time, shipping on the Lakes would come to a virtual standstill. Weakley noted Great Lakes shipping saves its customers $3.6 billion a year in transportation costs compared to the landbased modes. “In order to save the American consumer almost $4 billion, we have to maintain and protect the system,” he said. “Over the past 15 years, proposed federal budgets spent 50 cents for each ton of cargo moved on the Great Lakes, so the return on each dollar invested is nearly $41. Due to industry’s contributions, taxpayers fund only three cents per ton of cargo. Therefore, the American consumer sees a benefit of nearly $590 for each taxpayer dollar spent on the Great Lakes navigation system.” First authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, the second Poesized lock was again authorized in 2007, this time at full federal expense. The lock is projected to cost $490 million and take as much as 10 years to build. Funding for construction of the lock itself still needs to be secured. Weakley thanked legislators who have played leading roles in advancing the lock project, including Rep. Jim Oberstar (DMinn.), Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Indiana), Rep. Dave Obey (D-Wis.), and Michigan Senators Carl Levin (D) and Debbie Stabenow (D). Weakley stressed the economic recovery will not be complete until this project is successfully finished, and urged Great Lakes interests to get the lock funded. “It took hard work and commitment to get here. It will take Midwest might and tenacity to go the distance,” he stated. Founded in 1992, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force promotes domestic and international shipping on the Great Lakes. 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, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards and other Great Lakes interests. Its goals include restoring adequate funding for dredging of Great Lakes deep-draft ports and waterways; construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; protecting the Jones Act and other U.S. maritime cabotage laws and regulations; maximizing the Lakes overseas trade; and opposing exports and increased diversions of Great Lakes water. Recent Activities at Wilmington Hall Bosun Dave Floyd fires a guide line from the USNS Richard E. Byrd to the USNS Amelia Earhart for a dual underway replenishment in the Pacific on June 24. Both ships are crewed by SIU CIVMARS. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Valcarcel) USNS Amelia Earhart Crew Honors Vessel’s Namesake Capably operating the grills during a recent barbeque at the hall are Chief Cook Benjamin Feria (left in photo above) and Port Agent Jeff Turkus, and Chief Steward Christina Mateer (photo at left). Dispatcher Nick Rios (below left) applies a fresh coat of paint on the hall’s walls while two technicians install a new electronic shipping board. Members of the SIU Government Services Division recently helped honor Amelia Earhart when the dry cargo/ammunition ship named in memory of the famed aviator paused at the site where Earhart is believed to have disappeared July 2, 1937. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the USNS Amelia Earhart on June 23 was on its first MSC mission. “As the sun began to set over Howland Island in the Central Pacific Ocean, the ship’s crew took a quiet moment to hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the area where Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan are believed to have perished during an attempt to circumnavi- A wreath is tossed from the USNS Amelia Earhart as the ship passes the area where the famed aviator is believed to have perished. 8 Seafarers LOG gate the globe,” the agency noted. The USNS Earhart, which joined the MSC fleet in October 2008 and which is crewed in the unlicensed slots by SIU CIVMARS, passed Howland Island while en route to deliver more than 600 pallets of equipment, medical supplies and food to another Seafarers-crewed dry cargo/ammunition ship, the USNS Richard E. Byrd, as the latter ship prepared to deploy on humanitarian assistance mission Pacific Partnership 2009. During the mission planning, the USNS Earhart’s crew discovered that their course would bring them within 70 miles of Howland Island, and a slight course change provided the ship with this rare opportunity. “It’s amazing how this all came together,” said civil service mariner Michelle Stark, the USNS Earhart’s second mate and navigator. “Howland Island is remote. People work for years sailing the Pacific and never come close to passing by it. Here we are on our first mission, on the ship named after Amelia Earhart, going right by where she was last seen.” The USNS Earhart is the sixth the new Lewis and Clark-class of underway replenishment ships that deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups. Those vessels, abbreviated as TAKE ships, are built at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The build program is expected to total 14 ships. According to MSC, “This capability allows combatant ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time.” August 2009 �55309_P01_24_X1x:January 08 7/27/2009 12:42 PM Page 9 Joining in the galley for a photo (from the left) are SA Brandy Griffin, AB Mike Rattigan, Recertified Steward Gilberto Mirador, GUDE Ali Zaidan and Bosun Hernando Bansuelo Engineer Dana Hooper (left) joins Capt. Brian O’Hanolon for this photo in the officers’ mess. A hawsepiper, O’Hanlon proudly shows off the recertified bosun credential he earned in 1989. Aboard the American Tern in Norfolk The Seafarers-crewed American Tern, operated by Osprey Ship Management, recently tied up in the Port of Norfolk, Va., following the conclusion of a voyage. While in port, members of the crew were visited by union officials including Port Agent Georg Kenny. Kenny took these photos during his visit and forwarded them to the LOG to share with the remainder of the union’s rank-and-file membership. The union-crewed American Tern rests at dockside in the Port of Norfolk, Va., following its return from a voyage. OMU Tyrone Ellis (left in photo at left) chats with Bosun Hernando Bansuelo while AB Melody Megan (above) shows off the TWIC card belonging to Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny. Chief Cook Daisy Taylor puts the finishing touches on one of her entrees for the next meal. AB Ron Razzuto poses for a photo following a meal in the crew mess. Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (left) greets 3rd Mate Don Bridenstine aboard the union-contracted American Tern. The two are former shipmates. At Sea With Seafarers Aboard the Liberty Sun Life aboard the SIU-crewed Liberty Sun has returned to some degree of normalcy following a recent incident near the Gulf of Aden. As reported earlier in the LOG, the vessel on April 15 came under attack--but was not boarded--by pirates. Recertified Steward Fernando Guity took the photos appearing on this page to show that all is again well aboard the vessel (operated by Liberty Maritime) in the aftermath of the incident. Clockwise starting at far left, AB Osnan Arriola, DEU Hector Guity and Recertified Steward Fernando Guity prepare a fresh catch of fish for cooking. In the next three photos, crew members take breaks from their duties to pose for photos. Included are the dayman, Arriola and SA Wilmer Alvarez, and two other watchstanders. In photo at immediate left, the catch is ready for cooking. The vessel was en route to Mombasa, Kenya, when these photos were taken. August 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:24 AM Page 10 ABOARD THE WRIGHT – Port Agent Elizabeth Brown and Bosun Tom Moore are pictured on the Wright in Baltimore. The Crowleyoperated vessel is part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force and is dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps aviation logistics support. WEST COAST VP IN GUAM – This snapshot was taken June 25 aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus in Guam. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (seated third from left) and Guam Port Agent John Hoskins (seated far right) serviced the vessel, which is operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Pictured from left to right are (front) Chief Steward Gregory Williams, Electrician Michael Rueter, Marrone, AB Ricardo Salazar, SA Majed Jahamee, Hoskins, (standing) AB Jose Radona, SA Fahti Mohsin, AB Lloyd LaBeach, Pumpman Richard Digman, Bosun William Buchner, GUDE Mohamed Salim, QMED Jasper McGirt, Storekeeper Paul Conway, AB Victor Sahagon and AB Ona Whitamore. At Sea & Ashore With the SIU SEAFARER’S SON GRADUATES – AB Omar Almaklani (left) congratulates his son Balaid Almaklani on Balaid’s recent graduation from high school in Dearborn, Michigan. Other family members also were on hand to celebrate the occasion. Omar most recently shipped aboard the North Star. PATRIOT DOCKS IN BALTIMORE – Bosun Shannon Smith (right in photo at right) and AB Gil Villena (left) help keep things moving aboard the Patriot during a recent stop in Baltimore. Shown in the photo above are fellow crew members OMU Therman Ames, OMU Kevin Tyson and OMU Archie Eldridge. The vessel is operated by Interocean American Shipping. INDEPENDENCE DAY ON OBREGON – Chief Steward Patrick Helton notes that fellow crew members aboard Waterman’s SS Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon celebrated the Fourth of July with a barbeque provided by the steward department. Mariners enjoyed the feast aboard the prepositioning ship with a menu that included fresh-baked bread, steak, shrimp, grilled sausage, corn on the cob, stuffed eggs, fruit salad and more. Chief Cook Shaibi (left) and Asst. Cook/Utility Borja watch the shrimp brochettes cooking over the charcoal fire. From left, SA Alfredo Martinez Sabio, Chief Cook Tawfiq Shaibi, SA Ali Munasa, Chief Steward Patrick Helton and Asst. Cook/Utility Milton Borja are ready to welcome fellow crew members to dinner. The Independence Day meal gets favorable reviews (photo at left and the one above). 10 Seafarers LOG August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:24 AM Page 11 Seafarers were among the hundreds of AFL-CIO-affiliated union members who rallied with Wal-mart workers July 1 in Miami. Florida Seafarers Support Employee Free Choice Act Members Rally with Wal-mart Workers in Miami gave personal accounts of rallies he participated in during the old days with the late SIU President Paul Hall.” In addition to Sellan, the SIU delegation (which included members of the United Industrial Workers) partly consisted of Manes Sainvil, Brian Deans, Eloy Gutierrez, Patrick Milton, Carlos Taylor, Florian Turcios, Cesar Collantes, Paul Altenon, Hipolita Rochez, Miguel Santos, David Marquez, Santos Olivera, Alyxi Alexander, Elena Lee, Fabian Palacios, Rudy Puerto and Lorenzo Alvarez. Wal-mart in recent months reportedly has joined forces with other large companies in South Florida—including Home Depot, McDonald’s, Lowes and others—to defeat Seafarers on July 1 joined hundreds of other AFL-CIO-affiliated union members in South Florida as they rallied alongside Walmart workers during an Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) demonstration at one of the company’s Miami-based Superstores. The workers, some recently fired and others who are still employed by the retail giant, rallied for fairness and democracy in the workplace. Specifically, they called for an end to the company’s funding of anti-worker groups who are out to kill the EFCA, a prolabor bill currently before the U.S. Congress. According to SIU Safety Director Kevin Marchand, the SIU turnout was in response to a memo issued by Fred Frost, president of the South Florida AFL-CIO, soliciting the union’s support in the rally. Within two hours of receiving the request, Marchand said that more than 20 SIU members had assembled in the Port Everglades hall to prepare signs for the event. “The members were pumped up as they loaded into cars and drove 30 miles south to the rally site,” Marchand said. “For some, it was their first rally and they didn’t know what to expect. “But many of the older members gladly led the way,” he continued. “One such member is Recertified Steward Pedro Sellan, who SIU Safety Director Kevin Marchand (left) and Lorenzo Alvarez await the start of the rally. Hipolita Rochez, Florian Turcios, Brian Deans, Elena Lee, David Marquez and Alvarez make their way through the rally route. Listening attentively to one of the event’s speakers are SIU members Santos Olivera, David Marquez, Carlos Taylor, Cesar Collantes, Alvarez and Euenio Lopez. August 2009 the EFCA. Published reports also say that the company repeatedly has harassed and intimidated its workers. Others have been interrogated and fired for both siding with unions and signing pledge cards to support them. “For years, Wal-mart workers have called for a voice in their workplace, only to be told their stores could be closed and their jobs eliminated,” said Frost. “It’s time for the harassment and intimidation to stop and let these workers have a voice on the job so that they can negotiate for better wages, health care and working conditions. “Wal-mart is the largest private employer and most profitable in America, and made nearly $13.5 billion in profits last year,” Frost continued. “…It is unconscionable to think, with the record profits that Wal-mart is making, that their employees continue to make poverty-level wages and over half of their 4 million workers nationwide are priced out of getting health care benefits.” As reported earlier in the LOG, the EFCA (H.R. 1409, S. 560) is supported by a broad bipartisan coalition of legislators in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. If enacted, the measure would help enable working people to bargain for better benefits, wages and working conditions by restoring workers’ freedom to choose for themselves whether to join a union. It would: ■ Remove current obstacles to employees who want collective bargaining. ■ Guarantee that workers who can choose collective bargaining are able to achieve a contract. ■ Allow employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation. Members of the Seafaerers delegation included (kneeing left to right) Patrick Milton, Florian Turcios, David Marquez, Cesar Collantes, (second row) Carlos Taylor, Eloy Gutierrez, Lorenzo, Alyxi Alexander, Manes Sainvil, Miguel Santos, Alfredo Mendoza, (back row) Paul Altenon, Brian Deans and Euenio Lopez. Altogether, more than 20 rankand-file members participated in the rally. Seafarers LOG 11 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:24 AM Page 12 Thousands Rally in D.C. for Health Care Reform M ore than 10,000 workers and families from around America recently marched on Capitol Hill chanting, “We want health care!” It was a rallying cry for action from Congress and the Obama administration. The demonstration, which was attended by SIU members, took place June 25 and was sponsored by the AFL-CIO’s affiliated group Health Care for America Now. It included an afternoon of town-hall-style meetings with various congressional members giving rankand-file union members the opportunity to sound off about their experiences with the health care system. The initial rally featured speakers from the Senate and House and from the labor movement. Actress Edie Falco also addressed the crowd, as did lesser-known individuals who nevertheless offered compelling stories reflecting the nation’s flawed health insurance system. Many described employers cutting health care benefits or drastically increasing payments required by workers to maintain coverage and see a doctor. Some recalled forgoing family health care because they couldn’t afford it, while others said insurance companies denied them coverage because of high costs. AFL-CIO studies show that about 77 percent of uninsured Americans forgo medical treatment when they are sick and even 31 percent of insured Americans skipped doctor-recommended tests, treatments or follow-up visits due to cost. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker expressed confidence that America can move from an unsustainable health care system to one that protects families and covers everyone. “Health care without cost control will not work,” she said. “Health care without a quality public option to lower costs is totally unacceptable.” New York Sen. Chuck Schumer noted, “Health care that covers everyone and includes a strong public option as a choice for consumers won’t be easy. It’s a fight that has been fought for decades against powerful interests. The strong national support for health care reform, though, is a sign that now is the time.” Schumer pointed to the Capitol behind him and said, “We can’t do this alone. We need to do this together. We need all of you to hold everybody in that building’s feet to the fire.” Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean got a zinger in at opponents who are claiming a public health care option plan would lead to socialized medicine. “You know who has socialized medicine in this country? Everyone over 65 and everybody in Congress,” Dean said. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said despite opposition from the insurance companies that control health care, citizens can improve the system. “Special interests and the health insurance industry will not hijack this process. We must have and we will have a strong public option,” she stated. Pennsylvania Rep. Allyson Schwartz said the nation needs health care reform that controls costs to recover from today’s economic crisis. “This is such an important issue for all of us. It’s always been a moral responsibility, but it’s increasingly an economic imperative,” Schwartz said. Falco said she spoke from experience because she is a breast cancer survivor. “I’m here because I’ve traveled through the health care system and there are some holes,” she noted. “I’m here because I care about the people in this country and I know that we can do better, that we must do better.” U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker is confident a health care solution for American families will be reached. Falco added that she went without h care coverage for many years. An estim million Americans are without coverag President Barack Obama, with strong b from organized labor, has vowed to see that everyone health benefits eventually provided to all. “I work in a business where they tak care of you if you are working,” Falco ued. “It’s bad enough the emotional im not having a job, but to get sick on top and worry every day that your symptom not getting better, figuring out what you going to have to do without so you can a doctor’s visit – I am far more familia that than I am with my situation these l number of years.” Other rally speakers included AFSC President Gerald McEntee of CWA Pre Larry Cohen. The SIU supports the AFL-CIO’s he care campaign, with goals that include ling escalating, unreasonable costs; ens that quality health care is available to a ing every family the opportunity for pr care; and making certain that employer sored health care isn’t taxed. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N Rally speaker and cancer survivor Edie Falco, formerly of the television program “The Sopranos,” notes that she spent years without medical coverage. Union members came from all across the nation to participate in the rall The media also turned out in strong numbers to cover the event. 12 Seafarers LOG Organized labor wants to make certain that employer-sponsored health August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:24 AM Page 13 rm out health estimated 46 verage; ong backing o see to it tually are ey take great alco continal impact of n top of that, mptoms are at you’re u can afford miliar with hese last AFSCME A President O’s health lude controls; ensuring e to all; givor preventive loyer-spon- Working families converged on the Capitol June 25 to demand good affordable health care for all. (D-N.Y.) Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is an outspoken supporter of quality health care for workers. e rally. Gerald McEntee AFSCME President Members of unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department display signs prior to the demonstration. ealth care isn’t taxed. August 2009 A reporter interviews one of the rally participants. Students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center receive instructions from Seafarer Daniel Duncan (second from right), who serves as president of the Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation. Seafarers LOG 13 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:24 AM Page 14 Union Plus—helping union families get ahead. Scholarships Helping SIU families realize their dreams G oing back to school? Sending your children to college? Learn more about the scholarship opportunities available to you as an SIU member. Union Plus supports working families by providing these scholarships to help you focus on your studies instead of your tuition bill. UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP •Awards ranging from $500 to $4,000 are available to students attending two-year and four-year colleges, recognized technical or trade schools, and graduate schools •Current and retired union members, their spouses and dependent children are eligible •Applications are available in September. To apply, just download an application at UnionPlus.org/Scholarship and return it by January 31. UNION LEADERS OF THE UNION PLUS NATIONAL FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP LABOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP •Helping more women and people of color pursue union career goals and enhance leadership skills •Annual awards up to $3,000 to cover the cost of continuing education or training •To be applied toward the completion of an accredited degree, coursework or seminar at an accredited educational institution •Applications are available in January. To apply, just download an application at UnionPlus.org/ Scholarship and return it by May 31 •A total of $25,000 is awarded each to year to help union members attend the world’s only university dedicated to labor education •Take classes at your own pace and schedule with a unique program tailor-made for full-time working men and women •Please contact Tracie Sumner in the Office of Student Finance at the National Labor College at 301-628-4253 or email tsumner@nlc.edu for more information For details about all the scholarship opportunities available to union members, visit UnionPlus.org/Scholarship SIU SCHOLARSHIP 07/09 14 Seafarers LOG August 2009 �55309_P01_24x:January 08 7/24/2009 8:17 PM Page 15 Mariner Receives Credentials Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June 16, 2009 - July 15, 2009 Port SIU Safety Director Al-Omari (right) presents Seafarer Tony Graves with his inland book. Graves sails as a mate aboard the Crowley tug Scout. Personal Rick Petrie wants to be contacted by Lonnie Evans from the Kansas City area. Petrie may be reached at (316) 8339689. September & October 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point.......... Tuesday, September 8*, Monday, October 5 Algonac ................................. Friday: September 11, October 9 Baltimore...........................Thursday: September 10, October 8 Guam...............................Thursday: September 24, October 22 Honolulu...............................Friday: September 18, October 16 Houston.............Monday: September 14, Tuesday, October 13* Jacksonville.......................Thursday: September 10, October 8 Joliet................................Thursday: September 17, October 15 Mobile..........................Wednesday: September 16, October 14 New Orleans..........................Tuesday: September 15, October 13 New York..............................Tuesday: September 8, October 6 Norfolk............................. Thursday: September 10, October 8 Oakland ...........................Thursday: September 17, October 15 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: September 9, October 7 Port Everglades ...............Thursday: September 17, October 15 San Juan ............................Thursday: September 10, October 8 St. Louis ...............................Friday: September 18, October 16 Tacoma.................................Friday: September 25, October 23 Wilmington............................Monday: September 21, October 19 *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday *Houston change created by Columbus Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. August 2009 Total Registered Class A Class B Class 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 TOTAL 18 0 6 19 3 8 39 33 4 15 19 43 21 28 5 1 7 40 0 20 329 9 4 7 15 3 9 35 21 14 7 9 26 28 15 4 6 9 18 9 29 277 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 TOTAL 10 0 4 5 0 7 22 16 3 7 9 18 9 10 4 4 6 13 1 8 156 3 1 2 12 2 3 14 19 2 9 1 12 24 9 4 2 4 8 2 9 142 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 TOTAL 1 0 3 8 2 8 19 17 2 4 9 24 15 20 2 4 2 16 0 21 177 4 0 1 4 2 2 10 6 3 3 1 10 12 3 1 2 3 7 1 1 76 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 TOTAL Total All Departments: 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 1 1 1 7 0 2 0 0 0 5 0 6 34 696 17 1 6 5 3 7 22 30 10 3 4 23 10 19 3 7 0 18 0 17 205 700 Total Shipped Class A Class B Class C Deck Department 11 6 0 2 6 4 6 9 3 1 7 4 37 27 22 21 3 5 10 1 8 4 27 13 12 17 16 10 1 6 1 3 5 8 24 14 3 3 21 18 223 176 Engine Department 3 2 3 0 0 1 0 5 1 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 5 5 1 11 11 1 6 17 1 1 2 0 9 3 0 4 3 3 10 3 1 10 14 3 5 7 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 4 8 1 9 12 1 0 4 2 8 4 18 95 104 Steward Department 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 8 6 2 1 0 1 6 0 0 17 6 0 8 7 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 3 2 0 23 3 1 9 6 1 14 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 11 4 0 1 0 3 22 2 12 131 49 Entry Department 4 2 7 1 0 2 5 0 2 11 0 3 1 0 3 1 2 3 8 2 13 9 3 7 1 1 5 2 0 1 1 0 1 6 8 13 17 1 9 6 3 14 1 0 0 27 0 7 1 0 0 1 0 10 1 0 0 8 0 15 112 22 115 181 471 444 6 1 0 5 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 6 2 0 4 1 1 1 3 39 Trip Reliefs Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 4 0 3 0 2 23 1 0 2 4 0 3 20 12 0 5 5 18 8 13 1 0 4 14 0 8 118 19 2 4 27 4 13 78 69 3 32 35 90 29 47 14 1 10 63 1 54 595 12 6 5 25 8 13 64 49 11 16 10 33 32 25 7 7 16 51 9 41 440 4 0 0 12 2 0 10 6 1 1 5 10 17 4 1 1 1 4 1 18 98 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 11 1 0 1 0 0 0 9 5 1 6 3 4 5 2 0 0 6 8 2 2 55 5 0 7 15 2 18 38 48 1 11 13 36 13 25 3 3 10 23 2 21 294 4 2 2 15 4 6 30 28 1 11 5 28 34 15 4 3 7 30 3 19 251 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 5 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 4 25 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 4 0 3 11 5 0 0 1 12 3 7 0 1 2 9 0 9 68 0 0 3 13 4 18 43 31 2 13 13 31 17 41 3 5 2 20 2 61 322 4 2 0 10 2 11 19 9 3 4 4 17 18 8 0 1 2 10 2 6 132 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 14 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 0 19 1 2 0 1 37 76 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 11 252 2 0 0 0 0 7 5 6 0 1 4 15 1 5 0 0 0 9 0 13 68 1,279 23 1 6 10 2 12 54 50 5 6 11 57 32 28 2 8 1 34 0 23 365 1,188 8 1 5 18 1 3 24 21 0 7 3 15 29 17 2 23 3 6 1 28 215 352 Seafarers LOG 15 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:24 AM Page 16 Inquir ing Seaf arer 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 Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was posed to members at the Honolulu union hall. Question: What was your most memorable voyage, and what made it so? Chief Cook Shawn P. Canon My most memorable voyage was the very first time sailing. It was in 1980, for American Hawaii, the SS Oceanic Independence. We were leaving Kawasaki and Osaka, Japan. I remember it vividly after all these years. We were crossing the Sea of Japan and it was very rough. There were 20foot-plus waves, at least, like an old-time cartoon. I’ll never forget how enormous those waves were. Finally coming back home to Hawaii was a great feeling of relief. Because of this experience, I’ve had great respect for the Seven Seas all these years. I’ve been sailing ever since and have been to a lot of different countries, but that first voyage stuck with me. Bosun Tar Ahmed The Westward Venture. We went overseas into the Swiss Canal and along the coast we had some rough seas. This was in 2004 and I was sailing as an AB. I joined the union in 1987 but this was the first time I went in that direction. The unlicensed crew extinguished a couple of fires. They did well. The fires were not anybody’s fault and they got put out. I was proud of the unlicensed crew. It was scary but it got situated. Another memorable voyage was the first time I sailed as a bosun – got my feet wet, as they say. I took responsibility and did the best I could. That was on one of the car carriers, after the year 2000. QMED Jason Powell I would have to say it was on a Dyn Marine ship, the USNS Littlehales. I joined the ship in Italy, went to Croatia and then to Rota, Spain, and then Cape Verde and back to Rota again. Cape Verde was by far the most fun I ever had ashore. We were on a survey vessel and were at sea for 30 days. When we hit shore, we had five to seven days as the (research) team downloaded their information from the mission. I was a wiper at the time. They pretty much knocked you off when your work was done and let you go ashore. I checked out the local culture, and me and a [fellow crew member] jumped on a local bus and rode around town for four or five hours. We got to see everything. This was around the year 2003. STOS Joseph Barnes They’ve all offered a measure of enjoyment and education, but I’d have to say being a wiper on the Dodge Island during the Christmas holidays in 2002-2003. It was a dredge ship, working offshore. I enjoyed the learning experiences and being given a certain amount of responsibility. It was my first time at sea and I fell in love with the profession. I enjoyed the feeling of having a task, completing it, and doing it to your best ability without intervention. We sailed off of Jupiter, Florida. It was a two-week relief. OMU Butch Lumansoc When the Independence left the island, I got to ride on its last voyage. Deck and engine personnel were on board and the vessel was going to San Francisco to get laid up. It was in 2001. I was the wiper at that time. It was sad after all those years. That’s the last cruise ship I ever rode on. Another memorable voyage – I forget the year – I was working for Sealift (aboard the MV Merlin) and we rescued someone in the Mediterranean. We rescued the second mate, who was from Egypt. He was on a cargo ship carrying cement. I think it was around 2004. (Editor’s note: The rescue took place in January 2004. The second mate was the lone survivor from the Greek-owned MV Kephi, which sank due to gale-force winds and extremely rough seas.) 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 Submitted by Recertified Steward Louella Sproul, this photo was taken in 1973 aboard the SS Monterey during a South Pacific cruise. It shows “four waitresses taking a break between serving meals,” she noted. Pictured from left to right are Sandra, Sproul, Barbara Seeger and Sheri Tapenan. Louella is still an active SIU member, based in Oakland, Calif. She remembers the Monterey voyages as having been “so much fun. We had great barbeques on the fantail when our work was done. We went to the South Pacific and Alaska.” Standing in the background (toward the left, at the rail) is Angela Alioto, a civil rights attorney and former San Francisco supervisor. 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 August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 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 VICTOR ACEVEDO Brother Victor Acevedo, 66, became an SIU member in 1970. His first ship was the Steel Architect; his last the Maersk Virginia. Brother Acevedo attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The steward department member lives in Puerto Rico. ROBERT BROWN Brother Robert Brown, 66, joined the union in 1990 while in the port of Seattle. He initially sailed on the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Brown was born in Denver and shipped in the deck department. He visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., on two occasions to upgrade his skills. Brother Brown’s final ship was the Horizon Anchorage. He resides in Port Angeles, Wash. JOSE CABALLERO Brother Jose Caballero, 52, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He originally sailed aboard the Overseas Natalie. Brother Caballero upgraded frequently at the union-affiliated school. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Caballero most recently sailed on the Santa Cruz. He is a resident of his native state, New York. LEOPOLDO DIAZ Brother Leopoldo Diaz, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Delta Peru. Brother Diaz, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Puerto Rico. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Diaz was last employed on the Horizon Producer. He makes his home in Bronx, N.Y. RENATO MIGUEL Brother Renato Miguel, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1979. His earliest trip to sea was on the Charleston. Brother Miguel was born in the Philippines and sailed in August 2009 the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Atlantic. In 2000 and 2001, Brother Miguel enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Jersey City, N.J. sions he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center to improve his seafaring skills. Brother Sieggreen’s final trip was aboard the Voyager. He continues to make his home in Michigan. ROBERT MILLER Brother Robert Miller, 66, became a union member in 1988 while in the port of Honolulu. His first vessel was the Independence. Brother Miller upgraded on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated maritime training center. The steward department member was born in Washington State. Brother Miller’s most recent trip was on the Horizon Spirit. He settled in Phoenix. INLAND RUDOLPH ODOM Brother Rudolph Odom, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1964. He originally sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel as a member of the engine department. Brother Odom was born in Alabama. His last trip was with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Odom lives in Mobile, Ala. EMANUEL PAUL Brother Emanuel Paul, 71, signed on with the Seafarers in 1997 while in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His first voyage was on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Paul frequently enhanced his skills at the union-affiliated school. He was born in the West Indies and sailed in the engine department. Brother Paul most recently worked with Interocean American Shipping Corporation. He is now a resident of Lauderhill, Fla. WILLIAM SIEGGREEN Brother William Sieggreen, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He first sailed on the Tex, where he worked in the deck department. Brother Sieggreen is a Michigan native. On two occa- MARK BAILEY Brother Mark Bailey, 56, joined the union in 1978, initially sailing on a Dixie Carriers vessel. He often upgraded at the Piney Point school. Brother Bailey was born in Miami and worked in the deck department. His most recent trip was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Bailey calls Satsuma, Fla., home. ROBERT BURNS Brother Robert Burns, 62, became an SIU member in 1968, originally sailing with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Burns was last employed aboard an OSG Ship Management vessel. He lives in West Deptford, N.J. PATRICK DOLLARD Brother Patrick Dollard, 57, was born in New York. He started sailing with the union in 1973. Brother Dollard’s earliest trip was aboard a Mariner Towing vessel. The deck department member upgraded at the Piney Point school on two occasions. Brother Dollard’s final ship was the Dodge Island. He resides in Uncasville, Conn. RICHARD FOLEY Brother Richard Foley, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001 while in the port of New York. His first ship was the Cape Jacob. Brother Foley was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He attended classes often to enhance his skills. Brother Foley shipped in the deck department. He most recently worked with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Foley is a resident of Ruskin, Fla. . Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1940 The constitution adopted in 1939 provided for the establishment of two separate districts: the Atlantic District and the Gulf District, with two separate headquarters, one in New York and one in New Orleans, and two separate bookkeeping and financial systems. The membership of the two districts, in a 30-day referendum vote, voted overwhelmingly to amalgamate the two districts. The amalgamation resolution was adopted in August 1940 and provides that the headquarters of the Atlantic and Gulf District will be in Washington, D.C., until the next election, and that all of the financial and bookkeeping work shall be done in that office. ROBERT HEARN Brother Robert Hearn, 66, joined the SIU in 1967 while in the port of Philadelphia. His initial voyage was on a vessel operated by Graham Transportation Company. Brother Hearn was born in Pennsylvania. His final trip was with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Hearn settled in Cambridge, Md. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION SAMUEL COX Brother Samuel Cox, 73, donned the NMU colors in 1995, initially shipping from the port of Newark, N.J. The steward department member was born in Guyana. Brother Cox’s first ship was the Green Lake; his last was the Alliance St. Louis. He lives in Bronx, N.Y. an across-the-board 20 percent increase in wages, OT and penalty rates, all retroactive to July 1. 1966 The Vietnam War has put great pressure on the existing SIU manpower, but the SIU has always been able to provide a pool of manpower to meet sudden crises, such as the Vietnam callup. The breakout of vessels from the reserve fleet has meant that more jobs are available to SIU men and the union has effectively filled them. This Month In SIU History 1957 Unable to make any headway in wage talks with the Bull Line after two months of negotiations, the SIU struck the company at its Brooklyn terminal on Monday, August 19. The four-ship installation has been tied up tight ever since by a 24-hour picket line manned by Seafarers. Talks with Bull Line reached an impasse a few days before the strike call over demands for parity with the scale elsewhere in the country on overtime and penalty rates plus 1991 The complex embodying the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md., has been named the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as a result of action taken by the institution’s board of trustees. The dedication of the Paul Hall Center was marked with a simple ceremony on August 20, the anniversary date of the birth of the late president of the SIU. In describing the naming of the Piney Point center, Herbert Brand, chairman of the Transportation Institute and master of ceremonies for the event, called it “more than a dedication – it is an act of remembrance” for the man who headed the SIU from 1947 until his death in 1980. Seafarers LOG 17 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA RALPH ALEXANDER Pensioner Ralph Alexander, 72, died April 24. Brother Alexander signed on with the SIU in 1963. He initially shipped on the Marore in the steward department. Brother Alexander’s final voyage was aboard the Horizon Tacoma. He became a pensioner in 2001. Brother Alexander was a resident of his native state, North Carolina. JOSEPH DELISE Pensioner Joseph Delise, 86, passed away April 22. Brother Delise became a Seafarer in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department member was born in New York. Brother Delise’s first ship was the French Creek; his last was the Carolina. He went on pension in 1992 and called West Babylon, N.Y., home. GEORGE FINKLEA Pensioner George Finklea, 90, died April 19. Brother Finklea joined the SIU in 1947 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He originally worked on the Del Sud as a member of the deck department. Brother Finklea was born in Columbia, S.C. Prior to his retirement in 1983, he sailed aboard the Charleston. Brother Finklea settled in Hinton, W.Va. FRANK KELLER Pensioner Frank Keller, 83, passed away March 23. Brother Keller started sailing with the union in 1944. He was born in Newark, N.J. Brother Keller’s earliest trip was on the Steel Chemist. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Keller most recently worked aboard the Adventure. He retired in 1985 and lived in St. Cloud, Fla. JOHN KENNEDY Pensioner John Kennedy, 93, died March 27. Brother Kennedy, a 18 Seafarers LOG member of the steward department, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1944 from the port of New Orleans. His first trip was on a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Kennedy was born in Alabama. He was last employed aboard the Cove Trader. Brother Kennedy started collecting his retirement compensation in 1984. He continued to reside in his native state. PETER KRUPINSKI Pensioner Peter Krupinski, 83, passed away May 15. Brother Krupinski began his SIU sailing career in 1950 while in the port of New York. He originally shipped on the Seamar. Brother Krupinski was born in New Jersey and worked in the deck department. His final voyage took place aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Krupinski started receiving his pension in 1988. He made his home in Fairfield Township, N.J. EARL MCNAB Pensioner Earl McNab, 87, died March 14. Brother McNab joined the union in 1951, initially shipping from the port of New York. His first trip was on the Oremar. Brother McNab was a member of the deck department. He was born in Honduras. Before retiring in 1976, Brother McNab sailed aboard the Humacao. He called Miami Lakes, Fla., home. HARRY MEREDITH Pensioner Harry Meredith, 83, passed away May 14. Brother Meredith first donned the SIU colors in 1960 while in the port of New York. His earliest trip to sea was on the Bradford Island. Brother Meredith worked in the engine department. His last ship was the Overseas Ohio. Brother Meredith retired in 1991. He was born in McKeesport, Pa., but called Houston, Texas, home. DAVID OSTERDOCK Brother David Osterdock, 53, died March 16. Brother Osterdock was born in Flora, Ill. He joined the union in 1995. During his seafaring career, Brother Osterdock was employed on vessels including the Marine Chemist and the Delaware Trader. The engine department member was a resident of Richmond, Texas. JOHN OWEN Pensioner John Owen, 82, passed away March 26. Brother Owen became a Seafarer in 1960 while in the port of New York. He originally sailed aboard the Steel Chemist as a member of the deck department. Brother Owen was born in England. His last voyage was on the Freedom. Brother Owen started receiving his pension in 1991 and settled in Maineville, Ohio. JAMES PORTER Pensioner James Porter, 59, died April 17. Brother Porter signed on with the SIU in 1969. One of his earliest voyages took place on the Rob Gray. He was born in Georgia and shipped in the deck department. Brother Porter most recently worked aboard the El Yunque. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2004. Brother Porter resided in Jacksonville, Fla. FRANKLIN REID, JR. Pensioner Franklin Reid, Jr., 94, passed away April 1. Brother Reid joined the union in 1943. He initially sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation as a member of the engine department. Brother Reid’s final trip was on the Yukon. He was born in Jacksonville, Fla., but made his home in Tampa. Brother Reid went on pension in 1976. NICOLA TAGLIAMBURIS Pensioner Nicola Tagliamburis, 83, died April 24. Brother Tagliamburis began his SIU career in 1961. His first voyage was aboard the Tam Guilden. The enginedepartment member was born in Greece. Brother Tagliamburis’ final trip was on the Long Lines. He retired in 1991 and lived in Baltimore. GEORGE TAYLOR Pensioner George Taylor, 86, passed away April 12. Brother Taylor started sailing with the union in 1969 from the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Trans Oneida; his last was the LNG Virgo. Brother Taylor was a Virginia native and worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1994 and settled in Henrico, Va. JOSE TUMALE Pensioner Jose Tumale, 76, died March 26. Brother Tumale first donned the SIU colors in 1980 while in Honolulu. His earliest trip was aboard the Oceanic Independence. Brother Tumale was born in the Philippines and sailed in the steward department. Before his retirement in 2001, he worked on the Independence. Brother Tumale called Las Vegas home. ALEJANDRO VEGA Pensioner Alejandro Vega, 90, passed away March 26. Brother Vega began shipping with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1957 while in the port of San Francisco. He sailed on vessels such as the President Polk and the President Monroe. Brother Vega started receiving his retirement compensation in 1986. DAVID WILEY Brother David Wiley, 52, died March 24. He signed on with the union in 2006 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Wiley originally sailed on the TSgt. John Chapman. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Wiley’s most recent voyage was aboard the Independence. He was born in Florida but made his home in Norfolk. INLAND LUIS BONILLA Pensioner Luis Bonilla, 80, passed away April 25. Brother Bonilla was born in Puerto Rico. He joined the SIU in 1976. For the duration of his career, Brother Bonilla shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Service. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Bonilla went on pension in 1994 and continued to reside in Puerto Rico. JOSEPH CATHERMAN Pensioner Joseph Catherman, 78, died April 22. Brother Catherman first donned the SIU colors in 1967 while in the port of Philadelphia. He initially sailed on the Penn Sailor as a member of the deck department. Brother Catherman’s last trip to sea was with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. He retired in 1989 and settled in Springfield, Pa. GREAT LAKES RUDOLPH JADRICH Pensioner Rudolph Jadrich, 82, passed away Feb. 3. Brother Jadrich became a Seafarer in 1961. He primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Corporation. Brother Jadrich was a deck department member. He was a resident of Chicago and started collecting his retirement compensation in 1988. WALTER LENTZ Pensioner Walter Lentz, 88, passed away April 15. Brother Lentz joined the union in 1953. He was employed with Michigan Interstate Railway and Erie Lackawanna Railroad Company during his career. Brother Lentz sailed in the deck department of both the inland and Great Lakes divisions. He retired in 1982. Brother Lentz continued to live in his native state of Michigan. August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), June 13 – Chairman Gerry A. Gianan, Secretary Donald R. Irvine, Educational Director Mark Campbell, Deck Delegate Samuel H. Lampshire, Engine Delegate Orlando B. Guzman, Steward Delegate Victor J. Wolf. Chairman asked departing mariners to leave cabins clean for arriving crew. He also recommended they have TWIC cards with them at all ports when leaving ship. Secretary urged crew to check expiration dates on necessary seafaring documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that a new refrigerator was needed for crew messhall. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), June 4 – Chairman Darryl G. Smith, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Matthew P. Ditullio, Deck Delegate Stanley W. Parker, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith, Steward Delegate Mohamed M. Wasel. Chainman discussed ship’s itinerary with crew. He announced payoff at sea June 5 and Coast Guard inspection on June 7 upon arrival in Los Angeles. Secretary encouraged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center and get TWIC cards ASAP. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for new television remote. Members were asked not to dump trash in laundry room and to separate trash from plastic. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), June 8 – Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Mark V. Cabasag, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Ramon Duran, Engine Delegate Michael S. Kirby, Steward Delegate Nasser Ahmed. Chairman thanked crew for a safe and successful voyage and reminded them to keep documents up-to-date. Secretary asked those getting off vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer noted $285 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked steward department for excellent food. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), June 14 – Chairman August 2009 Tony Mercado, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Brian Corbett, Engine Delegate Wilmer McCants. Bosun stated payoff would take place June 14 upon arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. He expressed gratitude to steward department for a great BBQ. Chairman reported he would contact patrolman concerning time off in port. Educational director advised everyone to read the Seafarers LOG for information about TWIC card including numbers to call. Treasurer reported $2,450 in ship’s fund. Beefs reported in the deck and engine departments; no disputed OT. Crew commented on shipping rules and how they relate to various work. Suggestions were made to increase pension benefits. Crew requested to ratify new contracts by different method. New dryer needed in crew laundry and new water fountain needed in crew lounge. Clarification requested pertaining to required time for 42-day vacation. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., San Juan, P.R., and Jacksonville, Fla. 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 The USNS Fisher SIU Safety Director Abdul Al-Omari recently serviced the Seafarers-crewed USNS Fisher while the vessel was docked in San Diego, Calif. In photo above, members of the crew break from their normal duties to pose for this snapshot. Pictured (in no particular order) are Bosun Paul Gottschlins, AB Fernando Oyao, STOS John Yi, QMED Louis Garcia, Chief Cook Joe Pittman, Steward Leslie Davis and Storekeeper Marcus Cunningham. USNS Fisher Capt. Bruce Kareger (left in photo at left) chats with Port Engineer Tim Burka while Davis (left in photo below) and Pittmann put the finishing touches on a meal for the crew. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), June 28 – Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Fausto D. Arando, Engine Delegate Ronald F. Lukacs. Chairman announced payoff in Galveston, Texas, on July 4. Mariners were reminded to get TWIC cards ASAP and renew or upgrade z-cards (merchant mariner credentials). Secretary praised wiper and unlicensed apprentice for their hard work. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of Piney Point school to enhance their skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to lower seatime requirements for pension benefits. Next port: Galveston, Texas. MAERSK KENTUCKY (Maersk Line, Limited), June 23 – Chairman William M. Richards Jr., Secretary Basil Waldron, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth, Deck Delegate Mian Ahmad. Chairman requested information on imminent danger pay and a copy of contract for crew use. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Members would like reimbursement for extra baggage when joining vessel. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, Limited), June 15 – Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Rachael C. Figueiredo, Educational Director Hashiem R. Pittman, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji. Chairman reported smooth voyage besides a little incident with pirates. He stated payoff to take place in Port Elizabeth on June 16. Secretary reminded crew members that ARC is available and advised members needing help to get it. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made regarding vacation and pension benefits. TYCO DEPENDABLE (Transoceanic Cable Ship), June 22 – Chairman Sanyboy Whiting, Secretary Brian Gross, Educational Director Miriam Chacon, Deck Delegate John G. Salarda, Jr., Engine Delegate Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Delegate Michael L. Sivells. Chairman praised mariners for work on Danice cable project and reported no injures, which earned them an extra $200 from company to go into the ship’s fund. It was reported that there would be a 60 percent crew change in France. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. Treasurer noted $4,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to check on TWIC cards while at union hall. Next port: France. USNS SEAY (American Overseas Marine), June 21 – Chairman John H. Wells, Secretary Lauren J. Oram, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pell, Deck Delegate Robert J. Hayes, Engine Delegate Bruce N. Zenon, Steward Delegate Joel Ramos. Bosun announced payoff in Baltimore on June 25 or 26 depending on cargo offload. Crew was reminded that TWIC cards should be carried with them and they should check their pin numbers. Educational director talked about the importance of upgrading at the unionaffiliated school and keeping training record books current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was read and discussed from the May 2009 Seafarers LOG. Crew thanked President Sacco for working hard to keep mariners safe. Vote of thanks was given to all aboard for helping keep ship clean. Crew was asked to not slam doors. Next port: Baltimore. Seafarers LOG 19 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 AM Page 20 2007 Plan Year Annual Funding Notice-SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 94-6061923 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2007 and ending July 31, 2008 (Plan Year). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was at least 100 percent. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of August 1, 2007 was $130,306,177. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $8,787,242. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 14.8. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 15 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing 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). 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. 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 Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-7644993. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s web site, 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 1800-400-7242). Additional Explanation Introduction The SIU Pacific District Pension Plan has added the information below to supplement the Annual Funding Notice (above) that is required by federal law. This additional information will be helpful in understanding how each part of the notice relates to the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan (“Plan”). Plan’s Financial Information The main purpose of the Annual Funding Notice is to ensure more open communication about a plan’s funding level. The Annual Funding Notice divides the Plan’s assets by its annual benefit payments to determine how many years the Plan’s assets may be able to pay benefits. This simple measurement does not take into account the Plan’s expected annual income. When the Plan’s assets and the annual addition of this income are taken into account, and based on current information, the Plan’s assets can be expected to pay benefits for years into the future. Rules Governing Insolvent Plans This section of the Annual Funding Notice applies only to severely financially troubled pension plans, which this plan is not. Because of the Plan’s greater than 100% funded status, it is not anticipated that the special rules regarding “plan reorganization” and plan insolvency would apply to this Plan. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The Trustees expect the Plan to continue to pay benefits for many years in the future. The Trustees are committed to maintaining the Plan’s funded status because, in their view, the Plan’s financial strength is the best guarantee that all participants and beneficiaries will receive all the Plan benefits they have earned. Thus, it is not expected that the PBGC benefit guarantees mentioned in this notice will become applicable. Where to Get More Information For more information about this Additional Explanation, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. 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: 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 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. 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. August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 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 Welding September 7 October 5 November 2 November 30 September 25 October 23 November 20 December 18 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Firefighting August 17 November 30 August 28 December 11 Basic Firefighting/STCW September 14 November 9 September 18 November 13 Fast Rescue Boat August 17 August 21 Medical Care Provider August 31 December 14 September 4 December 18 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman August 17 October 12 September 11 November 6 ARPA November 16 November 20 Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 Government Vessels September 21 November 16 September 25 November 20 Lifeboat September 28 October 9 Radar November 2 November 13 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 24 October 19 September 4 October 30 Tanker Assistant September 21 October 2 Tank Pic Barge September 21 September 25 Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Refrigerated Container October 5 October 30 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) September 14 November 9 October 9 December 4 FOWT August 17 October 12 September 11 November 6 Junior Engineer August 31 October 23 Marine Electrician October 26 December 18 Marine Refrigeration Technician November 9 December 18 Machinist September 14 October 2 Pumpman October 5 October 16 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 July 27. 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 “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: Fire Extinguishers, Shipboard Firefighting, Back Safety, Basic Math Refresher, Intermediate Math Refresher, Basic Navigational Math Prep, Basic Marine Engineering Math Prep, Communications, First Aid Preparation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Basic Culinary Skills, Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Protection, Heat Stress Management, Environmental Awareness, Shipboard Pest Management, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. These classes are taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. Students MUST have access to the internet and an e-mail address in order to take the foregoing 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 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 ________________________________________________ August 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. 8/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Welding – Ten upgraders on June 19 completed training in this 103-hour Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Fourteen unlicensed apprentices completed their requirements for graduation from this course. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Kareen Baxter, Beau Blicker, Amancio Crespo, Jose Crespo, Christopher Dehr, Timothy DeWine, Sheryl Farmer, Ricky Gault Jr., Jason Greene, Nicholas Hoffman, Charles Hosea Jr., Grayson Ross, Zachary Ross and Gary Scott. STOS – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on June 19 completed this 70hour course: Jeffer Baguio, Chad Bruch, Casimir Cain, Philip Forman, Andrew Gerrie, Felipe Gonzalez, Eric Johnson, William Joyner, James Petite, Bruce Raquet, Pineiro Rodriguez, Ahmed Saleh, Leroy Sierra, and Florencio Tindugan. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is kneeling at far right. course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Larbi Andaloussi, Brooke English, Tsawang Gyurme, Ryan Humphreys, Benny Orosco, Dean Parks, Gilbert Regaldo, Jessie Ulibas, Bernard Wade II and Nocole Walton. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms Training – Five mariners completed this course May 21. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: William Dowzicky, Rick James, Thomas Moore, Robert Oppel and James Tyson. Their instructors, Robbie Springer and Stan Beck, are standing at the left and right, respectively. BAPO – The following Phase III apprentices and upgraders (right, in alphabetical order) on June 19 graduated from this course: Kenneth Adams, Nabil Ahmed, Tallentyre Barmann, Collins Brooks, Scott Collins, Eric Cunanan, Timothy Cunningham, Wade Jordan, Ryan Klinewski, Edison Lalin, Patrick Leming, Rodel Marquez, Reina Mendez, Denise Mendoza, Craig Meredith, Meliton Orosco, Jerald Salas, Boleslaw Szatkowski, David Seymore, James Short Jr., Jesus Sifuentes, Richard Vega, Edwin Velez and Osburn Wyche Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG August 2009 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:25 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Twenty four upgraders on May 29 completed their requirements in this 63-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Eugene Ajoste, Florito Alegado, Sisto Andrew, Aristeo Aquino, Arnold Castro, Jaysen Cummings, Philip Forman, Abdulmokne Ghaleb, Shending Hu, Ryan Humphreys, Ronie Llave, David Martinez, Amin Mohaded, Anthony Newbill, Alfred Nieto, Robert Pagan, Michael Ribeiro, Carl Robinson, Lamont Robinson, Christian Rosado, Cesar Runatay, Jamal Sailan, Michael Thompson and Howard Vick. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW/BST – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on May 29 completed this course: Malcolm Adams Jr., Ahmed Almlhany, Steven Casley, Villamor Dumlao, Scottie Duncan, William Heer, Henry Matudio, Carlton McMiller II, Charles Toliver and Daniel Wilcox. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is standing third from left. Marine Refrigeration Technician – Seven mariners on June 12 completed their Machinist – Nine upgraders graduated from this course on June 19. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Maurice Baptiste, Robin Bourgeois, Sherrof Frazier, Jose Liwag, Lamont Robinson, David Spaulding, James Tyson, Gerardo Vega, and Furman Watson. Their instructor, Steve Haver, is seated at right. requirements in this 210 hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Sergio Ayala Diaz, Chavalier Maycock, William Mogg, Michael Murphy, Allan Rogers, Louis Santiago and Charles Sneed. Calvin Beal, their instructor, is standing at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW/BST (Hawaii) – Nine individuals on May 23 completed training in this course at the Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Jessica Clifton, Candace Faubion, James McSpadden, John Stauss, Sara Knight, Katherine Christians, Logan McFarlin, John Dsa and Eduardo Rivas. STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on June 6 completed this is course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Michelle Myers, Charles Burgamy Jr., Jennifer Walston, Christina Taylor, Jacob Wickham, Valerie Norman, Carlos Santos, Hayley Gayne, Jennifer Colarusso, Jeremiah Beber. Tankerman PIC Barge (Hawaii) – Fourteen individuals on June 4 finished their requirements in this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. Those graduating (photo at right, in no particular order) were: Adrian Almeida, William McCue, Stephen Price Jones, Calvin Kaawa, Ethan Newbold, Michael Thompson, Harold Silva, Justin Nesbitt, Gilbert Perez, Walter Lichota, Jonathan Patmont, Joshua Perez, Rudolph Rivas and Billy Balding. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is standing at the far right. August 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �55309_P01_24:January 08 7/24/2009 9:26 AM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 8 August 2009 Update on Distance Learning - Page 7 Bosun Richard Fugit The HSV 2 Swift serves different branches of the military, depending on its given mission. Snapshots from SIU-Crewed Swift The high-speed vessel is useful to the military in part because of its shallow draft and maneuverability. Vessel is Part of Military Sealift Command’s Prepositioning Fleet Operated by Sealift Inc., the Seafarers-crewed HSV 2 Swift is an asset to American’s national defense capabilities. The 331-foot-long vessel is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning program, which the agency describes as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning strategically places military equipment and supplies board ships located in key ocean areas to ensure rapid avail- ability during a major theater war, a humanitarian operation or other contingency. MSC’s 32 prepositioning ships support the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency.” The Swift lives up to its name – HSV stands for high-speed vessel, and this one can sail at 42 knots. The photos on this page were taken during a recent voyage and at a stop in Norfolk, Va. Pictured from left to right are Sealift Inc. CEO John Raggio, Sealift Inc. Crewing Manager Jim Hannon and SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny. Chief Cook Hector Sahagun (above) enjoys his meal after seeing to it that his shipmates had their fill of his culinary creations. In the remaining photos at right and those on the bottom of this page, members of the crew attend to assorted duties. Third Cook Rafael Chow AB Richard Hindson Recertified Steward Pedro Castillo QMED Antoine Rainey � 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 August 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ON THE RADAR: NEW JACKSONVILLE HALL TRUMKA FORMALLY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY SLATE FOR AFL-CIO OFFICES INCLUDES ARLENE HOLT BAKER, LIZ SHULER SIU JOBS ARE SECURE ABOARD MV FISHER SEALIFT, INC. AWARDED CONTRACT FOR CHARTER OF PREPOSITIONING SHIP REP. CUMMINGS INTRODUCES BILL REQUIRING DOD-EMBARKED PROTECTION AGAINST PIRATES STUDY SHOWS UNIONS POSITIVELY INFLUENCE WORKPLACE POLICIES SEAFARERS-CONTRACTED CROWLEY ANNOUNCES NEW ‘GREEN’ INITIATIVE PAPAL ENCYCLICAL: HONOR RIGHT TO FORM UNIONS RADIO COMMENTATOR SAYS UNION-BUSTERS NEED TO REMEMBER MIRACLE ON HUDSON ‘BELATED THANKS’ BILL AWAITS SENATE ACTION HARRIS SWORN IN AS DEPUTY LABOR SECRETARY TWO NEW MARYLAND LAWS REFLECT ‘COMMITMENT TO WORKING FAMILIES’ ANTI-PIRACY CURRICULUM DEVELOPED, SUBMITTED UNION, SCHOOL, COMPANY TEAM UP G&H TOWING CREWS HONORED BY COAST GUARD SECOND LOCK OFFERS NATIONAL SECURITY BENEFITS LAKES TASK FORCE OFFICIAL DESCRIBES PROJECT AS ‘INVESTMENT IN AMERICA’ USNS AMELIA EARHART CREW HONORS VESSEL’S NAMESAKE FLORIDA SEAFARERS SUPPORT EXMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT MEMBERS RALLY WITH WALMART WORKERS IN MIAMI THOUNSANDS RALLY IN D.C. FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM SNAPSHOTS FROM SIU-CREWED SWIFT 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 08/01/2009 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. 8 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b0b7d1ff3fa506363109d9aa4120a89f.pdf 8c78aa683fb68fc0786078d80c760019 PDF Text Text 55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:20 AM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 9 September 2009 Ocean Charger Flag-In Means New Jobs for SIU The union recently welcomed the addition of a new heavy lift ship – the Ocean Charger – into its contracted fleet. The vessel (pictured above and at left) is operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine for Intermarine LLC. Flag-in ceremonies took place in August in Houston. Included in the group photo are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (fifth from left), Asst. VP Jim McGee (second from right) and SIU members Recertified Bosun Joseph Casalino, AB Derall Williams, ACU Adolfo Bermudez, GUDE Ruden Perez, Recertified Steward Mark Flores, AB Caesar Smith, QEE Bruce Korte and AB Bernard Blunt. Page 3. Union-Affiliated School Adds State-of-the-Art Training Vessel The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has acquired a new tugboat that will enhance the school’s training capabilities. The 66-foot G Force (pictured above and at right) features the latest equipment and is expected to be utilized by students from all three shipboard departments. Pages 12-13. NCL America Contract Approved Page 2 Maritime Labor Convention Examined Page 3 UIW Convention News Page 6 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 2 President’s Repor t New Ships and More Progress As the Congressional recess neared its end and summer vacations started giving way to school days, we received good news about another new ship entering the SIU-contracted fleet. Some of the details were still emerging late last month, but the Defense Department announced that Sealift Inc. will be the operator of a soon-to-bereflagged vessel whose main work will be resupplying our armed forces in Diego Garcia. With options, the contract would last until the year 2014. We also recently picked up new work aboard the Ocean Charger, which is operated by PacificGulf Marine, as reported this month on our front page. Both the Ocean Charger and the new Sealift ship are additions rather than replacement tonnage, so this is the type of news I love hearing. It means Michael Sacco more jobs for SIU members, which is always our bottom line. New tonnage is entering the Government Services Division fleet, too. The latest T-AKE ship, the USNS Perry, was christened in mid-August in San Diego. That program is relatively new but the Navy already has called it a great success, and our CIVMARS definitely share in the credit. One of the ways we’re able to supply qualified manpower to all of our contracted ships is by maintaining top-notch facilities and equipment at our affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. On that front, we have another great story to report – namely, the addition of a new training boat. This new vessel is going to benefit students by offering hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment. It will help make them even more efficient and safe when they return to work, whether it’s on the rivers, the Lakes or the oceans. These are all important developments but they’re only samples of the recent progress within the SIU. Another one involves our upcoming, muchanticipated move to a new union hall in the Jacksonville, Fla., area. We remain on pace to close on the purchase of the new property in midSeptember. Our goal is to begin operations there in the fall. We’ll continue to report details in the LOG and at the membership meetings and on our web site. Health Care: A Little History The topic of health care went to a whole new level of national attention last month as certain town hall meetings brought out behavior that might charitably be described as strange. Having recently used this space to spell out in detail organized labor’s goals for health care reform, I won’t repeat them now. However, I think a quick history lesson is in order. Unions didn’t just start pushing for health insurance reform when President Obama got elected or back during the Clinton administration. We’ve been calling for health care for all Americans as far back as the Truman administration in the mid-1940s! Truman himself wanted a national health care policy, but it didn’t get done. Here we are, so many years later, still battling – and arguably closer than ever to success. It’s important that our members aren’t fooled by scare tactics from organizations and individuals whose top priorities don’t include decent, affordable health care for all Americans. Like I’ve said about other subjects, when it comes to health care, get the facts. Our union’s position is that all Americans should have health care coverage. There should be a reasonable, viable system in which employers would either offer coverage or pay into a fund to finance coverage for uninsured workers. We also strongly believe that taxation of those with benefits absolutely must not be included in any plan. This is an idea whose time has come. The Pride of America (photo at left) has been part of the Seafarers-contracted fleet since 2005. SIU Representative Hazel Galbiso (right in photo above) meets with Jeremy Peyton, a union delegate, aboard the vessel. NCL America Crews Ratify New Contract Long-Term Agreement Features Numerous Gains Seafarers sailing aboard NCL America’s Pride of America have approved a new nine-year contract that includes wage increases and other gains. Ratified in mid-June by an overwhelming margin, the new pact – which also maintains health benefits at the CorePlus level – is retroactive to April 1. The Pride of America, based in Honolulu, is the only U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship. It offers interisland cruises to Hawaii’s four main islands. “This is a great contract,” said Recertified Bosun Rene Govico. “I have to thank our Vice President Contracts George Tricker and (Assistant Vice President) Bryan Powell and (SIU Representative) Hazel Galbiso for working very hard to get this agreement. They listened to our suggestions and we are happy. The union really delivered for us.” AB Chris Bean stated, “The union and company did a good job of working to agree on a solid and balanced contract. Of course, we didn’t get all we wanted, and we always want more, but I think the union and NCL America came to a very respectable agreement considering the economy and the financial pressure on everyone. Times are tough and we should all be happy to have a good, steady job with NCL.” Assistant Electrician Ramon Lirag said the contract’s length “shows the company and union expect this (cruise-ship operation) to go on for a long time to come. This gives us job security and with the pay, overtime and other good things we got in the contract, we are very happy.” “Although negotiations are always a challenge, it makes the union’s job a lot easier when the company acknowledges the value of an SIU crew,” Tricker stated. “Once that happens, and it’s clear the company appreciates the professionalism and dedication an SIU crew provides, they generally are poised to accept the union’s proposals.” Powell noted that despite a rocky economy that has affected the cruise industry, things are going well aboard the Pride of America. “The operation is a lot smoother now,” he observed. “It has come a long way since the inception of the project and there’s been a lot of progress…. The new contract delivers long-term employment for our members and demonstrates the company’s commitment to the business in the Hawaii market.” The agreement calls for wage increases (including overtime) in each of its first three years. The union and the company agreed to reopen the contract on the third anniversary of the agreement to examine economic components. New additions and improvements to the contract include the following: ■ Effective January 1, 2010, SIU members sailing aboard the vessel will be eligible to participate in the Seafarers International Union 401(k) Plan. ■ The rate for maintenance and cure payments has more than doubled. ■ Mariners will receive an hour of overtime pay if they don’t get their required meal breaks. ■ The rules governing overtime have been adjusted to help equalize overtime opportunities for mariners. ■ A new “standby pay” provision was agreed to. ■ All safety shoes required by the company will be provided by NCL America at no cost to crew members. ■ A new position has been added to the unlicensed ranks: general utility deck/engine (GUDE). Members of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) also recently approved a new nine-year contract covering their employment aboard the Pride of America. SEATU members work in hospitality jobs aboard the vessel. The Pride of America joined the SIU-crewed fleet in June 2005. It is 921 feet long, has 15 decks and can carry more than 2,100 passengers. Remembering a Friend and Supporter As this issue went to press, we learned of the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy. Not only was he a champion for working people, he was a longstanding friend of the SIU and the U.S.-flag maritime industry. We will miss his leadership and support. Volume 71, Number 9 September 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 Seafarers display their new contract aboard the Pride of America. Among those pictured are Recertified Bosun Rene Govico, Asst. Electrician Joel Bell, AB Larry Gannon, AB Ronnel Sugui, Asst. Refer Engineer Nilo Glen, AB Mauricio Elopre, Machinist Francisco Ramilo, Asst. Electrician Ramon Lirag, Asst. Electrician Armando Cortez and AB Chris Bean. September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 3 SIU Gains New Jobs On Ocean Charger Pacific-Gulf Marine Operates Recently Reflagged Vessel SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged Ocean Charger, an outright addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine for Intermarine LLC, the 393-foot heavy lift vessel entered American-flag service in Houston early last month. U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), a staunch supporter of the U.S. maritime industry, was a featured speaker at a formal reflagging event Aug. 20. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Assistant Vice President Jim McGee attended both that ceremony and an informal one that took place earlier in the month. The Ocean Charger is operating in the commercial, international trades. It is the sister ship to the Seafarers-crewed Ocean Atlas and Ocean Titan. “It’s tough to beat a story like this one,” said Corgey. “The crew seems excited and the union is, too. This ship means new jobs, which is something we never take for granted, but especially during today’s economic climate.” Todd Johnson, president and CEO of Pacific-Gulf Marine, said that flagging in the Ocean Charger “represents a major commitment by Intermarine, particularly when one considers the current volatility in the market. PGM is pleased to be a part of the Ocean Charger operation and we also hope it’ll lead to more growth in the American-flag fleet.” Built in the year 2000, the Ocean Charger has a service speed of 16.5 knots. It is equipped with two electrohydraulic cranes. The vessel can carry more than 500 containers or 395,000 square feet of cargo. During the Aug. 20 ceremony, Green talked about how vessels like the Ocean Charger signify not only shipboard jobs, but also related shore-side positions. Andre Grikitis, president and chief executive of Intermarine, also addressed the audience. U.S. Rep. Gene Green (DTexas) points out that new American-flag tonnage like the Ocean Charger means not just additional shipboard jobs, but related shoreside work, too. Among those celebrating the addition of the Ocean Charger to the U.S.-flag fleet are SIU members (from left) Matthew Sagay and Edison Lalin, Intermarine President Andre Grikitis, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) and Seafarers Monte Pereira, Omaha Redda, Timothy Taylor, Leonilo Arano and Lolita Sanchez. Officials Examine Maritime Labor Convention Labor, Management, Government Reps Meet For Discussions in Washington, D.C. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel was a featured panelist late last month as representatives from labor, management and government met to discuss the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006 (MLC). The gathering took place Aug. 24 at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. Heindel, who also serves as first vice chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section, spoke about the MLC from the perspective of mariners. The panel also included Jeff Lantz, U.S. Coast Guard director of commercial regulations and standards; Julie Misner, special advisor for international labor standards at the U.S. Department of Labor; Joseph Cox, presi- Fr. Sinclair Oubre says the convention is a “tremendously high priority” both for secular and faith-based mariner welfare organizations. September 2009 dent of the Chamber of Shipping of America; Jean McKeever, associate administrator for business and workforce development at the U.S. Maritime Administration; and Mayte Medina, chief of the U.S. Coast Guard’s marine personnel qualifications division. Audience members included representatives from a cross-section of the industry, among them individuals from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education; the American Maritime Officers; the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; the Masters, Mates & Pilots; and the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. Fr. Sinclair Oubre, a Seafarer who is president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, also attended. The MLC was adopted by the International Labor Organization in 2006 but hasn’t been ratified by the United States. It aims to combine into one treaty the minimum standards required to provide satisfactory employment conditions for the world’s mariners. The MLC has been described by the ITF as a “bill of rights for seafarers.” “The bottom line is we believe the MLC needs to be implemented and ratified by all seafaring nations,” Heindel said during the meeting at DOT. “U.S. standards generally are already higher than what’s contained in this convention, but it would raise the benchmark globally. It provides comprehensive rights and protections. We need to protect the world’s seafarers in addition to our own.” The MLC would apply to commercial ships outside of the inland sector. It offers shipowners a more level playing field by helping to ensure fair competition while marginalizing substandard operations. Lantz said the Coast Guard sees the convention as providing a degree of consistency across the industry. Misner followed with an explanation of the ratification process. Cox briefly reviewed the build-up that led to the MLC and also stated that the Chamber of Shipping of America “will watch very carefully how it may affect our domestic fleet. We are Audience members listen to a brief review of the convention’s structure. fully in support of the Jones Act.” McKeever reminded everyone that the nation “needs skilled U.S. maritime labor” in order to maintain its capacity to respond to emergencies. Medina wrapped up the formal part of the meeting by explaining each of the MLC’s main components. A question-and-answer session followed. An exact timeline for implementation of the MLC isn’t known, but it appears likely that the soonest it would take place is 2012. The ILO first must receive 30 “instruments of ratification” that essentially equal one-third of the world’s gross tonnage. The convention would take effect 12 months later. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel notes that the MLC protects fundamental rights. Seafarers LOG 3 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 4 USNS Perry Christened, Launched Crowley to Manage The U.S. Navy’s newest dry cargo/ammunition ship, the USNS Matthew Perry, was christened and launched Aug. 16 during a ceremony at NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The 689foot T-AKE vessel is the ninth in the Lewis and Clark class and is crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The vessel, scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Military Sealift Command in the first quarter of 2010, is named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the U.S. Navy officer who established American trade with Japan in the mid-19th Century. Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, the commander of the Navy’s 3rd Fleet, was the ceremony’s principal speaker. Ms. Hester Evans, the greatgreat-great granddaughter of Commodore Perry and the ship’s sponsor, christened the ship by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow before the vessel slid into San Diego Bay. More than 2,000 people attended the ceremony. “I am confident this fine vessel will well represent the spirit, tenacity and fortitude of her namesake,” said Hunt. “USNS Matthew Perry and her sister ships represent the lifeline of our Navy, and are absolutely a vital underpinning of our maritime strategy. These ships’ ability to carry a wide range of critical supplies and equipment, and to operate independently at sea for extended periods of time, translates into a higher state of readiness for our combatant ships.” “The ship has a great crew and we are all ready to get on board, get settled and get going with the work we do for MSC,” said Capt. William Baldwin, the Perry’s civil service master. “We’re off to a really good start.” The Navy plans to build 14 dry cargo/ammunition ships at NASSCO, all of which will be owned and operated by MSC. The union-contracted shipyard employs more than 4,500 people. The dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry slides into the water for the first time during an evening christening and launch ceremony August 16 at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. (Photo by Sarah Burford, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific Public Affairs) Five NASSCO Tankers With procedural hurdles out of the way, SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation has reported that it will manage the five American-flag tankers being built at San Diego’s NASSCO shipyard. Crowley on July 28 announced that it is being retained by an investor conglomerate led by The Blackstone Group to manage the five ships. The formal announcement had been expected, but it still stood out as great news for Seafarers, union officials noted. That’s because there was no guarantee the vessels (previously operated by U.S. Shipping Partners) would remain with an SIUcontracted company. Crowley will manage the ships for a newly renamed company: American Petroleum Tankers LLC. The vessels include the Golden State and the Pelican State, both delivered earlier this year, as well as the Sunshine State, Empire State and Evergreen State. The Sunshine State is expected to be delivered later this year, while the Evergreen State and Empire State are slated for delivery in 2010. “We are excited and honored to take part in this venture,” said Crowley Chairman, President and CEO Tom Crowley. “We look forward to bringing our technical vessel construction expertise to the new-build process, and on the operational side of the business we’re pleased to be working with some of our existing customers who have chartered these new ships. We pledge to deliver the same attention to detail and safety that we have always provided with our own petroleum vessels.” Each of the double-hulled tankers is slightly longer than 600 feet and has a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels. TOTE Ships to Reduce At-Berth Greenhouse Gas Emissions Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) in late July reported that a federal grant awarded to the Port of Tacoma, Wash., will help the company “to reduce the particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions of its two Orca-class vessels by an estimated 90 percent while at TOTE’s Tacoma terminal.” Those ships are the Seafarers-crewed North Star and Midnight Sun. The emissions reduction will be the end result of the Port of Tacoma adding 600,000 volt electrical maritime power at the terminal and TOTE retrofitting both vessels with electrical power plug-ins. This will allow the ships to turn their engines off while docked, eliminating atberth diesel idling. Each vessel calls on the Port of Tacoma one time per week for about 12 hours. The grant for the project was awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009, which was signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, and the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Overall, the Port of Tacoma received nearly $1.5 million. TOTE has a long history of exploring ways to minimize its environmental impact and had already been moving forward with plans for shore-side power. In 2008, TOTE spent nearly $900,000 on the beginning stages of retrofitting its two ships to accommodate shore power connections. “When this grant became available, we had already been researching this project,” said TOTE Vice President of Marine & Terminal Operations Phil Morrell. “We had a lot of information already packaged – costs, drawings, emissions testing data – and we were able to respond quickly.” TOTE also has committed to contributing an additional $283,000 to complete the project, which is scheduled to be “up and running” by September 2010. Additional retrofitting work will be completed on each vessel during its regularly scheduled drydocking this winter. It is estimated this project will help create or sustain an estimated 50 manufacturing and local installation jobs. Morrell said though the project will be beneficial to the economy, as well as the environment, it will also have a positive financial impact on TOTE. “This is such a win-win project,” Morrell said. “Our electric bill will be higher, but we will see a tremendous financial payback because we’re not burning fuel.” Union Backs Abercrombie Campaign The SIU earlier this year endorsed U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) in his campaign for governor. SIU President Michael Sacco described Abercrombie, a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, as “a true champion of working families” and someone who “is tireless in his advocacy for his constituents.” These two photos were taken at a late June event in Honolulu supporting the campaign. Above, Rep. Abercrombie (left) greets SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (center) and SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell. In the other photo, Marrone and Powell highlight a sign listing names of some organizations that have endorsed Abercrombie. 4 Seafarers LOG September 2009 �55751_P01_24_2x:January 08 8/31/2009 9:36 PM Page 5 AB Richard Gonzalez (left in photo above), whose home port is New York, helps deliver the message that health care reform is a must. In photo at right, Seafarers gather for a snapshot immediately after the rally in Washington, D.C. Labor’s Prescription: Provide Health Care for All Americans Two dozen Seafarers were among the 500 union members and other supporters attending an impromptu demonstration near Capitol Hill in favor of reforming the nation’s health care system. The group gathered in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 20 to urge President Obama to continue the fight for getting affordable health care for all Americans. The president was speaking nearby at an Internet town hall meeting on the subject. The Seafarers, who come from ports across the country, joined with the crowd in calling for “Health Care Now!” The consensus among those participating was they wanted President Obama to see grassroots support for providing health care for all. During the month of August, many news shows televised several angry outbursts by constituents to their elected officials who were holding town hall district meetings during the summer recess. As Congress returns to work this month, several health care proposals are being considered by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. While no single piece of legislation has been crafted, President Obama has called upon Congress to complete work on a health care bill before the end of the year. Many national polls show Americans are as confused as to what actually is being considered as they are upset that the health care system appears broken, with costs spiraling out of control. The SIU and AFL-CIO are in support of reforming the health care system as a way to reign in medical costs while providing all working people with the ability to access the system New York New Jersey Rail Earns 2008 Safety Award The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) recently honored SIU-contracted New York New Jersey Rail (NYNJR) with the Jake Safety Award Certificate with Distinction for the year 2008. The award is for any railroad that has no reportable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) injuries or accidents during the year of 2008. The SIU represents conductors, engineers, brakemen and bridgemen at NYNJR – the unique “floating” railroad between Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jersey City, N.J., in New York Harbor. Donald Hutton, representing management for NYNJR, stated, “This award is a reflection not just on the management, but every employee of the railroad. The employees have worked as a team to maintain a safe environment and look out not only for their own safety, but that of their co-workers.” He added, “New York New Jersey Rail remains committed in making sure that employee training and education on proper safety continues. The SIU members of NYNJR are thanked for the great safety work last year. Congratulations!” SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi said the award “definitely is welldeserved. The members at New York New Jersey Rail are totally committed to safety, as are both the union and the company. Safety is always the top priority for all of us.” The Jake Safety Award program began in 1995 and was created by and named for Lowell S. “Jake” Jacobson, a previous recipient of Railway Displaying the award in Jersey City, N.J., are Age Magazine’s Railsome of the personnel at NYNJR (from left): roader of the Year, to the Engineer Peter Valloo, General Manager James according Christie, Engineer Scott Toomey and Conductor ASLRRA. Jake started giving these Sam Evans. awards, out of his own pocket, to recognize outstanding safety achievements in the short line railroad industry, which had gone unrecognized before. In 1999, the ASLRRA Safety Committee adopted the Jake Awards and since then has continued Jacobson’s legacy of rewarding and drawing attention to the high safety standards of the small railroad industry. September 2009 In this file photo from 2008, mariners aboard the USNS Pathfinder prepare to launch a side-scanning sonar into the Black Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jenniffer Rivera) Oceanographic Ship Turnover Scheduled to Start in October As previously reported, SIU-contracted company 3PSC LLC has been selected to operate and maintain six oceanographic survey ships for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, which should help ensure continuity of employment for union members aboard those ships. The vessels include the USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Sumner, USNS John McDonnell and USNS Mary Sears. The government has picked up an option for a seventh ship, the USNS Henson. All are multi-purpose and perform different types of research which provide much of the U.S. military’s information on the ocean environment. The ships, which have carried SIU crews for many years, use multi-beam, wide-angle, precision sonar systems that make it possible to continuously chart a broad section of ocean floor. The terms of the new contract are one year fixed with four one-year options. The employment agreement calls for increases in wages and paid vacation time. According to 3PSC President and CEO Gary King, the ships will be turned over in October, November and December of this year, all before the holiday season in December. One major item of note for Seafarers desiring to continue working on the ships: The company is asking Seafarers to complete an employment application that can be done electronically or by mail for company data collection and clearance purposes. The application is available via the company’s web site: www.3PSC.com. “We’re asking anyone who wants to sail on these ships to raise their hands and let us know,” said King. He added, “We’re excited and pleased to work with SIU mariners on this contract. We think the terms will go a long way for retention efforts and in giving our customer, the U.S. government, the best service available. We anticipate there could be tons of jobs available over the course of the contract.” 3PSC is a Cape Canaveral, Fla.-based company. Seafarers LOG 5 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 6 UIW Forges Ahead During Challenging Times SIU-Affiliated Union Conducts Convention Despite America’s ongoing economic downturn and the adverse impact it has had on virtually every segment of the population, the UIW continues to weather the storm and move forward. This central message was echoed time and again Aug. 10-11 in Piney Point. Md., as officers, delegates and other rank-and-file members converged on the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education for the UIW’s 13th Quadrennial Convention. The convention’s theme was “Forging Ahead.” An affiliate of the Seafarers International Union, the UIW represents workers employed in the manufacturing, service and government sectors. Its members can be found in each major region of the United States as well as Central America and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to formulating strategies to provide union representation to workers who are not currently members of labor organizations, convention delegates also reaffirmed their commitment to political action, outlined various other goals, adopted resolutions and elected officers. “Even though our 2009 convention takes place against the backdrop of an ongoing recession, those of us in the labor movement know how to survive difficult times,” said UIW/SIU President Michael Sacco during his opening remarks. “During the next two days, we’re going to hear reports from our regional officials and our other national officials. I think you will appreciate the fighting spirit and ‘can do’ attitude that’s evident in those reports.” Sacco, who during the convention was re-elected to his post as UIW president, noted that the UIW has made a number of gains since its last convention including the organizing of new shops, expansion of existing ones and the negotiation of a number of new contracts. “Without question, we’re not immune from the lousy economy, and we’ve taken our share of hits, too,” Sacco continued. “There have been cases where layoffs or plant closings were unavoidable. But we are weathering the storm.” Reflecting on the history of organized labor, Sacco told his audience that meeting and facing tough times are nothing new and that such a state of affairs are what led to the establishment trade unionism in the first place. “The first trade union in the United States was formed in the late 1700s. During the next dozen years, many more unions were formed,” he said. “The workers from that era weren’t negotiating for comprehensive health care or an extra week’s vacation. One of the first strikes was called in an attempt to secure a 10-hour workday. “Job safety was a fantasy,” he continued. “In those days, companies didn’t break strikes through the courtroom. They sent armed goons to the picket lines, where innocent workers were beaten, maimed and sometimes even killed.” Praising the fortitude of his union predecessors, Sacco noted, “Our forefathers in the union 6 Seafarers LOG movement didn’t give up. They were targeted by the police and ridiculed in newspapers, but they didn’t give up. As factories began springing up all over the nation during the 1800s, they faced 18hour workdays, child labor, actual starvation wages, illiteracy, slums, and recessions that almost make the year 2009 look like a picnic. Still, they didn’t give up.” Focusing on the present, Sacco said that the UIW knows how to survive. “The lessons of union history teach us that solidarity will overcome whatever obstacles are placed in our path,” he said. Dubbing the 2008 Presidential Election as an overwhelming success for labor, Sacco praised the rank-and file membership for its backing of candidates of who support working families. “The UIW answered the bell by stepping up and being part of a grassroots mobilization which absolutely, positively determined the outcome of the presidential election,” he said. “As a result, we’ve got a fighting chance to turn around our economy and to make important gains in the labor movement.” In the closing stages of his remarks, Sacco thanked union officials and rank-and-file members for everything they did during the past four years to advance not only the UIW but the labor movement as a whole. “I understand and appreciate the hard work and the long hours involved in whatever success we achieve, whether it’s organizing a new shop or negotiating a new contract or getting out the vote for the union-endorsed candidate,” he said. “Nothing comes easy and nothing is given to us. “At the same time, I challenge the officials – myself included – and the membership to offer up our very best efforts to support, sustain and grow our union,” he said. “No one denies that it’s an uphill fight at times. But no one should doubt our ability or our resolve, either.” Sacco told those in attendance that the UIW has a proven track record of long-term success; capable, dedicated people throughout the organization; and the support of an administration that views unions as part of the solution. “And we’ve got an opportunity to secure a better standard of living for our members and their families,” he concluded. Brothers and Sisters, we are ‘Forging Ahead.’” In addition to Sacco, several guest speakers addressed the convention. These included Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson; Maryland State Delegate John Bohanan; Fred Mason, president, Valerie Cole Union Plus Representative The election of officers was just one of many important orders of business accomplished Aug. 10-11 during the UIW’s 13th Quadrennial Convention in Piney Point, Md. Those elected to office during the balloting, all incumbents, were sworn in by SIU Chief Counsel Leslie Tarantola shortly before the convention adjourned. Taking their respective oaths of office (left to right) were David Heindel, secretary-treasurer; Herb Perez, VP West Coast Region; Bill Ellis, VP Great Lakes Region; Michael Sacco, president; Kermett Mangram, VP Atlantic Region; John Spadaro, national director; Tommy Orzechowski, VP Midwest Region; Dean Corgey, VP Gulf Coast Region and Eugene Irish, VP Caribbean Region. Maryland State and D.C. AFLCIO; Ernie Grecco, president, Metropolitan Baltimore AFLCIO; Frank Pecquex, executive secretary-treasurer, AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department; and Valerie Cole, Union Plus representative. Speeches also were delivered by Carolyn Gentile, UIW/SIU Employee Benefit Funds general counsel and Terry Turner, SIU legislative and political director. Collectively, the speakers offered accolades to the union for its achievements on behalf of working families and addressed issues of significant consequence to the labor movement and to the American public. These included health care and the Employee Free Choice Act. John Bohanan Maryland State Delegate Roy Dyson Maryland State Senator Frank Pecquex Executive Secretary-Treasurer AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Dept. Fred Mason President, Maryland State & D.C. AFL-CIO Ernie Grecco President, Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO Carolyn Gentile UIW/SIU Employee Benefits Funds General Counsel Terry Turner SIU Legislative & Political Director September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 7 Crew Members Receive Expeditionary Medals The master of the Seafarers-crewed MV Patriot recently submitted these photos of SIU members receiving the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal in Beaumont, Texas. Capt. Darren McGowan noted that the Patriot – operated by Interocean American Shipping for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier – loaded 8,256 tons of military cargo (a record amount for that ship) in Kuwait from May 10-12. Exactly one month later, the cargo was discharged in Beaumont. McGowan said the operation “could not have been accomplished without the cooperation and coordination of the crew.” Billy Greer, the U.S. Maritime Administration’s supervisory marine surveyor in Beaumont, presented the medals. The Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal recognizes civil service and commercial mariners who served aboard U.S.-flagged chartered or government-owned ships that support Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The medal, which was first authorized for American merchant seamen serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s, consists of a two-sided bronze medallion suspended from a red, white, blue and green ribbon. Note: McGowan is included in each of the posed shots appearing on this page. He is wearing a white shirt and a lanyard. Greer appears in all but one of these photos. Bosun Shannon Smith (left) also received a safety award, presented by Capt. McGowan. AB Dennis Avila SA Jose Rojas STOS Chris Funderburk STOS James Grant Chief Steward Shirley Bellamy OMU Archie Eldridge OMU Kevin Tyson OMU Therman Ames September 2009 Seafarers LOG 7 �55751_P01_24_2x:January 08 8/31/2009 9:38 PM Page 8 Honoring Brother Toomey’s Wishes Bobby Dean, former instructor and facilities manager of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, tells students about the latest safety techniques. Paul Hall Center Instructor Bobby Dean Dies at Age 64 The SIU and thousands of students from the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are mourning the July 24 passing of Robert “Bobby” Dean Jr., age 64. Dean, who battled cancer for many years, was an instructor and the facilities manager since 1999 for the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, part of the Paul Hall Center. “Bobby Dean was one of the most incredible people who ever worked at the school,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan, who has been employed at the training center since 1968. “He was unique and he certainly knew what he was doing. He did it well and he loved his work. He was just a great guy and this is a big, big loss.” Nolan added that Dean was meticulous when it came to helping ensure smooth operations at the fire fighting and safety school. “That place was his life,” Nolan said. “He made sure everything was perfect out there, and the students always benefited from his efforts.” According to John Mason, a friend of Dean, “Bobby Dean was instrumental in developing the Piney Point fire fighting school’s training aids and equipment. He helped set up the (affiliated) fire school in Hawaii, the Piney Point small arms training facility and the helicopter fire fighting training program. He built the helicopter training aids and the prac- tical exercises that went with them. This program was the first helicopter fire fighting system approved outside of the Military Sealift Command for the maritime commercial sector. His main concern was the safety of the students. He made sure that all of the equipment was safe and that every student had a chance to do all the fire fighting practical skills required in shipboard fire fighting. “More than 20,000 students went through the fire school while Bobby was there,” continued Mason. “Student course evaluation forms often mentioned Bobby’s name as a good instructor who cared about everyone knowing their fire fighting skills. Bobby told the students many times, ‘If you know your skills and take care of the fire fighting equipment it will take care of you in an emergency.’ He was always positive in his approach to work and life. The Seafarers he trained are better men and women because of Bobby Dean.” “Bobby always did everything better than you would expect,” said longtime friend and Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jimmy Hanson. “He always had everything ready to go 110 percent of the time. He always made sure everyone got the best he could give. We will all miss Bobby, but I will miss a lifelong friend and companion who could never be replaced.” Bobby Dean is survived by his wife Linda and three children. On June 25, the ashes of the late Seafarer John Toomey were scattered in the Chesapeake Bay between Calvert Cliffs, Md., and Solomons Island, in accordance with his wishes. A memorial ceremony took place aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Seay, as shown in these photos. Capt. Rich Malloy (second from left in both photos) conducted the ceremony – a fitting development since both John Toomey and his widow, former Seafarer Barbara Toomey, had sailed with Malloy aboard the Wright. The captain gave Barbara a framed chart showing the latitude and longitude where the ashes were committed, and also supplied a video of the ceremony. Brother Toomey passed away in 2008. He upgraded to third mate at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and sailed in that capacity on his final ship, the Maersk Virginia. 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 entrylevel students. The following is a brief description of a course offered at the school, which opened in 1967. For a list of upcoming course dates, see page 21. tions. The emphasis is on typical workboat or barge repairs. Prerequisites are the general admission requirements. Welding Designed for the otherwise experienced workboat engineer with little or no practical welding skills, this 70-hour course provides the engineer with the welding skills necessary to accomplish basic temporary or emergency repairs while underway and assist in planned boat or barge maintenance. Topics include welding safety, oxyacetylene operations, and stick electrode arc welding. Welding proficiencies include welding positions, weld types and various applica- 8 Seafarers LOG September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 9 Family Shows Support at Graduation Union members meet in Baltimore to discuss health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act. It’s a long way from Hawaii to Piney Point, Md., but that didn’t stop the family of Seafarer Nofoalii Aiaga (fourth from left) from attending graduation ceremonies last month at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Aiaga in midAugust graduated from the third phase of the unlicensed apprentice program. A ceremony took place at the southern Maryland campus. Joining him all the way from Hawaii to celebrate the achievement were (from left) Fatalupe Tavita (an aunt), Suva Aiaga (mom), Christina Aiaga (sister), Wray Schwenke (uncle), Tamara Haro (cousin) and Abbigail Timoteo (cousin). Mar it ime Br ie fs Agency Launches Online Tool For Credential Verification The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced the debut of a web-based tool designed to provide information on the validity of merchant mariner credentials (MMCs). It is available to individual mariners, employers and port state control officials. According to the agency, the mariner credential verification tool was created following Operation Big Tow, a marine safety operation focused on ensuring that uninspected towing vessels are being operated by properly licensed individuals. To access the tool, go to the following web address: http://homeport.uscg.mil/mmcv That page includes a drop-down menu offering different ways to get started in verifying the validity of an MMC (via, for instance, mariner reference number or last name, date of birth and last four digits of the mariner’s Social Security number). The Coast Guard noted that data released by this tool “is limited to what is contained on the actual credential.” Specific questions regarding a mariner credential may be directed via e-mail at IASKNMC@USCG.MIL / or by phone at 866-IASKNMC. Feedback regarding the tool itself may be submitted via the NMC website link: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/contact_iasknmc.asp (select web site under the category drop-down menu). DOT Announces Final Rule On Return-to-Duty Testing The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that the start date for mandatory direct observation for return-to-duty and follow-up testing is Aug. 31, 2009. The provision calling for direct observation was Seafarers Join Town Hall Meeting, Rally in Baltimore Hundreds of union members, including many Seafarers, gathered at a town hall meeting and rally July 27 in Baltimore supporting the Employee Free Choice Act and health care reform. The meeting was sponsored by the Metropolitan Baltimore Council of AFL- CIO unions. Participants had the opportunity to speak with two members of the U.S. House of Representative from Maryland – Rep. John Sarbanes and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger – and with various union officials. Following are some photos from the event. U.S. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) greets trainees from the Paul Hall Center. AFL-CIO health care reform expert Nick Unger (left) and U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) were two of the speakers during the rally. opposed by organized labor and had been stayed by a federal court order in November 2008, but the stay was lifted in July. When announcing the final rule, the DOT noted, “Some employers and labor organizations may have entered into collective bargaining agreements that prohibit or limit the use of [direct observation] collections in return-to-duty and follow-up testing situations. When this final rule goes into effect, conducting all follow-up and return-to-duty testing using [direct observation] collections will be a requirement of Federal law.” New Medical Evaluation Forms Available on NMC Web Site The Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) is releasing new versions of the forms CG-719 K (Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report) and CG-719 K/E (Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings). The forms were expected to have been available on the NMC web site www.uscg.mil/nmc “for familiarization purposes” no later than Sept. 1 (after press time). Mariners may use the new forms beginning Oct. 1, 2009, though they may continue using the old ones through the end of this year. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David Stalfort said the new forms are designed for use (by mariners and physicians) in conjunction with the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) covering medical and physical evaluation guidelines for mariner credentials. The CG-719 K/E should be used only by mariners seeking an entry-level credential. This form is limited to applicants for the following rating endorsements: ordinary seaman, wiper, or steward department (food handler). The CG719K should be used for all other endorsement applications. President of the Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO Ernie Grecco (seventh from left) meets with unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center and with Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (fourth from left). Jacksonville-Area Members Back ‘Belated Thank You’ More than 70 SIU members at the Jacksonville, Fla., hall recently signed a letter urging support of the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. Some of those members are shown in the accompanying photos, taken in early August. The legislation calls for compensation to World War II-era mariners or their surviving spouses. It passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year. The letter was coordinated by the St. Johns River Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and then was sent to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), asking for his backing. AB David McGrew, Recertified Bosun Barry Carrano AB Dale McKelvie September 2009 Recertified Bosun Thomas Vain Seafarers LOG 9 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 10 APPRENTICE EXCELS ABOARD TEXAS CITY – These snapshots of Unlicensed Apprentice Kelvin Fussell Jr. were submitted by “impressed shipmates” who commended the Phase II trainee’s work aboard OSG’s Overseas Texas City, a tanker. Among other accomplishments, according to his fellow mariners, Fussell recently completed deck department requirements including cleaning and inspecting the shipboard compactor along with other duties in accordance with the company’s waste management program. During off time, he periodically honed his basketball shooting skills on a portable hoop. SAILING ABOARD NEW TANKER – This summer, Seafarers welcomed the OSG-operated Overseas Nikiski into the union-contracted fleet. The new tanker is one in a series of Jones Act vessels being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Pictured above during the Overseas Nikiski’s maiden voyage are (from left) Chief Cook Enrico LaMarca, SA Justo Flores and Recertified Steward Joe Emidy. At Sea And Ashore With the SIU DOCKING IN JACKSONVILLE – These photos were taken aboard the Horizon Trader when the vessel recently docked in Jacksonville, Fla. Some of the SIU crew aboard the Horizon Lines ship posed for the group photo while Recertified Steward Kevin Dougherty prepared breakfast. HAPPY RETIREMENT TO BROTHER GOLDY – SIU members recently wished a happy retirement to fellow Seafarer Tom Goldy, whose career with Crowley at Petty’s Island spanned more than 22 years. Seafarer Robert Weinhardt submitted these two photos (the one above shows the new retiree with SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice) and pointed out Goldy never missed a day of work due to injury. Weinhardt added, “Anyone who knows Tommy knows his passion for the caulk gun. He (photo at right) could completely rebuild an entire trailer if he had enough tubes of caulk.” KUDOS TO GALLEY GANG – The master of Matson’s Moku Pahu recently commended the work of Recertified Steward Tony Pizzuto and Chief Cook Dorthy Pizzuto, pictured here during a summer voyage. Capt. Anderson said the Seafarers “have done a fantastic job this trip…. The quality of the food has been superb the entire voyage and the storerooms always immaculate. They already enjoy a good reputation and it is richly deserved.” SALUTING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE – Seafarers and Crescent Towing officials recently honored Boatman Gerald Beuk, who is calling it a career after 30 years on the job. The deck-department Seafarer received a ship’s wheel during a gathering aboard the Crescent tug Alabama in Mobile, Ala. Pictured from left to right in the group photo above are SIU members Chris Walker, Beuk, Bo Tucker, SIU Port Agent Tony Elliott and Seafarer Mike Yarborough. Shown in the photo at right are Beuk (center) with Crescent officials Tadd Willcutt (left) and Tom Lambard. 10 Seafarers LOG September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:21 AM Page 11 The crane ship Cornhusker State arrives at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on June 5. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Seafarers-Crewed Ships Assist in JLOTS USNS Seay, Cape May, Cornhusker State Sail for Military Exercise Three Seafarers-crewed vessels recently participated in the U.S. military’s most recent “joint logistics over the shore” or JLOTS exercise. The USNS Seay, Cape May and Cornhusker State played important roles in the operation, which took place from May to mid-July. This year’s JLOTS training involved practicing the delivery of materiel and humanitarian cargo from a vessel at sea to the shore without permanent port facilities. “For this year’s exercise at Camp Lejeune (N.C.), the Military Sealift Command large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off ship USNS Seay carried more than 60,000 square feet of Army cargo, including containerized supplies, Humvees and other vehicles from Norfolk Naval Station to an anchorage two miles off of the coast of Camp Lejeune,” MSC reported. “The ship is usually kept in reduced operating status at a layberth in Baltimore, but with orders to activate, the ship was crewed and underway for the exercise. Seay’s civilian mariners offloaded and re-loaded cargo from the ship for the Camp Lejeune exercise June 14-19.” The agency noted that the Seafarers and other mariners aboard the Seay worked side-by-side with Navy and Army personnel “to ensure a safe offload of the cargo.” “I monitor the speed of vehicles driving off of the ship and make sure that everyone is operating safely,” AB Samantha Murphy-Ortiz told MSC. Capt. Richard Malloy, the ship’s master, stated, “I have a very experienced crew. We’ve been out here working nonstop with the Navy and Army to ensure that we are able to conduct the whole evolution safely.” MSC further noted that the heavy lift vessel Cape May delivered most of the equipment needed to construct the floating and fixed platforms used in the exercise. The U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) “ordered the activation of the ship, which is ordinarily pierside in reduced operating status as part of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. The ship comes under MSC’s September 2009 operational control when activated…” A second RRF asset, the crane ship Cornhusker State, was activated to deliver cargo for the JLOTS component at Guantanamo Bay, including items needed to construct a temporary fixed pier and some Army rolling stock offloaded as part of the exercise. “JLOTS is an important exercise because U.S. armed forces may be required to deliver disaster relief or humanitarian assistance to a port that has been damaged,” said JLOTS Task Force Commander Army Col. Chuck Maskell. “With this capability we can still bring the cargo into distressed areas.” The LMSR USNS Seay conducts operations supporting military exercises at Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton) In this mid-June photo taken at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (above left), the Seafarerscrewed Cornhusker State lifts cargo from its deck for use in JLOTS 09 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meranda L. Keller). In photo at above right, Mariners and military personnel team up as materiel is moved from the Cornhusker State to the deck of the U.S. Army landing ship USAV Aldie at Guantanamo Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) A sailor from the Navy’s Beachmaster Unit Two signals from shore to the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) causeway ferry June 18 at Camp Lejeune’s Onslow Beach. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Seay is on the horizon. (U.S. Army photo by Michael Petersen) The Cape May played a key role in this year’s JLOTS exercise. Seafarers LOG 11 �55751_P01_24_2x:January 08 8/31/2009 9:47 PM Page 12 STOS Brandon G Force’s voya its way down th New Training At SIU-Affili A momentous signpost was realized recently by the SIU-a Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) with the a training vessel, the G Force. The vessel, a 66-foot Custom Trawler Tug, tied up at the p Point, Md.-based facility July 28 following a four-day voyage Everglades, Fla. Crewed by Great Lakes Capt. Mel Stackpoo Apprentices Chuck Murphy and Brandon Braam, the G Fo fanfare of a large contingent of school officials, staff and trai vessel during her voyage was PHC Safety Director Jimmy Ha The G Force will replace the Osprey, the wooden-hulled b as the school’s training vessel for nearly 20 years. Her arrival launched by union and school officials more than one year ag upgrade the quality of the institution’s training vessel. “It took a long time to get the agreement done for the scho SIU President Michael Sacco told rank-and-file members dur August membership meeting at Piney Point. “A lot of work a negotiations were involved, but everything finally fell into pl and we are all proud because it’s one really fine training vess PHC Vice President Don Nolan echoed the view voiced by noting, “We’ve needed to upgrade our capability in this area vessel meets our needs in a number of ways and we’re deligh aboard.” The officials, instructors and staff of the Paul Hall Center trustees recognize and thank the following SIU-contracted co labor-friendly organizations that provided financial support in sition effort. These included: Alaska Tanker Company, Ameri Marine, American Roll On/Roll Off Carrier, American Shippi Crowley Maritime Corporation, Horizon Lines, International Corporation, Maersk Line Limited, OSG America, Pacific Gu Chas. Kurz & Co., Inc. (on behalf of Phil Fisher from Keysto Foundation. A steel-hulled vessel, the G Force has a beam of 20 feet, s maximum draft of five feet. She is equipped with two 450 ho Caterpillar engines which can reach a top speed of 10.5 knots fly-bridge with an enclosed pilothouse which is equipped wit The docks at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were a flurry of activity July 28 when the school’s new training vessel, the G Force arrived. Clockwise from directly above, Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan greets Capt. Mel Stackpoole shortly after he completed the voyage from Florida. The G Force looks “right at home” in its new spot in the school’s docks near the TRC Hotel. A state of the art bridge, two 450 horsepower 3406 Caterpillar engines and a well-equipped galley are a few of the new vessel’s amenities. Specially Trained Ordinary Seamen Chuck Murphy (right Brandon Braam disembark from the G Force shortly afte in Piney Point, Md. In photo at above right, Capt. Mel Sta with PHC Vice President Don Nolan (center) and PHC J.C. Wiegman aboard the vessel. SIU President Michael at immediate right) joins Nolan and Capt. Jack Russell go bay aboard the new training vessel. 12 Seafarers LOG September 2009 �55751_P01_24_2x:January 08 8/31/2009 9:47 PM Page 13 andon Braam (left in photo at far left) chats with Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jimmy Hanson during the voyage to Piney Point. The vessel nears the docks in Piney Point (photo at immediate left) after making wn the bay to Piney Point. ng Vessel Makes Debut liated Paul Hall Center SIU-affiliated Paul Hall h the acquisition of its new t the pier of the Piney oyage from Port ckpoole, and Phase III G Force arrived to the d trainees. Also aboard the my Hanson. lled boat that has served arrival culminated a search ear ago for a platform to e school to get this ship,” rs during the union’s work and some tough nto place. Now she is ours g vessel.” ced by President Sacco, area for a long time. This delighted to have it components including: Raymarine E80, Raymarine GPS sensor RS125, Furuno GPS GP32 Navigation Station, Simrad auto pilot AP35, Commercial air controls, Raymarine digital sounder and much more. G Force has three staterooms, can sleep six and has three bathrooms. Its galley is equipped with all new appliances including a chest freezer, refrigerator, icemaker and microwave. Several 26-inch flat screen LCD televisions adorn the galley and staterooms. The G Force should be fully on-line for integration into the school’s training program in the next 90 days, according to PHC Director of Training J.C. Wiegman. Prior to being used as a teaching vessel, she must first undergo a rigorous certification process by the U.S. Coast Guard, Wiegman said, but after that “we’ll have a go” on all systems. “This vessel is a long-awaited and welcomed addition to our training program,” Wiegman continued. “Our previous training vessel (the Osprey) had reached the end of its service life. “The G Force is a giant step forward for us,” Wiegman concluded. “Its modern equipment and systems will add significantly to our capability to instruct trainees in all three shipboard departments.” The vessel will be renamed during a ceremony later this year. enter along with the ed companies and other port in the G Force acquiAmerican Overseas Shipping Group/TOTE, ional Shipholding fic Gulf Marine, Sealift, Keystone) and TK feet, six inches with a 50 horsepower 3406 knots. The vessel boasts a d with a myriad of new right in photo above) and y after the vessel docked el Stackpoole (left) chats PHC DIrector of Training hael Sacco (left in photo ell go for a cruise on the September 2009 STOS Chuck Murphy poses on the bridge of the G-Force. Murphy helped rescue three distressed mariners during the vessel’s voyage to Piney Point, Md., from Port Everglades, Fla. Trainee Learns Value of Being Observant While Standing Watch and proving them with information as The keen eye of a Phase III trainee needed. “The helicopter pilot called and from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center thanked us for having our lights on,” for Maritime Training and Education in Murphy said. “They (the G-Force’s lights) Piney Point, Md., complemented by the were the only point of reference that the professionalism of his vessel captain pilot had in the dark marina.” recently warded off potential disaster for Murphy said the G-Force also received three distressed sailors. calls from the captain of the USCG rescue During the late evening hours of July ship which had been deployed as well as 25 while standing watch on his docked the area Coast Guard Commanding vessel, STOS Chuck Murphy learned Officer. “The rescue ship’s captain firsthand the importance of being obserthanked us for saving them a long trip and vant and wide awake while on duty. the commanding officer contacted us to Murphy, while standing watch aboard the find out who we were,” Murphy said. “I G Force in a marina situated along the informed him that we were a merchant coastal waterway on the Alligator River in marine training vessel for the SIU in North Carolina, detected a vessel—a 34Piney Point, Md., making our way up the foot Sea Ray—underway and moving preintercoastal. They all were impressed with cariously close to the rock-strewn shoreour captain’s quick and professional line leading to the marina. actions and offered praise.” “At 23:20, I noticed a vessel close to The following morning, the owner of the rocky shoreline and clearly in danger the rescued vessel came aboard the G of running aground hard,” Murphy said. Force. “Over breakfast, Captain “There were three young men aboard and Stackpoole explained to him that we they could not find the channel markers to would do an inspection of his vessel, help the entrance of the marina.” him fuel up,” Murphy said. “The captain As the situation unfolded, Murphy said also told him that we’d guide him to his one of the young men jumped overboard destination which happened to be along and began to make his way ashore. “At our course. Since he had no radio aboard this point, I woke up Capt. Mel his vessel, Captain Stackpoole also proStackpoole and he took the situation in vided him with a hand-held radio so we hand. The captain turned on our navigacould maintain communications.” tion lights to guide the ship into the Later that morning (July 26) the Gentrance. I verbally directed the young Force got underway and resumed its voyman who had jumped overboard ashore age towards Piney Point with the rescued while Captain Stackpoole safely guided vessel and its owner following closely the vessel into a slip at the marina.” behind. Murphy said the small vessel By the time the vessel was safely in the marina, Murphy said one of its passen- reached its destination without further incident. Along the way, Murphy reflected gers already had dialed 911 and a search back over the events that took place durand rescue helicopter from the U.S. Coast ing the previous 24 hours. Guard (USCG) was dispatched to the “There is no doubt in my mind that scene. A USCG vessel also had been Captain Stackpoole saved those young launched from the nearest station. men from serious danger,” Murphy said. “As the helicopter circled the area in a “Of equal significance, the G Force’s tight pattern, Captain Stackpoole establights guided them to safety and the Coast lished radio contact with the Coast Guard helicopter to the Guard,” Murphy scene.” recalled. “He asked Up until the time of them to call off their the rescue, Murphy said search, stating that we he always thought that already had all passenstanding watch was gers accounted for and only necessary for the the vessel safely physical safety and docked. security of the vessel he “Captain was on. But now that Stackpoole calmed the line of thinking has vessel owner (the completely changed. young man who had “I really learned a jumped overboard) down and formulated a STOS Chuck Murphy (right) serious lesson on the plan of action for first laughs it up with one of the young importance of being light,” Murphy contin- men he helped rescue along the observant on watch; not ued. “He then told the Alligator River in North Carolina. only for the safety of my ship but also for the young man to get some safety of anyone else in the area who rest. The two other passengers from the vessel left the marina and went about their might need your assistance,” he concluded. “Being on watch is a responsibility respective ways.” and being able to help someone in their Murphy then resumed his watch while time of need is a privilege.” staying in contact with the Coast Guard Seafarers LOG 13 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:22 AM Page 14 Modern Saga Triggers Shipboard Memories Retiree Legere Recalls Difficult 1946 Voyage Aboard Liberty Ship Editor’s note: The following story and accompanying photos were submitted by retiree Joseph R. Legere, who sailed with both the NMU and SIU beginning in the mid-1940s. Brother Legere also shared some of his shipboard memories in an article that was published in the May 2008 edition of the Seafarers LOG. These are his recently written memories of a voyage that took place 63 years ago, so any mistakes in the details need not be brought to his attention. A few months ago, I followed the news about the Maersk Alabama and was glad to see the situation ended right for our mariners and ship. I sailed no more after May 1953 and was kind of in awe at how much a merchant crew had “downsized” since then. Enclosed is a photo of one Liberty ship I sailed on from June to August of 1946: the SS Newton D. Baker. We had a crew of 36 from the captain on down and were sailing two men short (one ordinary seaman and one wiper). The Liberty was a smaller ship than the Maersk Alabama by about 68 feet and 25 feet less at beam (and tonnage displacement about 2,755 less). Of the 10 ships I sailed on, this was the only one for which I recorded crew names, and this was the only trip I made on it. Enclosed also is a copy of ship’s discharge and a photo of me and the one wiper. I’m the skinny guy – just turned 18 two days before signing on the ship. I also had registered for the draft in Baltimore. The SS Newton D. Baker was my fifth ship sailing as fireman/watertender or oiler (mostly fireman/watertender). Starting Sept. 15, 1944 in a maritime school in St. Petersburg, Fla., I was sailing through NMU halls the first six ships. The seventh through 10th ships I was with the SIU. Between the sixth and seventh ships I came ashore and worked for Florida Power and Light Co. in south Florida for a few years, in their steam electric power stations. But, back to the Liberty ship. We loaded a full load of coal for Aarhus, Denmark. A Dane took the photo of our ship in port, then came aboard and sold the photos to us. The SS Baker was operated by Luckenbach Steamship Co. Our trip over went well – we had to stop at the Orkney Islands to get a chart on areas of the North Sea that were cleared of mines. We then went to Denmark. I guess it was the next day or so, I was the fireman/watertender on the 4-to-8 watch. It was just after 7 a.m. and I was looking forward to eggs, potatoes, toast and coffee. Suddenly, I smelled smoke. At first, I thought it could be galley smoke, but it didn’t smell like coal smoke. (All Liberty ships came out The Liberty ship SS Newton D. Baker unloads coal in Aarhus, Denmark, in July 1946. of the yards with coal-burning cook stoves.) It turned out that the smoke wasn’t coming from the galley but instead from the back end of that triple expansion steam engine! I yelled for the first engineer – my watch engineer. He came from port side, the boiler feed pump and main circulation pump area. He grabbed the throttle valve to the main engine and slowed it to dead slow. I had to cut out fires in both engines, save one in each. After doing this, I looked closer and saw the smoke was coming from the L.P. crosshead bearing. As the engine kept moving (slowly going up and down), the chief engineer came down and called up to the captain, informing him we had to stop the engine to fix it – and that it could be done at sea. Keep in mind we were in the North Sea going with wind and current among possible floating mines, with 10,000 tons of coal aboard. The captain put out “extra eyes” to scan the choppy sea for mines. I had no idea what could be done if any were spotted; the Navy already had taken the guns off. The captain may have had an Army .45 caliber pistol. Fortunately, there was not any of that kind of excitement. A lot of action took place in the engine room, though. Before stopping the main engine, the auxiliary steam condenser had to be put in service along with all auxiliary steam operating pumps and steam engine drive generators. The exhaust steam from this equipment had to be switched over to auxiliary steam condenser and out of the main condenser. The main engine jacking gear was engaged so the L.P. crosshead came up to a position where men could get wrenches on nuts to dismantle the bearing. The bearing in question was the L.P. crosshead inboard bearing. The cause? Back during the war, rags were hard to come Legere (right in photo at right) and Wiper Robert Metcalf are pictured aboard the vessel. Legere was 18 years old and Metcalf 17. Retiree Legere kept his discharge (photo above) from a 1946 voyage that included many challenges. by, so textile companies pressed up in bundles floor sweepings called “waste.” These were used on ships as rags. In the engine room, we would tear a hunk of this stuff off the bundle to wipe oil off of our hands, but it wasn’t like a rag. This stuff would come apart and fall away in pieces. A chunk of it was found in the bottom of an oil cup plugging up oil flow to that LP inboard bearing. We were very lucky it didn’t fall into the oil cup to the inboard L.P. crank pin bearing. Chief Engineer Lewis M. Free and his engineers made that repair in about five hours. We made Aarhus okay, but unloading the coal took some time. It came aboard by conveyor belts in Baltimore. Now, it was unloaded by a single bucket crane on dockside rails, one hold at a time. This was a nice sea port – pretty country, clean, and the people were very nice and friendly. The ship came home with no payload but all the while, we burned 30 tons a day of fuel. About two days’ travel time west of England, an auxiliary steam line from the port boiler blew out a gasket at a flanged joint on the bulkhead, forward side of the port boiler at catwalk level, just above the floor plates. Chief Free told the captain it had to be fixed – this line fed the engine’s running DC generators. He told the captain we could return to port in England and lose that sea time (by running back) or let him and his engineers repair the line at sea. He said they could repair it, but we would be dead in the water with no generators (no lights). The captain gave the go-ahead to kill the plant. The next morning the engine was shut down and all auxiliary pumps and generators secured. The boilers were secured and bottled up with a full head of steam. The weather was fantastic for the North Atlantic – much better than our North Sea shutdown. Liberty ships had no diesel engine generators, so work was done by flashlight. Chief Free had prepared a fired-up blacksmith forge that was in the tool locker, using coal from the cook’s coal bin, and had it down in the fire room floor plates. When the bolts were removed from the flanged joint, the line sprung apart several inches. He took out a length of this pipe and down to the floor plates where the forge was. He heated it until he could bend it and put an offset bend in the pipe so that faces of flanges came together more “true,” installed new gaskets and bolted together the flanged joints. He opened the steam stop valves on the boilers and brought the engine room back to life. We were under way again before lunch. And that was my one trip aboard the SS Newton D. Baker. Needless to say, I thought she should have been called Jonah. At least she brought me back to Baltimore, my “home” port even though I lived in West Palm Beach, Fla. Shipping was very good back in Baltimore in 1945, 1946 and 1947. By 1952-53 shipping had slowed a bit and crews had shortened some. There was talk of cutting the stewarddepartment crew. Now, more people must be doing other jobs in “dual hat” positions. American Merchant Marine Veterans Provide History Lesson To Students Mark Gleeson and Walt Luikart of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) earlier this year talked to a group of juniors majoring in history at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. (roughly 50 miles north of Pittsburgh). They discussed different aspects of the U.S. Merchant Marine and American shipbuilding in World War II. The students are pictured at right. Westminster College was one of the schools after which the World War II-era Victory ships were named – and Luikart was a member of the first crew of the Westminster Victory. The campus includes a veterans’ monument that mentions the U.S. Merchant Marine. Gleeson noted that he gave each student a “Battlin’ Pete” patch (the service patch of the U.S. Merchant Marine, created by Walt Disney Studios in 1944) and a monkey’s fist key chain (made by Hilary Makowski, head of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Armed Guard). 14 Seafarers LOG September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:22 AM Page 15 Online Courses Available SIU members now have educational opportunities through the Internet. Eligible members of the SIU may now take courses online by registering with the Paul Hall Center Admissions Department as they would for classes on the Paul Hall Center campus. Once Seafarers have been accepted by Admissions, they will be directed to Dale Rausch in the Academic Department. Dale is the administrator of Seafarers Blackboard, the distance learning component for the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The following formal online courses are available: ■ DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training ■ MSC Environmental Awareness ■ First Aid Preparation ■ Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ■ 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 Eligible SIU members also have the opportunity to enroll in preparatory and refresher training online prior to coming to the Paul Hall Center. These programs allow students to brush up on their math skills and vocational vocabulary before enrolling in the more challenging resident upgrading classes. Two of these programs, Basic Culinary Skills and Chief Cook Preparation, will be very useful to Galley Ops and Chief Cook students as they study for final exams in their respective resident courses. The following prep training is available: ■ Basic Math Refresher ■ Intermediate Math Refresher ■ Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation ■ Introduction to Navigational Math ■ Basic Culinary Skills ■ Chief Cook Preparation Students, who are currently enrolled in resident classes at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in Seafarers Blackboard courses. Residential students should notify the Admissions Department of their interest in Seafarers Blackboard and confirm their eligibility. An application for these courses is available on Page 21. Correction On page 19 of the August LOG, the name of QMED Louis Gracia was misspelled. October & November 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................Monday: October 5, November 2 Algonac ..................................Friday: October 9, November 6 Baltimore............................Thursday: October 8, November 5 Guam...............................Thursday: October 22, November 19 Honolulu...............................Friday: October 16, November 13 Houston...............Tuesday, October 13*, Monday, November 9 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: October 8, November 5 Joliet................................Thursday: October 15, November 12 Mobile........Wednesday: October 14, Thursday, November 12* New Orleans..........................Tuesday: October 13, November 10 New York..............................Tuesday: October 6, November 3 Norfolk............................. .Thursday: October 8, November 5 Oakland ...........................Thursday: October 15, November 12 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: October 7, November 4 Port Everglades ...............Thursday: October 15, November 12 San Juan ..............................Thursday: October 8, November 5 St. Louis ...............................Friday: October 16, November 13 Tacoma.................................Friday: October 23, November 20 Wilmington...........................Monday: October 19, November 16 *Houston change created by Columbus Day holiday Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July 16, 2009 - August 15, 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 Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Port 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 16 2 6 16 3 16 50 42 3 15 16 41 27 24 5 0 7 37 2 30 358 13 7 8 8 5 2 27 26 4 5 10 22 27 17 10 4 9 20 6 15 245 2 0 1 2 0 0 4 5 2 1 3 8 8 1 1 7 1 5 0 1 52 1 0 6 12 1 6 12 15 1 9 4 23 14 10 4 0 5 20 3 15 161 2 2 4 8 2 2 21 21 3 1 3 14 21 4 5 4 5 20 1 13 156 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 12 Port 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 3 10 1 13 28 13 1 10 6 32 9 16 6 4 2 21 1 29 207 3 0 2 7 3 2 8 7 0 3 1 9 14 3 1 0 0 7 2 6 78 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 Port 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 2 0 0 3 5 0 2 0 1 4 1 3 0 1 1 4 0 5 34 11 1 6 12 0 6 25 14 4 5 5 28 26 14 1 6 2 14 2 11 193 5 0 0 5 1 7 5 15 0 6 5 7 15 9 4 21 0 1 0 6 112 760 672 181 Total Shipped Class A Class B Class C Deck Department 15 5 0 0 4 0 3 2 1 9 10 1 0 4 0 5 1 0 36 26 2 33 24 2 3 5 1 8 6 0 19 3 1 29 10 2 18 7 1 22 12 0 8 2 0 0 5 1 1 5 0 33 15 0 2 3 0 19 13 4 263 162 16 Engine Department 2 2 2 0 0 0 6 2 0 6 6 0 0 0 0 7 3 0 17 8 0 25 13 0 1 1 0 2 3 0 6 2 0 12 6 1 11 15 0 9 3 0 3 3 0 2 1 0 1 4 0 8 9 0 1 2 0 14 7 0 133 90 3 Steward Department 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 9 3 0 1 0 0 7 3 0 19 6 0 16 5 0 0 2 0 5 1 0 10 1 0 17 8 0 7 7 0 14 3 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 15 5 0 0 1 0 16 1 1 142 48 2 Entry Department 2 5 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 2 5 0 1 10 1 3 14 1 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 3 12 2 1 13 2 2 9 2 0 1 1 0 4 25 0 1 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 5 8 1 23 104 37 Trip Reliefs Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 3 0 1 8 0 3 24 19 0 3 4 17 5 14 3 1 2 19 0 9 135 24 3 8 27 4 20 94 70 3 27 31 85 45 46 9 1 15 66 1 50 629 18 8 9 17 6 11 54 39 8 11 15 42 53 29 15 3 16 48 10 50 462 5 0 0 10 1 0 6 8 3 1 4 16 19 3 1 8 2 8 1 14 110 0 0 2 2 0 1 7 12 0 1 2 10 6 7 3 1 4 11 0 10 79 4 0 3 18 2 14 46 40 1 16 10 35 14 19 4 0 11 25 3 25 290 3 3 5 12 5 6 35 30 2 11 4 31 41 17 6 4 5 28 1 20 269 1 0 0 2 0 2 2 4 2 1 0 6 3 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 31 0 0 0 5 0 1 5 6 0 1 1 5 3 5 1 1 1 8 0 10 53 2 0 5 13 3 18 58 27 3 10 6 44 20 35 6 5 2 25 2 70 354 5 1 2 12 4 8 17 8 0 5 1 12 24 11 0 1 2 11 2 8 134 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 20 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 17 2 0 1 0 0 12 9 4 1 1 3 14 1 7 0 1 1 9 0 5 71 21 3 6 16 2 13 58 40 4 9 6 73 33 31 2 4 2 33 2 32 390 10 1 5 13 2 9 19 25 0 9 8 13 26 21 2 18 1 3 1 25 211 284 1,344 1,255 * Mobile change created by Veterans Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. September 2009 TOTALS ALL DEPARTMENTS 561 404 58 372 Seafarers LOG 15 �55751_P01_24_2x:January 08 8/31/2009 9:51 PM Page 16 Inquir ing Seaf arer 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 Editor’s Note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked to Seafarers in Piney Point, Md., and Houston. Question: What are some of the things you enjoy about your profession? Rick James, Recertified Bosun (Piney Point) My favorite aspect of sailing is the ability to go to different places around the world and meeting different people. Getting a new perspective about cultures and customs from around the world. AB Marie Acosta, AB (Piney Point) I started as a Seafarer for NCL America and joined the SIU early in the year 2005. The freedom I have, the instruction I’ve been receiving from (the SIU-affiliated) Paul Hall Center, and the people I work with are the greatest. Your pocket may be full, but I have the gold in my pocket working in paradise: Hawaii. Felix Garcia, AB (Piney Point) Being a Seafarer has been a gateway for a series of life-changing experiences. Aside from the obvious reasons we obtain a job, being a Seafarer has given me the blessing of seeing things many people never get to see in their lifetimes. In the process, I’ve met an assortment of great individuals, not just at sea but at some of the destinations we visit. Kenric Henry, AB (Houston) I like being on the ship but I enjoy the job as a whole. I also like being off, having vacation at different times. I’ve never had a problem on the ships and I’ve learned a lot from different bosuns. There may be other opportunities that are nonunion, but I don’t want to have anything to do with them…. Eventually I want to move up and get a license. I’ve been to Piney Point five or six times, and every time I go there, I like it even more. Kenneth Benton, STOS (Piney Point) I like the sense of pride that it gives me, being in the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the financial stability that it gives me. And the travel, of course. Dannal Williams, OS (Piney Point) I like to travel and I enjoy working amongst people, being part of a team effort. I like the money but I also believe our work is important. Terry Fowler, Chief Cook (Houston) I like the travel. They are right in saying, ‘Become a Seafarer and see the world.’ I really enjoy going to places such as Saipan and the Philippines and doing a little beachcombing. I like being at sea and seeing other ships, but it’s really relaxing and laid back to sit on a beach and see them on the horizon. In the Philippines, I got engaged to a very committed woman who understands my life as a Seafarer and my commitment to going to sea. Pics-From-The-Past 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 Former Seafarer Leland Crawford submitted these photos of training vessels and other waterfront sites at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., as they appeared in 1974. That’s the year Crawford graduated from the trainee program. “I still have the certificate from the school as well as from the fire fighting terminal in New Jersey (where students in those days travelled for fire fighting training),” he wrote. “My memories are with Pier 45, living on the Dauntless and going to classes. My first job was on an oil tanker out of Port Arthur, Texas. I remember hanging off the port side of a ship, as green as can be, but they’re still very fond memories. In return, I have sent these photos from the past. I hope the other readers enjoy them like I have enjoyed them.” 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 September 2009 �55751_P01_24_2x:January 08 8/31/2009 9:52 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 RAMLI SULAIMAN Brother Ramli Sulaiman, 69, became an SIU member in 1991. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Sulaiman attended the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md., on numerous occasions. His most recent voyage was on the Alliance Norfolk, were he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Sulaiman was born in Indonesia but calls New York home. EDDY USMANY Brother Eddy Usmany, 69, joined the union in 1986 while in the port of New York. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Bowditch. Brother Usmany often attended classes at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Maryland. Brother Usmany, a native of Indonesia, shipped in the steward department. He was last employed with Marine Personnel & Provisioning Inc. Brother Usmany lives in Palm Coast, Fla. FARID ZAHARAN Brother Farid Zaharan, 66, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1970 while in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Zaharan, who sailed in both the steward and engine departments, was born in Afghanistan. He frequently took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Zaharan’s final ship was the ITB Philadelphia. He resides in Terrytown, La. INLAND FRANK LYONS, JR. Brother Frank Lyons, Jr., 62, signed on with the SIU in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native shipped in the deck department. Brother Lyons sailed with Crowley Liner Services for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Willingboro, N.J. NAD MIYASATO Brother Nad Miyasato, 58, was born in Honolulu. He began sailing with the union 1980. Brother Miyasato primarily worked in the steward department aboard vessels operated by Allied Transportation Company. He September 2009 upgraded his skills on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Miyasato settled in Grandy, N.C. RICHARD ROBINSON Brother Richard Robinson, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1971 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He origainally shipped on a vessel operated by Gulf Atlantic Transportation Corporation. Brother Robinson is a Kentucky native. He attended classes often at the union-affiliated school. Brother Robinson most recently worked with OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. WILLIAM THOM Brother William Thom, 62, became a union member in 1970. He initially was employed with Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal. Brother Thom worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions. In 2000, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Thom was a member of the deck department. His last ship was the USNS Potomac. Brother Thom lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. PAUL TYSON Brother Paul Tyson, 78, donned the SIU colors in 1988. His first vessel was the USNS Stalwart. Brother Tyson sailed in the engine department. He upgraded his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Tyson’s final trip was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville, Fla. He calls Orange Park, Fla., home. JOE WILSON Brother Joe Wilson, 64, started sailing with the union in 1979 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. He originally sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Wilson was born in South Carolina. His most recent trip was on a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessel. Brother Wilson, who sailed in the deck department, is a resident of Moreno Valley, Calif. JOHN ZELLER, JR. Brother John Zeller, Jr., 62, signed on with the SIU in 1973 while in the port of Baltimore. He first worked with Charles H. Harper & Associates. Brother Zeller, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Maryland. He was last employed aboard a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. Brother Zeller continues to live in his native state. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION RAMON ALVAREZ Brother Ramon Alvarez, 65, joined the NMU in 1966 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Flying Cloud; his last the Export Patriot. Brother Alvarez, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Puerto Rico. He resides in Philadelphia. ALONZO HOPKINS Brother Alonzo Hopkins, 67, became an NMU member in 1973. He initially sailed from Corpus Christi, Texas. His first voyage was aboard the Tyconroga. Brother Hopkins was born in San Jose, Calif., and sailed in the steward department. His final trip was on the Alaska. Brother Hopkins makes his home in Las Vegas. MICHAEL LEE Brother Michael Lee, 67, was born in New York. He began sailing with the union in 1989 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Lee, who sailed in the deck department, initially was employed aboard the Texaco Florida. He most recently sailed on the Prince William Sound. Brother Lee settled in Bremerton, Wash. LAWRENCE MEERS Brother Lawrence Meers, 65, donned the NMU colors in 1980 while in San Pedro, Calif. The deck department member’s first trip was aboard the Coronado. His last voyage was on the Thompson Lykes. Brother Meers continues to live in his native state of New York. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1940 After a strike of more than 14 months, the SIU signed a closed-shop contract with Peninsula and Occidental Steamship Company. Ninety percent of the 300 men in this fleet certified the SIU as their sole bargaining agent. In addition to all the other provisions of the contract, the company agreed to reinstate the SIU men with cash pay for all the time lost since September 1939. 1956 A vigorous SIU protest on proposals to use foreign-flag tankers in the domestic trades has drawn a prompt denial from the M a r i t i m e Administration of any such intention. However, Maritime Administrator Clarence Morse left the door open to such an operation in the case of a “critical tanker situation.” Instead of considering an invasion of the domestic trades, the SIU demanded that runaway-flag tankers be brought back under the American flag if necessary to fill domestic tanker needs. CHARLES PALMER Brother Charles Palmer, 65, joined the NMU in 1968 in the port of New Orleans. He was born in Nicaragua. Brother Palmer originally shipped aboard the Gulf King. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Palmer is a resident of New Orleans. ANDRES` RAMIREZ Brother Andres` Ramirez, 70, started sailing with the union in 1966 from the port of New York. His earliest trip to sea was on the Independence. Brother Ramirez was born in the Dominican Republic. The steward department member was last employed aboard the Maersk Montana. Brother Ramirez resides in Newark, Del. ammunition bound for South Vietnam. While proceeding up the Saigon River, the Buckeye Victory was attacked by Viet Cong rocket and machine gun fire. During this first brush with the enemy, the vessel managed to maneuver out of harm’s way, received no hits and continued on its course. Less than an hour later, however, she came under another barrage of machine gun and rocket fire. This time the enemy’s aim was better. Between 30 and 40 machine gun bullets ripped into the superstructure of the vessel and two rockets found their target. One hit on the port side near the bow. The other went through the No. 2 hatch, starting a fire in the hold where 105mm howitzer shells and other munitions were stored. With complete disregard for their own safety, ABs James Thomas and Tom Danzy were joined by Bosun Lewis Arena and three Seafarers successfully extinguished the fire before it could spread. The entire crew escaped injury. This Month In SIU History 1969 Once again the quick and heroic action taken by Seafarers in an emergency has been credited with saving not only their own lives and the lives of their shipmates, but the vessel on which they sailed when the SIU-contracted Buckeye Victory came under Viet Cong attack recently. The Buckeye Victory had sailed from Sunny Point, N.C., with a full cargo of live 1991 Bringing military materiel back to the United States from the Persian Gulf should keep most of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels broken out for Desert Shield and Desert Storm active through the end of this year. The Military Sealift Command reports that more than 100 ships are involved in the redeployment effort, of which are 49 from the RRF, three prepositioning ships, 52 from commercial carriers and seven fast sealift ships. For Seafarers, the effort means plenty of jobs for SIU members and government-employed civilian mariners. Seafarers LOG 17 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:23 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA ROBERT BENJAMIN Pensioner Robert Benjamin, 91, passed away March 24. Brother Benjamin became a Seafarer in 1949 while in the port of New York. He originally worked aboard the Steel Traveler as a member of the steward department. Brother Benjamin was born in Indianapolis. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he sailed on the Elizabeth. Brother Benjamin settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. RAFFAELA BRUCATO Pensioner Raffaela Brucato, 99, died Feb. 10. Brother Brucato joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Brucato shipped with Michigan Tankers for the duration of his career. He was born in Italy and sailed in the steward department. Brother Brucato went on pension in 1980 and called San Rafael, Calif., home. LUIS CEPEDA Pensioner Luis Cepeda, 95, passed away March 28. Brother Cepeda started sailing with the union in 1943 while in Baltimore. He was born in Salinas, P.R. Brother Cepeda’s earliest trip was with AH Bull Steamship Company. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Cepeda most recently worked aboard the Tampa. He retired in 1981 and lived in Arlington, Texas. SEAN CRIPPS Brother Sean Cripps, 37, died March 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1996. Brother Cripps initially shipped on a Delta Steamship Company vessel. His final voyage was aboard the USNS Bowditch. Brother Cripps, a member of the engine department, was born in Derby, Conn., and made his home in Daytona Beach, Fla. MAXIE CURTIS Pensioner Maxie Curtis, 85, passed away Feb. 10. Brother 18 Seafarers LOG Curtis, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967. His first trip was on the Wayne Victory and his last was aboard the Patriot. Brother Curtis was born in Tennessee. He became a pensioner in 1988. Brother Curtis was a resident of San Francisco. THOMAS DAILEY Pensioner Thomas Dailey, 87, died March 11. Brother Dailey began his career with the MC&S in 1967 while in San Francisco. He originally shipped aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Dailey worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the President McKinley. Brother Dailey was born in Pennsylvania but called San Ramon, Calif., home. He started receiving his pension in 1986. CHARLES DAWSON Pensioner Charles Dawson, 81, passed away March 15. Brother Dawson joined the SIU ranks in 1951 in the port of New York. The New York native sailed in the deck department. Brother Dawson’s first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Puritan. Before retiring in 1992, he sailed on the Express. Brother Dawson resided in Marysville, Wash. FRANCIS DICARLO Pensioner Francis Dicarlo, 81, died March 22. Brother Dicarlo first donned the SIU colors in 1948 while in the port of New York. His earliest trip to sea was aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Dicarlo was born in New York City and shipped in the steward department. His final voyage took place on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. Brother Dicarlo retired in 1992 and settled in Greencove Spring, Fla. JOSEPH DIZENGOFF Pensioner Joseph Dizengoff, 75, passed away May 3. Brother Dizengoff was born in New York. He joined the union in 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Dizengoff initially worked aboard the Steel Maker. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Dizengoff last sailed on the Independence. He went on pension in 1998 and lived in Las Vegas. WILLIAM FEIL Pensioner William Feil, 83, died July 11. Brother Feil became a Seafarer in 1949 while in New York. His earliest trip was aboard the Alcoa Planter. Brother Feil was a New York native. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Alaska as a member of the deck department. Brother Feil started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. He was a resident of Las Vegas. ARNO LARSON Pensioner Arno Larson, 92, passed away March 5. Brother Larson began his SIU career in 1948. He originally sailed aboard the Del Alba. Brother Larson worked in the steward department. His final trip was on the Manhattan. Brother Larson retired in 1998. He resided in Los Alamitos, Calif. CHARLES LUCAS Pensioner Charles Lucas, 83, died March 2. Brother Lucas signed on with the Seafarers in 1952. His first ship was the French Creek; his last the Green Valley. Brother Lucas was born in Mississippi and shipped in the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1990 and continued to make his home in his native state. JOHN REPOSE Brother John Repose, 64, passed away March 2. He started sailing with the SIU in 1997 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Repose initially shipped aboard the Liberty Wave. The deck department member was born in California. Brother Repose most recently worked on the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus. He settled in Klamath Falls, Ore. JAMES ROSE Pensioner James Rose, 80, died March 2. Brother Rose joined the union in 1944. His earliest voyage was aboard the Elizabeth. Prior to his retirement in 1983, Brother Rose was employed on the Santa Barbara as a member of the deck department. He lived in Rockland, Maine. MATTHEW SCOTT Brother Matthew Scott, 59, passed away Feb. 6. He first donned the SIU colors in 1986. Brother Scott originally sailed aboard the Lurline. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Scott’s most recent ship was the Horizon Discovery. He was born in Mississippi but called Jacksonville, Fla., home. INLAND WILLARD BYRNS Pensioner Willard Byrns, 71, died March 20. Brother Byrns began sailing with the union in 1970. He was employed with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway for the duration of his career. Brother Byrns was born in Virginia. He started receiving his pension in 2000. Brother Byrns was a resident of Hudgins, Va. JERRY CARL Pensioner Jerry Carl, 80, passed away April 6. Brother Carl became a Seafarer in 1950 while in the port of New York. He shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Carl first worked with Mobile Towing Company. The deck department member was born in Oklahoma. Brother Carl’s final trip was on the Ambassador. He went on pension in 1987 and made his home in Mobile, Ala. JAMES COLLIER Pensioner James Collier, 82, died Feb. 10. Brother Collier joined the union in 1963. He sailed with Hvide Marine for much of his career. Brother Collier called Buna, Texas, home. CLEMENT DUHON Pensioner Clement Duhon, 81, passed away March 16. Brother started shipping with the union in 1964. His earliest trip to sea was on a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Before retiring in 1983, Brother Duhon sailed with Dixie Carriers. He resided in Kaplan, La. JACQUELINE GEIGER Sister Jacqueline Geiger, 54, died April 2. She was born in Manistique, Mich. Sister Geiger joined the SIU in 2008 in Detroit. She primarily was employed in the steward department of OLS Transport vessels. Sister Geiger lived in Mesa, Ariz. CARL MOOR Pensioner Carl Moor, 80, passed away April 8. Brother Moor signed on with the union in 1976. He mainly worked with Allied Transpotation Company. Brother Moor was born in Tennessee. He went on pension in 1999 and lived in Norfolk, Va. DAN O’NEAL Brother Dan O’Neal, 58, died Feb. 28. He became a Seafarer in 1968. Brother O’Neal initially sailed on vessels operated by Gulf Atlantic Transportation Corporation. He was born in Portsmouth, Va. Brother O’Neal’s last trip to sea was aboard a McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessel. He was a resident of Hatteras, N.C. September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:23 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HARRIETTE (Sealift Inc.), July 19 – Chairman Sean M. Ryan, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Timothy J. Hetz, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Steward Delegate Delfino M. Castro. Bosun reported a smooth voyage and thanked the deck department for their hard work. He informed crew members that ship would be going into lay-up at Orange, Texas. One person from each department will remain on board. Secretary thanked mariners for help keeping messhall clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. It was reported that ship was involved in a search and rescue mission in the South Atlantic. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), July 14 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev, Engine Delegate Norman A. Arquillano, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman noted ship is going into shipyard. He reminded them to be vigilant about the surroundings and wear hardhats at all times outside. Crew was directed to report any problems with room, noises, air or water to their delegate. A new 52-inch TV for the crew lounge will be picked up in Portland, Maine. Secretary asked members to latch freezer door after use. Educational director discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $4,224 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested concerning health insurance. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), July 13 – Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Mark V. Cabasag, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Ramon V. Duran, Engine Delegate Michael S. Kirby. Chairman expressed gratitude for a good, safe trip. He reminded departing Seafarers to leave keys in their rooms. Bosun encouraged everyone to check document expiration dates and renew three months in advance. Secretary asked crew leaving vessel to make sure room is clean, supplied with fresh linen and that the trash can is empty. Treasurer stated $285.00 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Electrician thanked steward department for excellent food. HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon September 2009 Lines), July 22 – Chairman Wayne D. Casey, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Kevin Miles, Deck Delegate Alexander C. Bermudez, Engine Delegate Jeffery L. Murray, Steward Delegate Oman N. Ziyad. Chairman announced pay-off July 26 upon arrival in Long Beach, Calif. Crew was urged to carefully check OT and prepayoff documents. Secretary read and discussed memo concerning trip tour scenarios aboard Pacific Express-run vessels. Treasurer reported $2,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman acknowledged steward department for a job well done. Next ports: Oakland, Calif., and Tacoma, Wash. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), July 11 – Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper. Chairman reported another safe trip and noted vessel has reached five years with no lost time injuries. He also announced payoff in Newark, N.J., on July 20. Departing crew was asked to clean rooms for replacements. Secretary thanked members for helping keep house clean and advised them to read the Seafarers LOG, their official line of communication with the union. Mariners were encouraged to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation); when they do, they are helping themselves as well as their union brothers and sisters. Educational director advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center and compare vacation checks against discharges. Treasurer noted $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dayman Abdul Gharama was recognized for his dedication to ship safety. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Norfolk, Va. MAERSK IOWA (Maersk Line, Limited), July 8 – Chairman Conrad H. Burke, Secretary Paul H. Isherwood, Educational Director Eufemiano Gomes. Crew members were urged to make sure all necessary shipping documents were up-to-date. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade not only for job security but to stay on top of the technology on the new ships coming out. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund. Suggestion was made to have vacation checks directly deposited to members’ personnel accounts. It was reported that ship needs digital analog converter for entertainment system in the staterooms. 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 in Florida Patrolman Brian Guiry submitted these two photos of the galley gang aboard the Sealand Racer during a recent stop in Jacksonville, Fla. Pictured from left to right in photo at left are Unlicensed Apprentice Kerian Reyes, Steward/Baker Milton Sivells, (back) SA Shadrick Barrington and Chief Cook Alex Aguinaldo. SA Shadrick Barrington is pictured in a close-up above. Safety Director Kevin Marchand snapped these images of SIU members on the Seabulk Energy in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Recertified Bosun Ronald Paradise Questions were raised pertaining to OT, cost of living adjustment which took effect July 1 and how SIU rules affect former NMU seamen when it comes to medical and retirement benefits. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for doing a good job. PEARL (American President Lines), July 22 – Chairman Salim Ibrahim, Secretary Denis W. Burke, Educational Director Ed Almodobar, Deck Delegate Morris D. Foster, Engine Delegate Ashley J. Carmichael, Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Chairman notified crew members of payoff in New York City on July 23, where SIU representatives will come aboard. He expressed his gratitude to the steward department for excellent food and BBQs. Secretary informed crew that only steward department personnel should be dispensing cleaning materials. He thanked all aboard for helping keep ship in good order. Educational director urged seamen to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that dryer and elevator would be fixed in New Chief Cook Samuel Jackson, Steward/Baker Loicy Jones York. Stores to be purchased in Charleston, S.C. Recommendations were made concerning medical and retirement benefits. Next ports: New York, Dubai and Singapore. SBX-1 (Interocean American Shipping), July 5 – Chairman Weldon J. Heblich Jr., Secretary Larry D. Pugh Sr., Educational Director Randy Clark, Steward Delegate Regie Ignacio. Chairman informed crew that if they remained on the beach for more than 60 days, their random drug screen would have to be renewed. He also advised them to keep current with all union protocol. Secretary reviewed highlights from the Seafarers LOG and went over chain of command with the crew. He suggested that members register at the union hall as soon as they return home. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills. Treasurer reported $110 in crew fund and $4,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman addressed crew members’ concerns about unemployment compensation. He also reported new cable channels were being added and three new games have been purchased for crew enjoyment. HOUSTON (U.S. Shipping Partners), Aug. 9 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Sunday Nwanko, Engine Delegate Davon Brown, Steward Delegate Enrique Agosto. Bosun expressed his satisfaction with the work being performed by the crew and stressed safety first. He thanked mariners for their hard work and professionalism; being professional keeps our union strong. Secretary thanked members for keeping pantry and messhall neat. Crew was reminded to clean lint filters in laundry room to prevent fires. It was noted that food budget is outdated. Educational director reiterated the need for mariners to make sure all shipping-related documents are current. He noted that TWIC deadline is in effect and urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities available at the Piney Point school to be the best trained seamen in the world. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to reimburse members for added baggage fees when joining the vessel. Seafarers LOG 19 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:23 AM Page 20 Stand Out In The Crowd Drive in style for less! When you travel save up to 25% on car rentals. Union Plus Car Rentals is there to help you get the most mileage for your money. Save with this special union-member-only discount when you rent from Avis, Budget or Hertz. Save now! Call: Avis (#B723700) 1-800-698-5685 Budget (#V816100) 1-800-455-2848 Hertz (#205666) 1-800-654-2200 or reserve online at UnionPlus.org/CarRental Discounts vary depending on type rental, time of year and rental locations 9/09 SIU 8/09 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: 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 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. 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. September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:23 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 12 November 6 ARPA November 16 November 20 Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 Course Start Date Date of Completion Welding November 2 November 30 November 20 December 18 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Firefighting November 30 December 11 Basic Firefighting/STCW September 14 November 9 September 18 November 13 Medical Care Provider December 14 December 18 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 August 24. Academic Department Courses Government Vessels September 21 November 16 September 25 November 20 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS)October 19 October 30 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. Lifeboat September 28 October 9 Radar November 2 November 13 Tanker Assistant September 21 October 2 Online Distance Learning Courses Tank Pic Barge September 21 September 25 Engine Upgrading Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) September 14 November 9 October 9 December 4 FOWT October 12 November 6 Marine Electrician October 26 December 18 Marine Refrigeration Technician November 9 December 18 Machinist September 14 October 2 Pumpman October 5 October 16 Welding September 7 October 5 September 25 October 23 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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 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 _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ 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: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ 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 ________________________________________________ September 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. 9/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:23 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Thirteen unlicensed apprentices on May 15 completed their requirements in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: James Anderson, Michael Andrew, Ryan Boltz, Talib Cherry, Kevin Cunningham, Hannah Gates, Antonio Jones, John Matichak, Tyler Peyton, William Roach, Omar Rodgers, Shawn Spencer and Kellan Von Rabenstein. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Container Maintenance – Nine upgraders on July 17 completed their training in this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were David Dinan, Donald Lumpkins, Chavalier Maycock, Erik Nappier, Benny Orosco, Allan Rogers, Robert Rush, Louis Santiago and Jessie Ulibas. Calvin Beal, their instructor, is at far right. Radar Observer – Seven upgraders on July 15 completed their training in this five-day Fast Rescue Boat – The following mariners (above, in alphabetical order) on July 2 completed this 30-hour course: Joel Encarnacion, Arthur Horner, Kenneth Johnson, Michael Lyons, Charles Tison and Clarence Wilson. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at left. Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting (OICNW) – Five individuals on July 17 completed this 41-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Patrick Coppola, Alfred Drake, Steven Haver, Christopher Paul and James Robinson. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at left. course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Marie Acosta, Jamie Avendano, William Johnson, Rafael Lanila, Charles Mul Jr., Korron Richardson and Cesar Runatay. Stacey McNeely, their instructor, is at left. 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. Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting (Express Marine) – Five individuals from Express Marine on June 26 completed their training in this 41-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Greg Allman, Scottie Duncan, Ryan Jones, Steven Jones and Thomas Spain. Their instructor, Joe Zienda, is at left. Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Twenty-three Phase III apprentices on July 10 completed their training in this 63hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tousif Ahmed, Nofoalii Aiaga, Brandy Baker-Days, Brandon Braam, Latiffe Brooks, Donnel Cherry, Derrick Clark, Sorrad Ali Dognia, Alejandro Esparza, Jamar Harley, Kevin Hunt, Kevin Jenkins, Keith Jordan, Rafael Leon, Charles Murphy, Anthony Pena, Nicholas Pratt, Keven Reyes-Velez, Gary Richards, Corey Shanley, Jesus Sifuentes, Rosalind Sparrow and Clayton Walker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG September 2009 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:24 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrician – Twelve upgraders on July 3 completed their training in Able Seaman – Fourteen upgraders on July 17 finished their training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Chad Bruch, Mitchell Childress, Jason Davis, Philip Forman, Andrew Gerrie, German Guity, Petite James, Eric Johnson, Kenneth LeDeoux, Matthew Martel, Renard Murphy, Leroy Sierra, Mark Turner and Lamar Walton. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at right. Pumpman – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) on July 3 finished their training in this course: Maurice Baptiste, Robin Bourgeois, Sherrod Frazier, Steven Haver, Craig Perry, Lamont Robinson, David Spaulding, James Tyson and Furman Watson. Their instructors, Jay Henderson and Jim Shaffer, are pictured at the left and right, respectively GMDSS – Six individuals comleted their training in this course on June 26. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Boyer, Daniel Carman, Sean Damron, Walter Gebert, Nicholas Kempker and Jon Silveira. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is at left. this 280-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tawrence Abrams, Nabil Ahmed, Ursel Barber, Sterling Cox, Eugene Davis Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Scott Fuller, Nicholas Gattuso, Pete Gerber II, Lisa Harewood, Yuriy Khitrenko and Frank Strong. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Fifteen upgraders on July 17 graduated from this course. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ryan Bernal, Dustin Brantley, Daryl Corbett, Hubert Dennis, Darrell Goggins, Marcus Gramby, Braden Horne, Edison Lalin, LaToya Lundford, Denise Mendoza, Craig Meredith, Kwame Owusu, Thomas Quinlan, Luchi Watson and Pavis Whitley. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at right. Water Survival – Eight Seafarers on June 19 finished their training in this 60-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Terry Adkins, Eugene Ajoste, Kevin Carraby, Shending Hu, Irena Jansone, John Mackey, Michael Ribeiro and Daniel Wilcox. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at right. STCW/BST (Hawaii) - Eleven Seafarers completed this course June 20 at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Frankie Hernandez, Bryant Davis, William Kedler, William Manning, Robert Peete Jr., Martin Muchemwa, Jose Perez, Dwight Aubert, Arlouh Lacap, Brittany Mensing and Amanda Snyder September 2009 STCW/BST (Hawaii) - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on May 30 finished their training in this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Rayon Davis, Eduard Baniqued, Lee Jones, Brandy Clark and Ronnie Lindsay. Seafarers LOG 23 �55751_P01_24x:January 08 8/28/2009 11:24 AM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 9 September 2009 United Industrial Workers Convention Coverage - Page 6 The USNS Comfort (left) receives supplies during an underway replenishment with the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary. The Comfort was underway to Panama for a liberty port call in July. The ship was deployed on the Continuing Promise 2009 four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission. First Lady Michelle Obama Honors Crew, Family Members USNS Comfort Returns Home Following Humanitarian Mission The USNS Comfort, crewed in the unlicensed positions by civil service mariners (CIVMARs) from the SIU Government Services Division, early last month returned to its layberth in Baltimore following the completion a fourmonth humanitarian and civic assistance mission to Latin America and the Caribbean. A U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship, the Comfort during its mission delivered medical and dental care to more than 100,000 people in the aforementioned locations. The operation, designated Continuing Promise 2009, was planned and coordinated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet. Its purpose was to build strong and enduring partnerships and demonstrate the lasting commitment of the United States to the region, according to MSC. Before returning to Baltimore, the Comfort stopped in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and then Norfolk, Va., where First Lady Michelle Obama honored the Comfort’s crew and the crew of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in a speech marking the ships’ return from deployment. The Comfort visited Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Panama. At each stop, the ship’s CIVMAR crew of about 63 mariners worked tirelessly to transport mission personnel and patients between ship and shore by small boat. The ship’s size precluded it from pulling into port at all stops but Panama. The crew was also responsible for maintaining electricity and water supplies to the shipboard hospital where 1,657 life-changing surgeries were conducted. While the CIVMARs operated and navigated the ship and transported patients via small boats, Navy medical personnel worked side-by-side with partners from other U.S. military services, host and partner nations, and non-governmental organizations to staff the Comfort’s shipboard hospital and shore-side medical treatment sites. “There is no doubt that every person on this ship – every civil service mariner, service member, medical personnel and non-governmental organization volunteer – did phenomenal work,” said Capt. Thomas Finger, the Comfort’s civil service master. “The patients in every country we visited were grateful and impressed by the willingness of people on the ship to leave their families for months to help those less fortunate.” In addition to medical services, the Comfort’s team included veterinarians who treated 13,238 animals and Navy Seabees who completed 13 construction projects ranging from minor renovations of facilities to building new schools. None of this work, however, could have been conducted without close coordination between the medical mission and the Comfort’s civil service mariners. Thomas Sellers, the Comfort’s navigator who not only navigated the ship, but also drove the utility boats that connected patients and doctors when the vessel was anchored off shore, enjoyed the hands-on role that the CIVMARs played in the medical mission. “MSC’s role in most of our missions is to support. This mission was different because we were directly part of the end goal,” said Sellers. “I felt a profound sense of accomplishment every day.” Finger agreed. Even with more than 30 years of experience sailing for MSC, he said of this mission, “It’s the most personally rewarding assignment I’ve ever had. Anyone who has participated in this mission even for a short while would recognize the value it has in bridging cultural and national boundaries.” When not deployed, the Comfort is kept in reduced operating status in Baltimore where a small crew of about 18 civil service mariners and 58 Navy medical personnel maintain the ship in a high state of readiness. When activated, the Comfort can transition to full operating status in five days. Seaman Roger Panelo (photo above, left), a civilian mariner assigned to the USNS Comfort, hangs life vests on the weather deck aboard Comfort to dry after cleaning them in preparation for storage. In the photo at immediate right above, Nicaraguan patients prepare to depart the USNS Comfort after receiving treatment from medical professionals aboard the ship during “Continuing Promise 2009.” Rough seas force crewmembers aboard the USNS Comfort to transit patients to shore on the lifeboats while anchored at sea (photo at right). First lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks to Sailors and their families at Naval Station Norfolk during a homecoming celebration for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the Seafarers-crewed Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort. � 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 September 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NCL AMERICA CREWS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FEATURES NUMEROUS GAINS SIU GAINS NEW JOBS ON OCEAN CHARGER PACIFIC-GULF MARINE OPERATES RECENTLY REFLAGGED VESSEL OFFICIALS EXAMINE MARITIME LABOR CONVENTION USNS PERRY CHRISTENED, LAUNCHED CROWLEY TO MANAGE FIVE NASSCO TANKERS TOTE SHIPS TO REDUCE AT-BERTH GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS LABOR’S PRESCRIPTION: PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS NEW YORK NEW JERSEY RAIL EARNS 2008 SAFETY AWARD OCEANOGRAPHIC SHIP TURNOVER SCHEDULED TO START IN OCTOBER UIW FORGES AHEAD DURING CHALLENGING TIMES CREW MEMBERS RECEIVE EXPEDITIONARY MEDALS PAUL HALL CENTER INSTRUCTOR BOBBY DEAN DIES AT AGE 64 PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE SPOTLIGHT SEAFARERS JOIN TOWN HALL MEETING, RALLY IN BALTIMORE SEAFARERS-CREWED SHIPS ASSIST IN JLOTS USNS SEAY, CAPE MAY, CORNHUSKER STATE SAIL FOR MILITARY EXERCISE NEW TRAINING VESSEL MAKES DEBUT AT AFFILIATED PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINEE LEARNS VALUE OF BEING OBSERVANT WHILE STANDING WATCH MODERN SAGA TRIGGERS SHIPBOARD MEMORIES USNS COMFORT RETURNS HOME FOLLOWING HUMANITARIAN MISSION 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 09/01/2009 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. 9 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/407a75f9cb4fd3db0cef9976f220f0e9.pdf 0f3883b51a78603de9de5c083b2f129f PDF Text Text 56207_p1_p24X:January 08 9/28/2009 10:50 AM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 10 October 2009 Federation Conducts Historic Convention The AFL-CIO convention, which took place Sept. 13-17 in Pittsburgh, yielded several major stories, including an address by President Barack Obama (pictured above, shaking hands with SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as a VP of the federation). Richard Trumka was elected AFL-CIO president, and UNITE-HERE rejoined the federation after a four-year absence. Page 5. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) Another New Ship! Liberty Pride Enters SIU-Contracted Fleet The car carrier Liberty Pride (above and at left) is the latest addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. The Liberty Maritime Corporation vessel was built earlier this year. Page 3. Merchant Marine’s Crucial Role Highlighted at MTD Convention A few days prior to the AFL-CIO convention, the federation’s Maritime Trades Department conducted its own quadrennial event, also in Pittsburgh. An array of high-ranking guest speakers addressed the delegates, reaffirming strong support for the American maritime industry. MTD President Michael Sacco was re-elected to a four-year term. Pictured at far right, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka describes the merchant marine’s role in national security. At immediate right, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) stands with U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek. Below, audience members react to a speech. Pages 2, 3, 9-14. Eighth T-AKE Ship Delivered Page 2 Nations Sign Anti-Piracy Declaration Page 4 ITF Assists Crews Page 8 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:37 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Rebuilding Our Economy Time after time, first at the Maritime Trades Department convention and then at the AFL-CIO convention, speaker after speaker used my favorite four-letter word. The president of the United States said it. Cabinet secretaries and military leaders said it. Union officials and management representatives said it. Okay, you’ve probably figured out where I’m going with this. The word is “jobs,” and in the big picture it is a very serious subject. In a way, jobs were the dominant if unofficial theme at the MTD meetings and at the federation’s convention. Those conventions took place in mid-September in Pittsburgh. Michael Sacco We report on them extensively in this issue of the LOG, and I encourage Seafarers to take the time and read about both events. You’ll find a lot of topical information that affects our livelihoods. Everyone knows the economy is struggling and unemployment is too high. Righting the ship isn’t just a union concern or a working families concern – it’s an American concern. Good jobs are the backbone of our economy and, as the MTD and AFL-CIO speakers stated, they are a critical part of the foundation of our quality of life. No one is pretending that there are easy answers or that there’s a quick fix. But there are some basic principles and strategies that are essential to reducing unemployment, rebuilding the middle class and lifting our economy. For starters, we’ve got to protect workers’ rights. We must invest in U.S. industry and infrastructure, and we must expand opportunities for training and education. This goes hand-in-hand with addressing the imbalance between the U.S. and the global economy. It may sound boring or complicated or both, but we’ve got to level the playing field by reforming some of our policies on trade, currency and taxes. In simple terms, we also can’t continue borrowing billions and billions of dollars each year from the rest of the world to fund consumption of goods that are no longer made in America. The Employee Free Choice Act is an important piece of this puzzle. We have to remember that America’s workers are America’s consumers. Protecting workers’ rights – allowing them the opportunity to organize, rewarding their productivity, simply respecting them – is a win-win situation for everyone. Health insurance reform is another critical piece. The spiraling costs of health care threaten to crush families, business and government at all levels if those costs aren’t contained. Legislators on both sides of the aisle at least agree on that much, even if they don’t all agree on how to solve the problem. The time for reform is now. Those are some of the fundamental issues that organized labor is working on, along with our allies. Our goals are what’s right for America, and that starts with good jobs. As U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis put it last month, our country needs “jobs that support a family by increasing incomes and narrowing the wage gap. Jobs that are safe and secure and give people a voice in the workplace through the right to organize and bargain collectively. Jobs that are sustainable – like green jobs – that export products, not paychecks. And jobs that rebuild a strong middle class.” That’s a tall order in this economy, but I’m convinced that if we all work together there’s no doubt that we can pull it off. That’s what President Obama is all about and that’s what our union is all about. As the president himself recently said during a well publicized rally: Fire it Up! Volume 71, Number 10 NASSCO Delivers USNS Wally Schirra Shipyard Lays Keel for USNS Washington Chambers The U.S. Navy’s new-build program featuring dry cargo/ammunition ships known as T-AKEs continued its steady progress with the recent delivery of the USNS Wally Schirra and the keel-laying for what will be the USNS Washington Chambers. The USNS Schirra was delivered Sept. 1 to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) while the keel was laid for the USNS Chambers in late August. The T-AKE vessels are being built at General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard, a union-contracted facility located in San Diego. They are crewed in the unlicensed ranks by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The Schirra is named in honor of astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra. It is the eighth ship in the The Seafarers-crewed USNS Wally Schirra conducts sea trials off the coast of San Diego in August. Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships. These vessels deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups, allowing them to stay at sea for extended periods. “Not only have the T-AKEs greatly improved MSC’s ability to deliver vital supplies to our Navy’s deployed strike groups worldwide, but the flexibility in operations of this new class of ships has also enabled us to support a range of other missions,” said Capt. Jerome Hamel, commanding officer of MSC’s office in San Diego, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. “For example, the USNS Richard Byrd is currently deployed on a humanitarian and civic assistance mission in the Western Pacific for the U.S. Pacific Command.” The 689-foot Schirra is expected to start conducting missions for MSC in May 2010. In addition to its crew of civil service mariners and Navy sailors, it also can carry a helicopter detachment. Both the Navy and NASSCO have reported that the U.S. military expects to build 14 T-AKEs, which are replacing some of MSC’s older vessels. Meanwhile, continuing the tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the USNS Chambers recognizes Capt. Washington Irving Chambers, a pioneer in naval aviation history. Among his many accomplishments, Chambers arranged for the world’s first take-off and landing of an airplane on a warship – confirming the potential of carrier-based naval aviation operations. It will be the 11th ship in the class. NASSCO recently reported that it is delivering ships approximately one to two months ahead of schedule. Union-Contracted Alliance St. Louis Makes Noteworthy Stop in Virginia At a glance, the sight of the SIU-crewed Alliance St. Louis loading rolling stock cargo at APM Terminals Virginia probably appeared routine. But, it was notable because the ship – operated by Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) – on Aug. 27 became the first roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel to call on the Portsmouth terminal since the highly regarded container facility opened in July 2007. Company and port representatives welcomed approximately 40 U.S. military officials and guests to watch the Alliance St. Louis’ arrival and loading. “The docking of the St. Louis at APM Terminals Virginia demonstrates Maersk’s collective ability to integrate intermodal capabilities and deliver the highest level of service to the U.S. military,” noted Rick Boyle, vice president of U.S. Flag Transportation Services at MLL. Rolling stock cargo arrived via railroad and transferred at the terminal’s on-dock rail. “This direct rail-to-RO/RO transfer provides the efficient rolling stock transportation needed for mili- tary deployments and retrograde,” said Boyle. “The terminal has an excellent setup for transporting vehicles, helping to improve transit times, reduce costs and minimize handling,” said Ed McCarthy, senior director of terminal operations at APM Terminals Virginia. Approximately 225 trucks and vehicles loaded on the SIU-crewed ship, of which about 75 percent arrived via rail. “We hope today’s loading highlights the flexibility of the terminal, and that we increase our role with the U.S. military for the movement of rolling stock,” McCarthy added. In February 2008, MLL brought both the Alliance St. Louis and sister ship Alliance Norfolk into the company’s American-flag fleet to meet growing demand for the transportation of vehicles, oversized and non-containerized cargoes. The two vessels carry U.S. government, preference and commercial cargo. Both ships have the capacity of 6,500 car-equivalent units and over 580,000 square feet of total stowage space, and participate in the U.S. Maritime Security Program and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. October 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 Docked in Portsmouth, Va., the SIU-crewed Alliance St. Louis prepares to load rolling stock cargo. October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:37 PM Page 3 The entry of the Liberty Pride (left) into the American-flag fleet signals good news for Seafarers and for the nation. The photo above shows part of the new ship’s wheelhouse. Liberty Pride Hoists Stars and Stripes RO/RO Becomes Latest Addition To Seafarers-Contracted Fleet The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs with the delivery of the Liberty Maritime Corporation (LMC)operated MV Liberty Pride into the U.S. fleet. A Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC), the Liberty Pride becomes the eighth vessel in LMC’s SIU-crewed fleet. She joins the Liberty Eagle, Liberty Glory, Liberty Grace, Liberty Spirit, Liberty Star and Liberty Sun, each of which transports food shipments overseas as part of the U.S. government’s “Food for Peace” program. In addition the Liberty Pride will team up with LMC’s Alliance New York, another PCTC, in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Seafarers are manning the vessel’s unlicensed positions in all three shipboard departments. The Liberty Pride was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea. She boasts 12 cargo decks, has a cargo area of 580,000 square feet and is rated to carry 6,388 small cars. Her keel was laid March 16 and she was launched May 31. LMC accepted delivery of the vessel Aug. “The addition of this vessel to the U.S.-flag fleet is great news for the union as well as the country,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “This new tonnage translates into more jobs for SIU members and greater security for our country in these tough economic times. “Liberty Maritime deserves a great deal of credit and recognition for its ongoing solid commitment to the American-flag fleet and to the U.S. Merchant Marine,” Tellez concluded. Liberty Maritime Corporation is based in Lake Success, N.Y. Formed in 1988 as the operating entity for various deep sea oceangoing dry bulk carrier vessels owned by Liberty Shipping Group, the corporation is one of the largest privately held independent operators of U.S.-flag dry bulk car- rier vessels. Its American-flag fleet operates in both the preference trades of the United States and the international commercial trades. The MSP has been a valuable component of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The U.S. Maritime Administration describes the MSP as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade which is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency…. These vessels are modern, efficient and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels which can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP helps retain a labor base of skilled American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war.” Military, Gov’t, Industry Speakers Reaffirm Support for U.S. Maritime Delegates Re-Elect Michael Sacco as MTD President MTD President Michael Sacco (right) thanks U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for his remarks supporting civilian mariners. October 2009 The AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD) conducted its quadrennial convention Sept. 10-11 in Pittsburgh, and the event was packed with supportive remarks by guest speakers representing the Obama administration, the U.S. military, government, management and organized labor. All of the speakers reaffirmed their strong backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine. A few provided updates on the fights to pass health insurance reform and the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Convention delegates re-elected MTD President Michael Sacco to a four-year term. They also re-elected Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex and elected Vice President Scott Winter. The convention’s theme was “Motivated, Trained, Dedicated” – something Sacco touched on during his opening remarks. “Our rank-and-file members display their motivation every day, as they go to work aboard ships, on the docks and in the yards, and in the mills and mines and everywhere else our members go to earn a living,” he stated. “They prove the value of their training as they turn out new, high-tech ships in Philadelphia and San Diego; as they build the new state-of-the-art arena just a few blocks from here; and when they ‘turn to’ during emergencies like the Miracle on the Hudson. “And they show a level of dedication that goes far beyond merely getting the job done, as was so vividly, tragically and heroically demonstrated eight years ago when our fire fighters and police officers and ferry captains and many others saved everyone they could save on 9/11,” he continued. (The convention’s second day coincided with the eighth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.) The MTD consists of 23 affiliated national and international unions (including the SIU) representing more than five million members and a network of 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada. In order of appearance, the following individuals spoke at the convention: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka; Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Bill George; U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen; U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood; Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim Miller; Lakes Carriers’ Association President James Weakley; U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator David Matsuda; U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (D-Arizona) and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D). (The following week, at the AFL-CIO convention, Trumka was elected president of the federation as Sweeney began his planned retirement.) MTD conventions normally include resolutions that are considered and adopted by the delegates, and this one was no exception. The resolutions help the department plan its agenda for the next four years. The topics of the resolutions approved last month included the following: America’s maritime highway, appreciation for John Sweeney, cargo preference, the fight for a new contract for the Communications Workers and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers at AT&T, dredging, health care, the Maritime Labor Convention, and the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Delegates also approved resolutions concerning EFCA, offshore renewable energy, combating piracy, remembering September 11, retirement security, cabotage laws, supporting our troops, the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program, U.S. Navy shipbuilding, a united labor movement, the Seafarers’ Identity Document, and benefits for World War II mariners. For additional coverage of the MTD convention, see Pages 9-14 Seafarers LOG 3 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:37 PM Page 4 MarAd Issues Anti-Piracy Advisory U.S., Other Nations Sign ‘New York Declaration’ The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. State Department last month raised the visibility and level of international cooperation regarding piracy and defense measures. MarAd issued an advisory warning of a possible increase in piracy in the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean regions since the monsoon season in the area ended. The agency also urged mariners to use lessons learned from previous successful privacy evasions and to “take defensive measures and not surrender at the first sign of a threat.” The advisory not only warns vessels to avoid routes where attacks have taken place, but also recommends that mariners “demonstrate a willingness to defend yourself.” The communication further encourages mariners to travel at “maximum sustainable speed” through “high threat areas” and to continually conduct risk assessments during their voyage. The advisory gives mariners information on how best to check with authorities and how to request escort service in a convoy. As piracy has affected just about every nation that has ships on the high seas in 2009, the level of cooperation in anti-piracy actions and exercises has grown. This year it hasn’t been unusual to see news reports of navies of nations formerly known as less than friendly toward each other coming to each other’s aid in attempts to thwart piracy. Lidinsky to Chair FMC The Federal Maritime for designating me chairman of the Commission on Sept. 14 announced Federal Maritime Commission,” that President Barack Obama has des- Lidinsky said. “As I said in my recent ignated Richard A. Lidinsky Jr. as confirmation hearings, this agency FMC chairman. Lidinsky joined the has a key role in assisting the ecoagency on July 31, having been nom- nomic recovery of our entire ocean inated by President Obama in June waterborne commerce transportation and confirmed by the Senate there- industry. The commission is, and after. His term with the commission must remain at all times, alert to foreign activities that are harmful to our expires in 2012. Lidinsky has 37 years of extensive carriers and trade routes with a focus on protecting our experience in the country’s shipping maritime trade induscommunity, and try and government above all the operations. After American consumer. serving as a As we face the chalCongressional aide lenges of returning on the old U.S. jobs to our waterHouse of fronts, working with Representatives all sectors of our marMerchant Marine and itime family to help Fisheries Committee, green our ports, and he began his profesadapt the latest techsional legal career in nologies to aide in our the FMC’s Office of mission, the experiGeneral Counsel as enced and dedicated legislative counsel employees of the from 1973-75. In Richard Lidinsky FMC will be there to 1975 the Maryland FMC Chairman lend our support and Port Administration expertise.” appointed him to be Commissioner Joseph Brennan counsel and director of tariffs and stated, “Richard Lidinsky is as wellnational port affairs. In announcing his appointment, prepared as any commissioner has the agency noted that Lidinsky has been upon taking office. I think he held positions on both the business will do an excellent job as chair of the and the government side of the mar- FMC.” Commissioner Rebecca Dye said, itime industry, including most recently working as an attorney and interna- “I look forward to working with tional trade consultant in private prac- [Lidinsky] to carry out the commistice, before returning to the FMC as a sion’s responsibilities in a manner that promotes our economy and commissioner. “I want to thank President Obama increases American jobs.” In this spirit of cooperation, on Sept. 10, the U.S., Japan, Cyprus, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Liberia, Panama, the Bahamas and the Marshall Islands signed a pact called the “New York Declaration” to recognize the increasing problem of piracy and armed robbery against vessels and seafarers on innocent passage. Each country united in decreeing that all acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels and seafarers are condemned and they will commit to join together to stop it. The nations agreed that each of them has a responsibility to take self-protection measures and each is committed to share and use best practices in warding off, avoiding, deterring and delaying acts of piracy. Celebrating Labor Day in Wilmington Seafarers and SIU officials from the Wilmington, Calif., area made a strong showing at the annual Labor Day parade. Some of the SIU participants are pictured in these two photos, starting with the top image, from left: Safety Director Abdul Al-Omari, retired Dispatcher Jesse Solis, Port Agent Jeff Turkus, GUDE Revelino Olivares, Dispatcher Nick Rios and AB Ronie Llave. Among those shown in the other photo are Seafarers Rey Chang, Roger Mosley, Teofilo Sison and Llave, Retiree Mary Lou Lopez, Rios, Al-Omari, Solis and his son Jesse Solis Jr. Horizon Expands Container Service, Adds Tampa Stop Seafarers-Contracted Company Recognized for Reliability The Horizon Discovery will be part of the San Juan to Tampa service. 4 Seafarers LOG SIU-contracted company Horizon Lines, Inc. recently announced an expansion of its container service. Horizon said beginning Oct. 4 it will add regularly scheduled vessel container service between Tampa and Puerto Rico. A vessel call at the Port of Tampa will be added to the carrier’s Gulf Express Service (GAX), currently operating a fixed-day, bi-weekly schedule between Houston and San Juan. According to the company, the addition of a port call in Tampa provides new options for customers located in west and central Florida, while continuing to provide fast and reliable fixed-day vessel service between Houston and San Juan. In other Horizon news, the company announced on Aug. 7 it had topped the list of ocean carriers worldwide for schedule reliability in the second quarter of 2009, with 100 percent on-time performance, according to London-based Drewry Shipping Consultants. “This is a real credit to our entire team, but especially our operations group,” said John Keenan, president and chief operating officer at Horizon. This honor comes after Horizon Lines was awarded the Platinum Carrier Award earlier this year from home improvement retailer Lowe’s Companies Inc. for providing 100 percent on-time service in 2008. Horizon Lines is the only ocean carrier serving each of the domestic U.S. trades of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Horizon Lines has been continually recognized in recent years for schedule integrity, vessel maintenance and safety programs, while making efficiency gains to help mitigate the environmental impact from its ships. Drewry’s schedule monitoring survey tracked nearly 1,700 vessels in the three months between April 1 and June 30, 2009, and compared the scheduled day of arrival at the destination port with the actual day of arrival. October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:38 PM Page 5 AFL-CIO Convention Includes Milestones Trumka Elected President; Obama Pledges Support for EFCA The recently concluded AFL-CIO 26th Constitutional Convention had it’s share of historic milestones. President Barrack Obama reaffirmed his support of the labor movement, becoming the first sitting president in more than a decade to address the conference. Convention delegates without opposition elected a diverse set of top officers: Richard Trumka, a white man for president; Arlene Holt Baker, a black woman for executive vice president; and for the first time ever, a woman, Liz Shuler for secretary-treasurer. SIU President Michael Sacco, who is a vice president of the AFLCIO, conducted the election. John Sweeney, AFL-CIO president since 1995, began his planned retirement but vowed to remain an activist. In yet another development, UNITE HERE rejoined the 11.5-million member AFL-CIO. The 265,000-member strong coalition in 2005 was one of several unions that disaffiliated from the federation. Nearly 1,000 delegates and 2,000 guests participated in the convention, which took place Sept. 13-17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The SIU had a strong showing at the quadrennial event, as several high-ranking officials in addition to Sacco participated. In addition to President Obama, many other notable individuals appeared as keynote speakers. These included: U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, former Pittsburgh Steelers player Franco Harris, NAACP President Ben Jealous, Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary Guy Ryder, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter and National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel. President Obama delivered a strong, inspiring message to the convention: “We’re going to make this country work again.” In an address punctuated by sporadic chants and standing ovations, Obama said he’s committed to the same goals as the union movement: restoring the economy, getting health care for everyone and passing the Employee Free Choice Act. “These are the reforms I’m proposing. These are the reforms labor has been championing,” he said. “These are the reforms the American people need. And these are the reforms I intend to sign into law. Quality, affordable health insurance. A world-class education. Good jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced. A strong labor movement. That’s how we’ll lift up hard-working families. That’s how we’ll grow our middle class. That’s how we’ll SIU VP Kermett Mangram, who is based in Norfolk, reports on Virginia political activities. October 2009 put opportunity within reach in the United States of America,” the president said. Throughout Obama’s speech, the enthusiastic crowd gave him multiple standing ovations–when one woman shouted “I love you,” he responded: “I love you, too, sister.” In turn, the president showed he understands the needs of working people and the unions that represent them. “When labor succeeds—that’s when our middle class succeeds,” he said. “And when our middle class succeeds—that’s when the United States of America succeeds.” President Obama pledged his continued support of the Employee Free Choice Act, noting, “When workers want a union, they should get a union.” The economic crisis was brought on by greed and irresponsibility, Obama said, and we can’t wait to rebuild a stronger, better and fairer economy. “The problems in our economy preceded this economic crisis,” Obama said. “Just last week, a Census report came out showing that in 2008, before this downturn, family income fell to its lowest point in over a decade, and more families slid into poverty. “That is unacceptable,” he continued. “And I refuse to let America go back to the culture of irresponsibility that made it possible.” The president spent much of his speech talking about health care and thanked union members for their hard work on making health insurance reform possible. “Few have fought for this cause harder, and few have championed it longer than you…. You know why this is so important,” he told the audience. “You know this isn’t just about the millions of Americans who don’t have health insurance, it’s about the hundreds of millions more who do: Americans who worry that they’ll lose their insurance if they lose their job, who fear their coverage will be denied because of a pre-existing condition, who know that one accident or illness could mean financial ruin. “When are we going to stop this? When are we going to say enough is enough? How many more workers have to lose their coverage? How many more families have to go into the red for a sick loved one? We have talked this issue to death year after year, decade after decade…. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to deliver on health insurance reform.” President Obama also said that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped pull the economy up and prevent even worse crisis. He pledged to keep working to create good jobs and make sure that “Made in America” Caroline Kennedy tells delegates that her uncle, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who died weeks earlier, had asked her to speak at the convention. U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis states, “It is important that we have an active Department of Labor advocating for the needs of working people.” President Barack Obama on Sept. 15 addresses delegates and guests during the AFLCIO’s 26th Constitutional Convention in Pittsburgh. During his speech, the president reaffirmed his support of the labor movement including his backing of the Employee Free Choice Act. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) won’t just be a slogan, but a reality. The president has already signed into law pro-worker legislation like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and an expansion of health care to millions of children in need. He asked the convention attendees to come together and fight with him for an America with lasting prosperity. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, in the first address by a U.S. Labor Secretary to an AFL-CIO convention in more than eight years, said unions are more important than ever in today’s economic crisis. “Workers are under assault and they need the voice on the job that unions provide. I believe and I know union jobs are good jobs,” she said. Echoing President Obama’s Labor Day speech, Solis continued, “That’s why I support [the Employee free Choice Act]: to level the playing field so it’s easier for employees who want a union to form a union. Nothing—nothing wrong with that. Because when labor is strong, America is strong. When we all stand together, we all rise together.” Solis, the daughter of union members and whose father recently suffered a stroke, said health care reform is a must for our country. The status quo in health care is “unsustainable,” she said. Workers like her father who spent their lives working hard had a right to expect secure and stable benefits in their retirement. “They are counting on us to do the right thing.” Real health care reform will not only ensure that workers with insurance keep their benefits, she said, it will provide affordable options for those without health care coverage and rein in the cost of health care for everyone. The labor secretary also listed a series See Trumka, Page 14 Convention delegates elected (from left) Exec. VP Arlene Holt Baker, President Rich Trumka and Sec.-Treasurer Liz Shuler to four-year terms. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) Seafarers LOG 5 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:41 PM Page 6 Seafarers, Tacoma Families Volunteer to Help Neighbors Seafarers recently continued their tradition of giving something back to their community as SIU members and families in Tacoma, Wash., again volunteered to help the Paint Tacoma Beautiful program. Paint Tacoma Beautiful is an annual program through which community members and local organizations pool their resources and volunteer manpower to help those who need assistance. This year, 37 SIU members, employees, family members and friends in the Tacoma area washed, scraped, sanded, caulked and painted the home of Al Reeves and his wife, Cecile. During the last three years, SIU members based in the Tacoma area have volunteered more than 1,000 hours of manpower to the program. Mr. Reeves was an Army engineer during the Korean War and says, during these economic times, Paint Tacoma and the SIU crew were a godsend. “I don’t get around well anymore, so these young folks were a blessing from heaven. It’s so heartwarming to see your neighbors give up what little free time they have to help others. We all bonded and my wife, Cecile, had a great time chatting with the folks, especially the kids who came to help. We can’t thank these fine folks enough,” he stated. Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo said of the SIU volunteers, “This is our third year participating in the Paint Tacoma project. Each year brings with it new opportunities to reach out to our friends and neighbors in Pierce County and to give back what we ourselves have received over the years. It hardly seems like giving since we are all a little bit better off for having participated in the first place. Each year we see more ‘A’ seniority and recertified members stepping up to the plate and this year is no different. One of our recertified bosuns said it best when he said that there are takers and givers. ‘I have taken all my life. It is time to give back.’ He was referring to his 30-plus years of gainful employment with the SIU. I’d like to personally thank our rank-and-file members for their participation. Without their support, none of this would be possible.” The following is a list of SIU members and family who participated with Paint Tacoma Beautiful 2009: Port Agent Joe Vincenzo, Safety Director Ryan Palmer, Quinton Palmer, Patrolman Kris Hopkins, Karen Hopkins, Kevin Hopkins, Kylie Hopkins, Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner, Joie Flesner, OMU Chris Mercado, OMU Dan Coffey, GUDE Cheryl Gutkowski, Electrician David Goodpastor, BREC Lance Zollner, BREC Ben Born, SREC Michael Meany, SREC Lovie Perez, AB Ray Nowak, AB Chris Tizon, OMU Mikel Tittsworth, GUDE Samed Kassem, OMU Glenn Quittorio, AB Cory Gardner, STOS Allan Makiling, GUDE Hernando Basilan, AB Pete Hokenson, AB Paul Sharo, GUDE Rupert Henry, ACU Lamberto Palamos, AB Cesar Runatay, DEU Orlando Makiling, DEU Jose Santos, OMU Melgar Daguio, Wiper Joe Hilario, SREC Manuel Basas, Steward/Baker Emily Soriano and OMU Efran Bacomo. AB Dan Coffey takes a quick break for a photo. Members of the Paint Tacoma group for 2009 included (back row, left to right) Port Agent Joe Vincenzo, Electrician David Goodpastor, BREC Lance Zollner, SREC Michael Meany, BREC Ben Born, OS Cheryl Gutkowski, homeowners Cecile and Al Reeves, (front row, left to right) SIU Patrolman Kris Hopkins, AB Dan Coffey and Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner Electrician David Goodpastor removes old caulk OMU Chris Mercado pressure washes the house. GUDE Cheryl Gutkowski reaches new heights. Safety Director Ryan Palmer goes aloft to tackle caulking. Matson, Horizon Lines Participate In Honolulu-Based Response Drill In late August, SIU-contracted Horizon Lines and Matson Navigation took part in an exercise designed to test and refine reactions to terrorist attacks. Overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard, the drill took place in Honolulu. According to the agency, the exercise “simulated a joint coordination response to a terrorist attack in Honolulu Harbor. The exercise was staged at the Clean Islands Council’s response center on Sand Island and did not involve any tactical assets or the harbor itself.” The joint response was in reaction to a simulated case in which a terrorist organization hijacks a ship and then sinks it in Honolulu Harbor, blocking 6 Seafarers LOG the shipping channel and cutting off the transfer of goods and services. The Coast Guard reported that federal, state and local officials along with marine industry representatives “acted together to discuss salvage response, maritime transportation system recovery, alternative delivery methods, and economic, social, and national security impacts. The goal of this exercise was to test and validate a new Coast Guard-created Salvage Response Plan for Honolulu.” “We never know what could be knocked out during a natural disaster or a terrorist attack,” said Capt. Barry Compagnoni, the U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port for Honolulu. “Most of our goods are shipped here, so the proper functioning of our marine transportation system in Hawaii is essential to our survival.” In addition to Matson and Horizon, exercise participants included the Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Also involved were the State of Hawaii Civil Defense Department, State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division, Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Marine Cargo Surveys of Hawaii, Clean Islands Council (industry or non-government agencies) and others. The Salvage Response Plan was developed after Congress passed the SAFE Port Act in 2006 as a result of lessons learned from the Hurricane Katrina response in New Orleans. Government and industry representatives jointly developed a plan for port reconstitution after a disaster. The strategy focuses on marine salvage and services needed to reopen navigable waterways to maritime commerce. It covers each of the commercial ports on the neighboring islands and American Samoa. “It’s extremely valuable for each of these agencies and industry to get together before an incident and discuss our various roles and responsibilities in regards to the reconstitution of the Port of Honolulu,” said Anne Stevens, a domestic preparedness planner with the State Civil Defense Department. “Because of today’s exercise we are better prepared to respond to a real disruption in Honolulu Harbor.” October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:43 PM Page 7 Notice/Reminder Engine Department Career Path October 2009 Seafarers LOG 7 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:43 PM Page 8 ITF Officials Assist Eastwind Crews Inspectors Secure More than $1 Million in Back Pay The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) last month reported several successful cases in which the organization’s inspectors secured back pay (totaling more than $1 million) and repatriation for crews sailing with the recently bankrupt runaway-flag operating company Eastwind. One of those instances involved SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who on Aug. 31 secured $130,000 in back pay as well as repatriation for mariners from the Liberian-flagged Yucatan in Galveston, Texas. In early September, the ITF noted that it “continues to work with the bankrupt company’s trustees and those buying other of its vessels. At the time Eastwind declared bankruptcy it was believed to own 63 vessels. Some of these have been sold, some arrested. The ITF was called in by the crews of a number of these, and as of today (Sept. 4) – with payments made to the crew of the Annapurna and due in the next few days to that of the Azov Wind – has been instrumental in resolving all of them.” ITF Maritime Coordinator Steve Cotton said, “Picking up the pieces of the Eastwind collapse is a difficult but not impossible situation. The ITF is one of the organizations – including agents, banks, port authorities, lawyers and unions – looking for a solution, and the contact between us and them has paid off in the successes that each week are making a very bad state of affairs a little bit better. Once again it underlines why we want anyone having difficulties to talk to us at the earliest possible stage. If Eastwind had done that, instead of leaving it to panicked crews to alert us, then the relief effort might be even further along now.” In Balboa, Panama, ITF Inspector Luis Fruto was expected to witness the payment of the crew of the Liberian-flagged Azov Wind, which had arrived from Valparaiso. The ITF inspector from that area, Juan Villalon, explained the history of the case. “I received a phone call from the Georgian crew asking for help on Aug. 12,” Villalon recalled. “I met with the crew that day, and they identified the following problem areas: medical; water and food; bunkering and oil; inspection and certification of the vessel. The agent told me that a superintendent had arrived from Cyprus, and following meetings it emerged that Tokyo Star Bank had taken over and had appointed Fleet Management Cyprus as managers.” He continued, “I explained the situation to Fleet Management and that if it were not remedied we would assist the crew in taking legal action against the vessel. He assured me that they were doing everything they could to find a solution. In the meantime, I contacted supply agents in Valparaiso to begin negotiations with the port agency. The five crew members who wanted to see a doctor were helped to do so and all the personnel were instructed on the importance of staying with the vessel. “The following week, I heard from Fleet Management, telling me that most of the issues were approved and that the money and supply problems would be solved shortly. Food and water were supplied and $72,000, a month’s wages (out of Mariners from the Azov Wind (above) were among those recently assisted by ITF inspectors. three), transferred to the crew’s banks back home.” He concluded, “After that it was necessary to organize an inspection and certification to allow the vessel to proceed to Panama, where local ITF Inspector Luis Fruto was waiting to confirm the payment of the remaining owed salaries, as well as the repatriation of most of the crew, as the managers have informed us that the vessel will be laid up with a safe manning crew. The total owed salaries were $340,000, in addition to the repatriation, certification and provisioning in Chile.” Grahame MacLaren, ITF inspector in Wellington, reported on the Annapurna. “On Aug. 4 the Eastwind Group’s reefer vessel Annapurna arrived at the port of Auckland, where it was immediately arrested by the Japanese-owned Aozora Bank Ltd. It had sailed empty to New Zealand on the bank’s orders – it appears so that it could be arrested in a country where it was felt all parties would be treated fairly under law. “That evening Auckland-based Garry Parsloe of the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) went on board to assess the Burmese crew’s situation and found out that they had not been paid for some time. Garry advised them that they should under no circumstances leave the vessel or be repatriated without first being paid all wages owed.” MacLaren continued, “The crew were unable to even afford the cost of a phone call home, so Garry negotiated with the agents to have a cell phone provided so they could contact their families. He was informed by the bailiffs that a lawyer would be needed to present the crew’s claim in court and was given the name of Pauline Barratt. The ITF have since retained her and she has been doing a great job representing the crew. “I travelled to Auckland and, accompanied by the lawyer and MUNZ members, we met with the crew. Also in attendance were the vessel’s agents and an interpreter provided by them. We discussed the situation with the crew and answered any questions they had to the best of our abilities. I put to the agents a request for money for the men’s essential needs and after a lot of negotiation we managed to get the arresting bank to give each man a payment of $200 – not a huge amount but they were very grateful to have it. “The ship has no ITF-approved agreement in place, and the Burmese crew were on pay rates below ITF minimums,” he continued. “The way they were being paid was that apart from allotments some of them had sent home, they were only to be given the balance of their wages at termination of their contracts. So they had had no cash at all for many months. The allotments going home to the families stopped in April, leaving the families destitute.” He added, “After negotiation the arresting bank agreed to pay the wages arrears for the full nine months ($338,521) and the repatriation expenses of the crew before the ship has even been sold, and they were paid [Sept. 4], with flights booked for next Tuesday. The bank does however want a skeleton crew to remain on board pending the new owner’s crew taking over. A number of the crew were willing to stay on if an appropriate new agreement could be reached. We insisted that any new agreement be at ITF TCC rates and this has now been agreed by the bank.” The other Eastwind cases the ITF has helped with are: ■ The Liberian-flagged Yamaska was in the port of Mosjoen, Norway. ITF Coordinator Nils Pedersen negotiated through the local representative of London-based law firm Ince & Co. for the crew to receive their owed wages. The vessel cargo receiver refused to have the vessel berth and discharge until the local ITF-affiliated union approved. The vessel was allowed to berth on the July 31 and the crew received their wages of $115,509 on Aug. 4. ■ The Liberian-flagged EW Snowdon was in the port of Hull, UK, having been arrested by the Aozora Bank. ITF Inspector Bill Anderson obtained power of attorney from the crew to help them recover wages owed since Anderson negotiated with the bank, with the result that on Aug. 19 the crew received the $266,082 owed to them. Eighteen were repatriated and four agreed to stay on board the vessel to ensure its safety while the arrest was in place. ■ The Liberian-flagged MSC Peru was docked in Balboa, Panama. ITF inspector Luis Fruto, assisted by ITF U.S. Coordinator Jeff Engels, reported that the case was resolved Aug. 1 with the payment of $204,329 in wages and the return of the crew to their homes on Aug. 4. ■ Finally, crew members from the Liberian-flagged MSC Parana received $200,000 in back pay and were repatriated to Burma. The ITF consist of 654 unions (including the SIU) representing 4.5 million transport workers in 148 countries. Crew members on the Annapurna receive some of their back pay. 8 Seafarers LOG October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:59 PM Page 9 ★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ Government Officials Praise Work of U.S. Mariners American Crews Cited as Vital to National, Economic Security The four speakers from the U.S. military and Obama administration who addressed the Maritime Trades Department convention discussed numerous topics, but one point made by each of them is that a strong U.S. Merchant Marine remains indispensable to America’s national and economic security. U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and U.S. Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator David Matsuda described the vital partnership that exists between government and the maritime industry. They thanked MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco for his effective leadership and cited the ongoing reliability of civilian mariners and their unions. Allen and Harnitchek spoke to the convention on Sept. 10, while LaHood and Matsuda delivered their respective remarks the next day. Among other subjects, Allen talked about mariner credentialing, seafarer access in ports, efforts to combat piracy, and how climate change may affect shipping. No matter the challenge, however, he said maritime labor has been responsive and helpful. “So, please, when you talk to your membership, please thank them on my behalf,” Allen stated. “Continue to do what you’re doing, because the country needs you.” The commandant described centralizing the agency’s credentialing operations as “a long and arduous process. I believe we’re over the hump now…. I appreciate your patience. In the long run, I think you’re going to find that we’re going to be more responsive to your needs.” He also touched on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, noting that the Coast Guard is responsible for the next phase, which involves card readers. “Our goal is to make some very, very informed choices on where we put card readers and where we need them and where we don’t need them based on valid security needs,” he stated. Allen also emphasized his commitment to helping ensure fair treatment of mariners when it comes to port access. “I spent a lot of time in the last two years talking to maritime groups, shippers, port authorities, terminal operators and so forth. I’ve made it very clear to my captains of the ports that we need to make sure that seafarer access is ensured. And whether that’s U.S. sailors or foreign sailors changing out crews, or whatever, the right to be able to get across the dock needs to be maintained.” He thanked industry stakeholders for their antipiracy efforts and described some of the related work done by the Coast Guard in cooperation with TRANSCOM, the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Harnitchek noted the “fantastic support” from MTD unions to TRANSCOM and other U.S. agencies that rely on American crews, ships and infrastructure. “It’s more than the vessels,” he said. “It’s the ports, it’s the folks who build the ships, the folks that maintain them, certainly the folks who sail in them, and everybody that’s involved in the big network that moves our stuff overseas.” He said that in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the military is moving forces to foreign regions “on a scale that we haven’t seen since probably the Second World War. Frankly, we could not conduct those operations without the support of the maritime industry. Thank you all for what you do and the folks you represent every day who enable us to do what we do every day. You guys move America’s military might.” Harnitchek explained TRANSCOM’s joint command structure, which includes Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps components. He described recent examples of how the agency oversaw movement of military units and materiel from America to Afghanistan (with heavy reliance on “commercial conveyance”). “Fundamentally, we get the shooters to the fight,” he said. “We send them all the stuff they need to sustain themselves. We move folks around the theater…. Then we bring them home…. It is a big team effort within each of our service components and, then, of course, our relationship that we have through contracts with you. It’s a thing of beauty to watch it work. So, again, well done. The merchant mariner base is vital to what we do in the Department of Defense. Without you, it would not happen.” He said relying on the commercial sector makes sense because it is economical, efficient and time-tested. LaHood said that the administration “recognizes that U.S. Merchant Mariners play a vital role in the MTD President Michael Sacco (left), U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen national and economic security of our country.... We are so grateful for all that you do, whether it’s during time of crisis or on a day-to-day basis.” He added, “We have several programs that help the nation to train and retrain mariners who keep commerce flowing around the world. Chief among these are the Maritime Security Program, the Volunteer Intermodal Sealift Agreement, and our own Ready Reserve Force (RRF). We depend on your cooperation and your support to ensure these programs continue to succeed.” The secretary talked about recent and future investments in America’s marine infrastructure. He said that despite the ailing economy, freight flowing through U.S. ports is expected to increase “by more than 50 percent in the coming years, and the volume of international container traffic will more than double. This will stress a freight delivery system already stretched to capacity, especially on the land side. “So our path is clear. We must modernize and expand our marine infrastructure system in order to compete effectively and efficiently in the world markets. It’s in our national interest to keep marine transportation systems in good repair and up to date, and we must ensure we have the capacity to meet future needs.” LaHood said the administration also “is committed to doing more with America’s marine highway, a system of over 25,000 miles of coastal, inland and intercoastal waterways that move freight. The marine highway is a very, very high priority at DOT.” He concluded, “Let me assure you that President Obama has clearly indicated he believes our nation needs a robust, multimodal transportation infrastrucSee U.S. Mariners, Page 10 David Matsuda U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Ray LaHood U.S. Transportation Secretary Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek Deputy Commander U.S. Transportation Command Mootivated...Trrained...Deedicated October 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:05 PM Page 10 ★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ Gov. Rendell, Rep. Pastor Emphasize Infrastructure Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (D) and U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (D-Arizona) told Maritime Trades Department convention delegates that investing in the nation’s infrastructure is a vital and effective way to create jobs while improving safety. They also stressed the importance of fair trade, American shipbuilding, U.S. manufacturing in general, and inland waterway operations, among other key topics. Rendell pointed to Aker Philadelphia Shipyard – site of the current Overseas Shipholding Group double-hulled tanker build program – as a multi-faceted example of how and why America must maintain its industrial base. Earlier in his career, as mayor of Philadelphia, he helped bring the yard out of mothballs. He said that despite some skepticism from others about American commercial shipbuilding and the shipyard’s rebirth, “we went to work and we didn’t take no for an answer. What they found is that we can compete – not just for Jones Act ships, but we can compete. The American worker and American trade unions are smart. They’re resourceful. They will make the changes necessary to be competitive, and we can win. And that’s a story that should be told over and over again throughout the United States of America, because people are always writing off American manufacturing.” Rendell said he supports free trade but that it must also be fair trade, adding that America’s debt only will worsen if we keep losing manufacturing jobs. He also cited documented cases in which other countries clearly were dumping industrial product into the U.S. in order to eliminate American jobs. “It’s just common sense. No country can exist without making things,” Rendell said. “We have to continue to make things. That’s where the good jobs are. The good jobs that the average American can hold and make a good Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) U.S. Representative living and sustain a good family life – those jobs are in manufacturing. We can’t exist as a solely service industry and financial industry, because there aren’t going to be middle class people available to buy stuff. We’ve got to protect American manufacturing. “We’ve also got to protect our infrastructure,” he continued. “When you say infrastructure, people immediately think of roads and bridges and highways, and that’s all true. That’s an important part of infrastructure. We need to rebuild it because as we rebuilt it, not only do we do something good substantively, but it’s the single best job creator in the world. Not only job creator, but it creates orders for American factories for steel, timber, asphalt, concrete, you name it. But we also have to rebuild our ports and our dams and our locks. It’s absolutely crucial.” He said China currently is spending almost $7 billion repairing their ports while the U.S. is spending less than one-tenth of that amount. Shanghai now has almost as much container capacity as all U.S. ports combined, Rendell noted. Rendell said that he recently co-founded an organization “dedicated to the proposition that we have to invest in our infrastructure at a level never before. We need it for quality of life. We need it for public safety. But we need it most of all for economic competitiveness. Unless you can move goods quickly, your economy is going to be a second-rate economy. The Chinese understand that. The Europeans understand that. They’re investing money. We have to get on the stick.” Finally, he expressed confidence in newly elected AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka but also said labor, management and government all must be “on the same page” in letting the administration and Congress know that the stimulus money “was terrific for infrastructure but also was only a drop in the bucket. If we really want to get this American economy humming again – if we really want to put people to work – don’t invest in anything other than something that we build. If we invest in things that we build, we create jobs, we create orders for American factories, and we create long-term manufacturing strength. That’s the most important message that I can give.” He closed by noting that elected officials in Washington must hear not only from union leaders and industry representatives, but constituents. “The only thing Washington responds to is pressure back home.” Pastor noted that for many years, he has been involved with Congressional committees and subcommittees that affect the maritime industry. Currently, they include the House Appropriations Committee, the Subcommittee of Energy and Water Development, and the Subcommittee on Transportation. “Part of our job is to make sure that the infrastructure is there so that people can work in a safe environment and work at an efficient rate,” Pastor stated. “We provide not only for the operation and maintenance of the [Maritime Administration] office and the Federal Maritime Commission, we also fund the infrastructure (for ports).” He said Congress “will continue to fund the Maritime Security Program. It’s very important. In cases that we Ed Rendell (D) Pennsylvania Governor have the opportunity, we’re going to increase the funding.” Pastor also touched on inland operations and port security. “One of the things I have found out personally is how important our inland waterways are,” he said. “One of the things with the stimulus money as well as with the money that we provide through the Corps of Engineers – we will be improving, rebuilding and in some cases establishing a better lock system because if you don’t have a lock system in place, then it’ll be very difficult to move these vessels back and forth. It’s very critical, and most people in this country do not realize the importance of our inland waterways…. We’re also responsible for the dredging, so, again, our opportunities are to provide those moneys to the Corps so the harbors that are being used throughout our country have the depth and efficiency so that the ships are able to come in and able to load and unload their cargo.” Concerning port security, Pastor noted that he has travelled internationally for the past two years trying to ascertain whether it’s feasible to aim for 100 percent inspection of containers entering this nation. “I think it’s becoming a realization, more and more, with many members (of Congress) that it may be very unrealistic in terms of being able to 100 percent inspect the containers that are coming into the United States,” he said, adding that representatives will work on alternative programs to maintain security. Pastor also said he supports the Employee Free Choice Act. U.S. Mariners Receive Praise For Role in National, Economic Security Continued from Page 9 ture that can meet the needs and the demands of the 21st Century. We are working to provide ports, shipyards and the marine highway with the resources and support they need. This is essential both to ensure we have well-trained professional mariners to meet the needs of the future, and to help the United States succeed in a fiercely competitive global economy. With the support and the involvement of the maritime transportation labor community, I’m confident we’ll achieve our goals.” Matsuda stated, “Promoting an industry where mariners can look up and see a U.S. flag is critical for our nation’s security, our economy and our pride. Along those lines, the Maritime Security Program has proven very successful. It’s truly brought private industry, government and labor together. This essential program helps maintain the pool of mariners that we need to crew our Ready Reserve Force ships and other government-owned ships needed for national security. And as you can see from President Obama’s first budget proposal, the administration will continue to support it.” He said the mariners who sail on RRF ships “have proven time and again their capabilities in major U.S. military operations such as Desert Storm and Desert Shield, as well as support missions for our troops in the Middle East during the current conflicts. This readiness and resourcefulness has also been valuable in serving to meet domestic emergencies…. Thanks to lessons learned, we now have plans to increase our preparedness by prepositioning emergency vehicles on board our home-ported ships so they can weather the storm and be ready to work as soon as it’s over.” He discussed various potential programs that could create more jobs for U.S. mariners, including efforts within the LNG and offshore oil industries. Matsuda concluded, “The Obama administration is keenly aware of the importance of the unions represented by the Maritime Trades Department. You have a government that’s willing to listen, and our door is always open.” Mootivated...Trrained...Deedicated 10 Seafarers LOG October 2009 �56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:06 PM Page 11 ★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO President Bill George Labor Leaders: A few days before the AFL-CIO convention, three high-ranking labor officials reiterated the critical need to reform the nation’s labor laws and its health insurance system. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka (elected the following week to the federation’s top post) and Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Bill George updated delegates on the battles to enact the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and health care reform. They also voiced strong, ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Trumka covered a wide range of topics. He said both the U.S. and Canada are suffering from a loss of manufacturing jobs. “Even our members have become so dependent on cheap products and services from abroad that they really don’t begin to see the serious implications to our two countries of not having the [manufacturing] capabilities or about losing all those skills,” he stated. The former United Mine Workers of America president said a strong maritime industry “is of critical importance for the economic, political and security interests of both the U.S. and Canada. It’s as important today as it’s been throughout the history of both of our nations.” Along those lines, he told the convention delegates, “America’s ability to produce the critical things that we need in time of crisis, and the ability to service and to transport those things where they’re needed to protect our nation both promptly and immediately is an absolutely vital component of our national security. The ability to transport the necessary personnel and equipment to get the job done must be executed without a moment’s worry or concern about whether some foreign nation or some foreign crew with other loyalties or some carrier flying a foreign flag will do the job – or not. That’s a basic ingredient of security, both here and for Canada.” He described the fight for health care reform as “sim- Nation Will Benefit From Health Care Reform, EFCA ply an effort to ensure that every American has quality, affordable health care, whatever their income or whatever their state of health. We’re for a health care system that overlooks no one, that forgets no one, and that omits no one.” Trumka added, “There has to be a decent public option which is easily accessible…. Without that option, you can’t have health insurance reform…. There must be no taxing of employee health care benefits. Those benefits have been paid for over a working career. We sacrificed wages, we sacrificed other benefits to have that health care, and I’ll be damned if they are going to tax those benefits and take it away... And [there] has to be an employer mandate forcing all employers to provide health care to their employees. I’m tired of subsidizing companies like Wal-Mart who don’t give their employees health care.” He said that failure to pass health care reform likely would damage if not ruin the chance to enact the EFCA. Trumka described the latter bill as one that would “liberate every American, which will let every American bargain their way into the middle class instead of borrow their way into the middle class…. We’re going rebuild the middle class and create a ladder for those at the bottom end to climb back into the middle class…. Our issues and the things that we fight for serve the vast majority of our population. The things that we stand for benefit all workers and nearly all Americans.” Sweeney, who retired the next week, recalled growing up in a union family and described how he progressed through the ranks. “It’s been my privilege to serve working families in the labor movement in just about every capacity imaginable,” he said. “I can tell you there is no greater honor than representing working men and women…. I’ve learned you can trust the men and women who do the Weakley, Miller Say Cooperation Remains Key to Industry’s Health During their remarks at the Maritime Trades Department convention, the president of a major American shipyard and the head of a key association representing U.S.-flag ship operators on the Great Lakes offered candid looks at the state of the maritime industry. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim Miller and Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley also emphasized the importance of cooperation from all sectors of the industry. Miller mentioned that he grew up in a union household and has been “a union advocate and supporter my whole career.” He said there is constant emphasis on safety at his shipyard – an emphasis that ultimately leads to top-quality products (in this case, tankers and containerships built for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group and Matson Navigation, respectively). AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney work a lot further than you can the corporate executive in the front offices who counts the money. I’ve seen again and again that when working people stick together and stand up together, we can win together and change the world.” Sweeney said he is confident the labor movement is “poised to reach three of our biggest goals: providing high-quality, affordable health care for every family in America; reforming our economy and making it work for everyone; and restoring the freedom of workers to join unions without having to risk their jobs to do it.” George described various grassroots political efforts in Pennsylvania, including the ones that proved so critical in the election of President Obama. “Barack Obama won this state with a bigger margin than any other candidate in the history this nation,” George stated. “It couldn’t have been done without a lot of unity and solidarity.” Unfortunately, he said, the commonwealth also serves as an example of the shortcomings of America’s health insurance system. George said that more than 519,000 workers in Pennsylvania have no health care coverage. “We went from 73 percent of (workers being covered by) employer-based health care in Pennsylvania, primarily because of collective bargaining, down to 58 percent,” he declared. “This battle against us isn’t really about how we handle health care. Eliminating health care at the workplace is the objective of Wall Street. It’s the objective of corporate people; it’s the objective of those stocks and dividends to control our health care system.” George concluded by stating that health insurance – including the tens of millions of uninsured Americans – stands as “an economic issue in addition to a moral issue.” He also said enactment of the EFCA is imperative to labor’s survival. “I’ve been a part of a lot of cutting-edge organizations and I’m here to emphatically say, after 30-some years’ experience, the safest operations are the ones that are most cost-effective, and they’re the ones with the best schedules. It is absolutely proven,” Miller stated. “It pays, and even if you don’t believe that, it’s the right thing and the moral thing to do for us to protect our brothers and sisters.” He encouraged union officials to “make it personal” with the rank-and-file membership when it comes to job safety. For instance, he described a way to drive home the point that when workers don’t strictly adhere to safe practices, they risk missing out on those things most important to them. Specifically, he suggested having individuals make a list of the “big five things that you treasure…. Those five things are like a bank where you put currency. When you cut corners, you’re making a withdrawal. When you do things safely, you’re making a deposit.” Lastly, Miller explained the ongoing need for cooperation throughout the maritime industry. He pointed out that shipboard jobs of course depend in part on shipbuilding companies. “This might be very obvious, but we’re all fighting to preserve our market, trySee Maritime Executives, Page 14 Mootivated...Trrained...Deedicated October 2009 Seafarers LOG 11 �56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:11 PM Page 12 Maritime Trades Depa D elegates to the 2009 Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Convention urged Congress and the administration to back a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. They also called for support of workers’ rights, including enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act. The convention’s theme – reflected in the image at left – was “Motivated, Trained, Dedicated.” MTD President Michael Sacco chaired the conference, which took place Sept. 10-11 in Pittsburgh. The MTD consists of 23 affiliated national and international unions representing more than five million members and a network of 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada. The main purpose of the MTD is to stand up for the working people in affiliated unions representing workers in the maritime and allied fields. In this issue of the LOG, convention coverage is included on pages 1, 2, 3 and 9-14. Many delegates and guests are pictured here on pages 12-13. David Heindel, Sec.-Treasurer, Seafarers and Hanafi Rustandi, President, Indonesian Seafarers Union George Tricker VP Contracts Seafarers John Spadaro National Director UIW Dean Corgey VP Gulf Coast Seafarers Roman Gralewicz President SIU of Canada James Williams General President Painters Tom Bethel President AMO Don Keefe President MEBA Kermett Mangram VP Gov’t Services Seafarers Richar Pre Tim Pre M Nick Marrone VP West Coast Seafarers Taking their Oaths of Office Taking the oath of office following the MTD elections on Sept. 10 are (from left) MTD Vice President Scott Winter, President Michael Sacco and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. 12 Seafarers LOG Michel Desjardins Executive VP SIU of Canada Dan Kane Sec.-Treasurer Mine Workers David Durkee Sec.-Treasurer BCTGM Bonnie Heraty Sec.-Treasurer Chicago Port Council John Brenton Sec.-Treasurer ITPE Ron Krochmalny President Michigan Port Council October 2009 V �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:22 PM Page 13 epartment Convention Richard Hughes President ILA Robert Scardelletti President TCU John Ryan President GMP Joseph Hunt President Iron Workers Mark Spano President Novelty Workers MTD President Michael Sacco presents a ship’s wheel to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, joined by his wife, Maureen. MTD Honors John Sweeney Gunnar Lundeberg President SUP Tim Brown President MM&P e st Tom Orzechowski VP Great Lakes Seafarers Ralph Maly Vice President CWA Anthony Poplawski President MFOW Joseph Soresi VP Atlantic Coast Seafarers Warren Mart Sec.-Treasurer IAM Chico McGill Business Manager IBEW October 2009 Chester Wheeler Asst. VP Seafarers John Bowers President Emeritus ILA Father Sinclair Oubre President Apostleship of Sea/U.S. Peter Gorman Chief of Staff IAFF Augie Tellez Exec. VP Seafarers Bill Lucy Sec.-Treasurer AFSCME The MTD honored retiring AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at the department’s 2009 convention. As planned, Sweeney stepped down from office the following week, during the AFL-CIO convention. He served as head of the federation since 1995. “All of us in labor know you have held a steady hand on the wheel during your tenure as president,” SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco told Sweeney. On behalf of the MTD, he then presented Sweeney with a ship’s wheel. The inscription on the wheel reads: “Congratulations on a job exceptionally well done. Buoyed by your skilled guidance, the labor movement remains on course.” Moments earlier, Sweeney told the convention delegates and guests, “I’m often asked about my impending retirement, and I know you understand my answer when I say you don’t retire from your life. Yes, I’m stepping down as president of the AFL-CIO and looking forward to the new leadership of the AFL-CIO. But I’m stepping up into a new role I call ‘labor warrior at large,’ and I’m not going to let up for a minute…. I will do everything I can to support the movement.” Desiree Gralewicz, Sec.-Treasurer, SIU of Canada and Catina Sicoli, Comptroller, SIU of Canada Ambrose Cucinotta Asst. VP Seafarers Nick Celona Asst. VP Seafarers Jim McGee Asst. VP Seafarers Dewey Garland Director, Railroad And Shipyard Dept. SMWIA Walter Wise General Treasurer Iron Workers Bryan Powell Asst. VP Seafarers Archie Ware Asst. VP Seafarers Seafarers LOG 13 �56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:12 PM Page 14 ★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ Maritime Executives Reflect on State of Industry Continued from Page 11 ing to preserve the Jones Act,” Miller said, referring to the law that requires that goods moving between domestic ports be carried aboard vessels that are crewed, flagged, built and owned American. “There are three legs to that stool,” he continued. “There are the owners, labor and the suppliers in the yards. All of us have different challenges and different issues…. If you look at any breakdown on a project, on an industry or an effort, you’ll find that if one of these legs of this three-legged stool isn’t clicking, it’s hurting or dragging with the other ones. So, we are uniquely linked to each other as shipbuilders, unions, shipowners, clients, end users. We have to work together.” Weakley opened with a variation of a quote often used by MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco when he said, “Quality of life comes down to three things: jobs, jobs, jobs.” He gave a detailed description of what he called “the perfect storm that the maritime industry faces today.” The components include a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency involving air emissions; ballast water and invasive species; the ongoing dredging crisis; and the recession. Dredging, especially on the Lakes, is an ongoing issue. Weakley said the “end result of a lack of maintaining our waterways is the impact on vessel-carrying capacity, a system that’s just not as efficient as it should be – ironically, a system that’s paid for the by Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.” Other consequences include “attacks on shippers and cargo, and last but certainly not least, the inability to keep our harbors open and as efficient as they should be.” Illustrating some of what he called “catastrophic costs,” Weakley pointed out that for “every single inch on the Great Lakes that we lose in water (because of a lack of dredging), our fleet gives up 8,000 tons of cargo on the dock. That’s enough cargo to make 6,000 automobiles, to power the Detroit area with clean coal for electricity for three hours, or to build 24 homes. Over the course of a season – a nine-month season for us on the Great Lakes – a single ship, a thousand-footer leaves over 400,000 tons of cargo at the dock. [That equals] wasted effort, inefficiencies that we can’t afford as a nation.” Weakley said one of the main concerns about ballast water and combating invasive species is that “one solution does not fit all ships. The current situation is the federal government recently proposed standards. Many of the states have their own standards and states demand more, and environmental groups seem to continually demand more and more and never seem to be satisfied. But they seem to be effective at getting their way.” On this point, consequences could include many millions of dollars in expenses for ships to install treatment systems. Turning his attention to an EPA regulatory announcement, Weakley said, “Let me show you how easy it is to exterminate hundreds and perhaps thousands of jobs. It’s what I call administrative extermination. It’s buried literally on page 88 of a 160-page document that the EPA recently released. One sen- James Weakley President Lake Carriers’ Association Jim Miller President Aker Philadelphia Shipyard tence. The text clarifies that “the EPA requirements generally apply to internal waters, such as the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes, that can be accessed by oceangoing vessels.’ With this single sentence, they are applying a standard that was designed for oceangoing ships in international waters to ships that sail exclusively on the Great Lakes.” The antidotes, Weakley said, include education, communications, political action and “hope. We need a little hope, and we need the ability to make sure that we can survive the perfect storm. “Let me be perfectly clear on this point,” he concluded. “Without you, without these delegates, there is no steamship left on the Great Lakes. There may not be a laker fleet left on the Great Lakes. We need labor and management working together to educate the decision-makers in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.” Mootivated...Trrained...Deedicated Newly elected AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka (seventh from left) is congratulated by SIU President Michael Sacco (ninth from left) and other officials. Pictured from left to right are AMO Sec.-Treasurer Jose Leonard, SIU VPs Joseph Soresi and Tom Orzechowski, SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Trumka, SIU VP Dean Corgey, Sacco, SIU VP Kermett Mangram, MTD Exec. Sec.-Treasurer Frank Pecquex and MFOW President Anthony Poplawski. SIU President Michael Sacco, who also is a vice president of the AFL-CIO, conducts the federation’s election in Pittsburgh. Trumka Pledges Federation’s Recommittment to Diversity Continued from Page 5 of actions demonstrating how her leadership is creating what AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney called a “pro-Labor Department”: ■ Hiring more Wage and Hour Division and safety inspectors to boost levels. ■ Providing nearly $800 million to help offer training for good jobs as part of the economic stimulus funds. ■ Showing strong support for project labor agreements that ensure workers on federal construction projects are paid decent wages. Her goal as labor secretary, Solis said, is to create 14 Seafarers LOG good jobs for everyone. “Jobs that support a family by increasing incomes and narrowing the wage gap; jobs that are safe and secure, and give people a voice in the workplace through the right to organize and bargain collectively; jobs that are sustainable—like green jobs–that export products, not paychecks. And jobs that rebuild a strong economy.” AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Trumka during his address to the convention said that the union movement is becoming more diverse and the new leadership of the AFL-CIO is committed to working harder to reach out to young workers, people of color, women and other groups. The federation’s commitment to diversity is on its way to becoming a reality, he said. “I’m here to tell you that we must change,” Trumka said. “That is why we’re seeking out and encouraging young people, people of color, people of all backgrounds and beliefs and sexual orientation. These are the labor leaders of tomorrow.” Trumka pledged the AFL-CIO will recommit to embracing diversity at every level. He credited Sweeney for his commitment and leadership to create more diversity in the union movement. “John always has been inclusive,” Trumka said. “Under his watch our movement has grown more diverse. We salute him for his caring spirit and dogged determination to defend workers at every station.” October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:53 PM Page 15 Log-a-Rhyt hm Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Tankerman August 16, 2009 - Sptember 15, 2009 I’m a tankerman, down to the core Pumped all the tankships, Valdez to Bangor The product? No matter, I’ve seen them before Aviation, jet fuel, diesel and more. We’d go ’round the clock, hungry tanks sucking in All of our product, going out going in The oil ports scattered, in bayous and bays Pipelines, refineries, filled up our days. That’s all in the past now and memories abide Of Houston and Bayway, trips on the side Being retired, pumping gas in my truck Gallons not barrels, what incredible luck! By Harry T. Scholer SIU AB/Tankerman AMO Barge Captain (Ret.) Personal To Jon Kelly: Please contact Jason Forbes via email at USSHICKS@AOL.COM November & December 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point.........................Monday: November 2, December 7 Algonac ...............................Friday: November 6, December 11 Baltimore........................Thursday: November 5, December 10 Guam............................Thursday: November 19, December 24 Honolulu...........................Friday: November 13, December 18 Houston.............................Monday: November 9, December 14 Total Registered Class A Class B Class C Mobile.....Thursday, November 12*, Wednesday, December 16 New Orleans.......................Tuesday: November 10, December 15 New York...........................Tuesday: November 3, December 8 Norfolk...........................Thursday: November 5, December 10 Oakland ....................... Thursday: November 12, December 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: November 4, December 9 Port Everglades ............Thursday: November 12, December 17 San Juan .........................Thursday: November 5, December 10 St. Louis ..........................Friday: November 13 , December 18 Tacoma.............Friday: November 20, Monday December 28* Wilmington........................Monday: November 16, December 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. October 2009 Trip Reliefs Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 15 0 5 13 0 7 62 23 2 11 11 44 18 25 3 0 9 24 3 28 303 8 4 2 19 4 7 29 25 13 10 4 17 21 9 5 1 11 19 2 25 235 Deck Department 2 15 6 0 0 3 1 7 3 5 11 10 1 2 2 0 7 5 3 49 18 5 17 6 0 1 9 1 10 4 2 7 2 6 32 10 4 14 18 4 20 8 0 5 5 2 0 1 1 9 4 0 22 20 0 0 3 4 11 11 41 239 148 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 2 3 0 0 6 1 2 0 0 22 1 1 3 6 0 0 18 10 0 0 1 14 4 10 3 0 5 9 1 5 91 19 2 11 27 2 19 95 61 5 27 28 87 45 47 7 0 11 61 4 62 620 20 8 8 22 6 12 54 45 10 12 16 40 50 25 10 4 20 30 12 58 462 2 0 0 12 1 0 6 10 3 1 4 16 15 6 1 3 2 4 1 6 93 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 0 5 8 1 9 9 21 1 6 5 12 7 11 2 1 1 15 1 10 129 2 1 5 5 3 3 14 11 2 4 2 13 17 5 0 3 3 16 4 7 120 Engine Department 3 5 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 3 2 1 0 4 0 8 2 1 12 12 0 12 10 2 2 1 0 5 3 0 2 0 2 8 5 1 8 10 1 11 6 0 1 3 0 0 2 0 3 1 1 12 9 1 0 1 0 3 5 14 98 80 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 10 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 7 0 0 0 3 5 6 1 0 0 10 0 5 45 3 0 5 19 1 12 27 33 0 18 13 32 18 18 6 1 10 28 3 32 279 4 4 5 14 3 6 30 27 2 8 5 29 43 12 2 4 6 30 4 24 262 1 0 0 2 0 2 3 5 2 0 0 4 2 6 0 0 0 2 1 2 32 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 0 3 3 1 7 22 11 0 3 9 22 13 17 1 4 1 18 2 27 168 5 0 3 5 2 3 5 4 1 2 1 5 9 2 2 0 0 3 1 0 53 Steward Department 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 2 0 6 5 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 25 2 0 12 4 1 0 1 0 5 1 0 3 1 1 20 1 0 9 9 0 11 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 0 2 11 8 1 1 1 2 12 1 10 128 47 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 0 0 1 6 0 1 7 4 0 1 1 10 4 5 0 0 0 3 0 8 51 6 0 2 10 3 23 44 24 3 6 12 39 22 32 5 7 2 30 2 58 330 4 0 3 10 5 6 17 8 0 5 2 14 20 16 1 0 2 8 2 6 129 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 2 0 11 24 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 2 4 3 0 0 1 10 0 4 0 0 1 9 0 5 42 13 4 1 2 0 6 6 19 5 6 0 22 17 15 2 6 1 10 1 11 147 Entry Department 3 1 10 0 0 1 2 0 3 7 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 3 11 6 2 8 1 0 4 2 0 5 4 3 4 8 3 15 11 0 7 9 3 8 1 0 0 19 0 6 0 0 0 2 4 12 0 0 0 5 0 2 82 21 101 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 2 5 4 0 24 0 0 0 1 46 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 6 0 1 17 2 0 2 0 0 3 11 6 1 2 1 16 0 4 0 0 2 12 0 8 70 18 5 6 11 2 16 42 43 5 10 3 63 40 32 3 3 3 24 3 37 369 8 1 6 16 2 9 15 26 1 8 8 21 26 22 2 12 0 4 1 30 218 TOTALS ALL DEPARTMENTS 642 147 83 204 1,222 367 * Mobile change created by Veterans’ Day holiday * Tacoma change created by Christmas Day holiday 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 Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Jacksonville....................Thursday: November 5, December 10 Joliet.............................Thursday: November 12, December 17 Total Shipped Class A Class B 555 486 376 1,299 Seafarers LOG 15 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:57 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 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 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Inquir ing Seaf arer Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was posed to members in Wilmington, Calif., and Piney Point, Md. my kids to college. The SIU has provided me with great insurance and the ability to have a decent life. Question: What do you see as some of the advantages of SIU membership? Roger L. Mosley, Chief Steward (Wilmington) I have been shipping for 27 years. The SIU has allowed me to have the benefits to raise my children and family, pay for my house and provide education for my children. I started as a messman in 1987 out of the job corps. All the teachers were SIU seamen. Teddy Alanano, Recertified Bosun (Wilmington) I have been with the SIU for 30 years. I have been able to provide my family with housing and send Charles A. Herrera, AB (Wilmington) An advantage to being a member in the SIU is being able to attend the Paul Hall Center, learn applicable skills, upgrade and increase one’s earning power. Mark Wertz, QMED (Piney Point) Joining the SIU through the veterans’ program is the best thing I ever did. There’s no place else you can go to and receive this type of training for advancement in a career. I was in the military and had other jobs, and not one will take their members or employees and train them like this. The opportunity for advancement is there if you want it. I don’t consider this a job, I consider it a career. Maude Solomon, SA (Piney Point) The great benefits and travel around the world, and also the benefit for children through education and scholarships. Good pension. Pics-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 These photos were submitted by Pensioner Charles Crafford who retired as an able seaman. In the photo above, Crafford is pictured in the early 1940s as a student while attending school in Sheepshead Bay, N.Y. He is dressed in what then was called a “monkey suit.” The photo at top right, according to Crafford’s best recollection, was taken in 1947 aboard a Liberty Ship in India. In this photo, he (rear right) poses with some of his shipmates while underway at sea. Crafford (left in photo at bottom right) joins another group of shipmates during another Liberty Ship voyage in 1945. 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 October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:32 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 was on the APL Thailand. He calls Chicago home. STYLIANOS FABRITSIS Brother Stylianos Fabritsis, 65, joined the union in 1972. He initially sailed on the Bradford Island. Brother Fabritsis was born in Greece and shipped in the deck department. He frequently visited the Pall Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Fabritsis’ final ship was the Philadelphia Express. He resides in Galena Park, Texas. ANGELITO FRANCISCO Brother Angelito Francisco, 65, became an SIU member in 1978. His first ship was the Overseas Juneau; his last the Overseas Washington. Brother Francisco attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The engine department member was born in the Philippines and now lives in California. LUIS FUENTES Brother Luis Fuentes, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Kent. Brother Fuentes, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Puerto Rico. He upgraded on three occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fuentes was last employed on the Sealift Arabian Sea. He makes his home in Bronx, N.Y. MANUEL HOLGUIN Brother Manuel Holguin, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1969 in the port of New York. He originally shipped aboard the Newark. In 1975, Brother Holguin enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Holguin most recently sailed on the Nuevo San Juan. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. JOHN HOLTSCHLAG JR. Brother John Holtschlag, 66, joined the SIU ranks in 1985. His first vessel was the Galveston. Brother Holtschlag often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Quincy, Ill., and sailed in the steward department. Brother Holtschlag’s final voyage October 2009 MIKE MANEKAS Brother Mike Manekas, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 1965. He upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Manekas was born in Greece. His last ship was the Elizabeth. Brother Manekas resides in Old Bridge, N.J. OCTOVIANUS PARIAMA Brother Octovianus Pariama, 71, began sailing with the SIU in 1973 while in New York. He was initially employed aboard a Rye Marine Corporation vessel. Brother Pariama was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. His final trip was on the Green Lake. Brother Pariama sailed in the engine department and lives in New York. member was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Welsh’s final trip was on the Horizon Hawaii. He is a resident of Bensalem, Pa. FRANZ WINIKER Brother Franz Winiker, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1989. His first trip to sea was aboard the Independence; his last was aboard the Lt. Col.. John U. D. Page. Brother Winiker was born in Switzerland and worked in the steward department. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Winiker now calls Angeles City, Philippines, home. INLAND EDDY RAMIREZ BERNARD CAIRES Brother Eddy Ramirez, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. He became a union member in 1973 while in New York. Brother Ramirez’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the New Orleans. He worked in the steward department. Brother Ramirez’s most recent voyage was on the Horizon Pacific. He continues to make his home in Puerto Rico. Brother Bernard Caires, 65, started sailing with the union in 1981 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He was originally employed with Gloucester Fisherman. WILLIE TOOMER Brother Willie Toomer, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1997 in the port of San Francisco. He originally shipped aboard the Cape Breton as a member of the steward department. Brother Toomer often upgraded at the Piney Point school during his seafaring career. His most recent voyage was on the Lightning. Brother Toomer was born in New Orleans but settled in San Diego. CHARLES WELSH Brother Charles Welsh, 65, joined the union in 1988 while in the port of Philadelphia. He upgraded on numerous occasions at maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Welsh initially sailed aboard the USNS Wright. The engine department Brother Caires attended classes in 2004 at the Piney Point school. He was born in Massachusetts. Brother Caires most recently shipped in the deck department of a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. He makes his home in Cape Canaveral, Fla. GREAT LAKES YEHIA KAID Brother Yehia Kaid, 63, became a Seafarer in 1966 in the port of Detroit. He initially shipped on the G.A. Tomlinson as a member of the steward department. Brother Kaid was born in Yemen. He visited the SIU-affiliated school on three occasions to upgrade his abilities. Brother Kaid’s final trip was aboard the American Republic. He now resides in Dearborn, Mich. worked in the deck department. His first ship was the American Miller; his last the Export Freedom. Brother McFarlin lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. ROBERT SOUZA Brother Robert Souza, 65, donned the NMU colors in 1967, initially sailing from the port of Boston. His earliest voyage was with Perini Corporation as a member of the deck department. Brother Souza was born in Fall River, Mass. His final trip was aboard a Woods Hole Steamship Authority vessel. Brother Souza is a resident of Buzzards Bay, Mass. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION RODERICK MCFARLIN Brother Roderick McFarlin, 66, was born in Boston. He began shipping with the NMU in 1971 from the port of New York. Brother McFarlin Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1939 On Wednesday, October 2, 1939, at Savannah, Ga., delegates from the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes Districts met for the purpose of drafting a constitution for the Seafarers International Union. In addition to the basic constitution, issues to be voted on included the shipping rules, hospital and strike assessments and a constitutional amendment that provided that in order to become a member a man must be a citizen. The constitution was adopted by a vote of 1,225 in favor and 180 opposed. The votes on the constitutional amendment, the shipping rules and the assessments likewise carried by large majorities. the guarantee imperative. Unless it was enacted, he warned, the U.S. merchant fleet would continue to dwindle. 1964 The Seafarers International Union has called upon the Maritime Advisory Committee to denounce the use by American companies of ships registered in Panama, Liberia, and Honduras, and to recommend to the President, Congress and the appropriate government agencies a six-point program of action against these runaway flags. “The runaway operator,” the SIU asserted, “is a predatory parasite, roaming the seas in search of profligate profits, meanwhile preying on the more poorly paid peoples of other lands in the worst traditions of old-fashioned dollar imperialism and economic colonialism.” This Month In SIU History 1949 An SIU-backed bill to guarantee that 50 percent of the military supplies shipped to noncommunist nations will be shipped on American vessels, manned by American seamen, was passed in Congress last week. This is the second victory for the SIU this year in the legislative arena. Earlier this session, the battle waged by the union and other maritime organizations resulted in the passage of a law requiring the government to send at least 50 percent of Marshall Plan goods on American-flag ships. To promote that bill, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall warned the Congress that “the critical condition of the United States Merchant Marine” made 1984 The recent Navy J-LOTS exercises, conducted off the coast of Norfolk, Va., were an intensive test of the SIU’s Keystone State and her crew. The exercises were conducted continuously from Sept. 18 through Oct. 12, and the crews were on call 24 hours a day. The crane operators handled the cargo unloading operations in 12hour shifts, while the maintenance, QMEDs, engineers and oilers were on normal shifts plus overtime. The nine-man steward department prepared hot meals four times a day. The smoothness of the month-long exercises was attributed to the professionalism and cooperation of the entire crew. Seafarers LOG 17 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:35 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA THOMAS GATELY Brother Thomas Gately, 58, passed away June 21. He was born in Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Gately started shipping with the union in 1998 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He primarily sailed on the John McDonnell during his SIU career. Brother Gately was a member of the deck department. He continued to reside in his native state. EARL NEIDLINGER Pensioner Earl Neidlinger, 79, died May 9. Brother Neidlinger became a Seafarer in 1946. His first trip was with Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Neidlinger was born in Chatham, Ga., and worked in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he shipped on the Champion. Brother Neidlinger settled in Rincon, Ga. RYAN REEDY Brother Ryan Reedy, 34, passed away Dec. 10, 2007. He joined the SIU in 1992 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Reedy initially worked aboard the Sealift Antarctic. The engine department member was born in California. Brother Reedy’s last voyage was on the USNS Bruce Heezen. He made his home in Guam. WILLIAM SCOTT Brother William Scott, 43, died May 2. He first donned the SIU colors in 2000. Brother Scott’s first trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Boston; his last was aboard the PFC Eugene A. Obregon. He was born in New York and sailed in the deck department. Brother Scott was a 18 Seafarers LOG resident of Bronx, N.Y. FELIX SERRANO Pensioner Felix Serrano, 94, passed away June 10. Brother Serrano joined the SIU ranks in 1941 while in the port of New York. His earliest trip to sea was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Company vessel. Brother Serrano, a member of the deck department, was born in Puerto Rico. His final voyage took place on the San Juan. Brother Serrano became a pensioner in 1979 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. ZAINAL SIREGAR Brother Zainal Siregar, 64, died June 21. He was born in Indonesia. Brother Siregar signed on with the Seafarers in 1980. The deck department member originally sailed aboard the Galveston. Brother Siregar was last employed on the Freedom. He called Brooklyn, N.Y., home. EJVIND SORENSON Pensioner Ejvind Sorenson, 86, passed away June 26. Brother Sorenson began his seafaring career in 1944 while in Philadelphia. He initially worked with Mt. Vernon Tankers Corporation as a member of the steward department. Brother Sorenson was born in Denmark. Before retiring in 1985, he sailed aboard the Charleston. Brother Sorenson resided in Acworth, Ga. INLAND FRANK ARTHUR Pensioner Frank Arthur, 73, died June 21. Brother Arthur started sailing with the union in 1969. He first sailed with Steuart Transportation. Brother Arthur was born in Virginia and shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on a Piney Point Transportation vessel. Brother Arthur was a resident of Denton, Md., and went on pension in 1998. LEON BASINGER Pensioner Leon Basinger, 84, passed away June 26. Brother Basinger, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the SIU in 1958 from the port of New Orleans. He primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. Brother Basinger retired in 1985 and was a resident of his native state, Louisiana. ELMER MURRELL Pensioner Elmer Murrell, 76, died March 7. Brother Murrell first donned the SIU colors in 1951. He initially worked with Colonial Steamship Company. Brother Murrell’s final trip to sea was on an Allied Towing vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1996 and settled in Leland, N.C. CLARK KING Pensioner Clark King, 74, passed away June 12. Brother King was born in Michigan. He joined the union in 1961. Brother King first shipped on a Merritt Chapman & Scott vessel. He was a deck department member. Prior to his retirement in 1998, Brother King sailed aboard an OLS Transport Ltd. vessel. He continued to make his home in Michigan. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. LOUIS CIPOLLA Pensioner Louis Cipolla, 81, passed away May 25. Brother Cipolla sailed with the NMU for 38 years. He was born in Smith, Pa., but called Chicora, Pa., home. Brother Cipolla went on pension in 1983. GLYNDON DUCKWORTH Pensioner Glyndon Duckworth, 84, died May 11. Brother Duckworth was a native of Maine. He became a pensioner in 1971 and settled in Baltimore. GERALD HARMON Pensioner Gerald Harmon, 81, passed away March 18. Brother Harmon began his maritime career in 1944. The deck department member was born in Washington State. Brother Harmon retired in 1980. He was a resident of California. CLAUDIO JOHNSON Pensioner Claudio Johnson, 82, died May 31. Brother Johnson was born in Honduras. He went on pension in 1971. Brother Johnson lived in New York. JOSEPH MATELSKI Pensioner Joseph Matelski, 84, passed away May 16. Brother Matelski was born in Edwardsville, Pa. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1968 and continued to reside in Pennsylvania. Brooklyn, N.Y., and continued to call New York home. Brother Peterson became a pensioner in 1970. JAMES STANLEY Pensioner James Stanley, 86, passed away May 27. Brother Stanley worked in the engine department. He was a native of Chickasaw, Ala. Brother Stanley retired in 1988 and resided in Biloxi, Miss. JUAN SOLIS Pensioner Juan Solis, 86, died April 16. Brother Solis was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1984 and settled in Bronx, N.Y. Name Age Alvarado, Ismael 85 Angarita, Rogelio 100 DOD May 21 May 1 Brown, Charlie 85 May 28 Bryant, Frank 85 May 3 Burdick, Robert 88 May 12 Calhoun, Lloyd 82 March 16 Cirlos, Benito 81 April 18 Cox, Albert 67 May 17 Diaz, John 75 April 2 Knight, Lethirre 76 May 25 Ocampo, Bernardo 83 May 21 Olan, Jose 74 May 6 Petitt, John 81 May 12 Robinson, Lawyer 83 May 29 Watson, Charles May 30 69 FREDRICK PETERSON Pensioner Fredrick Peterson, 87, died May 17. Brother Peterson was a U.S. Army veteran. He was born in October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 2:35 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), July 25 – Chairman Billy G. Hill Sr., Secretary Patricia A. Sullivan, Educational Director Carlos Dominguez, Engine Delegate Bernard A. Smalls, Steward Delegate Allen N. Von Buren. Chairman reported proactive steps had been taken to deter piracy, particularly during the Middle East portion of the voyage. Crew members appreciated those efforts. Secretary asked those getting off vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. She also suggested members check dryer vent for potential fire prevention. Captain Kummernes requested that crew members not wear work shoes in the house. Educational director talked about the importance of reading the Seafarers LOG to stay informed on issues affecting the maritime industry. He advised seamen to take advantage of the Piney Point school to enhance their skills. Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported outstanding meals throughout voyage. JOHN J. BOLAND (American Steamship Company), July 21 – Chairman Paul S. Gohs, Secretary Khaled M. Alasaadi, Educational Director Terrance A. Pyrlik. Chairman informed members who had their TWIC card issued before October 2008 that they will need to know their PIN. Weingarten Rights were explained to crew and information booklet was placed in recreation room. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to gain additional training and to increase their employment options. Treasurer noted $750 in satellite fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members voted to each contribute to the satellite TV fund. Crew requested seniority list be sent to the vessel. The importance of eye safety was stressed. Crew members must wear goggles when paint is being chipped and when using power washer. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, Limited), July 26 – Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Rachael C. Figueiredo, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji. Bosun stated payoff to take place in Newark, N.J., on Aug. 3. He reported a great crew and smooth trip. Mariners were reminded to clean lint filter in dryers and leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director urged seamen to take advantage of Piney Point school to enhance October 2009 their skills. Treasurer reported $3,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that ice machine and coffee machine need to be fixed or replaced. Motion was made to increase retirement benefits. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, Va. ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS (Maersk Line, Limited), Aug. 9 – Chairman David Campbell, Secretary Rudolph Daniels, Educational Director Roger L. Dillinger Jr., Deck Delegate Russell D. Haynes, Engine Delegate Malachi L. Tannis, Steward Delegate Vincent Chavez. Chairman noted the Seafarers LOGs were received and distributed at the start of voyage. He reported crew did an excellent job on piracy prevention, standing watches and following Maersk policy. He announced payoff on Aug. 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the union-affiliated school has to offer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase pension benefits and lower seatime requirements for pension. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for great food. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., Charleston, S.C., Wilmington, Del. and Portsmouth, Va. EAGLE (Maersk Line, Limited), Aug. 16 – Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Ronald M. Pheneuf, Deck Delegate Doug Hodges, Engine Delegate Daryl D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Maria Garcia. Chairman discussed dress code, FEMA emergency leave and computer/email time sharing. He also discussed other shipboard protocol. Secretary stated stores would be received in Houston and thanked fellow mariners for helping keep ship clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made concerning cleaning penalty time and next contract. Motion was made concerning engine-department OT. Second dryer hook-up is in progress. Crew would like satellite and internet service for everyone. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Houston, Mobile, Ala. and Norfolk, Va. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Aug. 10 – Chairman Christopher K. Pompel, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Jess Cooper, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas. Chairman reported payoff August 10 in Tacoma, Wash. He advised Seafarers to keep all necessary shipping documents, tests and drug screening up-to-date. Secretary expressed 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 the Job at Harley Marine Safety Director Mark Von Siegel submitted these recent photos of SIU members at Harley Marine NY in Port Elizabeth, N.J. Seafarers at Harley Marine NY provide tug and barge service in New York Harbor, including bunkering. Mate Marcos Velez operates the 73.5-foot tug St. Andrews, pushing a barge. AB/Deckhand Jack Sica and Barge Captains Raymond Churchill and Rexford Nunemaker tie up a barge to a vessel. Seafarers move the 308-foot barge Chrestensen Sea closer to their targeted job. gratitude for help keeping public areas neat. He spoke about communication with the Tacoma hall and it was reported that having a discharge was not necessarily enough to work in a specific rating. You must have completed the applicable course or courses and certification as well. Bottom line: Don’t put off upgrading. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade language skills and reminded them of opportunities to earn associate or bachelor’s degree at maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded crew of scholarship grants that are available to Seafarers and their dependents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers were asked to be considerate about what items are put in the dryer at night and to keep lint trap clean to avoid a fire hazard. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska and Kodiak, Alaska. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), Aug. 9 – Chairman James L. Joyce Jr., Secretary Osvaldo Ramos, Deck Delegate Kadir P. Amat, Engine Delegate Abdulnaser K. Saeed, Steward Delegate Jerry E. Stuart. Bosun thanked crew members for working well together and urged them Engineer James Mulhern, AB/Deckhand Jack Sica, Capt. Jess Canterbury and Mate Marcos Velez are pictured aboard the tugboat St. Andrews. to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills whenever possible at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new DVD player and satellite radio. Steward department was thanked for hard work and a clean ship. RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), Aug. 9 – Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Milton J. Sivells, Educational Director Paul M. Titus. Chairman announced payoff on Aug. 14 in Charleston, S.C. He asked those departing vessel to leave rooms clean for next crew. He thanked everyone for “good work and safety awareness.” Educational director recommended all mariners enhance their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like new treadmill. The need was expressed for heaters and fans in rooms. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next port: Charleston, S.C. USNS LAWRENCE GIANELLA (Ocean Shipholdings), Aug. 9 – Chairman Bernardino R. Eda, Secretary Karl E. Meyer, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips. Chairman reminded crew to keep track of their overtime and compare it to vouchers. Non-illness bonus voucher to be given at payoff, after 120 days accumulated, turn it in with vacation check application. He discussed importance of filing renewals for all necessary seafaring documents in advance so you don’t get left on the beach. Crew was asked to be courteous to fellow shipmates and limit time on satellite phone to 10 minutes. Secretary asked all departing crew to clean their rooms and leave keys and fresh linen for reliefs. He thanked Chief Cook Mario Fernandez for a job well done feeding crew. Steward assistants and DEU were thanked for keeping house clean. Educational director talked about upgrading at the Piney Point school. He stated in light of rough economy, don’t just rely on your current endorsement to keep you employed. Instead, increase your expertise. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship’s itinerary was discussed and request was made for new furniture in crew lounge. AB asked fellow crew members to be courteous and not slam doors in passageways as off-duty watchstanders sleep. Seafarers LOG 19 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:40 PM Page 20 Pictured from left to right are boatmen from the Crowley tug Resolve: Capt. John Callaway, AB Sean Walker, CM Roger Stanus and A/E Stephen Jones. Newly retired Chief Electrician Oswald Bermeo (center) recently stopped by the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to pick up his first pension check. His wife, Ana, accompanied him. Safety Director Kevin Marchand (right) congratulated Bermeo on the milestone. The Overseas Houston crew includes (from left) SA Mohamed Ahmed, Chief Cook Abdullah Falah, Recertified Steward William Burdette and Recertified Bosun Lawrence Zepeda. With Seafarers in Florida Crane Maintenance Electricians working at GFC Crane Consultants include Seafarers (from left) Peter Baranowski, Dale Janssen and Brian Wilder. SA Emmanuel De Gracia (right) receives his full union book from Patrolman Brian Guiry at the Jacksonville, Fla., hall 2nd Mate Mark Bailey (left) picks up his first pension check at the Jacksonville hall, where he is greeted by Patrolman Brian Guiry. Chief Electrician Michael Papaioannou proudly displays his A-seniority book after acquiring it in Jacksonville. 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: 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 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. 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. October 2009 �56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:16 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 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 Medical Care Provider December 14 December 18 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 September 21. Deck Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 12 November 6 ARPA November 16 November 20 Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 Government Vessels November 16 November 20 Radar November 2 November 13 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS)October 19 October 30 Engine Upgrading Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) November 9 December 4 FOWT October 12 November 6 Marine Electrician October 26 December 18 Pumpman October 5 October 16 Welding September 7 October 5 November 2 November 30 September 25 October 23 November 20 December 18 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Firefighting November 30 December 11 Basic Firefighting/STCW November 9 November 13 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. 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 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 ________________________________________________ October 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. 10/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:44 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Fourteen individuals completed their training in this 60-hour course June 12. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Malcolm Adams Jr., Shawn Bising, David Chavez, Daniel Conner, Andrew Gronotte, Kevin Hanmont, Nita Holly, Ricky Howard, Boyko Kovaichev, Amin Mohamed, Jeremy Salas, Sutthipong Ticer, Antoine White and Matthew Wiese. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Seven upgraders on July 24 completed this 24-hour course. Those graduating, above, in alphabetical order, were: Alfred Drake, Owen Gallagher, Geoffrey Gavigan, Steven Haver, Christopher Paul, James Robinson and Troy Tadlock. Their instructor, Mike Roberts, is at left. Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting – Four individuals on July 31 completed training in this 41-hour course. Those graduating, above, in alphabetical order, were: Joseph Matte, Richard Saunders, Mark Turner and Joseph Weller. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at left. Fast Rescue Boat – The following mariners (above, in alphabetical order) on Aug. 21 completed this 30-hour course: Marie Acosta, William Dowzicky, Ernie Frank, Felix Garcia, Rick James, Kjell Liadal and James Tyson. Their instructor, Stan Beck is standing third from left. Welding – The following Seafarers, above, in alphabetical order, completed this 103-hour course July 24: Daniel Chisom-Coffey, Bryan Clark, Joel Encarnacion, Arthur Kately, Emilio Ordaniel, Ronaldo Quinones and Lamont Robinson. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is standing fourth from left. Medical Care Provider – Ten upgraders completed this course on September 4. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Daniel Avery, Jose Boza, Helbert Esquivel, Nat Lamb, Raymond Maldonado, Karl Mayhew, Robert Ott, Paublito Ramos-Ortiz, Travis Rose and Aaron Wood. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at right. STOS – Nine Seafarers on Sept. 4 finished this 70-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Oheneba Ackon, Ali Ali, Angelito Basa, Kenneth Benton, Noel Coralde, Fethanegesi Demor, Nathaniel Rana, Salahuddin Saleh and Dannal Williams. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG ARPA - Four upgraders completed this course on July 24. Graduating (above, from left) were: Carron Richardson, Rafael Linila, William Johnson and Cesar Runatay. Their instructor, Stacy McNeily, is at right. October 2009 �56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:44 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Nineteen Seafarers on Aug. 7 completed their training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Marie Acosta, Noli Aguirre, Leonard Ajoste, William Bolden, Donato Camandang, Noel Coralde, Desiree Crockett, Virgilio Demegillo, Koksal Demir, Joel Encarnacion, DeCarlo Harris, Everett Henry, Bryan Maddox, Emilio Ordaneil, John Parkuhrst, Bernabe Pelingon, Stephen Roell, Gerard Rogers and Rodolfo Vecino. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is at left. Inland DDE Test Prep – Four individuals on Sept. 4 graduated from this course. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Dallas Hemmenway, Joseph Matte, Art Schwendemen and Joseph Wellez. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at right. BAPO –Thirteen upgraders and Phase III apprentices on Aug. 14 completed their GMDSS – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on Aug. 7 completed their training requirements in this course: Alfred Drake, Felix Garcia, William Johnson, Rafael Lanila, Karl Mayhew, Charles Mull, Christopher Paul, Korron Richardson, James Robinson and Troy Tadlock. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is at left. STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The above individuals (pictured in no particular order) on Aug. 1 graduated from this course at the Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Kirsten Lindsay, Edwin Menes, Kyle Davis, Mitchell Maggin, Tchafikah Buissereth, Krystal Sanchez, Maria Ochensius, Steven Donohue, Cynthia Salazar, Philip Sandoval, Javonte Smith, Christopher Mims and Erica Robinson. requirements for graduation from this 140-hour course. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Brandy Baker-Days, Latiffe Brooks, Derrick Clark, Ricardo Fuentes, Kevin Hunt, Keith Jordan, Rafael Leon, Nicholas Pratt, Keven Reyes-Velez, Gary Richards, Danielle Smith, Jose Smith and Melvin Smith. Jay Henderson their instructor, is at far right STCW/BST (Hawaii) – Fourteen individuals on July 25 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Christopher Pritchett, James, Johnson, Adrian Szmigielski, Anthony Ang, Megan Bachant, Lisa Hyman, Sarah Ewing, Esin Yapa, Brian Kasper, Yoan Nieves, Zachary Harris, Austin Lamont, Andre Pines, and Jason Talbot. STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) comSTCW/BST (Hawaii) – Eight individuals completed training in this course Aug. 8 in Barbers Point, Hawaii. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Andrea Saltsgraver, Kyle Blair, Derek Johansen, Jennifer Geib, Elena Koriavaya, Sotirios Goutzoulis, Catherin Corby and Victor Lopez. October 2009 pleted this course July 18 at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Angela Bollie, Ryan Brown, Bryan Fishburn, Jose Guerra, Eric Hassard, Jeffery Hosaka, Hector Ramos, Hector Martinez, Cvijo Music, Angela Nichols, Kenneth Roth, Benjamin Tansel, Gudron Tucker, and Kourtney Wilson. Seafarers LOG 23 �56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:16 PM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 10 October 2009 Seafarers Volunteer For ‘Paint Tacoma’ 2009 - Page 6 Chief Cook Abdul Hasan Assorted cheeses, deviled eggs and cranberry aspic are on the menu. Good Feeder Horizon Kodiak Calls on … Kodiak These photos of the SIU-crewed Horizon Kodiak recently were submitted to the LOG as the vessel completed a port call in Kodiak, Alaska. Seafarers sailing aboard the containership not only may take advantage of the appealing menus offered by their fellow members from the galley gang, they also can “make room” for the next meal by utilizing the vessel’s well-equipped gym. The workout area was built and furnished last year through a joint effort by the unlicensed crew and officers aboard the ship. GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed QMED Ralph Thomas Scrumptious Bread Aboard Overseas Boston Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli sent these images of some stewarddepartment handiwork aboard the Overseas Boston. SA Abdulaziz Saleh, SREC Alan Hollinger AB Obaid Ali QEE Jess Cooper � 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 October 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NASSCO DELIVERS USNS WALLY SCHIRRA UNION-CONTRACTED ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS MAKES NOTEWORTHY STOP IN VIRGINIA LIBERTY PRIDE HOISTS STARS AND STRIPES MILITARY, GOV’T, INDUSTRY SPEAKERS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARITIME DELEGATES RE-ELECT MICHAEL SACCO AS MTD PRESIDENT MARAD ISSUES ANIT-PIRACY ADVISORY U.S., OTHER NATIONS SIGN ‘NEW YORK DECLARATION’ LIDINSKY TO CHAIR FMC HORIZON EXPANDS CONTAINER SERVICE, ADDS TAMPA STOP SEAFARERS-CONTRACTED COMPANY RECOGNIZED FOR RELIABILITY AFL-CIO CONVENTION INCLUDES MILESTONES TRUMKA ELECTED PRESIDENT; OBAMA PLEDGES SUPPORT OF EFCA SEAFARERS, TACOMA FAMILIES VOLUNTEER TO HELP NEIGHBORS MATSON, HORIZON LINES PARTICIPATE IN HONOLULU-BASED RESPONSE DRILL ITF OFFICIALS ASSIST EASTWIND CREWS INSPECTORS SECURE MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN BACK PAY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRAISE WORK OF U.S. MARINERS AMERICAN CREWS CITED AS VITAL TO NATIONAL, ECONOMIC SECURITY GOV. RENDELL, REP. PASTOR EMPHASIZE INFRASTRUCTURE LABOR LEADERS: NATION WILL BENEFIT FROM HEALTH CARE REFORM, EFCA WEAKLEY, MILLER SAY COOPERATION REMAINS KEY TO INDUSTRY’S HEALTH MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CONVENTION MTD HONORS JOHN SWEENEY GOOD FEEDER HORIZON KODIAK CALLS ON … KODIAK 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 10/01/2009 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. 10 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7ebf5ce86f3e76894953a47377d543a3.pdf 903b70cd67071ccac81facb4d3a8dfe4 PDF Text Text Volume 71, Number 11 November 2009 More New Vessels Enter Union-Contracted Fleet Tanker, Tugs Christened; ATB, T-AKE Ships to Come The steady addition of new tonnage into the SIU-crewed fleet continued with the recent launch of the double-hulled tanker Overseas Cascade (left), the christening of two new tugboats and more. Page 3 Jacksonville Move Set for November After 35 years on Liberty Street, the SIU this month is moving its Jacksonville, Fla., operations to a new location. The new union hall (left), located in the Belfort Park area of Jacksonville, is scheduled to open by mid-November. Page 2. Liberty Pride Arrives in U.S. In early October, the Seafarers-crewed Liberty Pride made its first United States port call. The car carrier, a recent addition to the SIU fleet, docked in Baltimore. Pictured aboard the vessel are (right photo, left to right) Bosun Glenn Christianson, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Recertified Steward Jim Battista and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, and (photo at bottom, from the left) Oiler Mark Merenda and AB Ryanne Wheeler. Page 24. Hands-On Training Remains Vital Part of Paul Hall Center Courses Practical training always has been an important part of many courses available at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Small-arms training (right) and marine electrician (left) are two of the dozens of Paul Hall Center classes that include hands-on instruction. Pages 12-13. SIU Crews Up Ships for ‘Turbo Activation’ Page 4 NDTA Honors Tom Crowley Page 5 Scholarship Info Page 14 �President’s Repor t Our Winning Formula As Seafarers know quite well, the maritime industry routinely sees its share of changes. This is true not only in the deep-sea fleet but also in the inland trades and on the Great Lakes. Whether it’s new shipboard equipment or new training or credentialing requirements, new routes or unusual cargoes, our industry, like others, doesn’t remain static. Still, whatever else happens in the industry, there are some basic elements that always stay vital to our union’s strength and our future. We have to supply qualified, productive, welltrained crews, no matter where they’re sailing or on what type of ships. We must be politically active, because maritime is so heavily regulated. Whenever possible and practical, we’ve got to work as partners with other entities from throughout the industry, whether they’re our Michael Sacco contracted operators, other unions, government agencies or the military. And we’ve got to do whatever it takes to help bring new tonnage into the American-flag, SIU-contracted fleet. Without new ships and tugs, without new dredges and ATBs, our future dries up. Fortunately, and despite the recession, in recent months we’ve been able to report a steady entry of new vessels. Some are outright gains while others are replacement ships. There’s a solid variety in their work, too. For instance, this month alone, we’re providing updates on new Jones Act tankers, ATBs, z-drive tugs and military support ships. The jobs that go along with those vessels cover the deep sea, inland and Government Services Division. Nobody builds new ships or tugboats without first feeling confident about the crews they’re going to hire. The military wouldn’t do it and private companies wouldn’t do it. That’s where we come in. By providing top-notch mariners, we help ensure the U.S. Merchant Marine’s future. By always delivering the cargo, wherever and whenever needed, whether it’s military or commercial, we do our part to reinforce the historic value and reliability of U.S. crews. By supporting efforts that protect pro-maritime laws and lead to new-build programs, we boost not only our own job security but the overall economic and national security of America. Of course, new tonnage doesn’t guarantee that we still won’t face plenty of challenges moving forward, but it does help give me great optimism for the SIU’s future. I hope our rank-and-file membership feels the same way, because you are the reason we have a bright future, no matter how rough the economy has been lately. Your professionalism, your dependability – and your patriotism – are a winning formula. On that note, I say keep up the great work and keep upgrading whenever possible. One other point related to this new tonnage. Much of it is sailing or will sail in what’s known as the Jones Act trades. For those of you new to the industry or otherwise unfamiliar with this law, the Jones Act requires that vessels sailing from one U.S. port to another be crewed, built, owned and flagged American. It is an absolute staple of the American-flag fleet. Unfortunately, it’s also a law regularly attacked by foreign-flag interests who want to sink us. Sometimes they’re sneaky, sometimes they’re bold, and usually they conveniently overlook the fact that dozens of other nations have similar laws because such regulations are simply good common sense. The bottom line is that the SIU continues to do our part to help defend the Jones Act, and we remain grateful for the Obama administration’s very strong support on this crucial issue. Without support from the administration, Congress and others, I can all but guarantee that many if not most of the “more new ships” stories eventually would disappear. We’re never going to let that happen. That is something to keep in mind when you’re asked to give some time in support of a pro-maritime political candidate, or when you’re considering participation in SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. Like it says on the old “Buy American” bumper sticker, the job you save may be your own. We must support those who back the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 71, Number 11 The photo directly above and the ones below the article show the new hall from different angles and some of the work being done to prepare for moving day. Jacksonville Move Remains on Schedule As planned, the union in mid-September finalized its purchase of a new hiring hall located in the Belfort Park area of Jacksonville, Fla. The SIU tentatively is scheduled to move its Jacksonville operations to 5100 Belfort Road by mid-November. “The new building already was in very good shape, but it needed a fresh coat of paint and some other touching up,” noted SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “This is a definite upgrade from the old facility.” Built in the year 2000, the new hall is spacious at 15,000 square feet. It is located in a well-developed business/industrial area and includes ample parking, with approximately 100 spaces (all paved). It sits on more than three acres of land. The union has occupied the old hall, located at 3315 Liberty Street, since 1974. That facility is roughly 13 miles from the new building. A number of Seafarers have checked out the new hall from the outside, and their reactions have been positive. For example, AB Mark Smith – an SIU member for more than 20 years – stated, “I think it looks nice. It looks like a good location and it’s a huge improvement with parking. Here (at the old hall), we sometimes have to park on dirt. With the new hall, there are restaurants nearby, a hotel right up the block. It should be convenient for a lot of the guys. Plus there are some nice windows, so it looks like you can sit in there and have some sun on you.” Once the move is completed, the new phone number for the hall will be (904) 281-2622 and the new fax number will be (904) 281-0841. November 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 November 2009 �Tanker, Tugs, ATBs Enter SIU Fleet Progress Continues in Government Services T-AKE Program U.S. Shipping’s newest ATB consists of the tug Corpus Christi (above) and the barge Petrochem Supplier (below). New tonnage continues to enter the SIU-contracted fleet, as reflected by several recent stories. At press time, Crowley Maritime Corporation was scheduled to christen an articulated tug-barge consisting of the tugboat Pride and the barge 650-7. That event was slated for Oct. 23 in New Orleans. Earlier last month, Seafarers in Galveston, Texas, welcomed two new state-of-the-art z-drive tugs: the Lexie M and the Hunter M. Those vessels are operated by Seafarers-contracted G&H Towing for owner Bay Houston Towing Co. On Sept. 27, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard launched the double-hulled tanker Overseas Cascade. That ship is the eighth in a series of 12 tankers operated by Overseas Shipholding Group. Additionally, on Oct. 12, the keel was laid for the tenth vessel in the Veteran-class series. Across the country, General Dynamics NASSCO reported continued progress in its Lewis and Clark-class series of dry cargo/ammunition ships (abbreviated as TAKE). In late September, word came from the San Diego shipyard that construction had begun on the USNS William McLean, the 12th of 14th planned T-AKE vessels. Two weeks later, the Navy announced that the 13th ship in the series would be named USNS Medgar Evers, in memory of a civil rights activist. Finally, although it happened with little fanfare, Seafarers earlier this year signed on aboard U.S. Shipping’s new ATB Corpus Christi. Following is some additional information about the aforementioned new builds: ● Crowley’s newest ATB is the 11th in a series of 17 such vessels operated by the company. The first ATB in this group was launched in 2002, while the final one is scheduled to sail in 2012. The tugboat Pride is 135 feet long. The barge 650-7 is 587 feet in length and has a cargo capacity of 185,000 barrels. Both were designed and built by Crowley’s technical services group at VT Halter. Crowley ATBs that either already are under construction or are scheduled to be built include the Achievement/650-8, Innovation/650-9, Vision/650-10, Legacy/750-1, Legend/750-2 and Liberty/750-3. The latter three ATBs will have capacity of 330,000 barrels apiece. ● The newest Bay Houston tugs were christened in a joint ceremony and signify 16 new jobs for SIU members. Each has 6,500 hp and is designed for heavy shiphandling and LNG work. The boats are named after descendents of Bay Houston Towing’s founder. ● The 46,000 dwt Overseas Cascade between launch and delivery will have shuttle tanker features installed for use in the Gulf of Mexico, according to union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Shuttle tankers carry crude oil from deepwater regions that don’t have pipelines. Jim Miller, president and CEO of the shipyard (and a See Assorted, Page 9 The Navy recently announced that a dry cargo/ammo ship will be named in memory of civil rights leader Medgar Evers (inset). The USNS Medgar Evers will be built at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. (U.S. Navy Illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay Chu) G&H Crews Approve Three-Year Contract SIU boatmen employed by G&H Towing recently approved a new three-year contract that maintains benefits and safe working conditions and preserves the crews’ seniority system. Voting ended on Sept. 30. The new agreement, which covers an estimated 200 members in Houston and other Texas ports, took effect Oct. 1 and lasts through September 2012. Representing the union during negotiations were Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, Patrolman Mike Russo, Captains Rodney Nix, Mark McGinnis and Mike Edwards and Chief Engineer Mike Batten. Bargaining committee members agreed that the negotiations reflected economic realities caused by the recession. “These were tough negotiations,” said McGee. “Everyone knows times are tough, and it was a challenge just to maintain what we already had in place. Our committee was excellent – the members worked hard and were diligent. They participated wholeheartedly in everything we did, including making some hard decisions that had to be made.” The rank-and-file members of the committee didn’t sugarcoat their opinions of the pact, but they also offered pragmatic views. Batten said the most important part of the new contract is “we’ve got everybody working. We’re in hard times and I really feel lucky that we all have jobs.” He said the agreement is “the best we could do in these times and it’s a sign of the times. In the end, [members] realize the best thing to do is get a contract for three years. I’m very proud of the guys for approving it. Hopefully the economy will turn around pretty soon.” Like Batten, Edwards has sailed with G&H for many years. This was his first time serving on a negotiating committee, and Edwards described it as “an eye-opening experience. “All said and done, it’s not the best time to be negotiating a contract,” he continued. “We didn’t lose anything. I’d have liked to have seen us get a little more, but overall it’s not as bad as it could have been. Overall, negotiations went fairly well, considering everything we were dealing with.” The contract maintains medical coverage for G&H boatmen and their dependents at the top level, known as CorePlus. It creates a new classification for relief engineer assistant and also increases the offshore meal allowance. It preserves a seniority system that the company wanted to change. Earlier this year, Seafarers employed by G&H Towing were honored in Houston by the U.S. Coast Guard for what the agency described as “their heroic efforts during Hurricane Ike.” Additionally, representatives from the SIU, G&H Towing and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education met at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., to continue developing new curriculum for boatmen and pilots. The, union, school and company are working together to help ensure that the Paul Hall Center’s simulators are as realistic as possible, in order to help increase efficiency while creating a safer environment for navigation. . November 2009 Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Comes Through in ‘Turbo Activation’ Union Helps Crew Up 11 RRF Vessels for Readiness Exercise The dedication, knowledge and expertise of a large contingent of Seafarers as well as staff members in the union’s Manpower Office were put to the test Sept. 24 during a no-notice turbo activation of U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAad) Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels. Directed by the Department of Defense, the activation took the form of a short-interval exercise that was designed to test the readiness of selected RRF vessels to be ready-for-sea. During such operations, vessels traditionally must be activated, crewed, provisioned and stored, complete all regulatory body requirements, conduct dock and sea trials, and report ready for Phase “O” operations within a specified time. This particular drill required the crewing of 11 MarAd RRF vessels located in five ports and operated by SIU-contracted Crowley Liner Services. “Everyone involved from the union—manpower office staffers, port personnel as well as rank-and-file Seafarers—did a masterful job responding to the activation,” said SIU Director of Manpower Bart Rogers. “One again they rose to the occasion as they always do.” According to Rogers, the ports filled 176 jobs in less than 48 hours. By the close of business Sept. 25, all jobs had been filled with qualified SIU members, he said. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker also commended all Seafarers involved for the fashion in which they responded to the activation. “The response our people exhibited is another example of their overall dedication to duty, knowledge and expertise,” Tricker said. “Results such as these are accomplished only through superior work habits and a genuine commitment to excellence.” The vessels activated and their respective ports were as follows: ■ Cape Isabel – Port of Long Beach, Calif. ■ Cape Island and Cape Intrepid – Port of Tacoma, Wash. ■ Cape Douglass, Cape Domingo, Cape Diamond, Cape Ducato and Cape Decision – Port of Jacksonville, Fla. ■ Cape Gibson – Port of Oakland, Calif. Meeting with Crowley Seafarers In late September, SIU President Michael Sacco (right in both photos) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (at podium) informally met with Seafarers from Crowley while the mariners were upgrading at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Among other topics, they discussed proposed health-care legislation, the importance of the Jones Act, the Obama administration’s solid backing of the U.S.-flag maritime industry and the ongoing need for grassroots political action by organized labor. ■ Cape Washington and Cape Wrath – Port of Baltimore. A management official from Crowley commended the SIU’s rank-and-file membership, personnel at union hiring halls and Manpower Office staff members for their collective efforts, noting: “The activation of 11 vessels is no small feat… Their patience, understanding and persistence allowed us to successfully meet all of the crewing obligations.” The RRF is a select group of vessels within MarAd’s National Defense Reserve Fleet. They are relatively modern, highly militarily useful ships, rigorously maintained to meet Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping standards and constitute one of the government’s largest sources of strategic sealift capability. RRF ships are berthed at sites located in James River, Va.; Beaumont, Texas; Suisun Bay, Calif.; and other locations in the United States and overseas. They are maintained in a readiness status such that they can be activated for service within anywhere from four to 20 days after the Defense Department requests them. Rear Adm. Mark Buzby Takes Wheel as New MSC Commander Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby on Oct. 16 became the 25th commander of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). A change-of-command ceremony took place in Baltimore aboard the Seafarerscrewed hospital ship USNS Comfort. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown and Government Services Representative Kate Hunt represented the union at the event. Buzby, a 30-year Navy veteran, is a native of Atlantic City, N.J. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and was commissioned in 1979. MSC, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense. The agency is responsible for the operation of more than 110 civilian-crewed, noncombatant ships, which support military and humanitarian missions worldwide. Many of those vessels carry SIU crews. “I am incredibly humbled and proud beyond words to be selected to lead this important command in executing the most vital mission in the global war on terrorism today: sustaining our warfighters forward,” said Buzby in his remarks to more than 400 ceremony guests. Buzby comes to MSC from U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., where he was deputy chief of staff for global force management and joint operations. Earlier in Buzby’s career, he served in a diverse array of assignments at sea and ashore. Buzby’s previous commands include the destroyer USS Carney, Destroyer Squadron 31, Surface Warfare Officers School Command, and Joint Task Force Guantanamo. As a flag officer, Buzby served on the Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby Navy staff as deputy for surface ships, deputy for surface warfare and deputy for expeditionary warfare. Buzby holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College in Strategic Studies and International Relations and from Salve Regina University in International Relations. Buzby is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College. Buzby relieved Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., who served as the commander of MSC since March 2006 and will retire after 34 years of distinguished Navy service. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Comfort hosted the change-of-command ceremony in Baltimore. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Landon Stephenson) 4 Seafarers LOG November 2009 �Crowley President Earns Recognition from NDTA Tom Crowley Jr., the president and Department of Defense is as diverse as CEO of Seafarers-contracted Crowley Crowley and the different services we Maritime Corporation, recently provide,” said Crowley. Speaking directly to the hundreds of received the prestigious National Transportation Award from the senior military and industry leaders in National Defense Transportation attendance, he stated, “We work hard to Association (NDTA). The presentation serve many of you. Given the state of took place in late September at the the economy, you might say we’re NDTA’s yearly logistics forum and sticking our neck out a bit; I don’t think that’s the case.” He was referring to the exposition in Nashville. fact that while N D T A many businesses Chairman Ray “I firmly believe that the continue to Ebeling presentdownsize, ed the award to way we keep America strong Crowley is C r o w l e y . is that we invest in American “expanding R i c h a r d Haynes, execu- shipyards, American jobs, and o p e r a t i o n s , anticipating ecotive director, in the American Merchant nomic recovery Military Sealift Marine.”- - - Tom Crowley Jr. in a patriotic Command way. (MSC), also “We’re investing in the American was honored as the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award flag, a proud tradition in our 117-year recipient, and Col. Joseph Torsani Jr., history,” he continued. “Over the past USA (Ret.), chairman of NDTA’s 10 years, we’ve committed over $1 bilCouncil of Regional Presidents, was lion to build tugs, barges and ATBs. All recognized with the NDTA President’s of these units are U.S.-built, U.S.flagged, U.S.-crewed and Jones Act Award. Crowley, whose father, Thomas B. qualified. I firmly believe that the way Crowley Sr., was recognized with the we keep America strong is that we same award in 1970, thanked Ebeling, invest in American shipyards, NDTA President Kenneth Wykle, the American jobs, and in the American NDTA Board and distinguished guests Merchant Marine. “This investment in new U.S.-flag for the recognition, and he said he was pleased to accept on behalf of the 4,300 petroleum tonnage is one of the reasons Crowley employees around the world why I believe we’ve been able to transwho help provide a wide variety of port and deliver hundreds of millions of Crowley services to the DOD and gov- barrels of petroleum products without a single incident since we began our ATB ernment. “Our relationship with the program in 2002,” he added. Ray Ebeling (left), chairman of the NDTA board and chairman and CEO of American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier, presents the National Transportation Award to Tom Crowley Jr., president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corp. SIUNA-Affiliated AMO Gathers in Philly In early October, SIU President Michael Sacco (fourth from left) addressed the American Maritime Officers executive board during its meeting in Philadelphia. The AMO is an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America. Pictured from left to right are AMO member John Dunaway, AMO National Executive Vice President Bob Kiefer, AMO member Charlie Azar, SIU President Sacco, AMO National President Tom Bethel, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, and AMO National Secretary-Treasurer José Leonard. USCG: More Efforts Needed To Improve Mariner Access The U.S. Coast Guard recently advised its port captains that additional steps must be taken in order to boost mariners’ access to port facilities and shore leave. Read Adm. Kevin Cook, the agency’s director of prevention policy, sent a message to Coast Guard Captains of the Ports (COTPS) applauding their work but calling for expanded efforts. The guidance, issued in early October, aims to help ensure that facility security plans spell out steps for mariner port access for crew changes and shore leave. It also notes that a legal review has determined the Coast Guard is authorized to require that facilities covered by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) “provide reasonable access to seafarers.” Cook also recently posted a separate message on the Coast Guard’s web site pointing out that the agency actively is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders concerning “access denial, exorbitant access fees, and other overly restrictive policies….” In the “alcoast” message sent to the port captains, Cook mentioned a recent study conducted by the Seamen’s Church Institute which “further highlights some of the challenges mariners are facing. That said, Coast Guard headquarters continues to move forward on several fronts in an effort to further facilitate seafarer access nationwide and move the maritime community beyond the current state.” He said that because of various requirements implemented by facility or vessel owners or operators, mariners “are prevented from leaving their ships due to financial requirements associated with authorized escorts.” Cook concluded, “As a maritime service, it is imperative that we continue to collaboratively work through the challenges of seafarer access and develop a long-term solution that meets the spirit of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and Maritime Transportation Security Act. I appreciate everyone’s commitment to this high-priority issue and working with your key maritime stakeholders in developing the right solutions.” The complete text is available at the following link: http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/alcoast /575-09_alcoast.txt Earlier, at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention in Pittsburgh, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen on Sept. 10 told the delegates, “I’ve made it very, very clear to my captains of the ports that we need to make sure that seafarer access is ensured. And whether that’s U.S. sailors or foreign sailors changing out crews, or whatever, the right to be able to get across the dock needs to be maintained…. We need to create a culture out there that understands the value of the workers coming to and from the ships.” CIVMARS Help Deliver Cargo for Relief Mission Two U.S. Military Sealift Command vessels in the SIU Government Services Division fleet – the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl – delivered urgently needed supplies, equipment and fuel off the coast of Indonesia Oct. 10-14, in response to the deadly earthquakes that struck the region Sept. 30. At the request of the government of Indonesia and the U.S. Department of State, the Navy – including MSC – joined other branches of the U.S. military, international relief organizations and Indonesia’s military to deliver food, November 2009 fresh water and medical supplies to remote mountain villages. The U.S. Air Force also established a field hospital which treated more than 2,000 patients. The Byrd and Diehl teamed up with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Denver and the destroyer USS McCampbell off the coast of Western Sumatra. The Byrd sailed from Guam, arriving off Padang, Indonesia, Oct. 10. In addition to providing supplies and fuel to both the Denver and the McCampbell, two of the Byrd’s embarked helicopters made a total of 39 sorties, carrying 97 U.S., Indonesian and relief organization passengers to conduct airborne surveys of heavily damaged areas. Civil service mariners aboard the Diehl delivered the more than 18,000 pounds of foreign-assistance cargo to the Byrd on Oct. 13, via underway replenishment. The humanitarian cargo, which was loaded in Singapore Oct. 8, included water containers, surgical gloves and masks, blankets, water purification tablets, collapsible water bladders, tarps to be used for shelter, insect repellant and sunscreen. The Byrd transferred the cargo to the USS Denver, which later brought it to hard-hit areas ashore. After delivering the humanitarian cargo to the Byrd, the Diehl provided aviation and diesel fuel to the Denver and the McCampbell before departing the area later the same day, returning to its regular mission of resupplying ships in 7th Fleet. The Byrd’s helicopters flew more than 8,000 pounds of relief supplies ashore, including food, water and tarps. Like the Diehl, after completing its support to the disaster relief efforts, the Byrd returned to routine underway replenishment operations supporting U.S. 7th Fleet ships at sea. Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU Crews Slated for AOTOS Honors Maersk Alabama, NY Waterway Crews Among Those Recognized by USS Seafarers and officers from four SIUcrewed ships and several NY Waterway ferries, a third mate, and a pair of maritime executives will be honored Nov. 13 by the United Seamen’s Service during the 40th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) dinner in New York. Slated to take place at the New York Sheraton Hotel and Towers, the affair will take the form of a dinner and dance celebration and will be attended by hundreds of maritime industry leaders including SIU President Michael Sacco and other union officers. The annual outing is regarded as a very prestigious maritime awards event. On tap to receive AOTOS Mariners’ Plaques will be SIU crew members who on specific dates were sailing aboard Maersk Line Limited’s Maersk Alabama; Liberty Maritime Corporation’s Liberty Sun; Military Sealift Command’s USNS Lewis and Clark; Totem Ocean Trailer Express’ MV Midnight Star; and crews from several ferries operated by SIUcontracted NY Waterway. The AOTOS Mariners’ Rosette will be bestowed upon Third Mate Victor Manoli III, who on Feb. 14 fought and extinguished an on-board fire preventing a catastrophic incident on the Sea-Land Quality in Charleston, S.C. Finally, the recipients of the 2009 USS AOTOS Award will be Donald Kurz of Keystone Shipping Co., Ron Widdows of Neptune Orient Lines and the United States Coast Guard, which will receive a special award. Mariners’ Plaque Recipients The individuals and crews to be honored with the AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque, as well as snapshots of the actions which led to their respective awards are as follows: ■ The captain and 20-member crew of the Maersk Alabama, bound for Mombasa, Kenya, while carrying food aid for several relief programs on April 8, were hijacked by four Somali pirates. The pirates gained access to the vessel by throwing grappling hooks over Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the USNS Lewis and Clark – which itself successfully evaded an attack – earlier this year served as an afloat staging base and an at-sea holding facility for suspected pirates. Here, Bosun Kien Williams signals a helicopter to take off Feb. 6 in the Gulf of Aden while the ship supports Combined Task Force 151. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Patrick M. Johnson-Campbell) the side and firing shots while coming aboard. AB ATM Reza managed to raise the alarm before being taken at gunpoint by the pirates. This action allowed the chief engineer to transfer control of the vessel’s propulsion and steering functions to the engine room. Remaining crew members locked themselves inside the engine room, ensuring their control of the vessel at all times. Many members of the crew had received safety training and/or specific anti-piracy instruction that proved invaluable throughout this ordeal. Most of the unlicensed mariners had trained at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Putting this knowledge to use, they used both guile and brute force to overpower the pirate’s leader. The Alabama’s master, Capt. Richard Phillips, then voluntarily surrendered himself to the remaining pirates to ensure the safety of his crew. The crew later attempted to trade the captured pirate for their captain, offering them a lifeboat to leave the scene since their skiff had overturned during the boarding. Once the crew had released their captive, however, the pirates became uncooperative. They stole the lifeboat, some food, and forced Phillips aboard. The USS Bainbridge reached the Maersk Alabama the following day and under armed guard safely escorted the vessel to Mombasa. Phillips on April 10 made an unsuccessful attempt to escape from his captors. Then, on April 12, when American military authorities determined that Phillips’ life was in imminent danger, U.S. Navy Seal snipers fired simultaneously on the lifeboat, killing all three pirates aboard. The captain, who was in good health, was then rescued. The quick thinking and actions of the crew, complemented by the selflessness of Capt. Phillips and the help of the U.S. Navy, resulted in the safe return of all concerned. ■ The crew of the Liberty Sun came under pirate attack April 15 while underway from Houston and carrying food aid cargo bound for Mombasa. Just days earlier, pirates reportedly had threatened to kill the next American crew they could find. Pirates gave chase to the vessel somewhere off the coast of Somalia, firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. One of the ordnances found its mark and a fire broke out aboard the Sun. Unlicensed Apprentices Ken Stearns and Bill Waldmann used portable extinguishers to put out the flames. Under extreme tension and anxiety, the crew then executed their anti-piracy plan and performed evasive maneuvers. A distress call from the vessel was received by the U.S. Coast Guard, which dispatched the USS Bainbridge to the area to assist. The pirates fled before the Bainbridge arrived. The presence of the destroyer took a lot of pressure off of the Liberty Sun’s crew, allowing some degree of normalcy to return to operations. The crew and officers of the Liberty Sun are being recognized for their professionalism and poise under fire. ■ The U.S. Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark on May 26 was approached by suspected pirates and took evasive action to prevent a successful attack. Two pirate skiffs pursued the The Maersk Alabama leaves Mombasa, Kenya, on April 22. At right is the German warship Reinland Platz. (AP Photo by Sayyid Azim) ship for more than an hour, closing to a distance of approximately one nautical mile. Once shipboard lookouts spotted the two suspected pirate skiffs, the USNS Lewis and Clark commenced evasive maneuvers and increased speed to elude them. The vessel’s onboard security team also used a long range acoustical device to issue verbal warnings to the approaching skiffs. The suspected pirates then fired small arms weapons from approximately two nautical miles toward the Lewis and Clark which fell well short of its stern. The Lewis and Clark continued to increase speed and the skiffs ceased their pursuit of the U.S. ship. The actions taken by the crew of the Lewis and Clark are exactly what the U.S. Navy recommends—aboard both commercial and military vessels—for preventing successful piracy attacks. The officers and crew of the USNS Lewis and Clark are being recognized for taking quick action in avoiding a dangerous situation. ■ Smoke was reported on the second deck of the MV Midnight Sun around midnight July 15 when the vessel’s smoke detection system was activated. The general alarm was sounded and all longshore employees who were working were evacuated. Chief Engineer James Mandato, Port Engineer Daryl Swiggs and Cargo Specialist Andrew Zent—all of whom were in close proximity to the location of the reported smoke—were the first responders to the scene. They fought their way through the thick smoke to discover its source, a 53-foot refrigerated trailer engulfed in flames which reached the overhead of the second deck. The trailer was stowed among other cargo trailers which contained hazardous and flammable materials. Michael Crissinger, the engineer watch officer, secured all ventilation fans, electrical breakers and power to the reefer plugs on the second deck and activated the sprinkler pump. Chief Mate Russel Horton then attempted to combat the fire with an extinguisher, but quickly realized that the fire was beyond his equipment’s capability. He therefore secured ventilation and reefer breakers, determined which sprinkler zones should be activated and proceeded to pressurize the second deck sprinkler system. Meanwhile, Mandato, Swiggs and Zent secured the fire hose from a nearby fire station and engaged the raging fire. The U.S. Coast Guard Seattle Sector was contacted and arrived on the scene to conduct an investigation and survey damage to the vessel. The inspection revealed that several cables were damaged. Repairs had to be performed on these damaged cables prior to sailing. Electrician Christopher Cunningham completed repairs to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard, enabling the vessel to sail at 7 a.m. July 16. Cunningham’s timely repairs made it possible for the vessel to meet its posted arrival time to Anchorage, Alaska with no disruption to service. The officers and crew of the MV Midnight Sun are being recognized for the acts of heroism and bravery in preventing the spread of the fire and avoiding the loss of valuable cargo to the citizens of Anchorage and possibly the total loss of a U.S.-flag cargo vessel. ■ U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on Jan. 15 made an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Fourteen NY Waterway vessels mobilized to the scene to participate in the rescue mission which would soon follow. The ferry Thomas Jefferson was the first boat on the scene following the mishap. SIU crews from the Thomas Jefferson and six other NY Waterway boats pulled 143 of the 155 people aboard the downed aircraft to safety. Experts said that because of the cold water, passengers would not have survived for long without immediate assistance. That is exactly what was provided, thanks to the Thomas Jefferson and Capt. Vincent Lombardi along with his fellow Seafarers. Lombardi battled the river’s current while giving first priority to the airplane passengers who were partially submerged. Additional ferries and rescue vessels reached the plane within 10 minutes of the Thomas Jefferson’s arrival. Emergency medical service workers, firefighters and police officers boarded NY Waterway boats immediately following the aircraft’s emergency landing. NY Waterway ferry crews are being cited for their collective prompt, efficient and composed response that resulted in the rescue of all passengers in what quickly became known as “the miracle on the Hudson.” Seafarers-crewed NY Waterway ferries quickly arrive to assist passengers and flight crew members from US Airways Flight 1549. The rescue happened on Jan. 15 in the Hudson River. (Photo by Ron Jeffers) 6 Seafarers LOG November 2009 �This is one part of a shipbreaking location off the coast of Bangladesh. Ships are beached at high tide so poorly treated workers can take them apart. An explosion and fire occurred in the hull of a tanker, killing, burning and maiming numerous workers. Barefoot workers strip pieces from a ship. Report Exposes ‘Shipbreaking’ Horrors “You’re 13? Okay, you’re old enough. Take those tanks and that torch, go down into the hold of that decommissioned tanker and start cutting metal. What’s that? You want protective gear? Forget it. Pay? We’ll pay you 22 cents an hour, seven days a week, 16 hours a day and no breaks. If that’s not good enough, there are plenty of people who have families to feed who’ll take it.” Sound like a workplace conversation before unions fought for good, safe jobs? Try a 21st century shipbreaking or ship demolition operation off the coast of Bangladesh. This a very real scenario set forth by findings by the National Labor Committee’s study titled “Where Ships and Workers Go to Die: Shipbreaking in Bangladesh.” The study shows that 30,000 impoverished workers, including many children, are being injured, maimed and killed, doing the most dangerous job in the world – for 22 to 30 cents an hour. According to the study, some of the world’s largest decommissioned tanker ships—measuring up to 1,000 feet long, 20 stories high and weighing 25 million pounds— have been run up on the beaches of Bangladesh. In July of 2009, 112 tankers were strewn over four miles of beach that could be seen from space. The report also notes the following: ■ Bangladeshi workers, some of them children just 10, 11, 12 and 13 years of age, toil 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for wages of just 22 to 32 cents an hour. ■ According to estimates by very credible local organizations, 1,000 to 2,000 workers have been killed in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking yards over the last 30 years. Currently, a worker is seriously injured every day, and a worker is killed every three to four weeks. ■ Examples of the harsh, heartless treatment endured by workers include on Sept. 5, 2009, 35-year-old Mr. Hossain was burned to death while breaking apart a South Korean tanker at the Kabir Steel Yard. Twenty-year-old Mr. Ashek remains in critical condition, while three other workers were seriously burned. Their blowtorches struck a gas tank which exploded, engulfing them in flames. ■ It is common for workers to be paralyzed or crushed to death by heavy metal plates falling from the ship. A 13year-old child, Nasiruddin Molla, was killed on July 14, 2008, when a large iron plate struck him in the head at the Sultana shipyard. Accidents and even some deaths are not reported, and there is never an investigation. ■ Each ship contains an average of 15,000 pounds of asbestos and 10 to 100 tons of lead paint. Shipbreaking workers are routinely exposed to asbestos, lead, mercury, arsenic, dioxins, solvents, toxic oil residues and carcinogenic fumes from melting metal and lead paint. Environmental damage to Bangladesh’s beaches, ocean and fishing villages has been massive. ■ Helpers, often children, who go barefoot or wear flip flops, use hammers to break apart the asbestos in the ship, which they shovel into bags to carry outside and dump in the sand. ■ Workers usually lack even the most rudimentary protective gear. Cutters, who use blowtorches to cut the giant ships to pieces, wear sunglasses rather than protective goggles, baseball caps rather than hardhats, wrap dirty bandanas around their nose and mouth as they are not provided respiratory masks and wear two sets of shirts rather than a welder’s vests, hoping the sparks will not burn through to their skin. If workers were to buy their own protective gear, it would cost them nearly a year’s wages. ■ Every labor law in Bangladesh and every one of the International Labor Organization’s internationally recognized workers rights standards are blatantly violated on a daily basis. While forced to work overtime, the shipbreaking workers receive no overtime premium. There are no weekly holidays, no paid sick days, no national holidays or vacations. Any worker asking for his proper wages is immediately fired. ■ The shipbreaking workers are very clear on two points: that they will die early and that there have been no improvements whatsoever over the last 30 years when it comes to workers’ rights laws or health and safety. Organizations such as the National Labor Committee, the International Maritime Organization and the International Metalworkers Federation have been lobbying the G-20 nations for help in supporting the workers. The report itself calls for several basic steps including the following: ■ The ILO could work in partnership with Lacking protective gear, a worker uses a cutting torch to assist in shipbreaking in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Labor and with local nongovernmental human and labor rights organizations— including providing sufficient funding when necessary— to bring the Ministry of Labor up to par so that it could effectively enforce Bangladesh’s labor laws. ■ Child workers should be returned to school where they belong. ■ Workers should receive safety training and must be equipped with protective gear. ■ Establish the rule of law in Bangladesh’s shipbreaking yards. The country’s labor laws are modest and clear, including stipulations for an eight-hour day, six days a week, paid sick days, and the right to organize unions and bargain collectively. But, those rules must be enforced. ■ All toxic waste must be removed before ships are sent for scrapping. The mission of the National Labor Committee is to help defend the human rights of workers in the global economy. The NLC investigates and exposes human and labor rights abuses committed by companies producing goods in the developing world. To read the full study, go to the committee’s web site: www.nlcnet.org. Nordic Action Week Ends Following 258 inspections The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently concluded an annual Nordic week of action during which a team of inspectors visited a total of 258 ships in the 10 participating countries. Multinational teams of mariners, dockers, ITF workers and trade union volunteers pitched in to help carry out the inspections in ports across Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden, checking conditions and making wage surveys. ITF Maritime Coordinator Steve Cotton noted, “With current conditions it’s never been more important to ensure that seafarers are receiving the wages they need and conditions November 2009 they deserve. Across the region, teams have been working without stopping to make sure that wherever humanly possible that’s what happens.” He continued, “What has also been particularly successful is the crosssectoral reach of this event, with seafarers meeting with dockers, with teams talking to the public and to companies, and with colleagues from different nations visiting and working together in countries right across the region.” The SIU is one of 654 unions affiliated with the ITF. Overall, the federation’s member unions represent 4.5 million transport workers in 148 countries. A member of a German inspection team takes notes during the week of action. Seafarers LOG 7 �RECOGNIZED FOR SAFETY – The Maersk Carolina recently sur- MEETING ABOARD CAR CARRIER – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (third from left) recently met with Seafarers aboard the car carrier Jean Anne when the vessel docked in San Francisco. They discussed the latest union news and industry current events. The Jean Anne sails between the West Coast and Hawaii. passed the five-year milestone for sailing without a lost-time accident, and AB Abdul Gharama (left) “has been an integral factor in achieving that mark,” according to Chief Mate Horatiu Vintila. Gharama is shown earlier this year receiving a monthly safety award (presented by Chief Mate Tim Kelly) that is part of an overall safety program conducted by the company. In an email to the Seafarers LOG, Vintila noted that Gharama “has shared his experience freely with all crew members, and has been indispensable in assisting new crew members. He never fails to correct safety concerns on the spot….” At Sea And Ashore With the SIU Computer Classes A host of Seafarers successfully completed various computer classes recently while attending upgrading courses at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Some of these students are pictured below with their instructor, Rich Prucha. Completing classes May 15 (from the left) were: Carlton McMiller, Ahmed Almlmany and Daniel Wilcox. Rich Prucha, their instructor, is second from left. CONGRATULATIONS ON RETIREMENT – Longtime Seafarer Munassar Omer (center) recently picked up his first pension check at the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., where he was congratulated by Safety Director Kathy Chester (left) and Administrative Assistant Diana Marrone, among others. A member of the steward department, Omer joined the union in 1967. He plans to retire in Yemen. SHARING A SPECIAL MOMENT – Bosun Lech Jankowski (left) had reason to celebrate in May. That’s when his son Ian (right) graduated from the University at Albany (N.Y.). Ian majored in business and accounting. He was part of the university’s 165th graduating class. May 29 computer class graduates (from the left) included Brooke English, Bernard L. Wade II, Larbi Andaloussi, Tsawang Gyurme and Nicole Walton. At right is Prucha. Ronie Llave (left) was the lone computer class graduate on June 12. Instructor Prucha is at right. 8 SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT MARITIME – SIU BUSMAN’S HOLIDAY? – Frank Cammuso Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand in late September participated in a maritime industry career workshop sponsored by the City of Hollywood (Fla.) Marine Advisory Board. He told attendees about the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. “They had a strong turnout and a number of people expressed interest in the unlicensed apprentice program,” Marchand noted. (left) recently submitted this photo and an accompanying note about a recent overseas cruise he took with his wife, Yuki-Ko (right). Cammuso sailed with the SIU for 36 years before retiring in 2003. He said the cruise “was a fascinating voyage through the Swedish archipelago and across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki.” Seafarers LOG Three upgraders finished computer classes June 26. They were: Nabil Ahmed (second from left), Wade Jordan and Shending Hu. November 2009 �SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (standing third from right in both photos) is shown with Seafarers including the first crews of the Lexie M (photo at left) and Hunter M, respectively. Among the boatmen pictured are Master Stephen Jewell, Asst. Engineer Britt Saha, Mate Cody Libby, AB James Pratt, Master Cody Colson, Asst. Engineer George Maloney, Mate Adam Shuptar and AB Mark Girouard. (Photos by Robert Mihovil) Assorted Vessels Enter Union’s Contracted Fleet Continued from Page 3 featured speaker at the recent AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention in Pittsburgh), described the launch as “a testament to the hard work and dedication of the skilled shipbuilders here at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. With each vessel we demonstrate the continuous improvement that has made us a leading U.S. shipyard.” Two weeks later, the yard announced the keel-laying for the tenth tanker in the series. The ceremony included recognition of the red-hot local baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies, who at that time were on the verge of advancing in the playoffs. The OSG tankers are diesel-powered and are slightly more than 600 long, with beams of approximately 105 feet. They can carry 332,000 barrels apiece and can sail at greater than 14 knots. ● The T-AKE ships are crewed in the Union workers at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard celebrate steady progress in the Veteranclass tanker program – and show their support for the local baseball team. unlicensed slots by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Vessels in this class are 689 feet long with an overall beam of 106 feet. The ships can sail at up to 20 knots. The announcement concerning the USNS Medgar Evers was made by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during a Jackson State University speaking engagement in Mississippi. Continuing the Lewis and Clark-class tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the Navy’s newest underway replenishment ship recognizes civil rights activist Medgar Evers (1925-1963), who forever changed race relations in America. In a news release about the naming, the Navy’s U.S. Military Sealift Command noted, “At a time when our country was wrestling to end segregation and racial injustice, Evers led efforts to secure the right to vote for all African Americans and to integrate public facilities, schools, and restaurants. On June 12, 1963, the Mississippi native was assassinated in the driveway of his home. Evers’ death prompted President John F. Kennedy to ask the Congress for a comprehensive civil rights bill.” As a combat logistics force ship, the USNS Medgar Evers will help the Navy maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and In San Diego, work continues on the series of T-AKE vessels. other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. Earlier, construction started on the USNS William McLean, named in honor of the Navy physicist who conceived and developed the heat-seeking Sidewinder missile. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the third quarter of 2011. ● The Corpus Christi is a 150-footlong tugboat. The barge Petrochem Supplier is 521 feet long and has a capacity of 156,000 barrels. More Maersk Mariners Complete Safety Conference Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited is continuing its successful series of safety leadership conferences at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Most recently, 30 SIU members employed by Maersk and a handful of the company’s shore-side workers completed a safety conference at the school Sept. 29-30. The meetings are part of a larger program aimed at maintaining and boosting workplace safety. SIU President Michael Sacco (standing in photo at left) welcomed the participants and updated them on several important current events. Scheduled attendees from the late September conference – many of whom are pictured in the group photo – included Seafarers Emie Aguinaldo, Fermin Baltazar, Shirley Bellamy, Tommy Belvin, Tom Bowman, Francisco Bravo, David Castro, Donald Christian, Michael Congress, Thomas Flanagan, Jerald Galletta, Gerald Gavin, Wayne Green, Anthony Houston, Nick Kellehan, Efran Matias, Jason Noronha, Michael Proveaux, Raynaldo Ramirez, Eduardo Ramos, John Reed, Stephen Roell, Jan Schmidt, Grant Schuman, Maris Seperis, Mike Seyler, Harold Ward, Kwamena Watson, Beverly William and Eriberto Bulalacao and, from the company, Dennis Houghton, Sara Breed, Bob Morgan, Jerry Eker, Sean Kline, Patrick Callahan and Rich Fellone. November 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �Around the Port of Baltimore These photos were taken Oct. 9 in Baltimore, aboard the El Faro, USNS Mendonca and USNS Seay. QMED Will Scott El Faro BREC David James USNS Mendonca The Seay (right) and Mendonca are docked together in Baltimore. Electrician Trent Sterling El Faro QMED Tim Sexton El Faro AB Rob Hayes USNS Seay Pictured from left to right aboard the USNS Mendonca are AB William Howell, BREC David James, Port Agent Elizabeth Brown and AB Chris Brackbill. 10 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Marlon Battad USNS Mendonca SREC Lauren Oram USNS Seay Chief Steward David Wakeman USNS Mendonca November 2009 �November 2009 Seafarers LOG 11 �Machinist Marine Electrician Hands-On Training A Staple in Classes Offered at Piney Point Since 1967 ractical training is one of the most important – and prevalent – aspects of many courses offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for P Maritime Training and Education. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school conducts more than 70 U.S. Coast Guardapproved classes, the vast majority of which involve hands-on components. The Paul Hall Center provides vocational training for entry-level students and for upgraders in all three shipboard departments (deck, engine, steward). Founded in 1967, the school also offers safety and specialty upgrading courses available to mariners regardless of their respective departments. A few examples of courses featuring hands-on training open to Seafarers in Piney Point are radar observer, specially trained ordinary seaman, marine electrician, welding, certified chief cook, advanced galley operations, water survival, fast rescue boat, small arms qualification, and basic and advanced fire fighting. The photos on these two pages show recent hands-on training at the school. Among the classes depicted are oil spill prevention and containment, HAZMAT specialist, helicopter fire fighting, and confined space safety. For additional information about the Paul Hall Center – which includes both the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship – visit www.seafarers.org/phc. The web site includes individual course descriptions, upcoming course dates, detailed information on the unlicensed apprentice program, a PDF version of the school catalog and more. Also, the annual Paul Hall Center course guide is scheduled to be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG. Certified Ch Refrigeration HAZMAT Specialist (photo at left) and Oil Spill Prevention and Containment (above) 12 Seafarers LOG November 2009 �A class of upgraders hone their skills in helicopter firefighting d Chief Cook Simulator Training (above), Welding Class (photo at right) and Knot Tying (below) Confined Space Safety November 2009 Seafarers LOG 13 �SHBP Offers $132,000 for 2010 Scholarship Program Seafarers and dependents who are interested in furthering their education but need financial assistance may want to consider the opportunities being offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The SHBP each year offers scholarships to qualified Seafarers and dependents who are hoping to continue their education. Designed to ease the financial challenges associated with college and vocational studies, the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers and five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a post- secondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000 apiece. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to send for the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. The package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. To obtain a copy of this handout, simply complete the form which appears below and return it to the address provided. As an alternative to requesting a package through the mail, they also are available at SIU halls. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria to determine if they are eligible to participate. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be received by April 15, 2010. Items that need to be incorporated in the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since some institutions respond slowly in handling transcript needs, requests should be made as early as possible. Letters of recommendation – solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals – should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate are also required and should accompany the package. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2010. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Don’t allow the rapidly increasing costs of higher education prevent you from realizing your goals—the SHBP Scholarship Program can make the same difference for you that it has for years made for other Seafarers and dependents. In the last five years alone, the SHBP has awarded $630,000 in scholarships to nine Seafarers and 25 dependents. A breakdown of these awards (by year) is as follows: ■ 2008 – Scholarships totaling $140,000 awarded to AB Peter R. Hokenson; Brittany Redding, daughter of Chief Steward Dennis Redding; Christopher Wozunk, son of FOWT John Wozunk; Benjamin Wilmoth, son of QE Wendel Wilmoth; Albert Balatico, son of AB Albert Balatico; Xiao Xiao Li, daughter of SA Meli Seegers; and Sidney Kirk, daughter of AB Robert Kirk. ■ 2007 – $120,000 in endowments were awarded to Sarah Abdelwahab, daughter of AB Mohamed Abdelwahab; Alice Cooper, daughter of tugboat Captain James Cooper III; Nicole LaPointe, daughter of AB Robert LaPointe; Justine Lopez, daughter of Oiler Oswaldo Lopez; Marian O’Neill, daughter of QMED Guillermo O’Neill Jr.; and Jenna Stillman, daughter of AB Jerry Stillman. ■ 2006 – Gifts totaling $132,000 were bestowed upon Seafarers Rahul Bagehi, Ken Stathos, Karen Domerego, and Brian McLarnon. Dependents selected were: Renee Dunham-Jones, wife of Recertified Steward Raymond Jones; Ryan Kirby, son Please send me the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name.................................................................................................................................................................. Street Address .................................................................................................................................................. City, State, ZipCode ........................................................................................................................................ Telephone Number ( )........................................................................................................................... This application is for: Self Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Union Members May Apply For Union Plus Scholarshp Program The Union Plus Scholarship Program since 1992 has awarded more than $2.5 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. More than 1,700 families have benefited from this commitment to higher education. The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. Students selected for university, college, trade school or technical scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Eligibility for Scholarships Because the SIU participates in Union Plus, current and retired union members, their spouses and their dependent children (including foster children, step children, and any other child for whom the individual member provides greater than 50 percent of his 14 Seafarers LOG Dependent of deep sea member Michael Kirby; Suci Madjidji, daughter of QMED Sjamsidar Madjidji; Shaval Stewart, daughter of AB Mark Stewart; and Kayla Watson, daughter of AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. ■ 2005 –Three Seafarers and five dependents received $132,000 in funding. Seafarers selected were Chief Cook Kristen Swain, Brandon Maeda and Jeanette Montgomery. Dependents receiving scholarships were Adam Burton, son of Ross Burton; Ashleigh Coppola, daughter of Patrick L. Coppola; Stefan Nikolic, son of Desire Z. Nikolic; Anthony Sabatini, son of Anthony J. Sabatini; and Ronald Viernes, son of Leopold A. Viernes. ■ 2004 – $106,000 was awarded to one Seafarer and five dependents. Mark A. Dyer claimed the Seafarers scholarship. He was joined by dependents Mary A. Hornby, daughter of James L. Hornby; Eleanor R. Preston, daughter of Chester W. Preston; Aaron J. Gilson , son of James O. Gilson; Rafika J. Shibly, daughter of Mohammed Shibly; and Glenys I. Castro, daughter of Salome M. Castro. In addition, the SHBP earlier this year awarded $132,000 in endowments under its 2009 scholarship program. Claiming these grants were: Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda; QMED Robert Oliveto; Jeffrey Monteiro, son of Deep Sea Engineer Francis Monteiro; Bethany Horner, daughter of inland Captain Arthur Horner; Matthew Taylor, son of inland Captain Rodger Taylor; Jillian Cairco, daughter of retired Deep Sea Chief Engineer Gary Jarvis; Giselle Bodden, daughter of inland ABTankerman Albert Bodden; and Alyssa Rothschild, daughter of inland Chief Mate Robert Rothschild. or her support) can apply for a Union Plus Scholarship. (Participating union members from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible.) Members do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or participate in any Union Plus programs to apply for the scholarships, and scholarship awards are not based upon participation in a Union Plus program. The individual must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Note: Graduate students are now eligible. finalists and awards. Program judges include representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Evaluation Criteria The scholarship program is open to students attending or planning to attend a college or university, a community college, or a technical college or trade school. Applicants for scholarships are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. Scholarship applications are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators. Applications are first reviewed by a panel of independent career professionals. Semi-finalists are chosen based on a point scale, and their applications are then provided to judges for further review and selection of How to Apply For information about obtaining the Union Plus Scholarship application, visit the Union Plus web site at www.unionprivilege.org/benefits/education/scholarships/up.cfm or call 1-800-452-9425. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2010. Selected scholarship recipients’ names will be announced May 31. Due to the high volume of applications, only winners receive notification. Scholarship Award Amounts The amount of the award ranges from $500$4,000. This is a one-time cash award sent to individual winners for study beginning in the fall of the same year. Deadline All applications must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2010. November 2009 �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, Maryland 20746. December 2009 & January 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point.........................Monday: December 7, January 4 Algonac ...............................Friday: December 11, January 8 Baltimore........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Guam............................Thursday: December 24, January 21 Honolulu...........................Friday: December 18, January 15 Houston...........................Monday: December 14, January 11 Jacksonville....................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Joliet.............................Thursday: December 17, January 14 Mobile........................Wednesday: December 16, January 13 New Orleans.......................Tuesday: December 15, January 12 New York...........................Tuesday: December 8, January 5 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea September 16, 2009 - October 15, 2009 Total Registered Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia...................Wednesday: December 9, January 6 Port Everglades ............Thursday: December 17, January 14 San Juan .........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 St. Louis ............................Friday: December 18, January 15 Tacoma..............Monday: December 28*, Friday: January 22 Wilmington.......Monday: December 21, Tuesday: January 19 * Tacoma change created by Christmas Day holiday * Wilmington change created by Martin Luther King’s Birthday holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. November 2009 Deck Department 13 10 2 0 7 5 15 7 0 3 7 1 45 10 23 15 6 4 5 3 17 3 37 10 12 11 25 4 2 8 0 1 7 4 25 16 2 5 20 14 270 134 Class C Trip Reliefs Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 3 4 0 1 2 0 2 0 2 21 0 1 4 5 0 4 15 9 0 2 3 18 4 9 1 2 3 9 0 4 93 14 0 11 20 5 15 98 63 1 31 26 82 32 57 5 1 11 66 3 56 597 11 9 6 28 3 15 79 54 4 8 15 45 42 30 12 2 17 47 8 47 482 3 1 0 10 1 0 6 9 4 1 6 19 11 6 1 3 2 8 1 5 97 Port 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 7 1 2 15 5 13 41 32 4 18 18 35 13 32 2 2 5 35 1 22 303 9 2 7 14 0 8 41 27 3 2 7 22 17 15 10 1 6 38 4 18 251 3 2 0 4 0 0 1 3 2 0 2 4 3 2 1 3 1 4 1 2 38 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 4 8 2 3 12 17 4 5 9 22 10 14 2 3 3 13 0 11 147 3 3 6 7 2 3 12 17 2 3 6 10 14 7 2 6 4 6 2 8 123 Engine Department 1 2 1 0 0 1 1 3 6 1 12 4 0 2 2 0 3 2 2 9 14 0 17 9 0 2 3 0 6 2 0 8 4 0 15 9 2 9 12 3 9 2 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 10 5 0 0 1 0 8 5 10 120 86 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 4 1 1 3 3 4 5 1 1 1 4 0 3 37 5 1 6 11 1 12 17 34 3 14 12 37 24 19 6 3 7 27 2 34 275 4 5 6 12 3 7 28 30 2 5 5 26 35 12 1 9 11 31 4 20 256 1 0 1 3 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 4 3 5 0 0 0 2 1 0 25 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 0 0 2 8 2 7 19 19 1 3 3 20 15 14 3 2 3 14 1 17 153 2 2 0 7 2 5 7 10 3 3 2 2 9 7 2 1 3 3 2 4 76 Steward Department 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 6 3 1 1 0 0 6 2 0 17 7 0 10 5 0 2 2 0 4 0 0 4 0 1 11 3 3 11 7 1 15 4 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 14 3 0 1 1 2 21 5 11 132 43 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 9 0 0 0 3 0 1 8 3 0 0 2 5 3 7 2 0 0 2 0 7 43 4 0 3 12 1 24 42 31 0 5 12 46 25 30 4 8 3 23 1 59 333 4 2 2 15 5 6 11 13 1 6 4 9 20 8 3 1 4 6 2 5 127 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 11 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 TOTAL TOTALS ALL DEPARTMENTS: 1 0 1 0 0 4 7 2 3 2 0 11 1 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 38 17 1 3 7 3 5 29 23 5 8 4 25 7 14 0 2 1 15 0 8 177 9 0 0 7 3 1 4 7 2 3 4 6 13 5 2 13 2 3 1 2 87 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 3 5 2 1 19 1 0 0 6 42 1 0 1 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 2 22 1 0 1 0 0 6 13 3 1 1 1 12 1 5 0 1 2 10 0 5 63 20 5 5 12 0 11 48 37 4 13 7 57 34 28 2 7 3 26 3 29 351 12 0 1 14 3 7 11 21 2 9 9 21 24 18 2 7 1 5 1 29 197 641 627 146 79 195 1,268 1,216 330 Norfolk...........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Oakland ........................Thursday: December 17, January 14 Total Shipped Class A Class B Entry Department 4 8 0 1 1 2 0 3 0 3 1 5 5 11 3 18 1 6 1 1 0 0 11 21 0 11 1 9 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 6 0 0 2 10 33 118 555 381 Seafarers LOG 15 �Inquir ing Seaf arer 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 Inquiring Seafarer question was asked in Baltimore. Question: What are your plans for the holidays? Is the rough economy affecting those plans? Joel Ramos Chief Cook I’ll be going to the Philippines soon. I’ve got to take care of something over there – family stuff. That’s it, but I’ll be there for about nine weeks. My vacation is three months; I’m doing 90 days on the ship and 90 days off. Tim Sexton QMED Take vacation, go home to the Philippines, enjoy spending the American dollar at the Philippine peso (rate). The economy isn’t affecting my plans. The dollar still has spending power in the Philippines. 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 Will Scott, QMED Work. That was the plan anyway, if it’s there. You take ’em when you can get ’em. You have to save your dollars. I predict the economy is going to get worse before it gets better. Trent Sterling, Electrician Deer hunting at home in Texas. When I get lucky enough to allow the work schedule to work out for me to be home for deer season, which has been twice in the last four years…. I’m also going to see the family during Thanksgiving. My sister is in Florida. Grant Schuman, Electrician I plan on being on a ship. I sail relief and that’s the best time to be out. The economy has nothing to do with it. 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 photo above was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Joe Mele. It was taken by Pensioner Steve Ledermann in 1970 aboard the SS Merrimac. Operated by Ogden Marine, the vessel was on a coal run from Norfolk, Va., to Amsterdam. Pictured are Rex Rayner (left) and Brian Hubbell. According to Mele, Rayner went the hawsepipe route and sailed as a captain while Hubbell shipped as an AB. Each of the foursome (Mele, Ledermann, Rayner and Hubbell) were close friends and sailed on the vessel at the same time. Rayner and Hubbell are now deceased but Mele and Ledermann still recall with fondness some of the memorable times they all once shared while at sea. 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 November 2009 �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 WINSTON CLAYTON Brother Winston Clayton, 72, joined the union in 2000 while in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He initially sailed on the Patriot. Brother Clayton was born in Jamaica and shipped in the steward department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Clayton’s final ship was the Cape John. He resides in Coral Springs, Fla. CLIFFORD LEAHY Brother Clifford Leahy, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1965. His first voyage was aboard the Rachel. Brother Leahy, who sailed in the deck department, upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He was last employed on the Humacao. Brother Leahy makes his home in Toms River, N.J. MICHAEL LINUS Brother Michael Linus, 65, became an SIU member in 1974 while in the port of New York. His first ship was the President Kennedy; his last the Tacoma. In 1985 and 2000, Brother Linus enhanced his seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The steward department member was born in Philadelphia. Brother Linus lives in Seattle. FREDRICK MAYER Brother Fredrick Mayer, 76, donned the SIU colors in 1960. He originally shipped aboard the Sampan Knot. Brother Mayer worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the China Sea. Brother Mayer is a resident of Seattle. JOHN WHITE Brother John White, 70, was born in Ashville, Ala. He began sailing with the union in 1996 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother White initially worked aboard the Maersk Colorado as a member of the engine November 2009 department. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Alabama. Brother White upgraded on two occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He calls Lake Helen, Fla., home. GEORGE WHITING Brother George Whiting, 65, signed on with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1973 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest voyage was aboard the Santa Magdalena. Brother Whiting was a member of the steward department. The Illinois native’s last trip was on the Matsonia. Brother Whiting settled in Reno, Nev. RONALD WITSKA Brother Ronald Witska, 65, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Arizpa. Brother Witska upgraded at the unionaffiliated training center. The deck department member was born in Clarksburg, W.Va. Brother Witska’s final trip was on the Humacao. He resides in Durham, N.C. LAMAR NELMS Brother Lamar Nelms, 54, was born in Florida. He donned the SIU colors in 1977. Brother Nelms originally shipped on a Tug Management Corporation vessel. He upgraded his abilities on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Nelms’ final trip to sea was with Penn Maritime Inc. He is a resident of San Mateo, Fla. FLOYD PHILLIPS Brother Floyd Phillips, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1990. He was employed with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock for the duration of his career. Brother Phillips was born in Pennsylvania and shipped in the engine department. In 2001, he attended classes at the union-affiliated school. Brother Phillips lives in Avella, Pa. LEWELLYN STEVENS Brother Lewellyn Stevens, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1957. He initially sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Stevens worked in the deck department. His last ship was operated by Dravo Basic Materials Company. Brother Stevens resides in Frisco City, Ala. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION CLAYTON BENNEKIN Brother Clayton Bennekin, 59, donned the NMU colors in 1981 while in Charleston, S.C. The engine department member was born in South Carolina. Brother Bennekin most recently shipped on the Cape Edmont. JOHN DALY Brother John Daly, 65, started sailing with the NMU in 1976 from the port of New York. He was born in Denver. Brother Daly’s first ship was the USNS Marius; his last was the Mason Lykes. JOHN LEE Brother John Lee, 60, became a Seafarer in 1979. His earliest trip was with C.G. Towing Inc. Brother Lee was born in Georgia and enhanced his skills often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Lee makes his home in Perry, Fla. JOHN MCCORMICK Brother John McCormick, 62, started his maritime career in 1979. He first sailed aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother McCormick’s last trip was with OSG Ship Management. He calls New Port Ricky, Fla., home. JOHN SWENSON Brother John Swenson, 67, signed on with the NMU in 1971 in Boston. His first voyage was on the Nobska as a member of the deck department. Brother Swenson was born in Newburgh, N.Y., and now calls Medford, Mass., home. RUDOLPH FRASER Brother Rudolph Fraser, 68, became an NMU member in 1968 while in New York. His earliest voyage was aboard the Rainbow. Brother Fraser was born in Guyana. His final trip was on the Montana. RICHARD SULLIVAN Brother Richard Sullivan, 65, joined the union in 1961 while in Boston. He was born in Chelsea, Mass. Brother Sullivan originally sailed Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1942 INLAND with Perini Corporation. The deck department member now makes his home in Saugus, Mass. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill offered his thanks and the thanks of the Royal Navy to the crews of two SIU-contracted ships that returned to New York after 11 months on the run to Russia. A commendation relayed by Adm. Emory S. Land, director of the War Shipping Administration, from the British Admiralty said in part, “Mr. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, has particularly requested that he be associated with this message of congratulations.... I should like also to offer my congratulations to you and your crew for the excellent work you all performed during this encounter, which is a great credit to the United States Merchant Marine.” The ships are unnamed for security reasons. to assure all Seafarers the best possible food and food service aboard ship is now underway at SIU headquarters with the launching of a new refresher school for SIU chief stewards as part of the steward department recertification program. Five veteran stewards are enrolled in the first class. The program, developed over the past couple years, is the result of a recommendation by a committee of rank-and-file members of the steward department. It features both classroom and practical work to upgrade the steward and teach him the skills necessary for a chief steward’s rating. This Month In SIU History 1955 SIU negotiators recently won a 25-cents-perman-day contribution from employers to expand health and safety benefits and raise vacation payments. Coupled with wage increases under the contract, the vacation benefits will mean a boost in vacation pay for all Seafarers from the present $176 maximum to $224, effective November 15. 1962 The latest in a series of important advances 1970 President Nixon signed the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. This act, which incorporated many provision backed by the SIU, had passed both houses of Congress by substantial majorities before it was sent to President Nixon for his signature. President Nixon said the bill marked the beginning of a new era for the troubled maritime industry and opened the prospect of revitalization of the U.S.-flag maritime fleet. The bill benefits SIU men more than others by means of its provision to construct 300 new ships for the foreign trade in the next 10 years. The bulk of those 300 ships will go to SIU-contracted companies. Under the 1970 bill, all steamship companies in the foreign trade will be eligible for subsidies. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Depar tures DEEP SEA WILLIAM BYRNE Pensioner William Byrne, 81, died July 28. Brother Byrne became a Seafarer in 1968. He first sailed with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Byrne was born in Liverpool, England. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Byrne’s last vessel was the Commitment. He went on pension in 1999 and called Navarre, Fla., home. ROBERT CALLAHAN Pensioner Robert Callahan, 80, passed away May 1. Brother Callahan joined the union in 1944 while in Savannah, Ga. He initially worked aboard an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Callahan was born in Adel, Ga., and shipped in the deck department. Before his retirement in 1992, he sailed on the LNG Virgo. Brother Callahan lived in Mobile, Ala. MACK HAMILTON Pensioner Mack Hamilton, 85, died July 12. Brother Hamilton signed on with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1958 while in the port of San Francisco. The Tennessee native resided in Antioch, Calif. Brother Hamilton retired in 1981. BARNEY JOHNSON Pensioner Barney Johnson, 80, passed away July 26. Brother Johnson was born in South Carolina. He started sailing with the SIU in 1967. Brother Johnson first sailed aboard the Western Comet as a member of the steward department. His final voyage was on 18 Seafarers LOG the Charles L. Brown. Brother Johnson began collecting his retirement compensation in 1995. He made his home in Leland, N.C. CHARLES JORDAN Pensioner Charles Jordan, 84, died July 25. Brother Jordan joined the Seafarers in 1944 while in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was with Waterman Steamship Corporation; his last was aboard the Performance. Brother Jordan shipped in the deck department. He resided in his native state of Georgia. Brother Jordan went on pension in 1990. MAURICE LINDEN Brother Maurice Linden, 88, passed away July 31. He first donned the SIU colors in 1979. Brother Linden’s earliest trip was on the Santa Mercedes. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and shipped in the steward department. Brother Linden’s final voyage was aboard the Manulani. He continued to live in Port Arthur, Texas. FELIPE REYES Pensioner Felipe Reyes, 73, died May 17. Brother Reyes began his seafaring career in 1989. He originally worked with Crowley of Puerto Rico. Brother Reyes was born in Puerto Rico. His most recent trip to sea was on the El Yunque. Brother Reyes shipped in the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 2006 and settled in Catano, P.R. JOHNNY VICE Brother Johnny Vice, 63, passed away June 28. He became an SIU member in 2001 when the NMU merged into the SIU. Brother Vice was born in South Carolina and sailed in the steward department. He most recently shipped aboard the Green Cove. Brother Vice was a resi- dent of North Charleston, S.C. INLAND RALPH RACE Pensioner Ralph Race, 64, died July 10. Brother Race, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of Philadelphia. Brother Race was last employed on the Patriot. He was born in Philadelphia but called Pompano Beach, Fla., home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION ROBERT ALEXANDER Pensioner Robert Alexander, 85, passed away June 2. Brother Alexander was born in Alabama. He became a pensioner in 1965 and settled in Mobile, Ala. ROBERT GREEN Pensioner Robert Green, 81, died June 4. Brother Green was a Georgia native. He retired in 1984 and called Fitzgerald, Ga., home. ARTURO LOPEZ Pensioner Arturo Lopez, 81, passed away May 20. The Houston native started collecting his retirement stipends in 1966. Brother Lopez resided in Deer Park, Texas. CARROLL MCCOY Pensioner Carroll McCoy, 86, died July 13. Brother McCoy was born in Honduras. He became a pensioner in 1986 and settled in La Marque, Texas. VICENTE MIRANDA Pensioner Vicente Miranda, 94, passed away June 2. Brother Miranda was a resident of Peru. He went on pension in 1968. FRANCIS PINEAU Pensioner Francis Pineau, 81, passed away June 23. Brother Pineau was born in Quincey, Mass. He went on pension in 1993. Brother Pineau continued to live in Massachusetts. ELIAS RABINOVITZ Pensioner Elias Rabinovitz, 90, died June 14. Brother Rabinovitz was a native of New Orleans. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1973. Brother Rabinovitz was a resident of Franklinton, La. ARQUELIO SEMIDEY Pensioner Arquelio Semidey, 87, died July 11. Brother Semidey was a native of Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1970. Brother Semidey made his home in Bronx, N.Y. Shaw was born in Huntsville, Texas. He retired in 1968. Brother Shaw continued to reside in Texas. DANIEL TATHUM Pensioner Daniel Tathum, 72, passed away June 11. Brother Tathum was born in Nicaragua. He became a pensioner in 1996. Brother Tathum made his home in the Cayman Islands. CARL TIDMORE Pensioner Carl Tidmore, 77, died June 13. The Alabamaborn mariner retired in 1993. Brother Tidmore called Mobile, Ala. home. Name Brown, Juan Bryant, Robert Flynn, John Krogol, Bernard Lozada, Caesar Marshall, Anselmo Martinez, Jimmie Mathews, Milton McNair, Clarence Milton, Dave Nation, Robert Pabon, Frank Rivera, Emilio Rogers, Fredericks Sabatis, James Trotter, Rogers Age 89 81 83 87 71 95 82 86 86 80 83 91 80 88 79 76 DOD June 10 June 11 July 24 July 13 July 9 June 23 July 14 June 17 July 29 July 2 June 21 July 14 June 16 July 23 June 15 June 3 CLARENCE SHAW Pensioner Clarence Shaw, 81, passed away July 4. Brother November 2009 �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. ANTARES (Maersk Line, Limited), GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty August 19 – Chairman Michael J. Proveaux, Secretary Walter J. Matt, Educational Director Ralph B. Garner. Chairman reported smooth voyage. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. It was reported that there were problems cashing checks at some banks; crew would like the problem to be addressed. No disputed OT reported. Request was made to lower retirement age. Cable Ship), August 28 – Chairman Joseph J. Olsen, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Engine Department Gary M. Bartlett, Steward Department Mario A. Firme Jr. Chairman reported that survey was completed and went well; ship is now headed to Los Angeles. Mariners were asked to take care of the new TV in the crew lounge as if it were their own. Secretary reminded members about various issues pertaining to document renewal. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of the Piney Point school to enhance their skills. He reiterated the need to keep documents current. Treasurer reported $4,000 in crew fund. Recommendation was made to use some of the money to upgrade DVD players in crew and officer lounge with a conversion kit compatible with the new TV. Another suggestion was to get new fishing gear and tackle for ship. Chief Steward Fujwara is to look into cost and present it to captain. It was noted that movie locker would be open daily from 1630-1700. Next port: Los Angeles. Maritime), August 30 – Chairman Reginald A. Watkins, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Charles Snead, Deck Delegate Joseph S. Merriweather, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Bosun reported ship running well and expressed his satisfaction with the work performed by crew. He announced payoff on Sept. 6 in Galveston, Texas, and thanked steward department for great food and menus. Secretary asked mariners getting off to leave cabins clean and supplied with fresh linen. He thanked crew for helping keep pantry and messhall clean. Educational director encouraged all mariners to enhance their seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center and discussed the need for members to keep documents current. He thanked Recertified Steward Louins Johnson for a great salad bar and menus. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Information regarding pre-employment physical required by Liberty Maritime was requested. It was reported that a new washer and dryer are needed and are on order. New antenna is also needed due to very little reception while in port. Next port: Galveston, Texas. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship Company), August 17 – Chairman Philip T. Parisi, Secretary Michael L. Ingram, Engine Delegate Michael R. Lau. Chairman stated that ship will go to the shipyard for five to seven days in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Members were reminded to go to SIU hall to register for jobs within 72 hours. Secretary asked crew to assist in keeping house clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to reduce sea time requirements to qualify for benefits. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), August 16 – Chairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Salvador A. Baclayon Jr. Chairman thanked crew for a job well done and read communications from union headquarters. He reminded crew to have hazmat credentials up-to-date; test is available on board vessel. Secretary informed crew that reefers in rooms are not to be used for perishable items and asked that they leave linen for their reliefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding vacation benefits. It was reported that digital converter was needed for TV in crew lounge and that food budget does not reflect reality. Steward department was thanked for excellent BBQ’s and going that extra mile. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), August 2 – Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Eugene W. Von Flowtow, Educational Director Ronald H. Westerfield. Bosun announced payoff Aug. 8 upon arrival in Los Angeles. He advised crew members to memorize their TWIC card information. Educational director talked about the importance of keeping seafaring documents up-to-date. Treasurer stated $590 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers requested a new ice machine and would like fans to be installed in rooms. Recommendations were made pertaining to dental benefits. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for doing a good job. Next ports: Los Angeles and Wilmington, Calif. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, Limited), August 13 – Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Deck Delegate Ian M. Ferguson, Steward Delegate Natividad A. Zapata. Chairman reported a smooth, safe voyage. He announced payoff on September 21 in Newark, N.J. Secretary thanked crew for help keeping vessel clean. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., has to offer. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to pension and vacation benefits. Tanker’s Maiden Voyage Recertified Steward Joseph Emidy submitted these photos of Seafarers aboard the Overseas Nikiski, one of the new tankers built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The pictures were taken during the vessel’s maiden voyage; the OSG-operated ship was christened in June. “There is a real spirit of brotherhood aboard this vessel and it would be nice to acknowledge the hard work and spirit in getting the vessel shipshape and operating in a timely and efficient matter,” Emidy noted. Among those pictured are OMU Sean Sammacicci, SA Justo Flores, OMU Kemo Torres, AB Will Coronacion, OS Steve Blair, OS Dan Thompson, Pumpman Ben Mathews, AB Chris Green and Emidy. One photo was taken after a union meeting and the other during a birthday celebration for Flores. Pelican State Docks in Florida Crowley’s double-hulled tanker Pelican State recently docked in Jacksonville, Fla., and was set to resume sailing on Oct. 13. Pictured (photo above, from left to right) aboard the vessel (which was constructed at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego) are Oiler Henry Crespo, Steward/Baker Justo Lacayo, ACU Hussain Quraish, Recertified Bosun Ray Tate and QEP Oscar Garcia. November 2009 Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters To The Editor 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. Thanks Again Remembering John P. Yegge The volunteer group from the Seafarers International Union recently completed painting our home in Tacoma, Wash., and we wish to thank both them and your organization for the help. It is deeply appreciated by us as well as our neighbors. The Seafarers members gave generously of their personal free time to complete the project (part of a larger, annual effort called Paint Tacoma Beautiful) and deserve a “well done” in the effort. The finished product is excellent. We would like to thank them each individually, beginning with Dr. Debra Hammond, who originally interviewed us, and also Joe Vincenzo, Ryan Palmer, Quinton Palmer, Kris Hopkins, Karen Hopkins, Kevin Hopkins, Kylie Hopkins, Brenda Flesner, Joie Flesner, Chris Mercado, Dan Coffey, Cheryl Gutkowski, David Goodpastor, Lance Zollner, Ben Born, Michael Meany, Lovie Perez, Ray Nowak, Chris Tizon, Mikel Tittsworth, Samed Kassem, Glenn Quittorio, Cory Gardner, Allan Makiling, Hernando Basilan, Pete Hokenson, Paul Sharo, Rupert Henry, Lamberto Palamos, Cesar Runatay, Orlando Makiling, Jose Santos, Melgar Daguio, Joe Hilario, Manuel Basas, Emily Soriano and Efran Bacomo. I have yet to meet a finer group of generous people. It gives us a sense of pride to live in a city that has programs like this one to help us senior citizens. Tacoma has been my home since 1940 and we raised our family of seven children here over our 57 years of marriage, so it means something special to us. Thank you all very much and keep up the good work! My name is Jeff Yegge (AMO/SIU Book #136-Y). It comes with great sadness, yet celebration, as I wish to inform our union members and seafaring family that my only brother and our deep sea shipmate over the last 20 years has made his final departure. Brother John P. Yegge was a proud member of the American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union who loved his job and the professionalism we stand for. John passed away at his Fort Lauderdale, Fla., home on June 15, 2009, just months after receiving his unlimited master’s license. We joined our first ship together, the passenger liner S.S. Independence, back in 1989, signing on as SIU crew utility. John always did his job in a professional manner and never complained. He had a natural way of making his shipmates smile, take pride, and have fun even when the billet was swabbing toilets or crawling through the bilges. John enthusiastically pursued the opportunities available through the SIU and AMO as a U.S. Merchant Mariner and eventually fell in love and married his wife and shipmate Sherrie after meeting aboard the AMO/SIU-contracted M/V TSgt. John A. Chapman. John was very proud to have worked his way up the hawsepipe, filling many billets in all departments to earn his unlimited deep sea master’s license. I know he would have fulfilled that billet with the same professionalism, pride, and integrity as he had throughout his 20 years of seafaring. He will be greatly missed. I pray his Aloha lives on in those who knew him and I would like to share a personal experience I had following my brother’s departure: Al and Cecile Reeves Tacoma, Washington “Midnight Watch” Written to family while underway aboard the SS Great Land on 18 June 2009 In memory of Captain John Paul Yegge, 8/8/1966-6/15/2009 Top o’ the morning. I know these last few days have been emotional and difficult to fathom and this feels like the longest voyage home in memory. I wanted to share an uplifting abstract from my midnight watch. My ship crossed the International Dateline at 46* 50’ North Latitude early this morning – 0200 hours local time. Having logged and plotted the ship’s position and crossing the “Domain of the Golden Dragon,” I stepped back out onto the starboard bridge wing to honor the traditional meridian passage. Through the years and many hours “on the wing,” I feel blessed to have experienced the countless natural wonders of the wind, sky, and sea. It has been an embedded spiritual belief of mine and fellow seafarers that the mighty albatross represents our shipmates who have made their final departure on their humanly voyage. With a 16-knot following wind and sea in the brisk North Pacific, it was relatively calm on the wing. My gaze from the distant horizon was captured by the passing flight of a solo albatross gliding effortlessly past my height of eye (95 feet above the waterline). It wasn’t as though this mighty seafaring albatross, which spends most of its life at sea, landed on my shoulder and spoke to me but for whatever reason, the presence and 510 minute encounter that I tearfully enjoyed watching with graceful acrobatics from stem to stern gave me an incredible sense of freedom and peace within my heart that I truly have never experienced before. Be it irony or sheer coincidence, at that moment ... I knew Johnny was with me and letting me know he was okay (and apparently taking well to flight). Be it known that before this encounter concluded (for now), he was joined by a second albatross which seemed to guide him southeasterly onto the next waypoint.... Johnny always had a loving passion for flight as well as the sea and it’s my guess that this voyage has only just begun. Fair winds & Following seas, brother. With an abundance of Love & Aloha Jeff Yegge P.S. I am very proud to attach this last known photo of John aboard his ship M/V TSgt. John A. Chapman after receiving his master’s license in March 2009, humorously self-titled “Redneck Cap’n”. It was a proud achievement which began 20 years ago swabbing toilets aboard the passenger liner SS Independence. John P. Yegge 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: 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 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. 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. November 2009 �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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion ARPA November 16 November 20 Government Vessels November 16 November 20 Engine Upgrading Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations November 9 December 4 Marine Refrigeration Technician November 9 December 18 Welding November 30 December 18 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Firefighting November 30 December 11 Basic Firefighting/STCW November 9 November 13 Medical Care Provider December 14 December 18 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 Nov. 2. 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 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. 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 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: ________________________ Yes Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? No SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ 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 ________________________________________________ November 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. 11/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Twelve individuals completed their training in this 60-hour course July 10. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ronald Coley, Gerald Foster II, Daniel Harris, Laura Hollar, Brandon Hutchinson, Curtis Lee II, Mark Mosley, Keith Reeder, Bryan Smith, Richard Vega, Nabil Ahmed and Wade Jordan. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) completed this 30-hour course Sept. 25: Daniel Avery, Robert Borchester, Hubert Dennis, Thomas Quinlan, Paublito Ramos-Oritz, Michael Warner, Daniel Watts and Igor Yakunkov. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is seventh from left. FOWT – Eight upgraders on Sept. 11 completed their training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Babbitt, Daniel Balch, Prentice Conley, Hubert Dennis, Steve Shaffer, Danielle Smith, Charles Wagner and Rickey Yancey. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at right. Machinist – Three upgraders on Oct. 2 finished their training requirements in this 102-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Nat Lamb, Montree Nakwichet and Roman Zarkiewicz. Steve Harver, their instructor, is at right. Crowley Various Classes (Crowley Maritime) – The following individuals from SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime (above, in no particular order) on July 17 completed various courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland: Brad Burkart, Mark Tilly, Robert Albe, Chris Valley, Domenic Bailey, Forrest Furguson, Jeremiah Dougherty, Shelby Rankin, Gus Cramer, Randy Brinza, Robert Bouton, Jeremy Abel, Vance Sanderson, Ed Sanderson, Frank Campos, Jacek Sawicki, Cory Walls, Rick Cristofano, Paul McCool, Robert Bergmann, William Dunney, Dennis Keys, Mark Gaskill, Bobby Scheider, Greg Jaegie, Ardale Crim, Bill Foley, Freddy Hamilton, Willie Allen and Jeff Hardy. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG November 2009 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Eighteen upgraders completed this 63-hour Able Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course Sept. 11: Martin Baker, Brandon Braam, Victor Chevalier, Heather Hammons, Jarred Moylan, Tieria Noble, William Pakkala, Teresa Peterson, Jason Redmond, Joshua Sanders, Junior Tanaka and Nelson Velez. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right. course Oct. 2. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Edgardo Barrios, Frank Battaglia, Kenneth Benton, Apolinario Calacal, James Cedeno, Wilshire Cortez, John Daunoras, Richard Gonzales, Green Hoskins, William Kane, Yuriy Khitrenko, Ralph Kirby, Glenn Lopez, John Mbelwa, Jeremy Scheil, Mykola Smironov, Elpidio Toyco, David Tyrkley and Jesse Turner. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) HAZWOPER & Oil Spill (Penn Maritime) – The following individuals (above, in no HAZWOPER & Oil Spill (Penn Maritime) - Twelve individuals on Sept. 16 com- particular order) completed training in this 24-hour course Sept. 30: Mark Cates, James Fekany, Michael Freeman, Percy Guidry III, Erik Haik, Wayne Johnson, John Lee, Tor Moson, Paul Riggs, William Smith, Adam Sparr, Stephen Stockwell, Eric Turoff and Nelson Velez. Their instructor, Mike Roberts, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) pleted this 24-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Justo Arzu, Dennis Blackman, Fred Forsythe, Gregory Gallagher, Oscar Garcia, Paul Hackney, Ronnie Jarvis, David Mattson, Justin Nichols, Thomas Pelfrey, David Tausig and Michael Woodman. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at right. Tank PIC Barge DL – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) on Sept. 21 graduated from this course: Rigoberto Boggeano, Angel Carillo, Oleg Derun, Neftali Erausquin, Romero Escalera, Jose Ford Jr., Ernest Frank, Darnell Goggins, Michael Joel, Eric Kjellberg, Douglas Maravelias, Candido Molina, Charles Mull Jr., Antonio Owens, DeAnthony Owens, Jason Powell, James Tyson, Nelson Velez, Delsrael Williams, Richard Wilson and Joe Zavala. Their instructor Mitch Oakley, is ninth from right in striped shirt. STCW/BST (Hawaii) – Fifteen individuals on Aug. 15 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Richard Hoppe, Devon Banks, Melissa Farrell, Anthony Vitale, Danielle Frey, Courtney Hall, Frank Biscuso Jr., Russell Barker, Anne Crowley, Joel Smart, Dontez Archibald, Joshua Lopez, Sean Sprague, Roy Woods III and Phillip Abel. STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The above individuals (pictured in no particular order) on Aug. 22 graduated from this course at the Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Victor DeSegonzac, Nicholas Brown, David Wickham, Julie Chiappa, Rheanne Grogg, Edriner Strother, Angelo Malayo, Ali Fakhreddine, Ferdinand Cruz, Kenneth Smith, Sheila Brock, James Cobbin, Luis Zertuche Medrano, Megan Keiser, Alberto Gonzalez Alvarez, and Yinairy Perdomo. November 2009 STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Sept. 19 graduated from this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii: Ronald Tilfas, Michael O’Brien, Charles Hundley, Ionanna Sifakis, Kevin Gross, Jordan Scalise, Martha Duputel, Jesse Wright, Timothy Corrigan and Joseph Kingston. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 71, Number 11 November 2009 SHBP, Union Plus Scholarship Info. - Page 14 Liberty Pride Makes First U.S. Port Call The Liberty Pride, one of the newest additions to the Seafarers-contracted fleet, made its first stop at a U.S. port when the car carrier docked in Baltimore on Oct. 5. Although the ship only stayed there for a few hours before heading south, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown met with the SIU crew aboard the vessel. Additionally, unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education travelled from the Piney Point, Md., campus and toured the new ship. Operated by Liberty Maritime Corporation, the Liberty Pride was launched in May. The company took delivery of the vessel Aug. 31. The following Seafarers were aboard the Liberty Pride when the ship was in Baltimore, following its maiden voyage under the Stars and Stripes: Recertified Bosun Glenn Christianson, ABs Benjamin Wright, Dexter Ferrer, Editho Barraca, John Gray and Ryanne Wheeler, Oilers Clay McIver, Denise Mendoza and Mark Merenda, Recertified Steward Jim Battista, Chief Cook Cheryl Lynch and GSU Domingo Barroga Jr. The Liberty Pride has 12 cargo decks and can carry more than 6,300 small cars at once. The Liberty Pride is powered by these massive engines. GSU Domingo Barroga Jr. UAs Julian Davila, Mauriceio Oubre Chief Cook Cheryl Lynch Unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center tour the new ship in Baltimore. State-of-the-art lifeboats (photo at upper left) and a well-equipped bridge (above) are just a few of the Liberty Pride’s impressive features. Seafarers, apprentices, officials and others gather on the stern ramp. UA Bosun Kenneth Stearns � 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 November 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES JACKSONVILLE MOVE REMAINS ON SCHEDULE TANKER, TUGS, ATBS ENTER SIU FLEET PROGRESS CONTINUES IN GOVRNMENT SERVICES T-AKE PROGRAM G&H CREWS APPROVE THREE-YEAR CONTACT SIU COMES THROUGH IN ‘TURBO ACTIVATION UNION HELPS CREW UP 11 RRF VESSELS FOR READINES EXERCISE REAR ADMIN, MARK BUZBY TAKES WEEL AS NEW MCS COMMANDER CROWLEY PRESIDENT EARNS RECOGNITION FROM NDTA USCG: MORE EFFORTS NEEDED TO IMPROVE MARINER ACCESS CIVMARS HELP DELIVER CARGO FOR RELIEF MISSION SIU CREWS SLATED FOR AOTOS HONORS MAERSK ALABAMA, NY WATERWAY CREWS AMONG THOSE RECOGNIZED BY USS REPORT EXPOSES ‘SHIPBREAKING’ HORRORS NORDIC ACTION WEEK ENDS FOLLOWING 258 INSPECTIONS AT SEA AND ASHORE WITH THE SIU ASSORTED VESSELS ENTER UNIONS CONTRACTED FLEET LIBERTY PRIDE MAKES FIRST U.S. PORT CALL 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 11/01/2009 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. 11 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/945865f4ae3ee3997c92a1d374025148.pdf a3e339425af32a5bfa6418133c82d62f PDF Text Text 56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:59 PM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 12 Crowley Christens ATB Page 3 December 2009 MV Harriette Foils Pirate Attack Beck Notice Page 4 Page 6 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Jobs Plan: Right Move, Right Time Many Seafarers understand both the benefits and the responsibilities that go along with our union’s affiliations to groups like the AFL-CIO, the Maritime Trades Department and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Belonging to those organizations (and others) helps boost our voice on key issues. It gives us important strength beyond our numbers. It also means we provide grassroots support whenever possible. Make no mistake: Our main focus always stays on effective representation. That means securing and maintaining good jobs with decent benefits. It means making sure rank-and-file members have opportunities to upgrade so they can advance their careers. It means working with others from throughout the industry, including federal agencies, to help ensure the safety of our crews. But we’re part of a larger movement, too, and Michael Sacco on that front I’m proud to support the new jobs initiative introduced in mid-November by the AFL-CIO. For those of you who don’t know, the AFL-CIO is a voluntary federation of 57 national and international labor unions, including the SIU. Altogether, those unions represent about 11.5 million workers. Brothers and sisters, it doesn’t matter what issue is on the table – when an organization has 11.5 million members behind it, people listen. In this case, the federation has joined forces with five other groups to aggressively promote a job-creation plan for America. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, an absolutely rock-solid supporter of the SIU, helped present the plan during a kickoff event in Washington, D.C. This is just a summary, but it basically focuses on these five things: ■ Extend unemployment benefits, food assistance and health care for the unemployed. This will help prevent more families from falling into bankruptcy and losing their homes. It also will help maintain some personal spending that saves jobs throughout the economy. ■ Invest in our infrastructure. This was a hot topic a few months ago at both the MTD and AFL-CIO conventions, and it’s even more urgent now. All of the money spent on rebuilding our schools, roads, ports, bridges and more, equals employment right down the entire supply chain. Besides, the projects themselves are desperately needed. Ask any member who uses the San Francisco Bay Bridge. ■ Increase aid to state and local governments so they can maintain crucial services and avoid additional layoffs. One thing here that must not be overlooked is how the fiscal crisis affects our children’s educations. It’s happening because of massive budget shortfalls in school districts all across the country. We can’t let it go on. ■ Create jobs that put people to work in our communities meeting pressing needs. These are not replacements for existing public jobs. They must pay respectable wages and should be directed at distressed areas. ■ Send Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to small- and medium-sized businesses for job creation. Community banks – not Wall Street firms – are the financial backbone for local businesses. Right now, banks aren’t lending to those businesses. If they can get credit, they’ll create jobs. The federation and its coalition partners (Economic Policy Institute, Center for Community Change, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, NAACP, and National Council of La Raza) promised to take this program to the White House and Congress, with the aim of creating at least two million jobs in the next year. Considering that unemployment is at its highest rate in more than a quarter-century, it’s no exaggeration to call this plan critical. As President Trumka said during the kickoff event, “We need jobs – now.” He can count on our support. Season’s Greetings No matter the challenges we may face, this is the time of year when we all traditionally count our blessings. As always, I remain grateful to our rank-and-file members for their outstanding work and their unwavering support. Here’s to a safe, healthy and happy holiday season for all Seafarers and SIU retirees and their families. For those who are at sea, I appreciate the sacrifices that go along with sailing at this time of year. I hope you’re still able to enjoy the holidays and the time spent with your union brothers and sisters. Finally, I offer a special greeting both to those SIU members on voyages supporting our troops, and to the troops themselves. May God bless you, and may you all return home safely. Volume 71, Number 12 December 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 President Barack Obama (right) talks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) (left) Nov. 7 on Capitol Hill after meeting with House Democrats about health care. Directly behind them are Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) (left) and U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Labor Lauds House Health Care Bill Push for Reform Continues, but Senate Action Uncertain The U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 7 passed a labor-backed health insurance reform bill, voting by a tally of 220-215 in favor of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962). More than a week later, near press time, a procedural Senate vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on its own health care reform bill. That debate was expected to start after Thanksgiving; legislators and pundits alike suggested it will last for weeks, possibly longer. In any case, the House legislation is seen as a key win for working families in this ongoing struggle. As AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka observed, “The bill does not attempt to finance reform on the backs of the working middle class. In addition, the employer responsibility provision ensures a fair share of financing from employers and prevents employers from increasing costs for everyone by dumping people into subsidized programs.” The Affordable Health Care for America Act would guarantee coverage to 96 percent of the U.S. public. Among other components, it includes two provisions identified as crucial by organized labor: no taxes on employer-provided health benefits for the middle class, and no denial of coverage because of pre-existing conditions. President Obama called the bill “a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and our government, while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. It is legislation that is fully paid for and it will reduce our long-term federal deficit. “Given the heated and often misleading rhetoric surrounding this legislation I know that this was a courageous vote for many members of Congress, and I’m grateful to them and for the rest of their colleagues for taking us this far,” the president continued. “But more importantly, so are the millions of Americans whose lives will change when we achieve insurance reform – families with pre-existing conditions who will finally have insurance coverage; parents who will be protected from annual and lifetime limits that can force them to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for a child’s illness; small businesses that will finally be able to cover their employees; and working folks who will finally be able to afford health insurance for the very first time.” The House bill places a surcharge either on families making at least $1 million dollars per year or on individuals earning at least $500,000 a year. The surcharge pays for covering the uninsured, according to the labor federation. Additionally, the House legislation stipulates that employers would have to provide health care benefits or pay into a fund. Companies with payrolls under $500,000 annually are exempt; small businesses with 10 or fewer workers would get tax credits to help them pay for coverage. Individuals are required to obtain health care insurance coverage or pay a fee of 2.5 percent of their adjusted income, or the cost of a premium of a plan in a government-established exchange program. Individuals below income tax filing of $9,300 for those under age 65 and $18,700 for couples are exempt. Individuals may apply for a hardship waiver if coverage is unaffordable. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in remarks on the House floor shortly before the vote, stated, “This legislation is founded on key principles for a healthier America: innovation, competition, and prevention. It improves quality, lowers cost, expands coverage to 36 million more people and retains choice…. For all Americans, this legislation makes a big difference: no discrimination for pre-existing medical conditions, no dropped coverage if you are sick, no co-pays for preventive care. There is a cap on what you pay in but there is no cap on the benefits that you receive. It works for seniors … offering better primary care, and strengthening Medicare for years to come. It works for women preventing insurance companies from charging women more than men for the same coverage…. It works for young people, offers affordable choices, and ends co-pays for preventive care to stop problems before they start and allows young people to stay on their parents’ premium until their 27th birthday.” She added, “It works for small business owners providing access to affordable group rates and creating a tax credit for them to help them insure their employees. It works for consumers keeping the insurance companies honest and encouraging competition with a public option. This legislation puts you and your doctor in charge. No longer will the insurance companies come between you and your doctor.” December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 5:26 PM Page 3 Crowley Maritime Christens New ATB Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand Oct. 26 in New Orleans to join in celebrating the christening of Crowley Maritime Corporation’s newest articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel, consisting of the 135-foot tugboat Pride and the 587-foot barge 650-7. SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook and SIU Houston Port Agent Mike Russo attended the ceremony, which took place at Cruise Terminal Number 2. The Pride/650-7 is the seventh in a series of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATBs being built for Crowley. The company expects to take delivery of the final three vessels in 2010 and 2011. Crowley also has four 155,000-barrel ATBs sailing in the Jones Act trades. During the ceremony in New Orleans, Susan Rodgers, Crowley senior vice president of corporate services, christened the 10,728horsepower tug Pride, while Rita McKain, wife of Bradley McKain, manager, terminal, transport and marine for Marathon Petroleum Company, christened the barge 650-7. According to the company, Crowley Petroleum Services will charter the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley’s vessel construction and naval architecture subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, and operate it for Marathon Petroleum under a time charter agreement. “The units have been well-accepted by the industry and the demand for them dictates that we continue to build bigger and faster units,” Crowley announced after the christening. “In addition to the remaining three 185,000-barrel [units], we will introduce our 750-series vessels which will carry 330,000 barrels in 2011.” An ATB features a hinged connection system between the tug and barge, which facilitates operations. The tug is positioned in a notch in the stern of the barge. Crowley and VT Halter Marine jointly designed the newest ATB tank vessel. The barge 650-7 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Pride at its shipyard, in Moss Point, Miss. Like the others in the series, the Pride/650-7 boasts the most modern systems technology and double-hull construction. It can carry a wide variety of products in its 14 cargo tanks, each of which includes an electric cargo pump. Crowley’s Seafarers-crewed ATB fleet has moved hundreds of millions of barrels of product with zero spills since the vessels entered service in 2002. Crowley Senior VP Susan Rodgers (left) christens the tugboat. SIU members and officials are pictured in front of the new ATB. Among those in the photo are Port Agent Chris Westbrook (center), Port Agent Mike Russo (third from right) and Seafarers Robert Albe, Gus Cramer, Dan Hanlon, Jacek Sawicki, Cory Walls, Ardale Crim, Chris Farmer and Travis Stringer. The tugboat Pride is part of Crowley’s series of new ATBs. The 650-7 has 14 cargo tanks. Transportation Secretary LaHood Honors U.S. Merchant Mariners U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, speaking at a Veterans’ Day ceremony Nov. 11 in Washington, D.C., praised the bravery and historic reliability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The ceremony took place at the National World War II Memorial. “We gather here to honor all the veterans who have defended freedom and democracy against the forces of tyranny and oppression around the world,” LaHood said. “But today – before their voices fade into history – we especially want to recall the bravery, skill, and camaraderie of the generation who fought in the Second World War. And of those, I would like to pay special tribute to the United States Merchant Marine.” LaHood told those in attendance something that not all people outside the maritime industry may consider: “Throughout our history, our armed forces could not fight a war overseas without the merchant marine and the commercial ships they commanded, filled with supplies. In World War II, when our troops and their cargo needed overseas transport, the U.S. Merchant Marine was there – crossing hostile waters and sacrificing thousands of lives to complete their mission.” Such service didn’t begin or end there. As the secretary further pointed out, “When critical evacuations were needed during the conflict with Korea, the U.S. Merchant Marine was there to rescue thousands of U.N. troops, refugees, cargo, and vehicles. During the first Gulf War, when troops required four times as much equipment as the Normandy invasion, the U.S. Merchant Marine was there to deliver life-saving tanks, armored vehicles, and helicopters. Today, more than 85 percent of the supplies and equipment for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are carried aboard ships crewed by civilian mariners.” A former U.S. congressman, LaHood said that on Veterans’ Day 2009, “We remember all these brave individuals who risked their lives crossing the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Persian Gulf, and many other seas to transport essential goods or bring soldiers and others out of harm’s way. General Dwight D. Eisenhower said it best: ‘When final victory is ours, there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the merchant marine.’ On behalf of everyone at the United States Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, I want to thank the U.S. Merchant Marine, and all of our veterans, for their selfless devotion to our country.” December 2009 Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (left) honors mariners by placing a wreath at the National World War II Memorial. (Photo courtesy U.S. Maritime Administration) Seafarers LOG 3 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 4 SIU-Crewed MV Harriette Thwarts Pirate Attack All hands were reported safe aboard the Seafarers-crewed MV Harriette following a close call Nov. 2 with armed pirates approximately 360 nautical miles off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya. According to communications from the U.S. Navy and MV Harriette operator Sealift Inc. as well as news reports, the incident took place around 11 a.m. local time. It involved as many as a dozen pirates (total) aboard two skiffs who came within three feet of the American-flag ship but couldn’t board it. After the ship’s captain maneuvered the Harriette to deter the pirates, who were attempting to use a ladder, they responded with small-arms fire. Some of the AK-47 rounds reportedly damaged the port wing and bridge, but no one was injured. Additionally, shipboard personnel indicated that the pirates possessed rocket-propelled grenades, but those weapons weren’t used. The Harriette increased speed following the failed try at boarding, and the pirates abandoned their attack. The entire episode lasted about 25 minutes. According to the company, the vessel had offloaded food aid cargo in Mombasa and was sailing for Mumbai, India, when the attack happened. The ship is crewed by members of the SIU and the American Maritime Officers. Seafarers aboard the vessel during this incident included Bosun Sean Ryan, ABs William Steele, Garrett Phillips and Jeffrey Amestoy, STOS Carlos Conde, STOS Clifton Favorite, Oilers Florian Turcios and Abraham Moreira Mejia, OMU Romuald Marlinski, GUDE Kristopher Travis, Recertified Steward George Quinn, Chief Cook Lolita Sanchez and GSTU James St. Amand. Rear Adm. Wray Tours School The deputy commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) on Nov. 5 toured the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Rear Adm. Robert Wray Jr. met with SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and others at the school, which is located in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right in photo above are Seafarers Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, Tellez, Wray and Sacco. Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman is in the background of the other photo. Maersk Alabama Crew Safe After 2nd Attack There were no injuries aboard the Maersk Alabama following a Nov. 18 attack in which pirates fired automatic weapons at the American-flag ship approximately 350 nautical miles east of the Somali coast. According to news reports and other communications, guards aboard the Maersk Alabama returned fire and put a stop to the attack. A spokesman for the EU Naval Force said it was “pure chance” that the Alabama had been targeted for the second time in seven months. In April, the ship endured a high-profile ordeal in which its captain was taken hostage in a lifeboat for five days. Finishing Touches on New Hall The union’s move to new facilities in Jacksonville, Fla., continued in stages last month and remained close to its originally projected timeline. These photos, taken in late October and early November at the new hall, show the exterior sign, part of the interior and a section of the counter as well as some of the SIU members who volunteered to help paint the curbs outside the building: Rafael Lanila, Alex Cordero, Eduardo Pascua and Rolly Pascua. The move was expected to be completed around Thanksgiving, meaning the December membership meeting will take place at the new location: 5100 Belfort Road. 4 Seafarers LOG December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 5 President Signs Defense Authorization Act Passed by House, Coast Guard Legislation Awaits Senate Action Two pieces of legislation carrying great significance to Seafarers and the maritime industry are in focus at press time. The 2010 National Defense Authorization was signed into law by President Obama on Oct. 28 while the 2010 Coast Guard Authorization Act passed the House and awaits Senate action. The Defense bill provides funds for the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a vital initiative that helps protect America on many fronts. The funding is a boon to national and economic security; it helps keep dozens of militarily useful, civilian-crewed, U.S.-flag ships sailing. Also under the Defense bill, the Department of Transportation’s Marine Highway Initiative got a boost as the law authorizes DOT’s Maritime Administration to grant funds of up to 80 percent of the costs to start commercially and financially viable short-sea projects. The act states an operator must show “a market exists for the services ... evidenced by contracts or written statement of intent from potential customers.” Good news also came to the shipbuilding industry via a commitment from the government to guarantee $60 million worth of loans under the Title XI program. Title XI is important to the U.S. domestic maritime industry; the timing of this commitment was critical given the current recession and global credit crisis. On the piracy front, the Defense act authorizes an initiative proposed by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) that would give wider latitude to U.S.-flag ships carrying government cargo to defend themselves against pirates using non-lethal defense measures, without fear of prosecution under U.S. law. It requires a report on efforts to ease restrictions on arming ships for selfdefense and mandates that the Coast Guard establish training standards for armed security personnel. The House version of the 2010 Coast Guard Authorization Act sets aside $153 million for construction of a new Great Lakes icebreaker to better maintain shipping lanes. Like the Defense bill, the Coast Guard legislation also seeks limited mariner liability for actions taken against pirates, and pumps money into security and training programs. Additionally, the bill seeks to improve mariner access to port facilities and vessels. Great Lakes Fleet Ohio Voters Give ‘Thumbs Up’ Buoyed By Sensible To Labor-Backed Initiative Compromise While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may have had good intentions, a new regulation it proposed that would have mandated tough engine and fuel standards for ships operating within 200 miles of U.S. coasts would have unintentionally decimated Great Lakes shipping. After exhaustive efforts by pro-maritime legislators, labor organizations and private industry, a compromise was reached in recent legislation passed by the House and Senate that turned potentially harmful over-regulation into a victory for the economically depressed Great Lakes region, striking a balance between environmental protection and jobs. Congressional negotiators in late October reached agreement on what amounts to an exemption for 13 Lakes vessels that transport various cargoes throughout the region. The exemption was approved as part of a natural resources spending bill. Among those strongly supporting the U.S.-flag fleet on this issue were U.S. Reps. David Obey (D-Wis.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio); and Candice Miller (R-Mich.). The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, a coalition which includes the SIU as an affiliate, issued a statement hailing the decision. “We believe that a full understanding of the commercial vessels operating on the Great Lakes, their small environmental footprint, their large environmental benefits and tremendous economic impact can result in a balanced approach that meets the needs of all,” the task force said. “The EPA’s proposed regulation would have eliminated 25 percent of the U.S.–flag Great Lakes within a few years. Even the Government of Canada has taken the highly unusual step of asking the EPA to undertake further analysis before proceeding with the Great Lakes portion of this proposed regulation lest 50 Canadian–flag ships be put at risk. By closely examining the impacts and unintended consequences of over–regulating air emissions from vessels, the Great Lakes region can be protected without impeding our regional and national economic recovery. The U.S.–flag Great Lakes fleet already burns cleaner fuel than that used by many of the world’s oceangoing vessels. “We appreciate the effort of the Great Lakes Congressional delegation and administration officials who crafted a solution that extends the useful lives of the 13 U.S.–flag steamships to 2020,” the statement continued. “The environment needs Great Lakes shipping too. Ships burn less fuel and produce fewer emissions than trains and trucks.” In comments to the docket about the proposed emissions regulations, AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco (who also is president of the SIU) pointed out that some of the Lakes shipping industry’s older but vital vessels would have to be refitted with new engines to accommodate the rules or risk engine explosion or other damage because they couldn’t operate on the new EPA-mandated fuel mixture. Compliance costs would have increased to unfeasible levels in a region that is struggling with some of the worst economic and unemployment conditions in the nation. Transportation records show these 13 vessels in their current configurations hauled 29 million tons of cargo in 2008 and it would have taken 1.1 million trucks or 290,000 railcars to replace that capacity. Obey called the agreement “plain common sense. This compromise will allow the EPA to go ahead with a new clean air rule without sinking the Great Lakes fleet and all the jobs it creates in the region.” Oberstar stated, “Shipping on the Great Lakes accounts for a small fraction of the pollution caused by the maritime industry, but it handles half of all of the taconite used in domestic steel production. Increasing the costs of Great Lakes shipping will drive up the price of American steel products, jeopardizing our economic recovery.” December 2009 Ohio’s working families scored a potentially big win on Election Day when they approved a ballot initiative that is expected to help create tens of thousands of jobs. Known as State Issue 3, the measure calls for construction and operation of four full-service casinos: one each in the cities of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. Proponents believe it will create approximately 34,000 new jobs – nearly 20,000 in the construction trades and the rest at the casinos, which tentatively are expected to start opening in 2012. The initiative mandates $1 billion in private investment and $200 million in licensing fees. It is projected to generate $651 million annually in tax revenues that would be dispersed to counties throughout Ohio, with more than $200 million allocated to schools and equal amounts to job training programs in the economically downtrodden state. Dozens of labor organizations supported Issue 3, including the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD), to which the SIU is affiliated. Organized labor was far from alone in promoting the initiative – the effort also saw vast bipartisan support from legislators in the state and fervent backing from private industry, including Penn National Gaming, a major employer of members of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). Although similar plans had been defeated in past elections, some 53 percent of Ohio voters cast their ballots for Issue 3. In a statement of support before Election Day, MTD President Michael Sacco (who also is president of the SIU) noted, “This proposal is overdue. It has been thoroughly researched and carefully put together. It will be an enormously significant victory for working families across the state.” UIW VP Great Lakes Bill Ellis (left) and Penn National Gaming VP Eric Schippers discuss economic rejuvenation of Ohio during an Issue 3 rally attended by various union members, including those of SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers. The major coalition promoting Issue 3 – the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee – issued a statement after the measure passed. “The people of Ohio are the winners of this ballot issue,” the group wrote. “It may seem like the finish line, but it’s really the beginning of something much bigger…. We will work with the members of the General Assembly to help them craft legislation that will set the stage for successful and well-regulated casino gaming in Ohio. We will work with the Casino Control Commission to obtain the necessary licenses to operate the casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati and Columbus and Toledo. Then we will get busy on the actual design and construction of the casinos. And that’s when Ohioans will start to see the real benefits of their vote.” NY Port Council Bestows Honors The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s Maritime Port Council of Greater New York/New Jersey and Vicinity on Oct. 24 honored three people during its yearly awards dinner. The honorees were U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.), International Longshoremen’s Association President Richard Hughes, and Crowley Maritime Corporation Director of Labor Relations Tony Naccarato. They were selected because of their respective commitments to working families in general and maritime labor in particular. Pictured from left to right in the top photo are Port Council President Joseph Soresi, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Naccarato, MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco and Port Council Sec.-Treasurer Pete Busacca. Hughes is in the center of the other photo, with the same four previously listed officials. Gillibrand was unable to attend, due to urgent matters in Washington, D.C. The port council event took place in New York City. Seafarers LOG 5 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 6 Only Decorations are Spooky Aboard Buck, Matthiesen These photos were taken on Halloween night during a servicing in Manchester, Wash., where the governmentowned tankers USNS Paul Buck and USNS Richard Matthiesen were docked on opposite sides of the pier. Ryan Palmer, SIU safety director in Tacoma, Wash., noted that crew members were in the Halloween spirit “as evidenced by the decorations put out by Steward Caezar Mercado on the Matthiesen.” Both vessels are operated by SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 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). Clockwise from above, AB Tim Watson (left) and Chief Steward Mercado enjoying the Halloween atmosphere aboard the USNS Richard Matthiesen while fellow shipmates (from left to right) AB Eric Kjellberg, Chief Steward Caezar Mercado and SA Javier Wurttele prepare to sample some of the treats prepared especially for the ocassion. Pictured from left to right aboard the USNS Paul Buck are Pumpman Craig Croft, GUDE Carlos Noriega, QMED Mike Jones, SA Rickey Roberson, Unlicensed Apprentice Keith Reeder and SA Charles Mitchell. Summary Annual Report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 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 The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $88,144,176 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $100,256,894 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $12,112,718. 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 $34,720,473. This income included employer contributions of $35,192,763, realized losses of $1,156,408 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $527,122. Plan expenses were $46,833,191. These expenses included $8,629,770 in administrative expenses and $38,203,421 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 Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate 6 Seafarers LOG Summary Annual Report For Seafarers Vacation Plan are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.85 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $20,653,499 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $20,487,709 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $165,790. This increase 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 $58,500,623. This income included employer contributions of $60,586,377, realized losses of $615,540 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $(1,653,320). Plan expenses were $58,334,833. These expenses included $3,402,684 in administrative expenses and $54,932,149 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: 1. An accountant’s report; and 2. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.75 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2008 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 85.82 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $429.10 (four hundred twenty-nine dollars and ten cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2010 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2009 and November 30, 2010 will have this calculation applied to their 2010 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2011, your objection must be received by December 1, 2010. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2008. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 7 Following their graduation, the recertified bosuns posed with union officials for their class photo. Included (photo above) were President Michael Sacco (seventh from left), Executive Vice President Augie Tellez (third from left) Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (second from right), VP Contracts George Tricker (far right) VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (third from right) and VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (fifth from right). Recertified Bosuns Offer Perspectives on Union, School The SIU’s eight newest recertified bosuns on Nov. 2 addressed their brothers and sisters and accepted certificates for completion of their studies during the union’s monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Completing the four-week class, which is billed as the top curriculum available for Seafarers who work in the deck department, were Bosuns Shannon Smith (from the port of Baltimore), Mark Fleming (New Orleans), Bill Barrett (Jacksonville, Fla.), Albert Mensah Jr. (Houston), James Orlando (Norfolk, Va.), Wayne Ricard (New Orleans), Anton Sulic (Wilmington, Calif.) and William Rios (New York). In addition to participating in hands-on exercises and classroom work at the Paul Hall Center, the bosuns met with managers and spokespersons from all ashore union administrative departments as part of their training experience. Discussions with these envoys about the union’s health and benefits plans, contract negotiations and enforcement, and the Seafarers LOG enhanced the deck department leaders’ understanding of the many facets that must work in harmony to make the union strong. During their remarks, each of the recertified bosuns thanked the school’s hotel staff for their accommodations and expressed their individual appreciation to the school’s vocational staff for the quality instruction they received. In addition, they lauded union officials for their extraordinary leadership and offered words of encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices and upgraders who were in the audience. Shannon Smith Smith, who joined the union in 1998 in New York, was the first to address the audience. Reflecting on a photo he had seen in the school’s library of the late Paul Hall participating in a rally for union rights, Smith told those in attendance that the SIU’s current leadership is following closely in Hall’s early footsteps. “Mike Sacco and the vice presidents are still engaged in that battle,” he said, “They are still fighting for union rights, the survival of our union and for jobs…. They fight for all of us everyday.” Smith sails from the port of Baltimore and over the years has upgraded on many occasions at the Southern Maryland-based school. “My upgrading experience on this occasion, as in times past, was very positive,” he continued. “The instructors gave freely of their time and exhibited extreme professionalism while conducting our classes and I thank them for that.” Turning his attention to the trainees, Smith said, “As you start your maritime Recertified Bosun William Rios (above, left) shares his expertise in knot tying with a group of Phase III apprentices at the school. December 2009 careers, the only advice I can offer is to work hard and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do your best to be safe while having a good time once you get to sea. I look forward to seeing you on the deck.” Mark Fleming Fleming ships out of the port of New Orleans. He joined the SIU in 1979 and on three previous instances upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. “My experience here has been very good and I believe I have improved myself because of it,” he told the audience. “I now have a better understanding of how the union operates and how I can be of better service to the organization.” Fleming then thanked the union officials for their outstanding leadership and the services the SIU continues to provide to the membership, especially the school. “I believe that we all are better off because of this school,” he said. “It is instrumental in the continuing education of the entire membership. “Through it, we gain a deeper understanding of our jobs and become more unified in the process. I urge all of the trainees and upgraders to take advantage of all that the school has to offer,” he concluded. Bill Barrett “I’ve been a part of the union since 1987,” said Barrett. “I have sailed on tugboats, cable ships and survey ships during my career and have been many places.” He joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of Houston and has twice enhanced his skills at the SIU-affiliated school. “The union has given me many things,” Barrett continued. “Most importantly, it has provided an avenue through which I can better myself. Our leadership has made it possible for all of us to have a better way of life. I want to thank them for the education, training and brotherhood which we all enjoy through their efforts.” Addressing the trainees and upgraders, Barrett said, “Work hard, enjoy your seafaring experience and always be safe while at sea.” Albert Mensah Jr. Mensah donned the union colors in 1995 and hails from the port of Houston. “The SIU has been good to me and my family over the years,” he said upon taking the podium. “They have always been there for us. “I always liked coming to Piney Point for classes because the experience has always been positive,” continued Mensah, who has twice previously honed his skills at the school. “I loved all of the classes I took this time, especially union education, small arms, sexual harassment and conflict resolution.” Mensah concluded his remarks by thanking everyone for their role in making his upgrading experience possible. “I offer my sincere appreciation to my fellow brothers and sisters, the school staff and leadership for giving me the opportunity to better my self,” he said. James Orlando “This union has been important for my job and my career,” Orlando told the audience. “It has enabled me to upgrade and improve my skills in my line of work.” Orlando joined the SIU in 1995 and currently calls the port of Norfolk, Va., home. “My experience here at Piney Point has been great thanks to those who taught and guided us during our classes,” he said. “I have learned a great deal during my training including the negotiation of ship contracts and how our health and benefits plans work.” After thanking union officials for their leadership, Orlando turned his attention to the trainees. “Study hard while you are here and ask a lot of questions because the instructors have the answers for you,” he said “They are the best. When you go out there you’ll have the smarts to do your jobs and do them well. Don’t forget that you belong to the greatest team, team SIU. Carry it with pride in all your actions. Let them see that the members of this union work hard and have the knowledge and skills to achieve the tasks at hand. “Be safe when you go out there,” Orlando concluded, “and make sure that you spend your money correctly.” Wayne Ricard The bosun recertification class marked Ricard’s first experience at the Paul Hall Center, but according to him it was a memorable signpost in his career. “I’ve been a part of the SIU since its merger with the NMU,” said Ricard, who has visited many parts of the world during his 25 years of going to sea. “That (the merger) was a very positive thing. “The union has been a wonderful part of my life because it has provided for me and my family,” Ricard told those in attendance. “I would like to thank the union leadership for all of its hard work and the staff here at the school for all that they do. They all have taught me a lot about the union and See Deck Department, Page 9 Seafarers LOG 7 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 8 Scholarships Available to SIU Members, Dependents Seafarers and dependents who want to continue their education beyond high school should not allow the rapidly increasing costs of higher education to prevent them from realizing those goals, because help is available. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) can make the same difference in their lives—financial assistance—that it has made for other Seafarers and dependents for many years. The SHBP annually offers scholarships to qualified Seafarers and dependents who are hoping to further their education. In the last five years alone, the SHBP has awarded $630,000 in scholarships to nine Seafarers and 25 dependents. Structured to ease the financial challenges associated with college and vocational studies, the scholarship program for 2010 will consist of eight awards totaling $132,000. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers and five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help offset the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000 apiece. To take advantage of the foregoing offering, interested individuals must complete an application process. The first step is to send for the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. To obtain a copy of this handout, simply complete the form which appears below and return it to the address provided. Application packages also are available at SIU halls. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria to determine if they are eligible to participate. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be received by April 15, 2010. Items that need to be incorporated in the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since some institutions respond slowly in handling transcript needs, requests should be made as early as possible. Letters of recommendation – solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals – should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate are also required and should accompany the package. A scholarship selection committee, consist- ing of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2010. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address ......................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, ZipCode ............................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) .................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for: Self Mail this completed form to: Monthy Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed on Issues Affecting Their Livelihoods Dependent Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 Attending monthly membership meetings is a key avenue through which Seafarers can remain current on news that directly affects them. Conducted in SIU halls around the country, these forums keep members aware of key union and maritime issues, many of which could affect their livelihood and those of their family members. Below is the schedule of meetings which will be held in 2010. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two monthly meetings that have been scheduled for each port. 2010 Union Membership Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date January February March April Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 5 9 9 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 6 10 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 7 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday Jacksonville May June July August September October November December 3 7 *6 2 *7 4 8 6 6 4 8 6 3 7 5 9 7 10 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 10 8 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 *12 9 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 *12 9 Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 *12 9 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 *12 9 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 8 12 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Houston Monday after second Sunday 11 *16 15 12 10 14 12 9 13 *12 15 13 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 10 14 12 16 14 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday *19 22 22 19 17 21 19 16 20 18 22 20 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 21 25 25 22 20 24 22 19 23 21 *26 23 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 22 26 26 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 26 24 Certain meeting dates were changed from normal dates because of holidays: * Wilmington change created by Martin Luther King Day holiday. *Houston changes created by President’s Day and Columbus Day holidays. * Piney Point changes due to Independence Day and Labor Day holidays. * Baltimore, Norfolk, Jacksonville and San Juan changes created by Veterans Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:18 PM Page 9 Advisory Board Covers Latest Maritime Topics Just as the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) is a key resource for mariners, the school’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board is an important asset for the Piney Point, Md.based center itself. Consisting of representatives from different segments of the industry – including the military, government, management, labor and the school – the board met Oct. 2021 at the southern Maryland campus. As usual, participants examined crucial current events and projected developments affecting the U.S. Merchant Marine. Topics included the International Maritime Organization/STCW comprehensive review; updates on mariner credentialing and the U.S. Military Sealift Command, respectively; the school’s electrician apprentice program; the union’s new management information system; the engine-department career path; culinary training; and distance learning. SIU President Michael Sacco welcomed the group’s members and thanked them for their years of input and helping the union-affiliated school educate and train mariners, making them a component of society the nation can always count on. He explained that the SIU and the industry look toward the board’s members to not only make recommendations on training matters but also to lend their voices and expertise to government agencies and to The Coast Guard’s Mayte Medina gives an update on the International Maritime Organization’s review of STCW. Anne Dougherty of MarAd explains the experimentation of the electrician apprentice program and its success. share best practices with others in the maritime community. “In light of our changing economy, industry and regulatory environment, our work here and our ability to work together is crucial to mariners of today and tomorrow,” the SIU president stated. He noted that meeting participants included representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Military Sealift Command and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, among others. Concerning the school and the board’s work, Sacco said, “The school gives mariners hope, guidance and direction and helps them become solid employees that your companies and our nation can depend on. Your work here and the efforts of our staff are the cornerstones to successful careers and, in turn, a viable industry. There is a great staff here and it stands ready to put programs together to meet your needs and the industry’s needs. They have done a wonderful job addressing the needs of operators while complying with the regulations of government agencies.” SIU Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Advisory Board Augie Tellez discussed the meeting’s agenda and goals, and set the theme of the meeting when he reflected on how all mariners stood up to past challenges that go with the job. He said that the board’s actions can help equip mariners to tackle additional challenges that lay ahead. Deck Department Leaders Address Brothers, Sisters During Graduation Event Continued from Page 7 how to become a good recertified bosun.” Ricard rated his upgrading experience as a very positive point in his career and noted, “I think that I am now better prepared to do a better job on the ship.” Focusing on the trainees, Ricard told them to “study hard while you are here. Listen and learn from your instructors and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you get out to sea, be on your best behavior, pay attention, listen to your supervisors and you will be successful.” Anton Sulic Sulic who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., has twice before upgraded at the school. “I’ve been an SIU member since 1994 when I was a trainee in Class 524,” he said. “George Tricker (currently the union’s vice president in charge of contracts) first introduced me to the union in 1994 as my first port agent. “I have sailed around the world two times,” Sulic continued. “The initial voyage was the first time that I had ever been outside the United States and that experience enabled me to open my vision and see how other people live all across the world.” Thanking the union and its leadership for the role each has played in his life to date, Sulic said, “The SIU has always been engraved deeply in my heart; I love them to death. I want to thank the union leadership and the instructors here at Piney Point. I want to send a special thanks to the steward department who don’t get a lot of credit here at the school.” December 2009 Turning his attention to unity and teamwork, Sulic told his audience, “Times are tough right now and we as SIU members have to stick together. We have to respect and look out for one another as sisters and brothers…. Work together in unity; that’s what’s going to take us to the next level as a union. “To the trainees, I know what you guys are going through because I was here as a trainee back in 1994,” Sulic added. “I had the same concerns, fears and uncertainties about what was out there. But by working Coast Guard Capt. David Stalfort reviews the progress of instituting the TWIC and mariner credentialing programs over the past year. John Mason, director, American Service Technology Inc., and J.C. Wiegman, PHC director of training, jointly provided meeting participants with an update on the school. Several other speakers addressed the board. Those making presentations included: Mayte Medina, chief of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Personnel Qualifications Division; Coast Guard Capt. David Stalfort, head of the National Maritime Center; Christopher Wahler of MSC maritime forces, manpower and management; and Anne Dougherty, director of the Maritime Administration’s Office of Maritime Workforce Development. Also delivering presentations were David Heindel, SIU secretary- with my fellow brothers and sisters, that cured the situation.” He concluded, “I got out at sea and used the same work ethic I had while I was here and have not turned back since. Stick with it, don’t ever give up and look out for your brothers and sisters. Once you graduate from here, you’ll have brothers for life and they’ll treat you like family.” William Rios Rios sails out of the port of New York and has upgraded his skills at Piney Point on numerous occasions. “I joined the union when I was 18 years old back in 1985,” he told the audience. “I don’t have any regrets at all for my decision because the union has been very good to me and my family. I’ve been around the world three times already.” Rios said he really appreciated the opportunity to improve his skills during MSC’s Christopher Wahler relays the latest news concerning mariners aboard the agency’s ships. treasurer; Bill Eglinton, retired PHC director of training who’s currently an advisor to the school; PHC Manpower Director Bart Rogers; and PHC Admissions Director Priscilla Senatore. (For more information about the engine-department career path, see pages 10 and 11.) Meeting participants also took part in subcommittee workshops covering steward-department training, distance learning and curriculums for boatmen. Those groups were headed by SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski and Lead Instructor John Dobson (culinary); Wiegman and PHC Instructor Stacey McNeely (inland); and PHC Instructor Dale Rausch (distance learning). the bosun certification course and thanked the union leadership and instructors at Piney Point for the experience. “My training has really paid off for me over the years,” he said. Rios is a celebrity not only in the union, but also in the international maritime shipping community. He was a crew member aboard the SIU-contracted and Waterman-operated Maersk Alabama when she was attacked and boarded by armed Somali pirates April 8 off Somalia’s northern coast. Rios and his fellow crew members eventually fought off the pirates, regained control of their vessel and completed their mission. “We had no choice but to fight back,” he told the Seafarers LOG during an interview after the vessel and its crew returned home safely. “That’s how we were born. What kept us alive was the training, the discipline and the knowledge we learned from the SIU.” The union’s newest recertified bosuns (seated and standing, from left to right in the foreground of the photo above) took time out from their demanding class schedule to meet with Phase III apprentices who will soon embark on their first permanent jobs at sea. Seafarers LOG 9 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:19 PM Page 10 QMED Q&A One of the topics discussed at the most recent Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board meeting was the definition and classifications of qualified member of the engine department or QMED. Officials at the school have has fielded numerous questions from rank-and-file Seafarers about the QMED rating. Following are some of those answers from the school. Who is a QMED-Any Rating? ■ Anyone who has a Merchant Mariner Credential that states Rating Forming Part of an Engine Room Watch (QMED-Any Rating) on the International pages of their MMC (also known as the ’95 STCW pages) AND who is endorsed accordingly on the Domestic pages (also known as MMD pages) as Qualified Member of the Engine Dept – Any Rating. Must be listed in both sections. ■ OR have QMED-Any Rating on the old MMD and ’95 STCW certificate. It must be endorsed on both documents. How does a mariner become a QMED-Any Rating? The following are the endorsements a mariner must have in order to receive QMED-Any Rating on their MMC or MMD and the ’95 STCW. A mariner must have all of them and their document will reflect QMED-Any Rating. The first eight require written exams; Deck Engine Mechanic and Engineman do not require exams. ■ Refrigeration Engineer ■ Oiler ■ Deck Engineer ■ Fireman/Watertender ■ Junior Engineer ■ Electrician ■ Machinist ■ Pumpman ■ Engineman How does a mariner get Deck Engine Mechanic and Engineman if there is no exam? ■ Deck Engine Mechanic – While holding QMEDJunior Engineer must sail six months (180 days) as QMED-JE on steam vessels of at least 4,000 horsepower OR show satisfactory completion of at least four weeks of indoctrination and training in the engine department of an automated steam vessel of at least 4,000 hp. ■ Engineman – While holding QMEDFireman/Watertender, Oiler or Junior Engineer must sail six months (180 days) in any one or combination of QMED-FWT, Oiler or JE on steam vessels of at least 4,000 hp OR show satisfactory completion of at least two weeks of introduction and training in the engine department of a partially automated steam vessel of at least 4,000 hp. According to the SIU standard contract, what is the QMED classification system? ■ The classification system can be found in the SIU standard contract and is a rate of pay based on training within the engine department. ■ According to the SIU standard contract as of January 1, 1985 all QMEDs shall be classified subject to verification of having satisfactorily completed the following specified Paul Hall Center/Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) specialty courses: ■ Class #4 – SHLSS JE/DE course or old QMEDAny Rating (SHLSS) course ■ Class #3 – QMED JE/DE (SHLSS) or Any Rating (SHLSS) with two or three specialty courses ■ Class #2 – QMED JE/DE (SHLSS) or Any Rating (SHLSS) with four or five specialty courses ■ Class #1 – QMED JE/DE (SHLSS or Any Rating (SHLSS) with six or more specialty courses What are the SHLSS specialty courses? ■ Automation ■ Marine Electrical Maintenance or Marine Electrician ■ Marine Electronics ■ Welding ■ Refer Systems Maintenance and Ops or Marine Refer Tech ■ Pumproom Maintenance and Ops or Pumpman ■ Machinist ■ Diesel Engine Tech ■ Hydraulics ■ Hagglund Crane Maintenance Two Unlicensed Apprentices Earn Diplomas ■ Advanced Refer Containers ■ Conveyorman How do I know what classification the mariner is? ■ Anyone who is in the QMED classification system should have a yellow highlighted sticker in the miscellaneous pages of their Training Record Book (TRB). ■ If there is no sticker the person either is NOT in the classification system or may call Paul Hall Center Admissions to verify classification (1-877-235-3275). ■ If someone has not taken the JE/DE course at the Paul Hall Center/SHLSS or the old QMED-Any Rating course they will NOT have a classification sticker and must attend the school. Only mariners who have been given an equivalency test or evaluation (for practical experience) by the Paul Hall Center director of training may be granted a class #4 status without attending the school. Who can sail as QMED-Any Rating according to the SIU contract? ■ Anyone endorsed as QMED-Any Rating on their MMC (correct pages) or on their MMD and ‘95 STCW OR anyone with QMED-Class #4 or higher sticker in their Training Record Book (TRB) What can I sail as if I am not an Any Rating or never attended SHLSS JE/DE courses, but have QMED ratings on my MMC or MMD/’95 STCW? ■ In the positions listed on the MMC or MMD/’95 STCW as long as they are NOT QMED positions. For example: Someone with the electrician endorsement can sail as an electrician or chief electrician if they meet the SIU contract requirements, but NOT as a QMEDElectrician If I am endorsed as Oiler and/or Fireman/Watertender can I sail as a QMED? ■ No. You can only sail as Oiler, FWT, OMU or FOWT A career path diagram can be found on page 7 of the October 2009 edition of the Seafarers LOG. This diagram will be reprinted in an upcoming issue. Questions may be directed to the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center at 1-877-235-3275. Trainee Shares Reflections On Classmates’ Accomplishments Editor’s Note: A pair of trainees from Class 715 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month received their GED Maryland Diplomas during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Russel Y. Macomber, another member of Class 715, attended the meeting and witnessed the presentations. Following are his reflections on that experience. John Edwards (third from left in photo above) and Amber Fisher (third from left in photo below), both members of Unlicensed Apprentice Class No. 715, recently earned their high school diplomas through the program run by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Presenting them with their diplomas and congratulating them during the November membership meeting in Piney Point were SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left in both photos), SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left in both photos) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (fifth from left in photo above and fourth from left in photo below), VP Contracts George Tricker (third from right in photo above and right in photo below) and SIU VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram (right in photo above and second from right in photo below). 10 Seafarers LOG Amber Fisher and John Edwards were presented their high school diplomas during the November SIU meeting at Piney Point. They had received instruction and test preparation during Phase I of the apprentice training program. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training offers apprentices the opportunity to receive their diploma free of charge during the first stage of their education. I watched from the last row of the auditorium as my two friends walked to the stage to receive their diplomas and have their pictures taken with Union leadership. Truth be told, it had been a long meeting and was now cutting into our lunch hour. While I was happy for my friends, the importance of the occasion had yet to strike me and I was anxious to take my leave. It wasn’t until one of my friends took his seat in front of me and we were all shaking his hand that what had just occurred sunk in for me. I had never given a thought to not having a high school education. In my family education is your birthright and the only thing that ever held me back from reaching higher levels of learning was my own laziness. I never stopped to consider the struggles that some others may have gone through. As we all shook hands with John and congratulated him, he shrugged it off as guys do in these circumstances. When he sat down however, I noticed the pride in his face and what may have been the trace of emotion. I have no idea why he had not previously earned his diploma. He is easily as smart as any others in our class. But the reasons are not important. The achievement is what is important. And while I don’t know him as well as I would like I was as proud of him at that moment as if he were my own brother. It hit me then as we sat in the Union meeting. We are not part of a program designed to pump out sailors as rapidly as possible, more warm bodies to chip off the rust and apply fresh coats of paint. This is a union dedicated to helping its brothers and sisters improve themselves, boost their confidence, make them better all-around people who can then provide for themselves and their family. It is the only example I know of where an organization gives first: all the training, education and support you need, before ever asking for anything in return. Today was not just a day where two friends received their well-deserved diplomas, but a day when a Union received some much-deserved respect. December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:19 PM Page 11 Upgraders Give Top Marks To Junior Engineer Course Six of the more than 100 Seafarers to graduate this year from the junior engineer course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently offered feedback about their experience. Without exception, they said it was very worthwhile. They are elated not only about their newly acquired knowledge but also for the increased earning potential they’ll enjoy when they return to sea. Seafarers Robert Young, Alex Amarra, Jason Young, Christian Oding, Renyatta McNeil and Roy Frett were among the 23 upgraders who on Oct. 23 completed the training at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Now a mandatory course for any Seafarer who hopes to land a permanent job as an electrician, the curriculum is spread over eight weeks and consists of: 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration and HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity and 203hourAuxiliary Plant Maintenance modules. “I should have upgraded a lot sooner than I did,” said Robert Young, who has been going to sea for 20 years. “In my mind, I thought I already knew what I needed to know to do my job and do it well, but coming here changed that line of thinking.” Young hails from St. Louis and sails as an OMU. “When I entered the class, I knew very little about basic electricity and refrigeration,” he shared. “I knew the very basics but I had no real knowledge about how various electrical and refrigeration components interact to get their overall functions achieved. But the instructors changed all of that. They exceeded my expectations. They took time with me and my classmates and made sure that we learned everything that we needed to know to do our jobs. He continued, “I’ll be honest with you, it (the class) was kind of difficult for me at first, but the instructors finally got me to a point where I could do everything…I learned a great deal. I now have my junior engineer endorsement with deck engineering and refrigeration. I will now sail as a junior engineer, make more money and have a better career…. Being a junior engineer definitely opens more doors for you.” Amarra echoed Young’s views by stating “I learned a great many things during the junior engineer class that I did not know as an oiler.” A native of Fords, N.J., Amarra graduated from the school’s apprentice program in 1995 and has since been sailing as an oiler. “Most of the people who went through the apprentice class with me have already taken the junior engineer course and are probably moving on in their career,” he said. “I got left behind, but I know that my upgrading was long overdue… That’s why I came back to take the junior engineer course.” Amarra feels that more than a few of his union brothers and sisters rapidly are approaching points in their respective careers where upgrading is not only necessary but critical. “Right now a lot of people are coming back to take the junior engineer class so that they can get a job,” he said. “I think there are a lot of people out there who need to come back and take not only this class, but others as well if they want to progress. “I applied for the class last March, but it was already filled,” added Amarra, who sails from the port of New York. “So, I applied again and got lucky this time. The course itself was great and the instructors taught me many things that I did not know as an oiler. I can now sail as a junior engineer and make more money.” Returning to Piney Point for upgrading training was not new for Oding, who on three previous occasions has converged on the SIUaffiliated school to augment his skills. “My main motivation for returning here to take the junior engineer course was to enhance my career… Christian Oding Renyatta McNeil Coast Guard Releases New Medical Forms On Oct. 30, the U.S. Coast Guard released revised versions of the Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report form (CG-719 K, Revision 01-09) and the Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings form (CG-719 K/E, Revision 01-09) “to facilitate obtaining objective medical information for use in evaluating merchant mariner credential applications.” The forms are available for voluntary use through the end of 2009. All physical exams completed on or after Jan. 1, 2010 must be documented on Revision 01-09. The new forms are longer and more detailed than the old ones. They’re available for download and also may be completed online through the Coast Guard’s National Maritime December 2009 Robert Young Alex Amarra Jason Young You have to take it prior to taking the electrician course,” Oding said. “I also wanted to get a pay raise. “My goal is to get a permanent job as an electrician and this course is a requirement, so I feel very fortunate to have been able to take and pass it,” continued the Jacksonville, Fla., native, who has been sailing with the SIU since 2004. “Training like this is very expensive [elsewhere], so coming here is great because it is free for the most part. “Coming in, I felt pretty good about passing because I studied some of the topics that we covered prior to beginning my class,” Oding continued. “I learned a lot of things that I thought I already knew… We covered air conditioning, basic electricity, ship propulsion, auxiliary machinery, pumps, etc…. It was a great class and the instructor did a great job with the people who were in class with me.” Oding praised the union for making upgrading easily accessible to Seafarers looking to enhance their skills. “The union does a great job making training available to its people,” he said. “Advertisements are always in the Seafarers LOG about upgrading opportunities and the union reps constantly spread the word about the school and what it has to offer. It’s really easy to upgrade since the sea time requirements are so easy to meet,” he concluded. “I found the course to be challenging but I’m glad that I took it because it would have been difficult for me to get that kind of material on my own,” said Jason Young, a Philadelphia resident who sails as a QMED. “Coming here was in my estimation a saving grace. This was my first time taking basic electricity and it was very exciting. The instructor was great and I learned a lot. At the start of the class, I did not know very much about refrigeration but thanks to the quality of instruction I received, I have it down.” “I think I was doing a good job out there and I figured I already knew a lot about electricity,” said McNeil, who proudly has worn the SIU colors for six years. “I also knew, however, that I still had a lot to learn and going through the junior engineering course confirmed that for me. “I am glad that I took this opportunity because I don’t know of any other place where I could have gotten this training. I learned the basics of motors, alternating and direct current and all about reciprocating pumps. The instructors were very patient and knowledgeable of their subject matter and they took the time to answer all of our questions. They never rushed through the material...they took their time with everybody and made sure they understood what was being taught.” McNeil also lauded the union for the upgrading opportunities it affords it membership. “The union definitely makes it easy for people to enhance their skills,” he said. “The opportunities are there for everyone to better themselves. People just need to take advantage of them. “If people want to improve their skills and lives, this definitely is the place to come,” McNeil added. “I don’t regret coming back at all. I should have done it a while ago.” Frett sails from Jacksonville, Fla. He first went to sea in 1992, previously upgraded in 1999 and has sailed as an electrician on more than a few voyages. “At first I did not feel very positive about coming back here for the junior engineer class because in my mind it was something I already knew,” Frett said. “After sailing so long as an electrician, I thought I knew everything, but after taking the course, I learned that I did not. “After going through the class I can tell you that it was well worth it,” he continued. “It was a great course and people who have had the chance to take it but did not really should have. You really learn a lot because everything is mostly hands on training: basic electricity, pumps, and refrigeration.” Reflecting on the quality of the instruction he received, Frett said, “Our instructor did one hell of a job.… (and) everyone in the class passed. If he did not know something, he went to someone else and got it for us. He never left us stranded and he made sure that when we left his class, we were ready to go out there and do our jobs. “The experience of taking the junior engineer course has enhanced my career a great deal,” he concluded. “It probably will save the careers of a lot of others.” Roy Frett Center (NMC) web site at the following web addresses: ■ Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings http://uscg.mil/nmc/forms/medical/cg719ke.pdf ■ Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report http://uscg.mil/nmc/forms/medical/cg719k.pdf Additionally, the following page on the SIU’s web site includes links to those forms and to related content including an instruction guide for the evaluation report: ■ http://www.seafarers.org/HeardAtHQ/2009/Q4/medicalannct.xml When the NMC announced the release of the new forms, the agency said the revised versions are “designed to work in concert with the information contained in the Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials, (NVIC 04-08). A complete Medical Evaluation Form is essential for NMC to process an application in a timely manner…. Mariners with diagnosed medical condi- tions or who are taking prescription medication should carefully review the information in NVIC 04-08, the Instruction Guide, and the CG-719K or K/E forms. It is highly recommended that mariners bring the Instruction Guide and forms, along with the applicable sections of the NVIC 04-08 that pertain to their specific medical conditions, with them when they have their physical exam so that the medical provider can supply recommended evaluation documentation for any diagnosed medical conditions. This medical documentation should be submitted along with the CG-719 K form at the time of application. The use of the resources being made available should result in less missing information and a faster processing time.” Questions on the use of these forms may be directed to the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (888-427-5662) or by using the agency’s online medical contact form at: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/contact_iasknmc.asp?Category= Medical Seafarers LOG 11 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:20 PM Page 12 Seafarers Support Our Troops SIU-Crewed USNS Sisler, Other ‘Prepos’ Sail in Vital MSC Program The United States Military Sealift Command (MSC) describes its prepositioning program as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy.” SIU members play important roles in the program, which initially took shape from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Seafarers sail aboard the vast majority of MSC’s 31 “prepos” – various types of American-flag vessels supporting not only the Navy but also the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency. Prepositioning ships carrying military equipment and supplies are located in strategic ocean areas around the globe to ensure quick, reliable availability for U.S. forces. Whether the occasion is a military action, a humanitarian mission or some other contingency, prepos “give U.S. war fighters, who are flown into a theater of operations, the assurance that they will have what they need to quickly respond in a crisis – anywhere, anytime,” the agency declares in a description of the program. One such ship is the USNS Sisler, a 950-foot craft built in 1998 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. Operated by SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings Inc., the Sisler is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR). Earlier this year, the ship spent several months in Diego Garcia before “moving up to the Med around the Cape of Good Hope,” notes American Maritime Officers member Edward McDonnell, who submitted the photos accompanying this story. According to MSC, the Sisler’s six-deck interior accounts for a cargo area of nearly 400 square feet. It is equipped with cranes and ramps and can carry lighterage equipment for us when loading or unloading cargo while the vessel is anchored near shore. Other MSC prepositioning ships include tankers, combination containership-RO/ROs, a tion maintenance logistics ships, high-speed vessels and an offshore petroleum distribution craft. Their respective locations sometimes include areas in the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, western Pacific Ocean and eastern Atlantic Ocean. Prepos have proven their worth time after time, perhaps most notably beginning with th Persian Gulf War, when they delivered the first substantial armored cargoes to U.S. troops overseas. The vessels were used soon thereafter for Operation Restore Hope in Somalia (19 93). More recently, as pointed out by MSC, the ships “demonstrated their value again as they provided extensive support for Operation Enduring Freedom beginning in 2001 and Operat Iraqi Freedom beginning in 2003…. As the global war on terrorism continues, MSC’s prep tioning ships are an essential ingredient in the nation’s defense. U.S. forces can remain con dent that in times of national crisis, MSC prepositioning ships deliver.” For additional photos from the Sisler, visit http://www.seafarers.org/HeardAtHQ/2009/Q4/USNSsisler.xml AB Godofredo Milabo (photo at left) operates a stores crane while the vessel is in Crete. ABs Steve Dieken (above, left) and Tom DeCarlo perform anchor-windlass maintenance. In photo at right, OS Mohamed Hadwan poses for a snapshot while taking a break from his cargo loading duties. Members of the deck gang include (photo a from left) OS Pablo Garcia Bermudez, AB E Abreu, OS Jahn Boman and Bosun Ken Ste Some of the U.S. Marine Corps cargo (p below) transported earlier this year by the U Sisler included these vehicles. AB Abdul Muhammad AB Charles Reeve SA Rondell Richardson Deploying the vessel’s stern ramp makes it easy to drive vehicles on and off the ship. 12 Seafarers LOG OS Pablo Garcia Bermudez OS John Davis Storekeeper Joe Zagrocki December 2009 Oilers �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:21 PM Page 13 ps m y 400,000 for use Os, aviaution dian ith the oops ia (1992s they Operation preposin confi- The Seafarers-crewed USNS Sisler, currently operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc., has been part of MSC’s fleet for 10 years. oto at left, AB Emilio en Steiner. go (photo the USNS AB Tim Littles takes aim during small-arms training. Delivering materiel like this USMC cargo (shown aboard the USNS Sisler) is an important function of the U.S. Merchant Marine. OS Bryan Howell (photo at left) participates in a shipboard security exercise. OS Will McIntyre (above) secures an anchor ball. STOS Celso Maldonado Rivera takes part in a force protection drill. Chief Steward Robert Greenwood Chief Cook Teresito Reyes Those who climb aboard the USNS Sisler are greeted by a reminder of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s historic role as the fourth arm of defense: a reproduction of the WWII-era Battlin’ Pete patch (photo at left). The original emblem was created in 1944 by Walt Disney Studios and was considered the service patch of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Oilers Stephen Roseberry and Wilfredo Custodio December 2009 SA Jose Alvado Seafarers LOG 13 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:21 PM Page 14 At Sea and Ashore With the SIU BEST WISHES FOR RETIREMENT – Shipmates aboard the MV Midnight Sun recently congratulated Electrician Chris Cunningham on his upcoming retirement. They also honored him for 40 years of sailing with the SIU, the last 24 with Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) in his current rating. “Chris is an extremely talented and hard-working electrician and an all-around great guy to work with,” noted Chief Engineer Joe Woods, who submitted these photos. In the group shot above, Cunningham receives a safety award from Interocean American Shipping, which operates the Midnight Sun for TOTE. Standing left to right are 1st Engineer John Mulcahey, Cunningham, Bosun Fadel Saleh and OMU Joe Laguana. Cunningham and Woods (left) are shown in the photo at left. WELCOME ASHORE – At the union hall in Oakland, Calif., SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (left in both photos) congratulates newly retired Seafarers Chief Cook Manuel Guanga (below) and Asst. Cook Jaber Ali (above). COMMITMENT TO SAFETY – In early October, the SIU joined with the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) in committing to a voluntary safety program aimed at protecting and empowering workers. A signing ceremony (pictured above) took place at the ACOE office in lower Manhattan, N.Y. The agreement applies to members at the Caven Point Marine Terminal in New Jersey. The program is a cooperative effort between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New York District of the Army Corps of Engineers. Its four components are management and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; and safety training. Pictured from left to right at the ceremony are Operations Division Chief Thomas Creamer; SIU Government Services Division Representative Kate Hunt; Col. John Boule, district engineer; Safety Office Chief Paula Higgins; and Randi Ciszewski, representing the MEBA and MM&P. ALOHA FROM FALCON – SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell (middle) in mid-October met with Seafarers aboard the Horizon Falcon in Honolulu. Pictured from left to right are AB Joven DeOcampo, Recertified Steward Charles Autrey, Powell, Recertified Bosun Steven Bush and AB Roberto Queliza. WITH SEAFARERS IN CHARLESTON – SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Ashley Nelson sent these pictures of an October stop in Charleston, S.C. He met with crews from the Cape Decision and Cape Domingo, which are tied up next to each other, and from the Sealand Champion. Pictured from left to right in photo at top left are mariners from the Cape ships: Steward/Baker Gloria Baker, GVA Randy Corey, AB Wayne Johnson, Bosun Leslie Bracey, QMED Elaine Watts and AB Shawn Williams. The other group shot includes (from left) steward department personnel from the Champion: Chief Cook Michael Harris, SA Dagoberto Norales and Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin. The Cape Decision is pictured above. 14 Seafarers LOG December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:21 PM Page 15 January & February 2010 Membership Meetings Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October 16, 2009 - November 15, 2009 Piney Point...........................Monday: January 4, February 8 Total Registered Class A Class B Class C Algonac .................................Friday: January 8, February 12 Baltimore...........................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Guam..............................Thursday: January 21, February 25 Honolulu.............................Friday: January 15, February 19 Houston............Monday: January 11, Tuesday February 16* Jacksonville......................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Joliet...............................Thursday: January 14, February 18 Mobile.........................Wednesday: January 13, February 17 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: January 12, February 16 New York.............................Tuesday: January 5, February 9 Norfolk.............................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Oakland ..........................Thursday: January 14, February 18 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: January 6, February 10 Port 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 TOTAL 15 0 9 5 4 8 40 32 3 6 8 43 16 25 5 0 4 30 3 33 289 5 2 8 11 6 9 26 22 5 8 5 20 20 15 6 7 5 27 6 21 234 1 0 1 2 1 0 4 3 0 3 3 6 10 0 1 15 0 2 0 4 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 TOTAL 5 0 2 8 0 5 15 15 3 9 4 14 6 14 1 2 2 14 0 14 133 1 1 3 3 2 5 19 16 0 7 3 7 16 5 3 6 6 16 5 15 139 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 13 Total Shipped Class A Class B Deck Department 10 4 0 3 7 5 12 8 2 2 6 5 46 14 27 13 2 2 2 5 10 3 40 12 19 15 18 7 1 7 0 1 6 6 17 15 0 2 22 15 247 144 Class C Trip Reliefs Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 5 0 0 14 1 0 0 1 27 2 2 3 7 0 0 20 11 0 1 4 18 5 9 3 0 7 11 0 10 113 12 0 7 12 6 15 92 58 2 27 19 73 23 53 8 1 14 66 4 70 562 8 5 8 27 6 20 73 51 7 8 10 37 34 31 10 7 14 49 10 46 461 3 1 1 8 0 0 7 10 1 3 6 11 9 5 1 3 1 7 1 10 88 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 0 3 5 15 0 2 3 4 0 2 1 0 1 13 1 11 64 4 1 5 15 1 11 25 36 2 13 10 33 14 27 3 5 5 27 0 25 262 2 3 7 9 4 7 33 31 0 7 4 15 37 9 2 6 17 26 7 22 248 2 0 1 3 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 4 2 5 0 0 0 2 1 4 29 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 2 0 2 12 5 0 2 1 9 4 7 2 1 2 8 0 10 67 3 0 6 9 3 18 33 26 1 3 10 49 16 31 3 5 2 23 1 67 309 4 2 2 15 5 5 16 14 1 7 5 9 16 12 0 2 3 8 1 7 134 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 13 1 0 0 3 2 0 1 4 0 0 0 4 3 2 1 19 1 0 1 2 44 78 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 13 257 2 0 1 0 0 6 8 3 1 1 1 13 1 6 0 0 1 14 0 6 64 1,197 14 3 4 11 2 10 40 37 2 18 6 61 24 38 2 5 4 34 2 41 358 1,201 Port Everglades ..............Thursday: January 14, February 18 Engine Department San Juan ..........................Thursday: January 7, February 11 St. Louis ..............................Friday: January 15, February 19 Tacoma................................Friday: January 22, February 26 Wilmington.......Tuesday: January 19*, Monday, February 22 * Houston change created by Presidents Day Holiday * Wilmington change created by Martin Luther King’s Birthday holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention Seafarers Another New Ship! 4 0 1 3 0 6 8 13 3 3 3 8 11 8 3 0 0 16 0 8 98 1 3 1 2 0 3 9 11 0 4 3 7 9 6 2 2 2 8 2 8 83 Steward Department SPAD Works For You! Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation 12/09 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 TOTAL 1 0 4 4 3 9 15 10 1 5 5 25 10 23 3 5 1 13 1 35 173 3 0 2 8 1 3 7 7 1 2 2 7 9 3 0 2 1 5 0 6 69 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 10 1 0 0 4 0 6 23 8 0 4 5 17 12 13 3 4 2 16 0 25 143 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 TOTAL TOTALS ALL DEPTS 2 0 1 0 0 3 4 1 1 0 1 5 0 6 0 0 1 6 0 5 36 631 14 2 6 9 3 6 18 12 2 7 5 23 11 22 3 5 2 16 1 21 188 630 1 1 1 3 0 4 9 15 0 5 2 5 2 10 1 19 0 2 0 10 90 169 2 0 1 4 0 2 3 9 1 0 0 3 7 4 3 1 2 4 1 0 47 Entry Department 12/09 December 2009 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 17 505 11 2 3 6 1 0 14 10 1 2 2 13 6 11 1 4 0 8 1 6 102 376 8 1 3 9 0 5 13 23 2 6 7 16 17 19 2 7 0 6 0 25 169 299 Seafarers LOG 15 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:21 PM Page 16 Inquir ing Seaf arer 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 Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked in Baltimore. Question: Are you going to make any New Year’s resolutions? Rob Hayes AB If I had to make one, it would be to put more away in savings and start focusing on retirement. The reason, obviously, is the way the economy is going. Lauren Oram Recertified Steward Absolutely. I love making New Year’s resolutions. Just keep working hard, making money. Just try to do a good, quality job. Keep providing. Keep on working it. That’s it. Marlon Battad Chief Cook The resolutions – I’m not really into that sort of thing. Just hope for the best. Hopefully there will be more ships coming out, and we can keep working for the whole year. weight or something. You know how that goes. Eat healthier. It never seems to pan out for me. I generally stay away from resolutions. 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 David Wakeman Chief Steward I’m not really into resolutions. I don’t want to disappoint myself, you know? It’s always lose David James Recertified Bosun I probably will not. I usually break the ones I do make. The biggest one was to quit smoking, but…. I lasted three months. Chris Brackbill AB If I wanted to make a New Year’s resolution, it would probably be to keep on working on getting my sea time so I can go back, get more certifications under my belt. Continue getting sea time as an AB, just get more experience. Right now, my hope is to make it to second mate. That’s one of the reasons I joined – I want to navigate ships. Pic-From-The-Past 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 The photo above was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Phillip Proctor of Lemon Grove, Calif. It was taken in Murmansk, Russia during the Christmas of 1943 aboard the Liberty Ship Bernard Baker. According to Proctor, (pictured second from left in the front row) the Baker’s sister ship, the Henry Baker, was sunk by a German u-boat during the same run and his former watch partner was killed. Proctor himself was hit by flack during the attack and underwent plastic surgery for his wounds. Proctor currently serves as Vice President of the American Merchant Marines Veterans, Silver Gate Chapter in San Diego. Brother Proctor asks that fellow retirees as well as current mariners back World War II veterans by soliciting the support of their respective Senators and Congressmen for the passage of The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 (S. 663 and H.R. 23). If passed, the legislation would 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 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 December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:22 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 MOHAMED DHALAI Brother Mohamed Dhalai, 74, joined the union in 1980. He initially sailed on the Overseas New York. Brother Dhalai was born in Arabia. In 2000, he enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. Brother Dhalai’s final ship was the Sgt. William R. Button. He sailed in the steward department and resides in Dearborn, Mich. LOUIS DIESSO Brother Louis Diesso, 58, became an SIU member in 1982. His first ship was the Santa Juan; his last, the Tacoma. Brother Diesso was born in Washington State and worked in the engine department. He lives in Federal Way, Wash. FRANCIS DRAPELA Brother Francis Drapela, 61, started sailing with the NMU in 1993. The deck department member attended classes in 2007 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Drapela most recently sailed aboard the Cape Victory. He makes his home in Pearland, Texas. LAFE FRALEY Brother Lafe Fraley, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1999 while in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was on the Elizabeth. Brother Fraley, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Ohio. He upgraded on two occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fraley was last employed aboard the Anders. He is a resident of Mansfield, Ohio. MANUEL GUANGA Brother Manuel Guanga, 69, joined the SIU ranks in 1994 while in the port of San Francisco. December 2009 He originally shipped on the Independence. Brother Guanga was a member of the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the APL China. Brother Guanga calls Union City, Calif., home. KENNETH KRAMLICH Brother Kenneth Kramlich, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1967. His first vessel was the Caton Victory. Brother Kramlich was born in Washington and sailed in the deck department. His last ship was the Tacoma. Brother Kramlich resides in Spanaway, Wash. EUGENE KYZAR Brother Eugene Kyzar, 60, was born in Louisiana. He began sailing with the SIU in 1967. Brother Kyzar was initially employed with Alcoa Steamship Company. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Brother Kyzar’s final trip was on the Overseas New York. He shipped in the deck department and lives in Independence, La. JOSEPH MCGAULEY Brother Joseph McGauley, 71, became a Seafarer in 1963. He initially shipped on a Hedge Haven Farms Inc. vessel. Brother McGauley was a deck department member. He was born in Plainfield, N.J. Brother McGauley visited the SIU-affiliated school on two occasions to improve his skills. He was last employed aboard the Cove Liberty. Brother McGauley settled in Pocono Lake, Pa. MUNASSER OMER Brother Munasser Omer, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Long Lines. Brother Omer worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Tiger. In 2000 and 2004, Brother Omer upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in San Francisco. MARIANO PEREZ Brother Mariano Perez, 55, started sailing with the union in 1998. He worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Perez originally sailed in the deck department of a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville ves- sel. His final trip was aboard the Courier. Brother Perez is a resident of Santa Fe, Texas. union in 1994 while in Piney Point, Md. She primarily worked with Orgulf Transportation Company. Sister Avery often attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Maryland. She shipped in the steward department. Sister Avery lives in McComb, Miss. ABUDLLA SAEED Brother Abudlla Saeed, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1967 while in Detroit. His first voyage was on a Great Lakes Associates Inc. vessel. Brother Saeed frequently enhanced his skills at the union-affiliated school. He was born in Yemen and sailed in the engine department. Brother Saeed most recently worked on the Maersk Texas. He now calls Detroit home. JAMES WOOD Brother James Wood, 65, became a union member in 1982. His first vessel was the Independence. Brother Wood upgraded on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated maritime training center. The deck department member was born in New York. Brother Wood’s most recent trip was on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He settled in Wilmington, N.Y. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION INLAND NEAL ALVEY Brother Neal Alvey, 62, was born in Ohio. He started sailing with the SIU in 1973. Brother Alvey’s earliest trip was aboard a Gulf Canal Lines vessel. His most recent one was with G&H Towing. The deck department member resides in Phoenix. NANCY AVERY Sister Nancy Avery, 63, joined the GERALD BEUK Brother Gerald Beuk, 66, was born in Alabama. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1972 from the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Beuk initially worked in the deck department aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. He upgraded his skills in 1994 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Beuk most recently shipped with Crescent Towing of Mobile. He calls Theodore, Ala., home. ADONIS ARD Brother Adonis Ard, 58, donned the NMU colors in 1993. The deck department member sailed mostly aboard Marine Personnel & Provisioning vessels which included the CP Navigator and the Charleston Express. Brother Ard frequently took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He continues to live in his native state of Louisiana. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1945 The National War Labor Board this week approved SIU-negotiated wage increases for steward departments on the troop ships. The wage increases, which did not include the recent $45 per month across-theboard increases, ranged from a low of $10 for third cooks up to $37.75 for the ship’s butchers, etc. WINSTON BODDEN Brother Winston Bodden, 68, joined the NMU in 1965. He was born in Honduras and now makes his home in New York. MICHAEL FADDEN Brother Michael Fadden, 65, started sailing with the NMU in 1993. His earliest trip to sea with the SIU was on the Horizon Trader. Brother Fadden was born in San Francisco. The engine department member was last employed aboard the Performance. Brother Fadden resides in Hermiston, Ore. WILLIAM FEAZEL Brother William Feazel, 63, became an NMU member in 2000 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was on the USNS Effective. Brother Feazel was born in Norfolk and sailed in the engine department. He enhanced his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Feazel’s final trip was on the Paul Buck. He is a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. five designated areas off the Chinese coast, which was to expire on December 31 of this year, has been extended until March 31, 1951. In addition to the wages and allowances covered by the general agreements, crew members in the five areas will receive 100 percent of their basic wages for each day spent in these waters, a $100 attack bonus and they will be covered by a $10,000 insurance policy. Under the extended agreement, each side reserves the right during the effective period to negotiate for an increase or decrease of the areas of amount payable. This Month In SIU History 1949 Certified by the NLRB as collective bargaining agent for nine Cities Service Oil Company tankers, the SIU immediately called upon the company to enter negotiations for a contract covering the company’s unlicensed personnel. The contract will culminate two years of effort by the SIU to obtain union wages, conditions and security for CS seamen. The company began firing crew members by the shipload at the end of each voyage as the election drew near, but the replacements hired recognized the need for union representation and voted for the SIU. The company’s attitude was scored by the NLRB: “. . . it ill behooves the employer to file objections stemming principally from its own recalcitrance.” 1950 The present war risk bonus agreement covering the 1952 The SIU and its contracted companies met today to put their signatures to a brand new dry cargo contract which will provide considerable monetary and working rule boosts for Seafarers. The new agreement is the first standard dry cargo contract of its kind in the SIU, providing wage increases of from five to 15 percent for all ratings. In addition to wage gains, all general and working rules have been revised and strengthened, meaning more overtime for SIU crews. There are 14 brand new provisions as well as considerable improvements in the 21 repeated provisions. These, coupled with wage gains and standardization of the agreement for all freight ships will make it by far the best contract ever negotiated in the maritime industry. Seafarers LOG 17 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:22 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA ROBERT BOEHM Pensioner Robert Boehm, 85, passed away Aug. 6. Brother Boehm began shipping with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1951 while in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member was born in Montana. Brother Boehm sailed on vessels including the President Roosevelt and the President Jackson. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 1983. Brother Boehm called Long Beach, Wash., home. WILLIAM BUCHNER Brother William Buchner, 61, died Aug. 20. He signed on with the SIU in 1998 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Buchner initially shipped on the Overseas Juneau in the deck department. He was born in Erie, Pa. Brother Buchner’s final voyage was aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. He was a resident of Port Orchard, Wash. DENNIS GOODWIN Brother Dennis Goodwin, 55, passed away Aug. 5. He became a Seafarer in 1990. Brother Goodwin’s first ship was the Paul Buck; his last was the Alaskan Legend. He worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Goodwin resided in his native state of Maryland. CLIFFORD HALL SR. Pensioner Clifford Hall Sr., 75, died Aug. 25. Brother Hall joined the SIU in 1964. He originally shipped on the Penn Sailor as a member of the engine department. Brother Hall was born in Oak Ridge, Mo. Prior to his retirement in 1999, he sailed aboard the Sugar Islander. Brother Hall settled in Fredericktown, Mo. JOSE SANTIAGO Pensioner Jose Santiago, 90, passed away Aug. 12. Brother Santiago, a member of the steward department, began shipping 18 Seafarers LOG with the Seafarers in 1957. His first trip was on the Petrochem. Brother Santiago was born in Puerto Rico. He was last employed aboard the Santa Paula. Brother Santiago started collecting his retirement compensation in 1984 and lived in Kissimmee, Fla. FRANCIS SEEFELDT Pensioner Francis Seefeldt, 85, died Aug. 5. Brother Seefeldt started sailing with the union in 1944 while in the port of New York. He was born in Rock Island, Ill. Brother Seefeldt’s earliest trip was on a Delta Steamship Line vessel. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Seefeldt most recently worked aboard the Del Mar. He retired in 1980 and continued to call Rock Island home. HIROSHI SHINSATO Pensioner Hiroshi Shinsato, 89, passed away Aug. 22. Brother Shinsato joined the union in 1959, initially shipping from the port of San Francisco. He originally sailed on a States Steamship vessel. Brother Shinsato was born in Hawaii and worked in the steward department. His final voyage took place aboard the Ewa. Brother Shinsato started receiving his pension in 1980. He made his home in San Francisco. INLAND DENNIS ABSHIRE Pensioner Dennis Abshire, 81, died Aug. 8. Brother Abshire was born in Louisiana. He first donned the SIU colors in 1963. Brother Abshire sailed with Seabulk Tanker for the duration of his career. The engine department member went on pension in 1992. Brother Abshire resided in Sulphur, La. ROLDIN DINET Pensioner Roldin Dinet, 80, passed away Aug. 30. Brother Dinet began his Seafaring career in 1966. He was mainly employed with Dixie Carriers. Brother Dinet was a Louisiana native. In 1991, he retired and settled in Golden Meadow, La. DAVID GRAY Brother David Gray, 46, died Aug. 4. He started shipping with the SIU in 1979. Brother Gray primarily sailed aboard G&H Towing vessels as a member of the steward department. He continued to live in his native state of Texas. WILLIAM PARKS Pensioner William Parks, 85, passed away Aug. 23. Brother Parks became a Seafarer in 1953 while in the port of New York. His first trip was with Pennsylvania Hide Company. Brother Parks was born in Port Arthur, Texas. He worked in the deck department of both the deep sea and inland divisions. Before his retirement in 1988, Brother Parks shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. He called Nederland, Texas, home. CHARLES RAYNOR Pensioner Charles Raynor, 86, died Aug. 1. Brother Raynor joined the union in 1959. He was employed with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway for the duration of his career. Brother Raynor was born in Virginia. He went on pension in 1974. ROBERT REMMEL Pensioner Robert Remmel, 79, passed away Aug. 19. Brother Remmel signed on with the SIU in 1967. The Ohio native initially sailed with Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Remmel most recently worked with Piney Point Transportation. He became a pensioner in 1992. Brother Remmel was a resident of Hollywood, Md. EURIQUE RIVERA Pensioner Eurique Rivera, 81, died Aug. 24. Brother Rivera was born in Puerto Rico. He started his SIU career in 1976 while in Puerto Rico. Brother Rivera primarily shipped aboard Crowley of Puerto Rico vessels. He retired in 1991. ALFRED SEILER Pensioner Alfred Seiler, 83, passed away Aug. 25. Brother Seiler began sailing with the union in 1969 while in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked with Meyle Towing Company. Brother Seiler was a native of Switzerland. His final trip was with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Seiler was a resident of Land O’Lakes, Fla. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. GREAT LAKES DON BARNETT Pensioner Don Barnett, 86 died Aug. 6. Brother Barnett joined the union in 1988 while in the port of Duluth, Minn. His first ship was the Henry Steinbrenner; his last was the John Boland. Brother Barnett was born in Crystal Falls, Mich. and he shipped in the engine department. He went on pension in 2006 and made his home in Duluth. TIMOTHY BURKE Pensioner Timothy Burke, 83, passed away Aug. 11. Brother Burke became a union member in 1961. He initially shipped with Merritt Chapman & Scott as a member of the deck department. Brother Burke was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y. His last trip was aboard the Lemmerhirts. Brother Burke began receiving his pension in 1988. He continued to live in New York. in Wisconsin and was a member of the deck department. His final ship was the St. Mary’s Challenger. Brother Shircel retired in 1984 and called Sheboygan, Wisc., home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION BENJAMIN ALLEN Pensioner Benjamin Allen, 83, passed away July 21. Brother Allen was born in Virginia. He became a pensioner in 1989 and settled in Chesapeake, Va. GIUSEPPE CAMPIGLIA Pensioner Giuseppe Campiglia, 83, died July 21. Brother Campiglia was a New York native. He retired in 1969 and called Houston home. MIGUEL CRUZ Pensioner Miguel Cruz, 90, passed away July 26. The Puerto Rico native started collecting his retirement stipends in 1970. Brother Cruz resided in Bronx, N.Y. BRUNO DARINI Pensioner Bruno Darini, 83, died July 14. Brother Darini was born in Connecticut. He went on pension in 1968. Brother Darini lived in San Diego. CARL SHIRCEL Pensioner Carl Shircel, 89, died Aug. 2. Brother Shircel first donned the SIU colors in 1960. His earliest trip was aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Shircel was born December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:22 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON FALCON (Horizon Lines), Oct. 5 – Chairman Steve Bush, Secretary Charlfred Autrey, Educational Director Andrew Linares, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett, Steward Delegate Nicholas Rodriguez. Chairman encouraged crew members to read president’s report in the Seafarers LOG. Secretary advised mariners to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Educational director discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to have direct deposit of vacation checks and to reduce retirement age. Seafarers also inquired about getting refrigerators in crew rooms. Next port: Los Angeles. MERCURY (Maersk Line, Limited), Oct. 4 – Chairman Larry D. Bradley, Secretary James E. Cameron, Educational Director Jerome D. Culbreth, Deck Delegate Melvin R. Nichols, Engine Delegate Michael Clark, Steward Delegate Darryl Jackson. Chairman stressed the importance of knowing shipping rules and reading contract. Educational director urged all aboard the keep safety in mind as they work and encouraged mariners to take advantage of Piney Point school to enhance their skills. Treasurer reported $800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was announced that new survival suits had been received. Crew requested patrolman to visit vessel. Suggestion was made regarding vacation benefits. Ship needs a deep fryer. Crew said it would be useful to have more unlicensed apprentices aboard ship. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Houston, Mobile, Ala., and Norfolk, Va. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. Treasurer noted $632 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests were made for new chairs in mess hall, rubber mats for walk-in cooler, new picnic benches and new a grill. Recommendations were made regarding medical, dental and pension benefits. Crew discussed cost of health care maintenance medications. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), Oct. 17 – Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Alan W. Bartney, Educational Director Jimmie E. Thomas, Deck Delegate Chris Sanchez, Engine Delegate Steve Tate, Steward Delegate Christopher Hopkins. Bosun went over ship’s itinerary. Secretary expressed gratitude for help keeping mess hall clean. He asked mariners to read and follow instructions on the laundry soap container when washing clothes. Members who eat in TV room were asked to clean up after themselves or risk losing the privilege for everyone. Educational director reiterated the need for 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. mariners to make sure all shipping-related documents are current. He also advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like clarification on company’s travel day pay. Motion was made to increase medical and death benefits. Request was made for new washer and dryer since current dryer rips clothing. Crew requested written clarification on whether Seabulk contract stands alone or should they revert to standard agreement if information is not in Seabulk contract. Next ports: Anacortes, Wash., Valdez, Alaska, and Kenai, Alaska. WASHINGTON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), Oct. 4 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary William M. Simmons, Educational Director George W. Bieselin, Deck Delegate Manuel A. Uy Jr. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 6 in Barbours Cut, Texas. He asked crew leaving vessel to make sure room is clean, supplied with fresh linen and that the trash can is empty. Mariners were encouraged to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation); when they do, they are helping themselves as well as their union brothers and sisters. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills. Treasurer reported $1,186 in crew fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for excellent food. Next port: Houston. YORKTOWN EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), Oct. 18 – Chairman Charles J. Hill, Secretary Francisco J. Da Cruz, Educational Director Eugene N. Davis Jr., Deck Delegate Thomas W. Walker, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson, Steward Delegate Florence M. Brinson. Chairman reported that transportation in Miami will be provided by the Seamen’s Center; details to come later. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade not only for job security but to stay on top of the technology on the new ships coming out. He noted school has a new training boat. No beefs or disputed OT reported, though a clarification is needed for GSU. Seafarers would like AC fixed or replaced and to have a Kool-Aid machine aboard vessel. Crew thanked steward department for good job. HOUSTON (U.S. Shipping Partners), Nov. 3 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Gerry Rogers, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Fields, Steward Delegate Terry Fowler. Chairman satisfied with work being performed by crew and thanked them for their professionalism. Bosun welcomed unlicensed apprentices aboard and urged them to ask questions and learn form experienced crew members. Secretary thanked Seafarers for helping keep pantry and mess hall clean. He also asked that members check pockets before doing laundry. Educational director discussed importance of filing renewals for all necessary seafaring documents in advance so you don’t get left on the beach. He recommended all mariners enhance their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was notified that laptop was available for their use when in port or at anchor. Suggestion was made to reimburse members for added baggage fees when joining vessel. Seafarers-Crewed Cape Intrepid Participates in Defense Department Turbo Activation PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), Oct. 25 – Chairman Thomas Temple, Secretary Exxl Ronquillo, Educational Director David Carter, Engine Delegate Leonel Lazo. Chairman talked about AFL-CIO convention and importance of SIU’s affiliation to labor federation. Secretary thanked crew members for help keeping public areas clean. Educational director encouraged everyone to check document expiration dates and keep drug screening up-todate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion was held pertaining to H1N1 vaccination. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next port: Houston. The SIU-crewed and Crowley operated Cape Intrepid on Sept. 27 participated in a turbo activation. Directed by the Department of Defense, turbo activations are exercises which are designed to test the readiness of selected vessels to be ready-for-sea. During such operations, vessels traditionally must be activated, crewed, provisioned and stored, complete all regulatory body requirements, conduct dock and sea trials, and report ready for Phase “O” operations within a specified time. A roll-on/roll-off vessel, the Intrepid is part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. Aboard the vessel (above) as she passes the port of Seattle (clockwise, beginning at right) were: Electrician Phillip Greenwell; AB Luisito Tabada and GVA Mohamed Mohamed; and AB Joseph Hilario, AB Christopher Pompel, Bosun LBJ B. Tanoa, AB Perry Schroff, AB Scott Salo and GVA John Puartey. RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), Oct. 18 – Chairman Daniel Tennant, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Hashiem Pittman, Steward Delegate Alex Aquinaldo. Chairman reported a smooth voyage. He asked those departing vessel to throw trash in the dumpster not in the lounge or laundry room. Secretary stated room inspections would take place soon. December 2009 Seafarers LOG 19 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:22 PM Page 20 Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 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 $3,777,085. These expenses included $889,921 in administrative expenses and $2,887,164 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 20,190 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $61,624,942 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $70,629,761 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $9,004,819. 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 $(5,227,734), including employer contributions of $6,751,311, employee contributions of $107,939, losses of $6,328,472 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $(5,758,512). Minimum Funding Standards Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.95 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIWD 401 (K) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIWD 401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 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 $661,245. These expenses included $65,062 in administrative expenses, $484,101 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $112,082 in other expenses. A total of 8,721 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $5,018,380 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $0 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $5,018,380. This increase 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 $(223,378), including employee contributions of $1,402,325 and earnings from investments of $(1,731,861). Minimum Funding Standards Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 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. 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: Plan Office, 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. Summary Annual Report for MCS Supplementary Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN, (Employer Identification No. 51-6097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 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 $579,795. These expenses included $201,204 in administrative expenses and $378,591 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 616 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $7,035,140 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $8,143,400 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,108,260. 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 of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $(528,465), including losses of $358,426 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $(170,183). 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. 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: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, 301-899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.95 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. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying 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: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 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 addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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 LaborManagement 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. December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:23 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 first 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Able Seaman Start Date January 4 Date of Completion January 29 Celestial Navigation January 4 January 29 STOS (Unlicensed Apprentice) January 11 January 22 Engine Upgrading Courses FOWT January 4 January 29 GMDSS January 18 January 29 Junion Engineer January 4 February 26 Marine Electrician January 4 February 26 Welding January 4 January 22 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Firefighting January 11 January 22 Medical Care Provider December 14 January 11 February 1 December 18 January 15 February 5 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 Nov. 30. 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. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ 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 “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. Email 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. 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 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 ________________________________________________ December 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. 12/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:23 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class - Nine individuals completed their training in this 60-hours course Sept. 18. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Jason Bimile, Andrew Bullock, Matthew Caradimos, Garett Leopard, Badi Mohamed, Jason Monk, Shoal Nervo, Gavin Scott and JonDa Tanner. Welding – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on Oct. 23 completed this 103-hour course: Jason Babbitt, Lewis Coleman, John W. Mbelwa, Joshua McDaniel, Candido Molina, Lua Tran and David Turley. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at second from left in back row. Junior Engineer – Twenty-three upgraders completed this course Oct. 23. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alex Amarra, Bentley Arrundell, Patrick Devin, Joel Encarnacion, Roy Frett Jr., Shending Hu, Dwight Hunt, Philip Hurlbutt, Joseph Jacobs, Niles Jacobsen, Moises Johnson, Thomas Jones, Stravon Jordon, Anthony Kimbell, Butch Lumansoc, Eddy Newman, M’Barek Nouhairi, Emilio Ordaniel, Glenn Quitotio, Bernard Smalls, Mohamed Sylla, Gary Williams and Jason Young. Their instructor, Calvin Beal, is at left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer – Twenty-four mariners on Oct. 30 completed this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Reyaldo Abella, Jose Alcaide Urra, Marciano Amandoron, Victor Bermudez, John Brantly, Christian Earhart, Michael Iverson, Stanley Jackson Jr., Charlotte LeBlanc, Kenyatta McNeil, Johnathan Miller, Mario Moralita, Roger Nesbeth, Christian Oding, Shawn Pantschyschank, Lee Patrick, Rodney Payne, Bruce Placido, Emma Porter, Daniel Ramirez Jr., Randolph Sutton, Joseph Waller Jr., Francis Yapching and Robert Young. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Crowley Various Classes (Crowley Maritime) – A host of individuals from union-contracted Crowley Maritime on Oct 16 completed a series of courses for masters, mates, engineers and AB/Tankerman. Graduating from courses for masters (in no particular order) were: T. Lenfestey, B. Walsh, B. Burkart, S. Mitchell, G. Sadler and D. Bates. Completing classes for mates were: G. Palmer, D. Atherley, R. Stanus, D. Gillis, B. Harell, R. Brinza, J. Anderson, D. Lane, C. Gross, B. Enos, and C. Bridges. Finishing courses for engineers were: P. Joiner, G. Hohmann, S. Jones, J. Broussard, N. O’Connor, J. Rowe, D. Lipscomb, M. Masnov, S. Miller, M. Laskowski, M. Citarelli and T. Werner. Completing classes for AB-Tankerman were: R. Jackson, J. Howard, J. Smith, A. Tunjic and J. Walker. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2009 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:23 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes BAPO – Two classes of Phase III unlicensed apprentices and upgraders on Oct. 9 completed training in this 140-hour course. Graduating (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Rayante Angulo, Andrew Beach, Joel Bell, Samuel Blanchard, Matthew Bryant, Carlos Davila, John Eastman, Todd Favaza, William Fountain III, Felix Garcia, Joshua Harris, Thomas Huminski, Kevin Kelly, Michael Kelly, Patrick Kirkland, Sean Mannix, Forrest Melvin, Matthew Mike, Ali Mohamed, Noorudin Muthala, Charles Naze, Oubre Mauriceio, Guiomar Rancel-Mercado, Curtis Royal, Justino Sanchez, Mohamed Sheriff, Elijah Stewart-Eastman, William Waldmann and James Williamson. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is standing at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Pumpman - Montree Nakwichet (seated in photo above) on Oct. 16 graduated from this course. His instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing. Water Survival – Fourteen upgraders on Oct. 9 completed this 60-hour course. Gratuating (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Daniel Avery, Antolin Avorque, Mario Batiz Alvarez, Victor Febres, Danilo Florendo, Teodoro Norales, Thomas Parisi, Irvinson Perez, Christopher Sikes, Aaron Sillis, Boyd Spivey, Donato Surrell, Mark Ward and Mary Young. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at right. Hazwopper & Oil Spill Prevention and Containment (Penn Maritime) – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Sept. 25 completed this 24-hour course: Rex Butler, Tim Hurst, Robert Judy, Jason Keffer, Christopher March, Edward Melvin, and Dave Swan. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at right. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Sept. 5 completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Michael Waldrop, Nicholas Akau, Joseph Gates, Oliver Poilevey, Douglas Sparks, Brian Szafran, Jamie Westby, Courtney Curtis, De Andre Finch, Lauren Stady, Tony Williams, Byron Dixon, Laura Scalise, Sonia Kafer, Stephen Haynes, Kerry Griggs, Jordan Sevigny, Jeffrey Taylor and Ryan Taylor December 2009 Helo Fire Fighting – Five upgraders finished their training requirements in this course. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Adel Alamers, William Dukes, Mark Wertz, Tar Ahmed and Wayne Johnson. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BST (Hawaii) – Nine individuals (above, in no particular order) on Oct. 3 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Yamil Santiago, Jessica Molina, Bradley Williams, Sharon Shelton, Edita Cehic, Andrew Coltmans, Patrick Chapman, Erin Nolan and Roy Bishop. Seafarers LOG 23 �56962_p1_24_x3:January 08 11/24/2009 4:23 PM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 12 December 2009 SIU Membership Meeting Dates For 2010 - Page 8 Capt. Chris Rickard Arnold Transit SIU Snapshots from the Great Lakes The photos on this page were taken during recent service calls aboard the Adam E. Cornelius and John J. Boland and at Luedtke Engineering and Arnold Transit Co. Luedtke recently added a new hydraulic dredge: the Sue Lyon. The family-owned dredging and marine construction company is based in Frankfort, Mich. Arnold Transit operates Seafarers-crewed ferries sailing between Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Island, Mich., and also between Mackinaw Island and St. Ignace, Mich. The Boland and the Cornelius are cargo ships operated by American Steamship Company. Both vessels transport iron ore pellets, coal and limestone; the Boland also carries grain. Seafarer Boyd Wilson Luedtke Engineering Capt. Garth Law (left in photo above), and SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. Law works with Arnold Transit. Pictured in the photo at left is Bosun Jared Smith from the John J. Boland. Capt. Keith Duffton (left), of Arnold Transit. SIU Algonac Safety Director Monte Burgett is at right. SIU Patrolman Don Thornton (left) joins Seafarers Caleb Gilbert and Erick Kenwabikise who work at Luedtke Engineering 2nd Cook Khaled Alasaadi John J. Boland Clockwise, from photo at left, Recertified Bosun Scott Gallagher and AB Gerald Beaubien from the Adam E. Cornelius. Sec.-Treasurer Paul Luedtke of Luedtke Engineering poses with Seafarer Tom Zatkovic. Above are Adam E. Cornelius crew members AB Walter Sipper, GUDEs Latiffe Brooks, Billie Munoz and Douglas McLaughlin. � 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 December 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LABOR LAUDS HOUSE HEALTH CARE BILL PUSH FOR REFORM CONTINUES, BUT SENATE ACTION UNCERTAIN CROWLEY MARITIME CHRISTENS NEW ATB TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD HONORS U.S. MERCHANT MARINERS SIU-CREWED MV HARRIETTE THWARTS PIRATE ATTACK MAERSK ALABAMA CREW SAFE AFTER 2ND ATTACK FINISHING TOUCHES ON NEW HALL PRESIDENT SIGNS DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT GREAT LAKES FLEET BUOYED BY SENSIBLE COMPROMISE OHIO VOTERS GIVE ‘THUMBS UP’ TO LABOR-BACKED INITIATIVE NY PORT COUNCIL BESTOWS HONORS ADVISORY BOARD COVERS LATEST MARITIME TOPICS DECK DEPARTMENT LEADERS ADDRESS BROTHERS, SISTERS DURING GRADUATION EVENT SEAFARERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS SIU-CREWED USNS SISLER, OTHER ‘PREPOS’ SAIL IN VITAL MSC PROGRAM SIU SNAP SHOTS OF 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 12/01/2009 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. 12 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4c307267660639e0d1f35e2020936a2c.pdf 03a93343968cfab01125f6471730d9c3 PDF Text Text 57268_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2009 12:50 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 1 January 2010 New Tankers Sunshine State, Overseas Cascade Delivered As 2009 drew to a close, the union welcomed two new tankers into its contracted fleet: the Sunshine State (top photo) and the Overseas Cascade (left). The Sunshine State was built at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, while the Overseas Cascade was constructed at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Page 3. SIU Members, Officials Celebrate Move to New Hall in Jacksonville The union in late November finished moving its Jacksonville, Fla., operations to a new facility located at 5100 Belfort Rd. A ceremonial opening and celebration took place Dec. 10 at the new hall. At left, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and QMED Lamont Robinson cut the ceremonial ribbon. Looking on are (back row, from left) SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and S e c r e t a r y - Tr e a s u r e r David Heindel. Page 4. Paul Hall Center Publishes Guide, 2010 Course Dates The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has released course dates for the first few months of 2010. Those dates are part of a yearly eight-page feature in this edition which also includes brief descriptions of many Paul Hall Center classes. Some of the courses utilize the full-mission bridge simulator, pictured above. Pages 9-16. Oakland Thanksgiving Event Page 7 SPP/SMPPP Notice Page 19 SIU’s Year in Review Page 24 �57268_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2009 12:52 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Union Earns Success in 2009 Looking back on 2009, the tough economy may have dominated national headlines, but in the SIU we maintained job stability and job security. That’s what first comes to mind for me when thinking about the past year. Another important story from 2009 – and moving forward as we kick off 2010 – is the fact that we’re still training Seafarers, including entry-level mariners, at the SIU-affiliated schools in Piney Point, Md., and Hawaii. We’re able to offer those training opportunities because of job stability. We have a lot to be thankful for these days. Our contracted companies are growing, and we’re growing with them. That’s why we’re constantly reporting on new ships and tugs entering our SIUMichael Sacco crewed fleet. Those accomplishments don’t happen by accident. Additionally, we’re fine-tuning a new computer system in all the ports which is designed to benefit rank-and-file members by helping provide better, faster service. Like anything involving computers, this setup has included some speed bumps. But, it’s a big improvement over the old arrangement and it should become even better with some additional refinements. Last month, I got a firsthand look at another improvement: the new SIU hall in Jacksonville. It’s a beautiful building and another example of how we don’t rest on past achievements. We’re consistently working to get better in all areas. I also want to acknowledge the staff at the school in Piney Point. They’ve done a fantastic job this past year working with upgraders and trainees. I spend a lot of time at the school, and it’s easy to see we haven’t lost our edge there. And I’m sure our members know that the courses themselves remain vitally important for those who want a career at sea. Take advantage of those classes, brothers and sisters. Something that’s less obvious but also essential to our success is political action – an arena we’ve been involved in since our founding in 1938. We were politically active in 2009, and to cite just one example of why that’s important, we helped save hundreds of SIU jobs on the Great Lakes by tackling an environmental issue which unnecessarily threatened American-flag shipping. Without a strong political presence, those jobs and those ships would have been wiped out. And again, that’s just one example. On that note, I credit the membership for your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, and for your grassroots efforts on behalf of pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates and representatives. That’s what keeps us alive. That’s what keeps the U.S. flag flying in the maritime industry. Those are just some of the highlights for us from 2009. There were other gains and there are plenty of ongoing challenges, too. A more detailed recap appears elsewhere in this issue of the LOG, and I encourage you to check it out. Overall, I’m proud of where we are today compared to where we were a year ago, and I’m looking forward to 2010. I expect it to be a good year, in no small part because we’re able to put well-trained, responsible, productive personnel aboard all types of ships. Our bottom line is jobs, and the key to that bottom line is the great work performed by Seafarers. None of our contracted companies would invest in new tonnage if they weren’t certain they could call on reliable shipboard personnel to protect those investments. Knowing the unity we enjoy, and the respect we have for one another, I’m sure we’ll continue getting the job done – together – in 2010 and for many years to follow. Notice to CIVMARS CMPI 610 Negotiations and Wage Parity Discussions The SIU/NMU, MEBA, MM&P and MSC have union has been seeking wage parity between the agreed to resume negotiations for Civil Marine CIVMAR East and West coast bargaining units for Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 610 – Hours of many years. The union has sought parity through requests to MSC HQ representatives. Work and Premium Pay. The development of CIVMAR wages involves As many CIVMARS may know from previous union communications, over the past years the par- a yearly submission to MSC HQ. Each year the ties have attempted to negotiate this Instruction union submits information which is legally using traditional negotiation techniques. In tradi- required to establish wages for MSC CIVMARS. tional negotiations each party negotiates only from The information submitted is based upon privateits own interests. During the last round of negotia- sector maritime contracts. This requirement is tions in 2007, the discussions resulted in impasse. established by federal law. MSC HQ N13 representatives review this inforThis time the parties have agreed to use an interest-based bargaining process to negotiate mation and process the union’s submission and CMPI 610. This is a different type of negotiation additional information based upon other requirements. A package process than the of information is parties have used then submitted to before. It is a partthe Department of nership-based Defense Wage negotiation process Fixing Authority where the parties (DODWFA). develop a set of Although MSC has joint interests. made requests to Once the interests DODWFA to are identified, the implement wage parties craft proparity between the posals together to East and West coast meet these interunits, DODWFA ests. There are many Pictured above are individuals who completed “interest-based has denied these advantages to this bargaining training” Dec. 8-9 in Washington, D.C., including requests. MSC and union type of negotiation representatives from the SIU, MEBA, MM&P, MSC and representatives process including a MSFSC. have now agreed to more productive, fair and transparent negotiation process. pursue the wage parity review process together. Depending on the issues, the negotiations may be CIVMAR wage structures are extremely complex completed more quickly and without the need for and varied. Generally, West Coast CIVMARS earn third-party intervention which might take several a larger base pay wage than East Coast CIVMARS. However, East Coast CIVMARS earn preyears to complete. Prior to beginning negotiations MSC, MSFSC mium and overtime pay at a much higher rate. The union’s goal is to ensure that the DODWFA and union representatives received two full days of training from mediators at the Federal Mediation review process does not have an adverse impact on and Conciliation Service in Washington, D.C. The CIVMAR wages or premium pay in any review training took place December 8 and 9. A majority process conducted by DODWFA. The union is of the SIU/NMU Government Services Division concerned about unintended consequences that representatives received the training along with a may result because of significant DOD budget majority of the labor relations representatives from deficits or other factors beyond the control of MSC and the union. The union intends to proceed cauMSFSC and MSC HQ. MSC and the unions have agreed that all previ- tiously and carefully on this initiative. The union will be sending out CIVMAR “Eous proposals and counter-proposals pertaining to CMPI 610 will be discarded. Negotiations will Grams,” shipboard notices and LOG articles on a regular basis as the CMPI 610 negotiations and begin with a new set of ground rules. Unlicensed CIVMARS will be asked to partici- wage parity discussions move forward. Notices pate in the negotiations in a number of ways, will also be posted on the SIU web site. There will including in-person participation at the negotiating also be shipboard and CSU meetings to ensure we sessions. More information regarding CIVMAR reach as many CIVMARS as possible with participation will be provided to CIVMARS via e- updates. Please contact your union representative with mail, ship postings, CSU meetings and in the LOG. While CMPI 610 is being negotiated the union any questions you may have. You may also send will also be discussing wage parity with MSC HQ your thoughts, comments and questions to civmarrepresentatives. As CIVMARS are aware, the support@seafarers.org. CIVMAR News Administration Issues Exec. Order Covering Federal Employees Volume 72, Number 1 January 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 Obama on Dec. 9 issued an executive order titled “Creating Labor-Management Forums To Improve Delivery of Government Services.” This order creates agency-level labor-management forums and promotes partnership efforts between labor and management in the executive branch. The union is reviewing the order and will be discussing its provisions with the Military Sealift Command to determine the next steps. MSC and the union have already accomplished a portion of what the executive order requires, as noted in a separate article on this page. The full text of the executive order is available on the White House web site at www.whitehouse.gov. From the home page, check under “Briefing Room,” then click on the “Executive Orders” link on the left side of the page. Protecting Environment Nothing New For Company That Prints Seafarers LOG “Going green” seems to be a catchphrase for the 21st century. While many pay lip service to the concept of environmental friendliness, the union-contracted company that prints the Seafarers LOG, Mosaic, puts its money where the green is. The Maryland-based company that has been printing the SIU’s flagship publication for decades is an EPA “Green Power Partner” because of voluntary, extensive efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in its manufacturing processes. In fact, Mosaic is considered carbon neutral. Located in Cheverly, the company has a stake in wind farm technology – in which for every watt of power it uses, it replaces the power to the nation’s electrical grid 100 percent. Also, in 2005, Mosaic was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for promoting use of paper products that come from responsibly managed forests. Each year, the company recycles more than 1,200 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum. Such efforts are not new. In 1994, Mosaic was among the first to invest in waterless printing – an environmentally-conscious move that also enhanced quality. January 2010 �57268_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2009 12:53 PM Page 3 The Sunshine State took two years to build, but was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. 2 More SIU-Contracted Tankers Delivered New-Build Programs Continue at NASSCO, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard The final month of 2009 proved fruitful for the Seafarers-contracted fleet, as the new double-hulled Jones Act tankers Sunshine State and Overseas Cascade were delivered. Built at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, the Sunshine State on Dec. 3 was delivered to Crowley Maritime Corporation. Crowley is managing the Sunshine State and the other tankers in the series for American Petroleum Tankers LLC. Those vessels include the Golden State and Pelican State (both delivered earlier in 2009) along with the Evergreen State and Empire State (scheduled for delivery in 2010). Eight days after the Sunshine State delivery, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard delivered the Overseas Cascade to a subsidiary of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). The ship is slated to have shuttle-tanker features installed for use in the Gulf of Mexico. (Shuttle tankers transport crude oil from deepwater areas where pipelines aren’t available.) In mid-November, NASSCO laid the keel for the tanker Evergreen State (above). “These new tankers represent ongoing job security for SIU members,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, who pointed out that both NASSCO and Aker Philadelphia Shipyard employ union workers. “The ships are state-of-the-art and I’m confident in the work performed by our crews aboard them, now and in the future.” Like its sister ships, the Sunshine State is slightly longer than 600 feet and has a beam of 106 feet. It can carry 331,300 barrels of product. The vessel has a singlescrew, slow-speed diesel plant propulsion system with speeds of 15 knots. “Completed 11 months ahead of our original schedule and under budget, the Sunshine State is the third product carrier NASSCO has delivered this year and reflects greatly upon the skilled shipbuilders in San Diego,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “Overall, 2009 has been an outstanding year for the NASSCO shipbuilding team and our partners, with three product carriers now in the U.S commercial fleet and two dry cargo-ammunition ships delivered to the U.S. Navy this year.” He added that the keel for the fifth tanker, the Evergreen State, was laid in mid-November. Meanwhile, the Overseas Cascade is the eighth veteran-class tanker delivered by Aker Philadelphia. Though part of a completely separate new-build program, those vessels are similar in some ways to the ones being constructed on the West Coast. The OSG tankers are dieselpowered and are approximately 600 feet long, with beams of roughly 105 feet. They can carry 332,000 barrels apiece and can sail at greater than 14 knots. Preceding the Overseas Cascade were the Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City, Overseas Boston and Overseas Nikiski. Jim Miller, president and CEO of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, said, “I am proud to be part of the extraordinary team that constructed this product tanker (Overseas Cascade). Our passion for safety, strong shipbuilding A double-hulled tanker, the Overseas Cascade is the eighth such vessel delivered by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard to OSG. know-how, and seamless teamwork were evident in every hour used to build this vessel. This product tanker will serve OSG and its customer well.” Aker Philadelphia has four other vessels currently under construction. All are scheduled to be delivered through spring 2011. With Seafarers Aboard the Horizon Navigator In mid-December, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (fifth from right) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right) met with Seafarers aboard the Horizon Navigator in Jacksonville, Fla. Among other topics, they discussed the importance of the Jones Act – a law which stipulates that vessels directly traveling from one U.S. port to another must be crewed, flagged, built and owned American. January 2010 Seafarers LOG 3 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Page 4 Chief Cooks Sedell Mitchell and Shirley Bellamy, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware, Chief Cook Rhonda Jenkins, SREC Willie Massaline SIU President Mike Sacco, BREC Tommie Benton, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel Jacksonville Move Complete Ceremonial Opening Signals More Progress for SIU In late November, the SIU completed its move to a new union hall in Jacksonville, Fla. The new facility has received universal praise from local rank-and-file members, who’ve said that the hall on Belfort Road is an improvement in practically every imaginable way – from the location to the surroundings to the building itself. A ceremonial opening and celebration took place Dec. 10, following the monthly membership meeting. SIU headquarters officials and regional officials joined Seafarers, their families, company representatives, local politicians and other guests for the event. The photos on this page were taken during the ceremonial opening. Chief Cook Jorge Bernardez GUDE Aaron Thomas Members and guests (photo above and at right) Crowley Crewing Administrator Jackie Smith, Pres. Sacco QMED Sheldon Greenberg 4 Seafarers LOG State Sen. Hill, Exec. VP Tellez, SREC Michael Amador Pres. Sacco, QMED David Terry SA Paul Williams, Chief Cook Bellamy, Recertified Steward Massaline, Chief Cook Jenkins Safety Director Ashley Nelson, Patrolman Brian Guiry SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, BREC George Perry Pres. Sacco, Fla. State Sen. Tony Hill January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Page 5 Agency Reports Improvements to ALJ System SIU headquarters officials in late November met with U.S. Coast Guard officers in Washington, D.C., to discuss numerous enhancements in the agency’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) system. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (along with officials from other maritime unions) were updated on various improvements which have been implemented during the past two years and on some ongoing efforts to further upgrade the system. The Coast Guard cited accomplishments including increasing public availability of decisions (on the agency’s “homeport” web site); aligning the chief ALJ’s supervisory functions with the best practices used at other agencies; establishing a mariner call center for improved access to the ALJ system; staff training enhancements; streamlining processes, and more. Several other upgrades are in the works. In 2008, Congress ordered its agency review arm, the Government Accountability Office, to check the Coast Guard’s investigative and legal processes and to recommend if improvements were needed. Congress regularly tasks the GAO to review government agency programs, effectiveness, efficiencies, and best practices and to ensure that Office of Personnel Management guidelines are being followed. Of particular congressional interest was whether the Coast Guard’s legal processes and case loads were manageable, if staff received sufficient training and if the Coast Guard’s ALJ program was structured to ensure fairness to mariners going before administrative review. The Coast Guard welcomed the review and participated in earnest, according to the GAO. In June 2009, the GAO released its report about its review of 1,675 cases of suspension and revocation of credentials opened and closed by the Coast Guard from Nov. 10, 2005 through Sept. 30, 2008. The report showed that 62 percent of suspension and revocation cases were disposed of through settlements between the Coast Guard and mariners. It also showed that only three percent of cases were heard by Administrative Law Judges and those resulted in 51 percent with sanctions less severe than revocation, including 13 percent with no sanction at all. Of the 1,035 cases that ended in set- tlements, 68 percent ended in agreements called “stayed revocation,” which allows mariners to regain their credentials but can also result in permanent revocation if mariners fail to meet agreed conditions. In essence, the GAO founds most cases are resolved between the Coast Guard and mariners though agreements outside of the Administrative Law Judge program. The GAO further reported that it found the ALJ system provides judges protection from agency coercion or influence and that all persons related to a case are adequately informed in a fair manner. Regulations governing complaints filed against mariners were being followed. The GAO also said the program’s appeal process is properly designed to protect mariners’ interests. Bob Magee, Highly Respected Philanthropist and Shipping Executive, Passes Away at 61 SIU President Michael Sacco (standing) addresses the group. Also among those pictured are Executive VP Augie Tellez (second from left) and VP Contracts George Tricker (third from right). Safety Directors Meet SIU Safety Directors from seven ports recently traveled to Maryland for various training and updates, including in-depth, hands-on sessions utilizing the new Seafarers Management Information System (SMIS). The safety directors’ stops in late November included the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., SIU headquarters (Camp Springs, Md.) and the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (Washington, D.C.). Taking part in the training and meetings were SIU Safety Directors Abdul Al- Omari, Monte Burgett, Brian Kinard, Ashley Nelson, Ryan Palmer, Sam Spain and Mark Von Siegel. “The entire experience was worthwhile, but it was particularly interesting and a pleasure to visit AFL-CIO and MTD headquarters,” said Burgett. “That was an excellent part of the trip.” “It was a great experience,” said Spain. “It was eye-opening, especially what we learned about some of the current political events. We received a lot of good, useful information, including what we learned at the school.” Safety directors meet at the MTD office (photo above) with MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex (facing away from camera) and Executive Director Daniel Duncan (left). The AFL-CIO headquarters building, which includes the Maritime Trades Department office, is located close to the White House, where the SIU contingent gathered for a group photo. Pictured from left to right are Mark Von Siegel (Port of New York), Ashley Nelson (Jacksonville, Fla.), Monte Burgett (Algonac, Mich.), Sam Spain (Norfolk, Va.), Abdul AlOmari (Wilmington, Calif.), Brian Kinard (Houston) and Ryan Palmer (Tacoma, Wash) January 2010 Robert P. “Bob” Magee Jr., a highly respected philanthropist who headed the American Shipping Group, passed away Nov. 30 at his home in Tacoma, Wash., following a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was 61. Reactions to the news reflected deep, genuine appreciation for Magee’s contributions both to the American maritime industry and the community. “He was a unique individual,” said SIU President Mike Sacco, who worked with Magee for many years. “He was very perceptive and his word was his bond. He was very good with charities…. He was a great guy to work with, a great individual.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, who also knew Magee for a long time, said the word that best describes him is “honorable. Bob’s word and handshake were more trusted than most written contracts. Our industry really suffered a great loss, and it’s also a personal loss to me.” Tellez added that Magee wouldn’t hesitate to go out of his way to help others, never expecting anything in return. James L. Henry, chairman and president of the Transportation Institute, said Magee “was a true leader in our industry and in civic affairs. He was a visionary and he certainly will be missed.” A former mariner, Magee – among many other endeavors – at various times chaired the Tacoma-Pierce County (Wash.) Chamber and the University of Washington Tacoma Milgard School of Business advisory committee. He served as campaign chairman for the United Way of Pierce County and was a longtime member of the Thea Foss Waterway Development Authority board of directors. He was a member of the board of directors of the Transportation Institute, an organization dedicated to U.S. security and American-flag interests. A Philadelphia native, Magee earned numerous maritime and civic honors, including the Admiral of the Ocean Sea award in 2004. He was known for his generosity, insight and effectiveness. Not to be overlooked, according to those who knew him, is that Magee also was a very dedicated family man. He and his wife were married in 1972, and they raised two daughters. Those Bob Magee delivers remarks at a 2001 ceremony in Piney Point, Md. three family members are among his survivors. On Nov. 30, American Shipping Group parent company Saltchuk Resources, Inc. released a statement crediting Magee for having “played a major role in building and defining us. He began working for Totem Ocean Trailer Express in May 1986 as vice president marine operations. Bob went on to become president and chief operating officer of Totem Ocean Trailer Express, later chairman of Sea Star Line LLC, and then chairman and chief operating officer of American Shipping Group. “Bob was instrumental in conceiving and overseeing the successful construction and delivery of the Alaska ORCA ships and was also the champion on the creation of Sea Star,” the statement continued. “Bob will be missed by all of us – those who work in our family of companies, our customers, labor partners, vendors, public policy representatives, members of our industry and the communities in which we serve.” Memorial services took place in New Jersey and in Washington State. Donations in Bob Magee’s memory may be made to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance P.O. Box 19023 Seattle, WA 98109 Please include Bob’s name, and list Marie Magee as the next-of-kin so that she will be informed of the donation. Seafarers LOG 5 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Page 6 Stewards Dish Out Best For ‘Iron Chef’ Contest Editor’s note: Chief Steward Karl Meyer submitted the following story and accompanying photos. On October 16, 2009 the United Seamen’s Service in Diego Garcia hosted a squadron-wide “Iron Chef” competition sponsored by Capt. Anthony Martin, commander of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron Two. The stewards arrived ashore on the 1 p.m. launch and quickly settled in, taking over the kitchen facility of the seamen’s club. They each brought an assistant from their respective ships and all the ingredients to prepare one soup and one entrée for 30 people. Soon every inch of counter space was taken as each entrant got started, as they had just three hours to prep, cook and serve each dish in a random Chief Cook Mario Fernandez blind test. Halfway through the prep time, each team was given the sequence of who would serve first. The intensity among the stewards grew instantly. At 5 p.m., the first soup was rolled out of the kitchen by the club’s staff to the five waiting judges. The stewards had to remain in the kitchen until the final entrée was served. Each dish was judged in three separate categories: presentation, creativity and flavor. After the judges concluded their tasting and scoring the USS director retreated to his office to tally the scores. In the meantime, a large crowd had gathered in anticipation of tasting each Iron Chef’s soup and entrée. The stewards were brought out to the buffet line with their dishes and began feeding a hungry crowd. At 7 p.m., Commander Martin took the stage with the Iron Chefs to thank them for a job well done not only in the competition but also for adding to the camaraderie of the ships of MPS2 and the island. He then stated that despite a complicated scoring system with a possible 100 points available, there was a tie for third place, Chief Steward George Creekmore, sailing out of Norfolk on the USNS Button served seafood ginger soup with stuffed BBQ chicken while Chief Steward Oscar Gomez, out of Wilmington and on the MV Bennett, served fresh clam chowder with magret of duckling breast. Chief Steward Karl Meyer out of the Port of Oakland and sailing on board the USNS Gianella took secondplace honors with a chilled gazpacho soup with a garnish of poached shrimp and avocado; the entrée was a seared ahi tuna filet on a bed of jicama slaw and topped with papaya/mango salsa. Honorable mention went to Stephan Osovitz on the MV Page out of the Port of New York (arroz con pollo) and Alice Kwasnjuk (Port of Joliet) on NMC Offers Application Status Notices by Email In early December, the National Maritime Center (NMC) launched a new service that will automatically send an email notification to mariners informing them of the status of their credential application as it is being processed by the Coast Guard. Mariners who provide an email address with their credential application will receive an email when their application passes through the following states of processing: ■ Sent from an REC to the NMC ■ Awaiting Medical Evaluation ■ Being Evaluated by Medical ■ Awaiting Professional Evaluation ■ Being Evaluated for Professional Qualifications ■ Awaiting Information ■ Approved to Test ■ Approved to Print ■ Issued ■ Confirmation of delivery and request for feedback Additionally, there will be reminder emails while in “Awaiting Information” or “Approved to Test” status. According to the NMC, “The information sent by email will be as close to real time as possible. In fact, due to the timing of data updates, it will likely be a day ahead of information currently found on the on line Application Status Checker.” When the NMC announced this new service, the agency noted, “Due to security and privacy concerns, emails regarding Awaiting Information and Approval to Test will not contain all of the information that will be in the hardcopy letter sent to the mariner via the postal service but will refer to the Application Status Checker and/or the hardcopy letter. “In order to receive our emails you need to be sure that the following email address is not blocked or routed to ‘Junk’ or ‘Spam’: donotreply_MMLD_NOTIFICATION@uscg.mil. “Please note that free email services are available from numerous providers. “The NMC will continue to upgrade this service as we undertake other system improvements and we look forward to your feedback.” More information is available at homeport.uscg.mil. From that page, click on the “Merchant Mariners” link (it’s on the left), and that will bring up the link for the application status checker. 6 Seafarers LOG Pictured from left to right are Chief Stewards Karl Meyer, Dana Washington and Oscar Gomez. the MV Carter (beef tenderloin). “Iron Chef Diego Garcia 2009” was awarded to Chief Steward Dana Washington, also out of Oakland, sailing aboard the USNS Kocak. Dana dazzled the judges with his Thaithemed cuisine. He served tom kai gai, a coconut chicken soup and a Pad Thai-inspired dish of shrimp and panfried noodles with a cold cucumber salad garnished with chili peppers, cilantro and roasted chopped peanuts. Dana, who was surprised to win Iron Chef, lives in rural Thailand in a very traditional setting, and credits his grasp of Thai cooking to his motherin-law, who is a cook as well and a great teacher and supervisor when they let him in the kitchen. All in all it was a great event bringing the ships together and all the participants had a fantastic time and are looking forward to the chili cook-off in May. Chief Steward George Creekmore Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan Offers Up to $132,000 in Scholarships for 2010 Eight union scholarships totaling $132,000 are available to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children for the 2010 school year. Designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with continuing one’s education, the awards are being made available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). Three of the scholarships are specifically for SIU members. One is for $20,000 and is targeted for a student who plans on studying at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary community college or vocational school. The remaining five endowments—each in the amount of $20,000—will be awarded to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. To be considered for any of these funding opportunities, interested individuals should request a copy of the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet by filling out the form (at right/left/below) and returning it to the address provided. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information. If eligible, applicants should collect required paperwork, complete the packages and mail them back to the SHBP Scholarship Program Office by April 15, 2010. Previous applicants (including prior winners) may apply. Please send me the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name ...................................................................................................................................................... Mariner’s Social Security Number ........................................................................................................ Street Address ........................................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code ............................................................................................................................. Telephone Number ..........( This application is for: )........................................................................................................... Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 January 2010 �57268_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2009 12:55 PM Page 7 U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) is greeted by SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (second from left), Asst. VP Nick Celona (right) and AMO Nat’l Exec. Board Member Daniel Shea. U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), SIU VP Nick Marrone Oakland Hall Hosts Traditional Feast Anne Taylor, district director for U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), presents a certificate to the union, accepted by SIU officials Nick Marrone (left) and Nick Celona. The certificate cites the annual Thanksgiving event and the union’s “invaluable service to the community.” Hundreds Attend Pre-Thanksgiving Event at 7th Street In the Oakland, Calif., area, the annual preThanksgiving feast hosted by the SIU is one of the first signs that the holidays are near. The year 2009 was no exception, as friends, family members and other guests on Nov. 24 converged on the union hall at 1121 7th Street. Overall, more than 300 people attended the 19th annual event, which featured plenty of good food and fellowship. As in years past, attendees included not only Seafarers, SIU retirees and their families, but also members and officials from other labor organizations, political representatives and local officials, company reps and others. No fewer than a dozen unions were represented at the hall. Also in keeping with tradition, SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona worked closely with the commit- tee that organized the celebration – an endeavor he described as “a total team effort and a labor of love.” Celona stated, “We had a great turnout and as usual we couldn’t have done it without the outstanding support from rank-and-file members who volunteered for the occasion. It has been quite an experience over the years to see this event grow and become more and more popular.” He added that Alioto’s Restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf once again generously stepped forward to help ensure lots of scrumptious fare was available throughout the day. Union caterer Beli Deli also pitched in and did a great job, the SIU official noted. SIU Bosun George Pino carried the U.S. Merchant Marine flag as he joined the color guard from the International Association of Fire Fighters. Pictured from left to right are Richmond Sanitary Service VP Leonard Stefanelli, IBEW Local 6 Business Manager John O’Rourke, Carpenters Local 2236 President Ruben Lopez, Carpenters Local 2236 Retiree Angelo Balestrini, SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona and Carpenters Local 2236 Sec.-Treasurer Dan Huff. In front is Administrative Asst. Diana Marrone. IAFF Local 798 President John Hanley (second from left) and Secretary/Capt. James Vannucchi (right) are pictured with members of the color guard. Laborers Local 261 Business Mgr. Ramon Hernandez January 2010 SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell (right), Dispatcher Nick Marrone Jr. San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Sec.-Treasurer Joe Maraccini Standing left to right are Mike Hardeman, business representative, Sign Display & Allied Crafts Local Union 510; Leonard Stefanelli, VP, Richmond Sanitary Service; Larry Mazzola, business manager, Plumbers Local 38; Steve Jennings, VP, Plumbers Local 38; John O’Rourke, business manager, IBEW Local 6; and San Francisco Deputy Fire Chief Patrick Gardner. SIU officials Nick Marrone and Nick Celona are joined by officials from the IBEW and Laborers. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Commander Darrell Wesley gives the invocation. Calif. Labor Federation Executive Sec.-Treasurer Art Pulaski Bosun George Pino (center) carries the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo (left), commander, 11th District, and SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg were among the attendees. Seafarers LOG 7 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Page 8 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 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 Inquiring Seafarer Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked of bosuns who recently attended bosun recertification training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Question: What was your first ship and what do you remember about it? Anton Sulic Recertified Bosun My first vessel was the Liberty Sea. The experience of sailing on that vessel was great. I got to go to Israel and also Estonia; it was all great. All of my shipmates were great people. We all got along and worked extremely well together. Bill Barrett Recertified Bosun My first job was aboard a tugboat out of Louisiana. It was definitely an eye-opening experience for me… it was a lot of fun being a Yankee on a southern boat. But really, all of the guys aboard the vessel treated me really well. Every day was a learning experience . William Rios Recertified Bosun My first vessel was the LNG Aries. This whole experience was unbelievable. I learned a lot from the oldtimers. I learned a lot about seamanship from them and I had a lot of fun being the party animal that I am. Mark Fleming Recertified Bosun My first vessel was the Cove Explorer. I sailed on it in 1979. I was very impressed by my shipmates and I was very excited about being in the union. At that time I was very grateful to be on that ship because sailing was something that I had aspired to do for a long time. It was hard to get in the union back in those days, but I made it and now would highly recommend the union to anyone. Shannon Smith Recertified Bosun My first ship was actually a Navy vessel, but my first SIU ship was the Franklin Phillips in Diego Garcia. I guess what I really learned there was how to be a good fisherman. I did not go anywhere, but was able to hone and sharpen my skills. We did a lot of work on and around the deck. coast from New Orleans to Houston and then over to Southeast Africa and the west coast of South America back to back. My trip lasted for eight months but it was a tremendous learning experience for me. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed the trip. Albert Mensah Jr. Recertified Bosun My first SIU ship was the Crowleyoperated American Falcon. My experience on that vessel was very positive and a great learning experience for me. I joined the SIU in 1995 and I have never regretted my decision because the union has been very good to me and my family…they have always been there for us. James Orlanda Recertified Bosun My first ship was the USNS Silas Bent. It was a great voyage because I had the opportunity to sail with professional mariners— SIU oldtimers or iron men—on a wooden ship. We spent 20-30 days at sea in the Pacific where we surveyed around the Hawaiian Islands. Back then, we would spend half of our day on the back deck learning how to splice lines and tie knots. At the same time we enjoyed the view of the islands. We told stories and some of us had musical instruments that we had made from old pipe and jugs. We worked very hard on the ship and learned a lot, but we also knew how to have fun and enjoy ourselves. Wayne Ricard Recertified Bosun My first ship was with the NMU. It was the old boom ship Charlotte Lykes operated by Lykes Brothers Steamship Co., out of New Orleans. That was back in 1979 and I was sailing as an ordinary seaman. I sailed along the Pics-From-The-Past These photos were taken in January 1975, before and during the second general membership meeting conducted at the then-new union hall on Liberty Street in Jacksonville, Fla. Prior to the meeting, Seafarers (photo at right, from left) QMED David Goosby, AB George Costango and AB Tom Barlow engaged in a friendly game of Rummy. In the photo below, Seafarers hear reports on the latest union and maritime news. Turn to page 4 for an update on the union’s new facilities in Jacksonville. 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 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 8 Seafarers LOG January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Page 9 Paul Hall Center School Supplement This handy version of the Paul Hall Center’s catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. NOTE: Prerequisites for all upgrading courses in the SHLSS catalog include being at least 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Marine Credential/Document and TWIC, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency. Paul Hall Center Course Guide for 2010 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which opened in 1967, is the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States. The school has developed a pioneering approach to education that has successfully integrated vocational training, academic enrichment and trade union responsibility. Named after Paul Hall (1915-1980), an outstanding past president of the SIU, the center is the product of a unique cooperative effort by the Seafarers International Union and the management of privately owned American-flag deep sea ships and inland tugs and towboats. The campus is located on 60 acres in picturesque Piney Point, Md., at the confluence of the Potomac River and St. George’s Creek. It features state-of-the-art equipment, knowledgeable instructors and helpful staff members. Tens of thousands of rated and licensed seamen have completed upgrading classes at the training center. Additionally, more than 22,000 men and women from every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and several U.S. ter- DECK DEPT. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our 4-week Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the training, seagoing service, and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-3(c) and Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck General & Navigation General” and “Deck Safety & Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement and the practical (knot tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also met. The 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. Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival (Lifeboatman), STOS Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, the OIC of the navigational ritories have graduated from the trainee program for those just beginning their maritime careers. The school is committed to providing the nation’s maritime industry with skilled, physically fit and responsible deep sea seafarers and inland waterways boatmen. The school believes that the men and women who choose careers as professional seafarers or boatmen must be provided with the knowledge and skills to keep pace with technological advances within their industries. As a result, the school has developed a total program for professional advancement as a boatman or deep sea mariner. The Paul Hall Center offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved classes, many of which emphasize hands-on training. Starting in 2008, the school began offering online “distance learning” classes that are taken via the internet. An overview of many of the courses available at Piney Point is contained in this eight-page section and also appears on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted watch, or qualified ratings (STCW) Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings Unlimited: 3 years’ deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master or OIC Bridge Resource Management Applicants completing our 30-hour Bridge Resource Management course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. Bridge Resource Management-Unlimited is designed for persons with significant shipping experience who hold or are seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license. This course fulfills the training requirements of effective bridge teamwork as set forth in STCW 95, A-II/1, A-II/2, and BVIII/2 and 46 CFR 10.25 and 10.209. Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 Gross Tons or greater OR seeking an original third mate or limited license Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons or less) Students who successfully complete this course will have the knowledge and experience needed to continually reassess the allocation and use of bridge resources using bridge management principles. Applicants completing our 26-hour Bridge Resource Management (1600 companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site, and additional course descriptions may be posted, too. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes a valid clinic card, a TWIC, 125 days’ sea time in the previous year, one day of sea time in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), or a merchant mariner credential, a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in italic. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 9940010. Tons) course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. THIS APPROVAL IS LIMITED TO SERVICE UPON VESSELS OF NOT MORE THAN 1600 GROSS TONS (DOMESTIC). Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 gross tons or greater OR in the process of getting license Celestial Navigation Applicants completing our 126-hour Celestial Navigation course with a passing grade of at least 80% satisfy the Celestial Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to signoff for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-1-1C; OICNW1-1D; OICNW-1-1E and OICNW-1-1F. The course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars, and planets, compass error by amplitude and azimuth, star identification, and care and use of the sextant. Prerequisites: ARPA, Radar Observer, Scientific calculator skill, time/speed/distance formula Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) Applicants completing our 35-hour Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) course are considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies “Plan and Conduct a Passage and Determine Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability to Use ECDIS” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code AND “Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Position Fix: Position Determination Using ECDIS With Specific Knowledge of its Operating Principles, Limitations, Sources of Error, January 2010 Detection of Misrepresentation of information and Methods of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position Fixing” of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code. The course provides training in the basic theory and use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) for those who will be in charge of a navigational watch on vessels equipped with ECDIS. Students learn to use, update, and verify electronic chart information. The training comprises all safety-relevant aspects and aims beyond the use of operational controls. All theoretical aspects and major characteristics of ECDIS data, such as data contents, system integration, information layers, and data updating, are covered in depth. Prerequisites: General Admission requirements; ARPA certificate; Radar certificate; Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation training for license preparation; USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Electronic Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Electronic Navigation course will satisfy the Electronic Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-4A; OICNW-1-4B;OICNW-1-4C; and OICNW-1-4D. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service, radar and ARPA Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boats course satisfy the requirements of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, Specification of the Minimum Standard of Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Page 10 Course Guide Continued from Page 9 The Paul Hall Center’s Fast Rescue Boats course trains students to handle and take charge of fast rescue boats during or after launch in adverse weather and sea conditions. Students learn how to operate a fast rescue boat engine, use all locating devices, including communication and signaling equipment between the rescue boat and a helicopter and the ship, and how to carry out search patterns. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats Fundamental Concepts of Navigation Applicants completing our 70-hour Fundamental Concepts of Navigation course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 5 YEARS of the completion of training, receive 20 days’ sea service credit that may be used—ONLY—for the following: (1) Any license restricted to service upon vessels of not more than 200 gross tons (domestic); OR (2) Any license restricted to service upon inland or Great Lakes waters; OR (3) Any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that the applicant has at least 6 months of actual sea service that can be credited toward an Able Seaman endorsement. Topics covered in this c1ass include the use of nautical charts, calculating time, speed, and distance problems, the use of plotting instruments and compasses, dead reckoning, bearings, fixes, current sailing, piloting, and an introduction to collision regulations and rules of the road. Prerequisite: 120 days of sea time as an AB Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) Applicants completing our 70-hour Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) course with a passing grade of at least 75% satisfy the GMDSS training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(n) and Table A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. Applicants for this 70-hour course must hold a 200-ton or greater license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. The class is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of the global marine distress and safety system communications, distress alerting and operational procedures for VHF DSC, INMARST-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. Prerequisites: 1 year experience as a member of navigational watch on the bridge of an ocean going vessel OR licensed radio officer or engineer Government Vessels This 3-week class is open to mariners sailing in any department. The course is structured as three 1-week, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) Prerequisites: No additional Magnetic and Gyro Compasses Any applicant who has successfully completed our 20-hour Magnetic and Gyro Compasses course will satisfy the Compass—Magnetic and Gyro training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-1-5A; OICNW1-5B; OICNW-1-5C; OICNW-1-5D; and OICNW-1-5E from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Meteorology Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Meteorology (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Meteorology training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of OICNW1-7A; OICNW-1-7B; and OICNW-1-7C from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to signoff for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-3-1C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-31E; OICNW-3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-31J; and OICNW-3-1K. This course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercise. Students operate modern audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. Prerequisites: Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation Radar Observer Recertification Applicants completing our 1-day Radar Observer Recertification course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: Radar Observer Radar Observer (Unlimited) Applicants completing our 5-day Radar Observer (Unlimited) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480 for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited) and the radar training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage Radar Observer Refresher Applicants completing our 3-day Radar Observer Refresher course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisite: Radar Observer ARPA Applicants completing our 32-hour Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the ARPA training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) and of 46 CFR 10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course are equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-32A; OICNW-3-2B; OICNW-3-2C; OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-3-2E; OICNW- 10 Seafarers LOG 3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW-32K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-3- 2M. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) This course of instruction incorporates the use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate, observe, and use the radar plotting aids. Students gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and gain knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, operational warnings, and target acquisition. Prerequisite: Radar Observer Medical Care Provider Applicants completing our 21-hour Medical Care Provider course satisfy the Medical First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1. This course is designed for mariners who are employed or may be employed on U.S.-flag ships. It meets STCW requirements. Students successfully completing this course must take a refresher course within 5 years or provide information to the U.S. Coast Guard documenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification must be renewed annually. Training as a Medical First Aid Provider is the second level of medical training required by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac and airway management, rescuer safety, body structure, examining trauma victims and medical patients, treating head and spinal injuries, burns, musculoskeletal injuries, and rescued persons. Also included are obtaining radio medical advice, administering medication, and sterilization techniques. Prerequisites: Candidates for the course must possess current certification from the American Red Cross for CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing agency. Candidates also need First Aid. Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Including Sea Service) Applicants completing our entire 16week Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program, INCLUDING the 360 days of seagoing service: (1) receive 720 days’ sea service credit toward a license as Third Mate of Ocean or Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons. Applicants must present evidence of not less than 1 year of qualifying seagoing service obtained AFTER enrollment in the OICNW program, including at least six months performing bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer. Continued on next page January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:27 AM Course Guide Continued from Page 10 Applicants must have previously completed our entire Unlicensed Apprentice Program, and sea service awarded for completion of the Unlicensed Apprentice Program may NOT be used to meet the service requirements for OICNW and Third Mate;—AND—(2) Satisfy the training and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 10.910 and Section AII/1 and Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More, PROVIDED that they have also completed the following Coast Guard approved courses within five years of completion of the OICNW program: a) Basic Safety Training; b) Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting; c) Medical Care Provider; d) Proficiency in Survival Craft; e) Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids); f) Celestial Navigation (STCW); g) Radar Observer (Unlimited); h) Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA); i) Bridge Resource Management; j) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); and k) Visual Communications. Prerequisites: ARPA, Basic/Adv. Fire Fighting, BRM, Celestial Navigation, First Aid, GMDSS, Medical First Aid Provider, Proficiency in Survival Craft or Water Survival, Radar Observer, Tanker Familiarization, BST, sea time for 3rd Mate and OICNW Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This 1-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics include oil types and petroleum products’ behavior on water; pollution prevention regulations; hazardous materials training; spill prevention; absorbents, suction equipment, skimmers, and their proper use; and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms, boom towing configurations, and anchoring operations. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites HAZMAT Recertification This 1-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection, and monitoring equipment and new technology. Prerequisite: 24or 40-hour Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) courses Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Applicants completing our 4-hour Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, sat- Page 11 isfy the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4) and Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. This course provides the unlicensed apprentice candidate with a general understanding and basic knowledge of human relationships, social skills necessary for living and working aboard operational merchant ships, and a working knowledge of issues impacting preparedness for international travel. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Personal Survival Techniques Applicants completing our 12-hour Personal Survival Techniques course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy 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). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques (Lifeboatman) Applicants completing our 37-hour Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques course satisfy: (1) the Survival Craft training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code;—AND—(2) the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement as Lifeboatman, PROVIDED that sea service requirements are also met;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written and practical examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-5 for a Lifeboatman endorsement (exam module 481xx) and the written “Survival Craft” examination requirements for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx or 706xx),—AND—(3) the Personal Survival Techniques training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). This course helps mariners develop the required knowledge and application skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of survival craft, and the proper use of survival equipment. Additionally, students learn the procedures necessary to take charge and maintain a survival craft and protect embarked personnel while on board. Prerequisites: 180 days deck seatime Search and Rescue (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 16-hour Search & Rescue (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Search & Rescue training require- ments for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Applicants completing our 70-hour Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements for service as a Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman AND the training and assessment requirements of Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code, “Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch,” and 46 CFR 12.05- 3(c) PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least 6 months’ sea-going service performing navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of the Master or officer in charge of the navigational watch. If the applicant does not present evidence of 6 months of this service, he or she satisfies the training and assessment requirements for certification as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch RESTRICTED to lookout duties only. This certification is valid for 1 year and may not be renewed. This course is designed for deck trainees who need a fast track to Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch. It meets the requirements of 46 CFR 12.05.3(c) and STCW Table A-II/4. Topics covered in the course include: anchoring, mooring, knot-tying, gyro and magnetic compass, wheel watch, error chain analysis and pilot interactions, helm control, rules of the road, IALA buoy systems, shipboard communication, helm watch relief and lookout watch. Prerequisites: UA Program Phases 1 and 2, or 180 days as an OS Tankerman PIC Barge Applicants completing our 38-hour Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as Tankerman-PIC (Barge). Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 5-day Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d) (1) (ii) (A), 13.115 (b) (1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement. This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) Applicants completing our 53-hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) January 2010 course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(1)(ii)(A), 13.115 (b)(1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement;—AND— receive credit for: (1) two loadings and two discharges which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of 46 CFR 13.203(b)(1);—AND—(2) one commencement of loading and one completion of loading which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(2);—AND—(3) one commencement of discharge and one completion of discharge which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(3). This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo DL Applicants completing our 63-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as TankermanAssistant DL. This course meets the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, Ship Design and Operation, Cargo Characteristics, Enclosed Space Entry, Cargo Transfer and Shipment, and Pollution Prevention, and Emergency Operations and Response. Prerequisite: Fire Fighting Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) Applicants completing our 30-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as TankermanAssistant (LG); —AND— (2) the tanker familiarization training requirements of paragraphs 1-7 of Section A-V/1 of the STCW Code. This course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG fire fighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. Prerequisite: Advanced Fire Fighting Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 11 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:28 AM Page 12 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential/Document or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Course Guide Continued from Page 11 Vessel Security Officer This 12-hour course provides knowledge to those wishing to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) as defined in section A/2.1.6 (and section A/12.1) of the ISPS Code with respect to the security of a ship, for implementing and maintaining a Ship Security Plan, and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs). Successful students will be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities as Vessel Security Officer as defined in section A/12.2 of the ISPS Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Visual Communications (Flashing Light) Applicants completing our 1-day Visual Communications course with a minimum score of 80% will: (1) Satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing light) of 46 CFR 10.401(h) IF presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training;—AND— (2) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence “Transmit and Receive Information by Visual Signaling” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes; —OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 12 Seafarers LOG Master 100 Tons The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100 Tons, Near Coastal course is a selfcertifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on passenger vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46 CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46 CFR 209(f) for reissue. Students who present our certificate of training at a regional exam center within 1 year of the completion of training will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for reissuance of a license. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons and its passengers; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Students successfully completing the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near Coastal license. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential/Document or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation course will satisfy the Terrestrial Navigation and Coastal Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table AII/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2A; OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-1-2D; OICNW-1-3A; OICNW-1-3B; and OICNW-1-3C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level course is designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flagged vessels. This stand-alone course is a component of the Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The functional elements of this course specifically meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for Protection and Safety of Passengers of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No OICNW assessments will be conducted in this course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training for Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential/Document or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage course is a 40hour course for students who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels as required by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given description of cargo and other weights. They will also be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within permitted limits by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They will understand safety precaution used prior to entering enclosed or potentially contaminated spaces. Students should be able to supervise the preparation and dunnaging of holds and the operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods and know that they are stowed and separated according to requirements of the IMDG Code. They will also know the hazards related to some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take during their loading, carriage, and discharge. Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of the piping and pumping arrangements of oil tankers. This course specifically addresses “Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level” and “Competence: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and “Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency: Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found in Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, amended 1995. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Possess a current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential/Document ; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 13.125; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling USCG approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control Systems Any applicant who has successfully completed the 40-hour Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this class will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-6A; OICNW-1-6B; OICNW-5-1A; OICNW-5-1B; and OICNW-5-1C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Stability (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Basic Stability at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. It takes into account STCW Code, Table AII/1, “Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level,” and “Competence: Maintain seaworthiness of the ship,” and “Knowledge, understanding and proficiency, ship stability.” Upon successful completion of the course, students will have knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names of the various parts. They will be able to use tables and diagrams of ship stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given disposition of cargo and other weights. Students will be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within the permitted limits by use of stress data. They will understand the fundamental actions to take in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Basic Stability at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Students will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course, a current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential/Document Continued on next page January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:28 AM Course Guide Continued from Page 12 or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Ship Construction (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship Construction at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into account STCW Code Table A-II/1: Function: controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have general knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will be expected to use simple Page 13 graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; a current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential/Document or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Watchkeeping (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Watchkeeping (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Watchkeeping training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC); AND the Bridge Resource Management training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-21A; OICNW-2-1B, OICNW-2-1C, OICNW-2-1D, OICNW-2-1E, OICNW2-1F, OICNW-2-2A, OICNW-2-2B, OICNW-2-2C, OICNW-2-2D, OICNW2-2E, OICNW-2-2F, OICNW-2-3A, OICNW-2-3B, OICNW-2-3C, OICNW2-3D, OICNW-2-3E, OICNW-2-3F, OICNW-2-3G, AND OICNW-2-3H from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service ENGINE DEPT. Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, students must have successfully completed Basic Marine Electrician and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Applicants completing our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program Fireman, Oiler & Watertender (FOWT) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and both Basic Motor Plant Operations and Basic Steam Plant Operations will meet the requirements for endorsement as FOWT. (These classes are described below as stand-alone courses.) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and either Basic Motor Plant Operations or Basic Steam Plant Operations will be eligible for an FOWT (Restricted) endorsement. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Training Program; successful completion of the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the engine department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better; recommendation by the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s Chief Engineer OR 6 months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; successful completion of the entry-level sea voyage and auxiliary plant familiarization sea project; total USCG approved Continued on next page ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to students at the Paul Hall Center. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a January 2010 12-week residency is required.) Adult Basic Education The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T’ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Vocational Support Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the student with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degreegranting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in nautical science technology (deck department students) or marine engineering technology (engine department students). Both degrees offer concentrations in either the deep sea or inland sections of the maritime industry. There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOG 13 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:28 AM Page 14 Course Guide ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING Continued from Page 13 sea service or equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least 6 months; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department Military veterans meeting the prior military sea service requirement in the engine room of vessels must meet the following entrance requirements: Prior approval to the military veterans program for ratings forming part of an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department JUNIOR ENGINEER Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety, Junior Engineer, and Deck Engineer examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Ratings forming part of the engineering watch, FOWT, BAPO, and 180 days as a watchstander. Machinist Applicants completing our 102-hour Machinist course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15- 9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Machinist examination module, provided they also present evidence of completing the requirements to be endorsed with a Junior Engineer rating endorsement prior to commencing the above training. This course provides mariners cognitive and practical mechanical skills in the area of general metalworking and machine tool operations. Prerequisites: SHLSS Junior Engineer Seafarers now have educational opportunities through the Internet. Eligible members of the SIU may now take courses online by registering with the Paul Hall Center Admissions Department as they would for classes on the Paul Hall Center campus. Once Seafarers have been accepted by Admissions, they will be directed to Dale Rausch in the Academic Department. Dale is the administrator of Seafarers Blackboard, the distance learning component for the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The following formal online courses are available: ■ DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training ■ MSC Environmental Awareness ■ First Aid Preparation ■ Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ■ 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 Eligible SIU members also have the opportunity to enroll in preparatory and refresher training online prior to coming to the Paul Hall Center. These programs allow students to brush up on their math skills and vocational vocabulary before enrolling in the more challenging resident upgrading classes. Two of these programs, Basic Culinary Skills and Chief Cook Preparation, will be very useful to Galley Ops and Chief Cook students as they study for final exams in their respective resident courses. The following prep training is available: Basic Math Refresher Intermediate Math Refresher Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation Introduction to Navigational Math Basic Culinary Skills ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ or QMED any rating Marine Electrician Applicants completing our 280-hour Marine Electrician course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Electrician examination module, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service while endorsed as a QMED–Junior Engineer prior to commencing the above training. This course provides engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on motors, generators, and controllers on board ship. Prerequisite: 6 months QMED, SHLSS Junior Engineer, or QMED any rating Pumpman Seafarers LOG Students who are currently enrolled in resident classes at the Paul Hall Center are encouraged to enroll in Seafarers Blackboard courses. Residential students should notify the Admissions Department of their interest in Seafarers Blackboard and confirm their eligibility. Online Courses Available The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing (COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate 14 ■ Chief Cook Preparation Course Each student must have SHLSS Junior Engineer or QMED any rating, tanker familiarization, U.S. Coast Guard requirements and machinist Marine Refrigeration Technician The Paul Hall Center’s Marine Refrigeration Technician course is a 6week (210-hour) course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b) for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training. Each candidate must have six months seatime after Junior Engineer, QMED any rating, or SHLSS Junior Engineer Diesel Engine Technology This 4-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and handson training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; two- and fourstroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries including intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and cooling systems, and fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience Automated Cargo Operations This 6-week course of instruction in the pumpman career track includes classroom and simulator training in all facets of liquid cargo loading and discharge. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating Class 3 or QMED Junior Engineer/Pumpman Class 3. Recommended: Basic and Intermediate Math and Computer Basic Advanced plant maintenance must be completed for advancement to QMED Class 2 Refrigerated Containers Advanced Maintenance This 4-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration, and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students Continued on next page January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:28 AM Course Guide Continued from Page 14 develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. Prerequisites: SHLSS Junior Engineer or QMED any rating, Marine Electrician and Marine Refrigeration Technician Hydraulics The curriculum in the 4-week hydraulics course blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols, and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships’ steering systems, ramps, fire doors, and a variety of other shipboard systems. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Welding Classroom instruction and hands-on training compose this 4-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxyacetylene brazing, welding, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites STEWARD DEPT. Galley Operations This four-week course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center UA Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA Certified Chief Cook This course consists of six 2-week stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook Course (FSM 203) is to provide steward department personnel with an understanding and knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and the preparation and service of soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood. Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time Advanced Galley Operations This course consists of four 1-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). The course provides students with a thorough grasp Page 15 of the advanced baking knowledge and skills required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center Certified Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time Certified Chief Steward The Certified Chief Steward course is a 12-week course for members of the steward department. The course is presented in eight modules. Each module is assessed independently of the others. Modules may be taken in 1 week increments with breaks between. This course trains stewards to take charge of a production galley, plan and prepare meals, and supervise employees in galley operations for a period of not less than 28 days. On meeting the minimum requirements for Certified Chief Steward, culinary students will be competent to take charge of a production galley. The Certified Chief Steward course stresses the competencies related to the supervision of the galley, menu planning, requisitioning of supplies, inventory control, and sanitation. Prerequisites: Advanced Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time SAFETY CLASSES Basic Safety Training Applicants completing our 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting our 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 A-VI/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 AVI/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 First Aid & CPR (21-Hour) Applicants completing our 21-hour First Aid & CPR course satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety-Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/ 1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);—AND— (2)—IF— presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the date of training, the First Aid & CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. Students in this class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites First Aid (8-Hour) Applicants completing our 8-hour Elementary First Aid course and presenting our Certificate of Training at the Regional Exam Center (REC) satisfy: (1) the First Aid training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) for original issuance of a license;—AND—(2) the Basic SafetyElementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1- 3 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Advanced Fire Fighting Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course, students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers effective communication between crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisite: Basic Fire Fighting Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour) Applicants completing our 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Basic Fire Fighting (35-Hour) Applicants completing our 35- hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the chemical process of fire, its behavior and the various methods and equipment used to combat it. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 41-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy: (1) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section AVI/3 and Table AVI/ 3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of shipboard and tank barge fire fighting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites CRUISE SHIPS Crisis Management & Human Behavior Applicants completing our 7-hour Crisis Management & Human Behavior course satisfy: (1) the Crisis Management & Human Behavior training requirements of Table A-V/2 and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships;— AND—(2) the Passenger Safety training requirements of Paragraph 4 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships. This course is designed for any person responsible for the safety of passengers in an emergency on passenger ships. The training includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking, organizing shipboard emergency procedures, optimizing the use of resources, controlling responses to emergencies, controlling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and establishing and maintaining effective communications. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Crowd Management Applicants completing our 4-hour Crowd Management course satisfy: (1) the Crowd Management training requirements of Paragraph 1 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels;—AND—(2) the Safety Training requirements of Paragraph 3 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels. This course profiles the required knowledge and applicable skills for crowd management including controlling a crowd in an emergency, locating safety and emergency equipment on board a vessel, complying with ships’ emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency, and demonstrating the use of personal lifesaving devices. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Applicants completing our 35-hour January 2010 Seafarers LOG 15 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:28 AM Page 16 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 first 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 Title of Course Start Date Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting March 8 April 5 May 31 February 8 March 8 April 5 May 3 May 31 June 28 January 25 March 22 BST/Basic Firefighting Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 4 March 1 April 26 June 21 April 19 October 18 January 4 May 24 May 3 June 21 January 25 February 1 March 22 March 29 May 17 June 7 April 5 April 26 January 11 February 15 March 8 May 10 December 28 February 15 January 29 March 26 May 21 July 16 April 23 November 8 January 29 June 18 May 7 June 25 January 29 February 5 March 26 April 2 May 21 June 18 April 16 April 26 January 22 February 26 March 19 May 14 January 1 February 19 ARPA Bosun Recertification Celestial Navigation Fast Rescue Boat Government Vessels Lifeboatman Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Recertification Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Spill Response (15 students max) Tank PIC Barge DL Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations April 26 February 1 March 29 May 24 May 21 February 26 April 23 June 18 FOWT January 4 March 1 January 4 January 4 March 8 February 22 March 15 January 4 February 1 March 8 January 29 March 26 February 26 February 26 April 16 March 12 March 26 January 22 February 19 March 26 Junior Engineer Marine Electrician Marine Refrigeration Technician Machinist Pumpman Welding UPGRADING APPLICATION Name __________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ Date of Completion Medical Care Provider March 19 April 16 June 11 February 12 March 12 April 9 May 7 June 4 July 2 January 29 March 26 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Steward Recertification April 12 May 3 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 Dec. 28. 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 “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. Email 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. 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. _______________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ Deep Sea Member ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # __________________________ Seniority_____________________________ 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 16 Seafarers LOG 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. 1/10 January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:29 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 JABER ALI Brother Jaber Ali, 70, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1969. He initially sailed on the Elizabeth. Brother Ali was born in Yemen and shipped in the steward department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Ali’s final ship was the Lurline. He resides in San Francisco. GRANT ARMSTEAD Brother Grant Armstead, 69, became an SIU member in 1991 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus; his last the Liberty Glory. Brother Armstead attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The steward department member was born in Louisiana and now lives in Texas. CONRAD BURKE Brother Conrad Burke, 71, joined the union in 1994. He is a native of Barbados. Brother Burke sailed in the deck department on vessels such as the Maersk Vermont and the Maersk Iowa. He upgraded on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burke makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. HARRY CHAMPAGNE Brother Harry Champagne, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1989. His first voyage was aboard the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Champagne, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Louisiana. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the unionaffiliated school on Piney Point, Md. Brother Champagne was last employed on the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus. He is a resident of Pensacola, Fla. ERNEST CHEATHAM Brother Ernest Cheatham, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1993. He originally shipped aboard the January 2010 Lykes Explorer. In 2007, Brother Cheatham enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Cheatham most recently sailed on the Harriette. He calls San Antonio, Texas, home. MARK FREEMAN Brother Mark Freeman, 58, signed on with the Seafarers in 1976 while in Piney Point, Md. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Freeman initially worked aboard the Monticello as a member of the engine department. He was born in Arizona. Brother Freeman’s last ship was the Pride of America. He resides in Panama City, Fla. FABEL GHALEB Brother Fabel Ghaleb, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1970 while in the port of Philadelphia. His first vessel was the Cantigny. In 2000 and 2002, Brother Ghaleb attended classes at the maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Yemen and sailed in the engine department. Brother Ghaleb’s final voyage was on the Maersk Arizona. He calls New York home. RONALD GORDAN Brother Ronald Gordan, 55, was born in Alabama. He became a union member while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gordan shipped mostly aboard vessels operated by Alaska Tanker Company. He worked in the engine department. Brother Gordan continues to make his home in Mobile, Ala. MIGUEL PADON Brother Miguel Padon, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. He was originally employed aboard the Trans Western. Brother Padon was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. His final trip was on the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. Brother Padon sailed in the steward department and lives in Orlando, Fla. MICHAEL WILKERSON Brother Michael Wilkerson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He initially shipped aboard the USNS Wyman as a member of the engine department. Brother Wilkerson often upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on the Alaskan Navigator. Brother Wilkerson continues to reside in his native state of California. INLAND RONALD CLOUGH Brother Ronald Clough, 65, joined the union in 1974. His earliest trip to sea was aboard an Allied Transportation Company vessel. Brother Clough was born in Virginia. He was last employed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Clough settled in Newport News, Va. MICHAEL EFFORD Brother Michael Efford, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1965 while in the port of Baltimore. He first sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland. Brother Efford was born in Maryland. His final boat was operated by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother Efford is a resident of Pasadena, Md. THOMAS GOLDY Brother Thomas Goldy, 62, started sailing with the union in 1996 from the port of Philadelphia. He primarily worked with Crowley Liner Services. Brother Goldy was born in Camden, N.J., and shipped in the deck department. He calls Myrtle beach, S.C., home. JACKIE NIXON Brother Jackie Nixon, 61, became a Seafarer in 1965 while in the port of Baltimore. He initially sailed with R.K. Davis Transportation Inc. Brother Nixon was born in North Carolina. He last worked an Allied Transportation Company vessel. He makes his home in Belhaven, N.C. IVAN RAKYTA Brother Ivan Rakyta, 62, was born in Illinois. He began shipping with the SIU in 1972. Brother Rakyta mostly sailed aboard vessels operated by Mariner Towing Inc. He settled in Hillsboro, Ohio. MICHAEL RESTIVO Brother Michael Restivo, 57, joined the union in 1973 while in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member first shipped on the Over Rose. Brother Restivo most recently worked with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. He resides in Carlsbad, Calif. This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1943 The Recruiting and Manning Organization, a division of the War Shipping Administration, guaranteed the SIU that all steamship companies having contracts with the SIU have been directed to secure all personnel through the hiring halls of the union. Craig S. Swenson, regional representative of the organization, told the SIU by letter that they would call the union halls for unlicensed personnel and he assured the SIU that his organization would not try to go around the union hall but would do everything they could to assist the union in recruitment of manpower. 1950 The SIU Atlantic and Gulf District became the first seamen’s union to negotiate a company-financed welfare plan for its members. This was established in an agreement signed with nine contracted steamship companies. Although the companies will make all the contributions to the welfare fund, the agreement provides for joint administration by a committee representing the union and the steamship companies. Under the terms of the contract, each company will contribute into a common fund the sum of 25 cents per day for each man employed aboard its vessels. 1952 The first of three projected upgrading schools for Seafarers is now operating at Headquarters with the opening of a class for the deck department. The purpose of the new program is the qualification of men for their AB certificates and other deck ratings. Plans are also being made for the starting of both steward department and engine department classes in the near future. Instructors are being drawn from the ranks of experienced Seafarers with a thorough familiarity of the subject matter for the courses. 1957 Harry Lundeberg, the founder of the SIU and the leading figure in maritime for over two decades, died of a heart attack on Monday, January 28. It was Lundeberg who led the revival of maritime unions in the U.S., beginning with the bitter 1934 strike. From there he pressed ahead relentlessly, battling shipowners, the government and the maritime section of the Communist Party on behalf of the men he represented. Paying tribute to Lundeberg on behalf of the SIU, Atlantic and Gulf District, SecretaryTreasurer Paul Hall characterized his contribution to maritime unionism in these words: “Andrew Furuseth’s great contribution to seamen was the 1915 Seamen’s Act. Lundeberg’s was his leadership in winning the greatest economic benefits seamen have enjoyed anywhere and anytime. Under Lundeberg the union set the pace for the entire industry.” Seafarers LOG 17 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:29 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA EDWIN CRADDOCK Pensioner Edwin Craddock, 81, passed away June 13. Brother Craddock became a Seafarer in 1947 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. He originally worked aboard a Sprague Steamship Company vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Craddock was born in Livingston, Ala. Prior to his retirement in 1976, he sailed with Michigan Tankers. Brother Craddock settled in Mesa, Ariz. RICHARD HEFFLEY Pensioner Richard Heffley, 83, died June 30. Brother Heffley started sailing with the union in 1943 while in Philadelphia. He was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Heffley’s earliest trip was with Cabin Tanker Company. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Heffley most recently worked aboard the Adonis. He retired in 1984 and lived in New Jersey. VALENTIN MARTINEZ Pensioner Valentin Martinez, 68, passed away June 20. Brother Martinez signed on with the SIU in 1968. He initially shipped on a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Martinez’s final voyage was aboard the Horizon Discovery. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Martinez was born in Matanzas, Cuba, and made his home in Philadelphia. WILLIAM ROBLES Pensioner William Robles, 73, died Oct. 12. Brother Robles, a member of the steward department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. His first trip was on the Van Horizon and 18 Seafarers LOG his last was aboard the Quality. Brother Robles was born in New York. He became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Robles was a resident of Hollywood, Fla. HOON WONG Pensioner Hoon Wong, 93, passed away June 22. Brother Wong joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Hawaii and sailed in the steward department. Brother Wong went on pension in 1969 and called San Francisco home. INLAND ABELE NICOLICH Pensioner Abele Nicolich, 74, died July 14. Brother Nicolich started shipping with the union in 1960. His earliest trip to sea was on the R Semmes. Before retiring in 1996, Brother Nicolich sailed with Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He resided in Astoria, N.Y. HOMER RABIDEAU Pensioner Homer Rabideau, 70, passed away April 2. Brother Rabideau joined the union in 1980. He was employed with Delaware River Barge and OSG Ship Management at various times during his career. Brother Rabideau sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He retired in 2002. Brother Rabideau was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and called Lakeland, Fla., home. GREAT LAKES GEORGE BASLEY Pensioner George Basley, 90, died June 22. Brother Basley was born in Wisconsin. He became a Seafarer in 1961 while in Detroit. Brother Basley initially worked aboard vessels operated by Zenith Dredge Company. The engine department member also sailed aboard the Kinsman Independent. Brother Basley was a resident of Ashland, Wisc., and started collecting his retirement compensation in 1983. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION ALFREDO GUEVARRA Pensioner Alfredo Guevarra, 94, died June 14. Brother Guevarra was born in the Philippines. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1998. Brother Guevarra lived in Santa Maria, Calif. WILLIAM JOHNSON Pensioner William Johnson, 95, passed away April 30. The Virginia native went on pension in 1968. Brother Johnson called New York home. FERNANDO MANDRI Pensioner Fernando Mandri, 95, died July 26. Brother Mandri was a native of Puerto Rico. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1970. Brother Mandri continued to reside in Puerto Rico. GERALD McCARTNEY Pensioner Gerald McCartney, 86, passed away July 22. The California-born mariner became a pensioner in 1984. Brother McCartney made his home in Sacramento, Calif. BOOKER OLIVER Pensioner Booker Oliver, 83, died June 27. Brother Oliver was born in Alabama. He started receiving his pension in 2002. Brother Oliver was a resident of Mobile, Ala. MANUEL ORTEGA Pensioner Manuel Ortega, 91, passed away May 6. Brother Ortega was a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador. He went on pension in 1974. Brother Ortega lived in Flushing, N.Y. LUIS PELLON Pensioner Luis Pellon, 81, died July 24. Brother Pellon was born in Spain. He retired in 1987. Brother Pellon called Tampa, Fla., home. JOAQUIM REIS Pensioner Joaquim Reis, 88, passed away June 9. Brother Reis was born in Alvor, Portugal. Brother Reis became a pensioner in 1983. He continued to live in Portugal. WALTER SAMUEL JR. Pensioner Walter Samuel Jr., 73, died March 26. The Louisianaborn mariner retired in 1998. Brother Samuel resided in Vallejo, Calif. MOISES SERRANO Pensioner Moises Serrano, 86, passed away July 3. Brother Serrano was a native of Puerto Rico. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Serrano continued to live in Puerto Rico. OTIS SHAW Pensioner Otis Shaw, 69, died July 12. Brother Shaw was a native of Clarkston, Fla. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2007. Brother Shaw made his home in New York. LUTGARDO SILVA Pensioner Lutgardo Silva, 96, passed away June 29. Brother Silva was born in Cuba. He started shipping with the NMU in the 1930s, primarily on Lykes Brothers vessels. Brother Silva was a member of the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1972. Brother Silva was a resident of Mandeville, La. CHARLES “CHARLIE” SLICK Pensioner Charles Slick, 79, died Sept. 6. Brother Slick, a native of Pennsylvania began sailing in 1945. He called King George, Va. home. Brother Slick retired in 1995. JOHN TRENT Pensioner John Trent, 80, passed away July 21. The Florida-born mariner went on pension in 1972. Brother Trent made his home in Zebulon, N.C. BANARD TRUITT Pensioner Banard Truitt, 83, passed away July 25. Brother Truitt was born in Key, Texas. He became a pensioner in 1966 and settled in La Mesa, Texas. JAMES WAHNON Pensioner James Wahnon, 94, died Aug. 2. Brother Wahnon was a native of Cape Verde Islands. He retired in 1980. Brother Wahnon lived in New Bedford, Mass. January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:29 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings APL PEARL (APL Maritime), November 8 – Chairman Edward Almodovar, Secretary Denis Burke, Educational Director Vincente Ordonez, Deck Delegate Morris Foster, Engine Delegate Ashley Carmichael, Steward Delegate Efrain Moreira. It was reported that elevator has been repaired and parts have arrived for dryer. Still awaiting parts for ovens and grill. Chairman thanked crew for excellent, safe, accident-free voyage. He credited steward department for outstanding work. Secretary thanked crew for keeping house in order. He reminded everyone to have their rooms straight for new arriving crew. Vote of thanks was given to SA Moreira for hard work. Educational director reminded crew to keep all shipping documents current and upgrade skills at union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Treasurer reported some money from ship’s fund spent on DVDs in Dubai; $246 remains in fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and Seafarers 401(k) Plan. Crew asked for clarification on reimbursement for luggage. Next port: Charleston, S.C. Charleston (U.S. Shipping), November 4 – Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Charles Roldan, Deck Delegate Eddie Major, Engine Delegate Humberto Lopez. Chairman encouraged fellow mariners to keep going to Piney Point to upgrade. Crew discussed use of ship’s fund. No disputed OT. Crew voiced concern about quantity of stores. They discussed job calls and the hiring halls. Horizon Reliance (Horizon Lines), November 16 – Chairman Frank Sena, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Daniel Borden, Deck Delegate Julius Udan, Engine Delegate Cirico Geonanga, Steward Delegate Paul Sullivan. Chairman read president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary thanked crew for keeping vessel clean. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and keep documents up-to-date. Ship’s fund contains $413. Deck delegate reported beef. No other beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for clarifications concerning time off after 126 days of sea time. Crew reported need for new mattresses. Steward department was thanked for “special food every day.” Recertified Chief Steward Laureta was thanked for exotic menus. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Honolulu, Hawaii. Liberty Glory (Liberty Maritime), November 7 – Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Michael Watts, Educational Director Charles Sneed, Deck Delegate German Guevarra, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman thanked everyone for great trip. He talked about importance of keeping seafaring documents up-to-date and keeping dues current. He also thanked steward department for great meals. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to keep documents current and visit Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported, but deck delegate requested clarification on one aspect of pay. Chairman noted importance of reading Seafarers LOG and in particular the president’s report. New washers and dryers are working well. Crew suggested decreasing the retirement days and increasing vacation days in next contract. Liberty Spirit (Liberty Maritime), November 15 – Chairman Rudy Santos, Secretary Joseph Birke, Educational Director Therman Ames, Deck Delegate Benigno Gonzalez, Engine Delegate Febian Jefferson, Steward Delegate Sharon Baham. Chairman thanked all crew members for working together and thanked steward department for job well done. “The ship is clean and the food was outstanding.” He announced payoff upon arrival in Houston. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. He reminded mariners to leave cabins neat and clean for the next crew members. Educational director advised fellow members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Houston. Maersk Kentucky (Maersk Line, Limited), November 8 – Chairman William Richards, Secretary Basil Waldron, Educational Director Adam Noor. Chairman reminded crew to work safely and read the LOG for updates on the union and industry. He encouraged members to contribute to SPAD. Educational director advised members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. Steward delegate reported OTrelated beef; no beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or engine delegates. Crew requested microwave for crew mess. Also requested new mattresses and blankets. Crew discussed Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and out-of-pocket costs. Maersk Ohio (Maersk Line, Liberty Eagle (Liberty Maritime), November 15 – Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Randy Stephens, Educational Director Forrest McGee, Steward Delegate Wilfred Lambey. Chairman announced upcoming payoff and Coast Guard inspection. Secretary reminded mariners to check expiration dates on documents and renew on time. Educational director encouraged all members to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported need for new washer and dryer. Vote of thanks given to all departments for good work. January 2010 Limited), November 15 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Fidelis Oliveira, Deck Delegate Dudley James, Engine Delegate Salah Saleh, Steward Delegate Martin Krins. Chairman extended vote of thanks to all crew members for safe voyage and dedication to their duties. Secretary also offered vote of thanks “for having such outstanding professionals on board and making it a safe and wonderful trip.” Educational director suggested crew take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed 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. NOTICE Seafarers Pension Plan Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan January 2010 In recent years, Congress has passed a significant amount of legislation which affects all pension plans. These legislative initiatives required plans to implement certain changes to comply with these new provisions. Although both the Seafarers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan have been amended to comply with these provisions, the Internal Revenue Service, as a formality, is requiring all plans to apply for requalification. Therefore, the Seafarers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan are submitting applications to the Internal Revenue Service for an advance determination on their continued qualification. As a Plan participant, you are entitled to receive a formal written notice of this action. Notice To Interested Parties 1. Notice to: All Participants of the Seafarers Pension Plan; and All Participants of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (“the Funds”). Applications are to be made to the Internal Revenue Service for an advance determination on the qualification of the following employee pension benefit plans: 2. Seafarers Pension Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan 3. Seafarers Pension Plan # 001 and Seafarers Pension Money Purchase Pension Plan #001 4. Board of Trustees, Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 5. Seafarers Pension Plan EIN: 13-6100329 and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan EIN: 52-1994914 6. Margaret Bowen, Administrator, Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 7. The applications will be filed for an advance determination as to whether the Plans meet the qualification requirements of §401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with respect to the Plans’ qualification. The applications are expected to be filed on January 25, 2010 and will be filed with: EP Determinations, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 192, Covington, KY 41012-0192. 8. The employees eligible to participate under the Plans are all employees working in job classifications for which contributions are required to be made to the Funds pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. 9. The Internal Revenue Service has previously issued a determination letter with respect to the qualification of these Plans. Rights Of Interested Parties 10. You have the right to submit to EP Determinations, at the above address, either individually or jointly with other interested parties, your comments as to whether these Plans meet the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the Department of Labor to submit, on your behalf, comments to EP Determinations regarding qualification of the Plans. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the matters you raise, you may, individually, or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these matters directly to EP Determinations. Requests For Comments By The Department Of Labor 11. The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of interested parties unless requested to do so by the lesser of 10 employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The number of persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to these plans is 10 employees. If you request the Department to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify the matters upon which comments are requested, and must also include: ■ the information contained in items 2 through 5 of this Notice; and ■ the number of persons needed for the Department to comment. A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Attn: 3001 Comment Request, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Comments To The Internal Revenue Service 12. Comments submitted by you to EP Determinations must be in writing and received by March 13, 2010 (no later than 45 days from the date the IRS receives the application). However, if there are matters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to EP Determinations to be received by them within 15 days from the time the Department notifies you that it will not comment on a particular matter, or by March 13, 2010 (45 days after the IRS receives the application), whichever is later, but not after March 28, 2010 (60-days following receipt of application by the IRS). A request to the Department to comment on your behalf must be received by February 21, 2010 if you wish to preserve your right to comment on a matter upon which the Department declines to comment, or by February 11, 2010 if you wish to waive that right. Additional Information 13. Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in sections 17 and 18 of Rev. Proc. 2004-6. Additional information concerning these applications (including, where applicable, an updated copy of the Plan and related trust; the applications for determination; any additional documents dealing with the applications that have been submitted to the Service; and copies of section 17 of Rev. Proc. 2004-6 are available at the Fund Office during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for inspection and copying. (There is a nominal charge for copying and/or mailing.) Please call to ensure the Office is open or to make an appointment to meet with the Administrator. OT reported. Crew submitted suggestions for next contract. They discussed transformers (how they’re ordered and who supplies them). Crew gave vote of thanks to galley gang. They noted carpet cleaner received, but it doesn’t work properly. Pride of America (NCL America), November 13 – Chairman Renato Govico, Secretary Marie Acosta, Educational Director Joseph Garnett, Deck Delegate Gary Hunt, Engine Delegate James Crosby. Crew discussed contract that recently was ratified. Chairman reminded crew aboard passenger ship to “meet, greet and repeat” and always wear a smile. He reported on retroactive pay and reminded departing crew members to leave cabins clean for new arrivals. Secretary encouraged mariners to sign up for Seafarers 401(k) Plan. Educational director urged members to upgrade during off time. He pointed out course dates are available in the union newspaper and on the web site. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SBX-1 (Interocean American Shipping), November 8 – Chairman W.J. Heblich Jr., Secretary Larry D. Pugh, Educational Director Randy Clark, Deck Delegate Christopher Sahagon, Engine Delegate Jesse Tornabene. Chairman reminded crew to keep all documents and dues current. He reviewed the basics of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. He touched on the International Safety Management Code (ISM) protocol in place aboard the ship. He discussed some of the procedures associated with union shops or vessels. Secretary reviewed highlights of October LOG and urged members to register at the hall as soon as possible and update beneficiary cards as needed. Educational director reminded members about expiration dates. He discussed the structural integrity of the engine department and the value of upgrading at Piney Point. He said petty complaints are embarrassing and with the high rate of unemployment, fellow members should be happy they have a job. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed adopting a charity for the needy and less fortunate. Crew discussed merchant mariner third-party authorization and also the scholarships available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Chairman reported upgrades to TV channels and videogames on board. Next port: Honolulu. Seafarers LOG 19 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:29 AM Page 20 Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District 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 August 1, 2008 and ending July 31, 2009 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). This notice is mandated by federal law. centage 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. 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. 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 (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. The Plan’s 2006 and 2007 annual reports are available now. The Plan’s 2008 annual report will be available after it is filed with the US Department of Labor in May, 2010. 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. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA, 94107. There will be a charge for the annual report to cover copying costs. Fair Market Value of Assets Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2008 August 1, 2008 Over 100% $124,217,557 $97,449,733 2007 August 1, 2007 Over 100% $124,861,276 $91,309,225 2006 August 1, 2006 Over 100% $113,217,684 $89,630,943 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 July 31, 2009 (the end of the 2008 Plan Year), the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $115,030,558. As of July 31, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $122,240,712. As of July 31, 2007, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $130,306,177. Please note that these market values are calculated at the end of each Plan Year, while the actuarial values in the chart above are calculated at the beginning of each Plan Year. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2009 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2008 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May, 2010. Participant Information The total number of participants in the Plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 3,277. Of this number, 1,233 were active participants, 1,724 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 320 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding and 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. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. The shipping companies have not been required to make contributions to the Plan since August 1, 1993, but may resume making contributions in the future through collective bargaining or as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (Code). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner and satisfy the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. 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 maintain a diversified portfolio of investments. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. 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 ■ Interest-bearing cash................................................................................................................4.70% ■ U.S. Government securities...................................................................................................36.28% ■ Corporate debt instruments....................................................................................................37.86% ■ Corporate stocks.....................................................................................................................17.72% ■ Other.........................................................................................................................................3.44% 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 per- 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 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 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 Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. 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. January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:29 AM Page 21 Corrections Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea In the December 2009 edition, Brother David Gray’s obituary (page 18) should have indicated that he sailed in the deck department. Also in the December issue, in the QMED “Q&A” (page 10), the list of required endorsements for QMED-Any Rating should have included Deck Engine Mechanic. February & March 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point................................Monday: February 8, March 8 Algonac ....................................Friday: February 12, March 12 Baltimore..............................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Guam....................................Thursday: February 25, March 25 Honolulu ..................................Friday: February 19, March 19 Houston.................Tuesday: February 16*, Monday: March 15 Jacksonville..........................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Joliet.....................................Thursday: February 18, March 18 Mobile...............................Wednesday: February 17, March 17 November 16, 2009 – December 15, 2009 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped 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 17 0 5 20 0 8 62 27 3 13 12 54 21 31 7 1 10 42 4 25 362 10 1 8 19 3 3 26 23 5 9 9 34 24 11 7 6 10 19 4 25 256 2 2 3 5 0 0 2 4 3 1 1 8 2 1 1 1 0 3 0 4 43 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 9 10 1 8 17 22 1 10 5 19 13 11 2 3 6 12 0 15 167 5 3 3 4 1 4 12 17 1 2 1 9 22 11 4 5 2 10 1 14 131 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 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 3 0 4 5 3 11 23 14 0 10 6 25 8 24 4 4 3 18 3 21 189 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 GRAND TOTALS: Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 10 8 0 2 5 7 9 12 3 3 4 2 41 38 24 15 2 3 10 5 10 6 29 18 12 16 24 11 5 5 0 5 3 9 37 14 1 3 25 16 254 198 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 17 3 0 4 14 0 1 36 14 0 2 4 21 6 14 2 1 5 18 0 20 165 16 0 7 22 3 19 91 54 3 25 17 81 27 51 8 2 14 61 6 59 566 10 3 9 29 4 16 50 43 6 12 12 42 39 29 10 5 12 51 10 43 435 5 2 1 11 0 0 7 6 3 4 6 14 8 3 2 3 1 7 1 9 93 Engine Department 3 2 1 2 4 7 11 5 1 1 2 4 8 16 15 9 1 0 5 3 8 2 9 9 8 13 12 10 3 4 1 0 3 4 13 8 0 5 8 10 116 114 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 2 1 1 7 12 1 3 3 3 5 11 3 1 7 6 1 8 77 4 0 10 14 1 14 37 36 2 17 6 39 23 22 2 6 6 23 0 31 293 5 4 3 8 4 6 34 32 1 5 3 14 35 14 0 8 11 21 4 25 237 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 6 0 4 0 0 0 1 2 5 26 2 0 3 9 5 4 5 4 2 1 2 10 13 2 0 2 1 5 0 3 73 Steward Department 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 5 4 1 8 4 0 1 2 1 7 3 0 14 9 2 10 5 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 4 1 0 15 5 4 9 3 0 11 2 0 4 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 0 19 7 1 1 1 1 18 5 12 135 60 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 3 5 0 6 9 10 0 2 1 8 7 7 0 1 2 12 1 13 88 3 0 4 5 4 19 34 26 1 11 9 49 17 36 3 6 3 22 2 51 305 4 1 1 13 6 5 13 10 2 4 5 12 20 11 0 3 3 7 0 8 128 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 21 1 0 1 0 0 2 10 4 0 0 0 5 0 5 0 0 0 8 0 7 43 9 0 3 13 2 8 20 21 3 5 2 26 17 24 0 12 3 20 1 13 202 3 1 2 5 0 2 3 7 0 1 3 9 9 9 0 23 0 3 0 8 88 3 0 2 3 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 22 0 0 0 3 45 2 0 0 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 1 0 3 0 1 23 3 0 2 0 0 5 13 6 0 3 0 10 0 13 0 0 1 11 0 9 76 16 1 8 15 3 16 50 38 3 17 4 62 26 45 0 3 3 39 2 45 396 6 2 2 9 0 5 13 19 2 6 7 15 18 19 1 4 0 6 0 17 151 761 662 151 71 353 1,240 1,196 291 New Orleans................................Tuesday: February 16, March 16 New York...................................Tuesday: February 9, March 9 Norfolk.................................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Oakland ................................Thursday: February 18, March 18 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: February 10, March 10 Port Everglades ....................Thursday: February 18, March 18 San Juan ...............................Thursday: February 11, March 11 St. Louis ...................................Friday: February 19, March 19 Tacoma.....................................Friday: February 26, March 26 Wilmington..................................Monday: February 22, March 22 (*Houston change created by Presidents’ Day Holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. ATTENTION: SEAFARERS Keep Us On Your Radar Screen Contribute to the l a c i t i l o P s r Seafare onation Action D ) (SPAD January 2010 Entry Department 0 7 0 0 0 1 0 9 0 0 1 1 4 14 0 12 1 1 0 4 0 3 4 18 1 7 4 10 0 1 0 11 0 1 6 8 0 0 2 8 23 116 528 488 Seafarers LOG 21 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:30 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 724 - Thirteen unlicensed apprentices on Welding – Nine upgraders completed training in this 103-hour course on Nov. 20. Sept. 4 completed this 60-hour water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Daryl Ballance, Brandon Blue, Ramon Campbell, Curtis Church, Derrick Dozier II, Paul Elia, Thomas Hely, Matthew Jones, Marvin Kirby, Kenneth Lynch, Lourdes Macias, Eric Noetzel and Buck Sampson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alex Amarra, Reynante Augulo, James Corprew, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Kenyattra McNeel, Christian Oding, Tim Sexton, Jason Young and Robert Young. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing in back row at left. ARPA – Four individuals completed this course Nov. 20. Graduating (above, in alpha- Radar Observer – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed betical order) were: Robert Bell, Timothy Huth, Whitney Sheridan and Martin Simmons. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is at left. this course Nov. 13: Robert Bell, Timothy Huth, Robert Morrison, Charles Mull Jr., Whitney Sheridan and Martin Simmons. Stacey McNeely, their instructor, is at left. Able Seaman – Nineteen upgraders completed this course Nov. 6. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Wayne Bell, Reginald Berkes, David Brady, Nicolas Byers, Richard Gonzalez, Ian Hardingm, Bryan Howell, Matthew Martel, Thomas Parisi, James Petite, Chaneaua Rodriguez, Michael Ringwood II, Robert Rothwell, Ignacio Santos Aponte, Aaron Sills, Michael Spirit, Jesse Sunga, Ternillia Thomas Sr., and Mark Ward Sr. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels (Phase III) -The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course Nov. 20: Ezallah Ali, Anthony Aviles, Timothy DeWine, Devarian Durant, John Edwards, Daniel Etchevers-Vargas, Joseph Gibbens, Chad Gregory, Russell Macomber, Sunnol Motley, Juan Negron-Miro, Tyrell Perry, Luis Ramos-Rosa, Joel Shelton, Nathan Shuford, Dean Trott, Adrian Wilson and Shatina Wright. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is second from left in the back row. 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. 22 Seafarers LOG January 2010 �57268_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2009 7:30 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization DL (Phase III) – Two classes of Phase III apprentices on Sept. 4 finished their requirements for this 63-hour class. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Andrew Beach, Samuel Blancard, Matthew Bryant, Timothy Byrant, Jose Burgos, Victor Cortes-Maldonado, Carlos Davila, Julian Davila, John Eastman, Todd Favaza, Kelly Forbis, William Fountain III, Kevin Fussell Jr., Mayra Gines-Otero, Joshua Harris, Christopher Hickey, Andrew Hufana, Thomas Huminski, Johnny Hunter, Jordache Hunter, Louis Hutchins, James Johner, Sharon Joyner, Kevin Kelly, Michael Kelly, Patrick Kirkland, Patricia Lamb, Patrick Lindauer, Sean Mannix, John McElhaney, Forrest Melvin, Matthew Mike, Ali Mohamed, Noorudin Nagi Muthala, Jomark Newman, Mauriceio Oubre, Jessie Peed, Guiomar Rancel-Mercado, Patricia Ricks, Jonathan Rivera-Rodriguez, Curtis Royal, Santiago Saldivar, David Santiago-Arroyo, Cedric Short, Kenneth Stearns, Elijah Stewart-Eastman, Marcus Toby, William Waldmann, Lisa Williams, James Williamson and Jerald Young. FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this Government Vessels – Eighteen upgraders graduated from the course Nov. 20. Those course Nov. 6: Walid Ahmed, Edgardo Barrios, Jeremy Birchfield, Jonathyn Bland, Michael Brannon, Tony Brinkley, Ernest Bullock, Christopher Coombs, Daniel Cortez, Wilshire Cortez, Peter Crane, Michael Cruz, Van Dixon, Yuri Hernandez, Nathan Jenkins, Nakesha Miller, Lazaro Rivera Rodriguez, Mohamed Salim, James Short Jr., Jamal Taleb, Timothy Van Pelt II, Enoch Winrod, and Lee Wright. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at right. completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alphonzo Berry, Juan Castillo, Vladimir Chpatchev, Kerry Coleman, Michael DeCaire, Alexander Glebov, Ivan Marikovsky, Marian McCrae, Rodolfo Opinaldo, Thomas Parisi, LaShawn Rivera, Mark Rivers, Mohamed Salim, Aaron Sills, Kimberly Strate, Aaron Velunta, Bernadette Yancy and Mary Young. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at left. Tankship Familiarization – Two classes of Phase III apprentices on Oct. 30 completed training in this 63-hour course. Graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Ezaliah Ali, Anthony Aviles, Joseph Brewer, Darrin Cobb, John Cooper, Timothy Denney, Timothy DeWine, Devarian Durant, John Edwards, Daniel Etchevers-Vargas, Jeremy Farlow, Amber Fisher, Lamond Fulton, Joseph Gibbens, Devin Gordon, Lamont Green, Chad Gregory, Miran Harris, James Honaker, Bryant Hunter, Kelvin Jennings, Michael Knight, Russell Macomber, Josue Marin, Sunnil Motley, Juan Negron-Miro, Valentine Okei, Tyrell Perry, Luis Ramos-Rosa, Omar Rodgers, Michael Sheehan, Joel Shelton, Nathan Shuford, Dean Trott, Adrian Wilson and Shatina Wright. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Nov. 7 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: James Richmond, David Wheeler, David Hurd, Joseph Barth, Kimberly Brindle, Ian Galloway, Stephanie King, Leah Philmon, Rebecca Pollard, Adam Simon, Jillian Martinez, Mostafa Mohamed, Joshua Hale, Angela Krall and Derrick Lambert. January 2010 BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Nov. 21 completed this course at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii: Kevin Mason, Miles Morley, Wendy Ramirez, Eben Gulick, Salter Hutchinson, Larry Fingerhut, Jennifer Shepard, Rance Rizzutto, Deanna Moffittt, Michael Kosinski, Piero Prracacccini, Reed Nelson, Joshua Frueh, Marcia McMurray, Walter Garcia Cotto, Jose Tirado Cruz and Robert Sayles. Seafarers LOG 23 �57268_P01_24x:January 08 12/23/2009 12:58 PM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 1 January 2010 SHBP Scholarship Reminder - Page 6 The Overseas Boston, shown early last year at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, is part of a series of new double-hulled tankers. Seafarers and SIU officials in Houston celebrate the addition of the Ocean Charger, a heavy lift vessel that joined the union-contracted fleet last summer. Year’s Top Stories: Progress, Piracy, Hudson ‘Miracle’ In the year 2009, some of the noteworthy stories for the SIU also made headlines around the world. From the “Miracle on the Hudson” to the early-April pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama, Seafarers were in the news – and were heralded for their heroic actions. Thankfully, not all of the significant events involved life-threatening drama. Despite the lousy economy, the union continued welcoming new tonnage into its contracted fleet. Shipping inevitably slowed due to the recession, but members still had plenty of opportunities to go to sea. Additionally, and among other enhancements, the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., added a new training vessel that promises to boost many of its curriculums. The following is a brief recap of these and other notable stories from 2009. Elections, NY Waterway, Piracy The year began with a committee of rankand-file Seafarers confirming results of voting for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU (which ended on the final day of 2008). Among those elected or re-elected to fouryear terms were President Mike Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram. Elsewhere, Seafarers were in the ranks of the nearly 300-person ensemble from America’s labor unions who on Jan. 20 formally participated in the inaugural parade for Barack Obama, the nation’s 44th president and a strong ally of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Members sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries on Jan. 15 rescued the vast majority of the 155 passengers and crew from a US Airways jet that crash-landed in the Hudson River. (The other dozen individuals also were rescued.) The incident quickly became known as the Miracle on the Hudson, as no lives were lost and almost no significant injuries were reported. Seafarers who took part in the rescue said their training paid off – including safety classes they completed at the Paul Hall Center. Later, they were recognized with various public service awards. The Obama administration immediately backed up its commitment to working families, as the president signed several pro-worker executive orders. He also announced a new “Task Force on Middle Class Working Families,” chaired by Vice President Joe Biden. On April 8, pirates attacked the Maerskowned, Waterman-operated Maersk Alabama hundreds of miles from Somalia’s northern coast. The crew of SIU, MEBA and MM&P members never lost control of the ship, but the vessel’s master, Capt. Richard Phillips, was taken hostage aboard a lifeboat, where he remained for several days. U.S. Navy snipers eventually eliminated Phillips’ captors and freed the captain. As the story unfolded, the plague of Somalia piracy finally received the attention long called for by the international maritime community. Legislative initiatives and other anti-piracy efforts followed, and they continue to unfold into 2010. Other SIU ships were attacked during the year, including the Liberty Sun, USNS Lewis and Clark, MV Harriette and – almost certainly by coincidence – the Maersk Alabama again, in November. In each case, the mariners aboard the U.S.-flag ships emerged safe, notwithstanding harrowing moments. New Tonnage The SIU throughout the year welcomed all sorts of new vessels into its contracted fleet. On the West Coast, the successful T-AKE program continued. Members of the union’s Government Services Division saw three more dry cargo/ammunition ships enter service: the USNS Carl Brashear, USNS Matthew Perry and USNS Wally Schirra. All of the vessels in that series are being built at union-contracted NASSCO. NASSCO also continues constructing commercial tankers including three that were delivered in 2009: the SIU-crewed Pelican State, Golden State and Sunshine State. Those ships are being managed by Crowley, a move that preserves SIU jobs. The other current new tanker program, based at union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, also forged ahead. Joining the Overseas Shipholding Group fleet last year were the Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski and Overseas Cascade. APL added four U.S.-flag vessels: the Pearl, Cyprine, Agate and Japan. Those ships sail on a “Suez Express” run, delivering cargo to the Middle East and ports in New York, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. Maersk Line, Limited completed a fleet upgrade which saw the company reflag nine modern vessels under the Stars and Stripes. Those ships replaced nine older, smaller ones. Crowley Maritime pushed forward with its series of new articulated tug-barge units. The company christened the ATBs Commitment/650-6 and Pride/650-7. More are on the way. New tonnage arrived in the form of the heavy lift ship Ocean Charger, flagged in under the American flag and operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine for Intermarine LLC. The car carrier Liberty Pride also hoisted the Stars and Stripes and joined Liberty Maritime’s fleet. U.S. Shipping christened the ATB Corpus Christi/Petrochem Supplier. Sealift Inc. acquired the Rio Bogota, reflagged it American and renamed it the Mohegan. Sealift also won separate contracts for the charter of the MV Bernard Fisher and SIU President Mike Sacco (right) introduces SIU Capt. Vincent Lombardi to delegates and guests at the MTD meeting in late February 2009 in Miami. A month earlier, Lombardi’s NY Waterway ferry was first on the scene after a US Airways jet crash-landed in the Hudson River. the operation of the MV John Chapman, signaling job retention for Seafarers. SIU jobs also were maintained when 3PSC was awarded a contract to operate six oceanographic ships. Additionally, the union gained new z-drive tugs (Lexie M and Hunter M) operated by G&H Towing for Bay Houston Towing. School Days, TWIC and More The Paul Hall Center added the G-Force, a state-of-the-art tug that will be utilized starting in 2010. The school also expanded its “distance learning” offerings, and earned a county award for food safety standards. In mid-April, the deadline arrived for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. At the same time, the Coast Guard began issuing the new merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC), which through a five-year phase-in period will replace the old merchant mariner document/z-card. Seafarers continued their strong support of our troops by delivering MRAPs and other vital materiel wherever and whenever needed. They also participated in important military exercises including JLOTS and Cobra Gold. The union in late November completed a welcome move to a new hall in Jacksonville, Fla. The SIU joined other labor organizations and supporters in pushing for enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act and health insurance reform. Contracts were ratified at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, Moran Towing of Texas, Seabulk Towing, NCL America, Brusco Tug and Barge, Laken Shipping, Erie Sand and Gravel, and G&H Towing. Michael Sacco was re-elected president of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. During MTD meetings in February and September, key representatives from the government, military and industry pledged their ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Longtime SIU backer Rich Trumka was elected president of the AFL-CIO. He succeeded John Sweeney, another friend of the Seafarers, who retired. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan awarded $132,000 in scholarships to SIU members and their dependents. SIU-contracted companies including Maersk Line, Limited, Crowley and Alaska Tanker Company reached safety milestones. SIU halls added new, electronic shipping boards and began the changeover to a stateof-the-art upgrade to the shipping and registration system – one that includes new scanners, computers and faster network connections. The new system is known as SMIS (Seafarers Management Information System). � 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 January 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW TANKERS SUNSHINE STATE, OVERSEAS CASCADE DELIVERED SIU MEMBERS, OFFICIALS CELEBRATE MOVE TO NEW HALL IN JACKSONVILLE PAUL HALL CENTER PUBLISHES GUIDE, 2010 COURSE DATES NOTICE TO CIVMARS CMPI 610 NEGOTIATIONS AND WAGE PARITY DISCUSSIONS PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT NOTHING NEW FOR COMPANY THAT PRINTS SEAFARERS LOG 2 MORE SIU-CONTRACTED TANKERS DELIVERED NEW-BUILD PROGRAMS CONTINUE AT NASSCO, AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD JACKSONVILLE MOVE COMPLETE AGENCY REPORTS IMPROVEMENTS TO ALJ SYSTEM BOB MAGEE, HIGHLY RESPECTED PHILANTHROPIST, PASSES AWAY AT 61 SAFETY DIRECTORS MEET STEWARDS DISH OUT BEST FOR ‘IRON CHEF’ CONTEST NMC OFFERS APPLICATION STATUS NOTICES BY EMAIL OAKLAND HALL HOSTS TRADITIONAL FEAST YEAR’S TOP STORIES: PROGRESS, PIRACY, HUDSON ‘MIRACLE’ 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 01/01/2010 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. 1 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e37c3a866f9f6e36a7af67e9c6bf6d11.pdf e5a08424eb7fab62d7b466b55535319d PDF Text Text 57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:06 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 2 February 2010 Seafarers Mobilize for Haiti Relief Numerous Vessels Activated; Union Reopens Disaster Aid Fund The SIU quickly sprang into action for relief operations following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12. At press time, no fewer than a dozen Seafarers-crewed ships had taken part in humanitarian efforts aimed at helping the devastated nation. Also, the union reactivated its disaster relief fund to facilitate charitable donations. Pictured from left to right: The U.S. Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort is shown in Baltimore shortly before departing for Haiti. Bosun Gerald Butch (left) and AB Doug Ruby help prepare the Comfort for its mission. An aerial view of downtown Port-auPrince on Jan. 16 reveals some of the damage (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Jeremy Lock). Pages 2, 7. LMSR Contracts go To AMSEA, Patriot Union jobs were retained as American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) and American Ship Management/Patriot Contract Services last month were awarded operating contracts for a total of 11 large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs). Page 3. New RO/RO Joins SIU Fleet SIU-contracted American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) in January announced the latest addition to its fleet: the Endurance (above). Formerly named the Taronga, the 860-foot vessel will enroll in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The ship, to be operated for ARC by Crowley, is an outright addition to the union’s fleet. Page 3. SIU of Canada President Retires Page 4 SIU Supports Military Families Via ‘Santa’s Castle’ Program Dozens of Seafarers in the Tacoma, Wash., area helped brighten the holidays for military families through a philanthropic program called Santa’s Castle. At left, Capt. Brian Anderson from nearby Ft. Lewis helps load some of the goodies that were donated at the SIU hall in Tacoma. Page 24. Union Mourns Retired Port Agent Page 6 Tax Tips for Mariners Pages 12-13 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:28 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t From the Hudson to Haiti In the days leading up to the event, I read about plans for a happy reunion of many of the people who were involved in the Miracle on Hudson, including some of our own SIU members from NY Waterway ferries. Last month, they went on to celebrate the first anniversary of an improbably joyful ending – one that saw all hands saved following an airplane’s crash-landing in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. I remain proud of our members’ quick, effective responses on that day. And I also have been proud on those occasional opportunities to tell people that Seafarers were first on the scene for the rescue. What happened that day was, to say the least, challenging and unusual, but it helped remind people about the importance and reliability of well-trained U.S. mariners. Almost one year to the day later, America got Michael Sacco another such reminder, only this time the situation proved horribly tragic. The earthquake that demolished much of Haiti left all of us sympathetic, upset and wanting to help. Once again, SIU members are doing their part, sailing ships for the relief mission as part of Operation Unified Response. Members also are donating their own money to further help the cause. The union is stepping up, too – we are contributing to the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers’ Campaign. The overwhelming concern here is for the earthquake victims. The scope of the tragedy is so large it’s hard to comprehend. Recovery operations will take years. At the same time, I appreciated the words of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood when he cited the U.S. Merchant Marine’s rapid response. He correctly pointed out that our vessels are on a lifesaving mission – not just the hospital ship Comfort, but all of our ships that have been deployed. That’s something to keep in mind when weighing the ongoing need for, and enormous value of the American-flag fleet and the loyal, dedicated mariners who deliver the goods. Jobs and More While legislators continue debating the merits of health insurance reform legislation, the AFL-CIO is pushing for badly needed growth in my favorite subject: jobs, jobs, jobs! Recently I told you about the federation’s five-point program aimed at creating more than 4 million jobs. It’s a proposal that includes extending unemployment benefits, including COBRA, plus expanding federal infrastructure and “green jobs” investments. It calls for substantially boosting federal aid to state and local governments and for direct job creation where practical. It also makes the case for direct lending of TARP money to small and medium-sized businesses that can’t get credit due to the financial crisis. This is the right plan at the right time, and it will go a long way towards helping relieve the double-digit unemployment currently plaguing our country. At the same time, the AFL-CIO and its member unions, including the SIU, certainly have not abandoned our efforts to further educate legislators and the administration about our position on health care. Seafarers know that the fight over health insurance reform is a big one, and it’s complicated. However it turns out, it’s unlikely that any one party will get 100 percent of what they wanted. What is certain is that health care costs too much, and decent, affordable care should be available to everyone. We’ll continue working toward that end for however long it takes. Another ongoing effort of the SIU and other maritime unions involves anti-piracy measures and steps to protect our crews (as well as those of other nations). Partly due to security reasons, we rarely go into detail about what’s already been done or about our latest endeavors. But we remain very active in this most important struggle, both on Capitol Hill and in the international maritime community. The protection of our crews is a must. On that point, there’s no room for negotiations. Volume 72, Number 2 February 2010 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org Members arrive at the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., as the RRF tanker Petersburg is activated. SIU Members Answer Call For Haiti Relief Operations Seafarers Help Mobilize Ships, Donate to Earthquake Victims Following a magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, the SIU quickly stepped up to assist in what promises to be a very lengthy and challenging relief mission. At press time, no fewer than a dozen Seafarerscrewed vessels were involved in the Haiti action, officially titled Operation Unified Response. Additionally, the union reactivated its Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), partly in response to requests from members who wanted to donate money to the humanitarian cause (See related story on Page 7). The overall devastation in Haiti is difficult to quantify, but on Jan. 25 the Haitian government increased the confirmed death toll to 150,000. Officials also said that the number undoubtedly will grow, possibly to 200,000. Within the first few days after the earthquake, several Seafarers-contracted ships were activated for the relief mission, and several others (already in full operating status) were assigned to it. They included the hospital ship USNS Comfort, the rescue and salvage vessel USNS Grasp, the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea and the replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn – all crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Also mobilized were the oceanographic ships USNS Henson and USNS Sumner (operated by 3PSC), the prepositioning vessels 1st Lt. Jack Lummus and PFC Dwayne T. Williams (American Overseas Marine) and, from the Ready Reserve Force, the crane ships Gopher State and Cornhusker State (Interocean American Shipping), the tanker Petersburg (also Interocean American Shipping) and the heavy-lift vessel Cape May (Ocean Ships). When those vessels and others were sent to help the earthquake victims, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated, “It is another example of why our country’s merchant marine is so important. Sending these ships will help those on the front line of this effort save as many lives in Haiti as possible. These ships will add crucial capabilities by supporting operations to move large volumes of people and cargo.” Maritime Administrator David Matsuda added, “Once again the U.S. Merchant Marine is answer- The Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort is seen off the coast of Haiti on Jan. 20. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker) ing the call for assistance, as it has done since our nation began. These ships and skilled crews are ideally suited to assist in Haiti by providing unique capabilities. One cargo ship can carry as much as 400 fully loaded cargo planes.” While most of the ships blended into the enorSee Mariners, Page 7 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. The prepositioning vessel 1st Lt. Jack Lummus on Jan. 18 receives relief cargo from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Marine Corps at Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. 2 Seafarers LOG February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:29 PM Page 3 New RO/RO Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet Seafarers-contracted American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC) on Jan. 22 announced its purchase of and reflag to the Stars and Stripes of the MV Endurance (formerly the Taronga). The vessel, which will be operated by Crowley for ARC, is an outright addition to the union’s fleet. The Endurance is expected to enter service in mid-February. ARC described the 860-foot vessel as “the largest and most militarily useful, multi-purpose RO/RO ship in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said the reflag “is a credit to our SIU crews and to the companies involved. It’s good news any time we’re able to welcome new tonnage, but that’s especially true in light of the current economic climate.” ARC announced that the appropriate entities – including the U.S. Transportation Command (on behalf of the Defense Department) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (on behalf of the Transportation Department) – have approved the Endurance as the replacement for the MV Liberty in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). However, the Liberty will remain under the American flag and will join the company’s Middle East liner service. Delivered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in December 1996, the Endurance “is well suited for high and heavy and project cargoes,” according to ARC. “She is a unique RO/RO vessel with no sister ships and is among the largest Originally named the Taronga, the newly acquired ARC ship is reflagging American and changing its name to Endurance. RO/RO vessels in the world…. Endurance has nine decks that can be configured to carry over 260,000 square feet of high and heavy cargo such as CH-47s (helicopters), MRAPs (mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles), MATVs (all-terrain vehicles), tracked vehicles, construction equipment and generators; 130,000 square feet of additional high-side vehicle (SUV) space; and approximately 200 containers. Her quarter ramp weight capacity of 320 tons exceeds that of any vessel in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet.” The MSP helps ensure that U.S.-flag vessels and well-trained, dependable American crews are available to the U.S. military during times of crisis. It also gives the military access to a modern, technologically advanced intermodal network that spans the globe. Overall, the program provides for a fleet of up to 60 ships. Those vessels, many of them crewed by SIU members, help enable the government to provide sealift for U.S. armed forces utilizing the resources of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet. In addition, a U.S.-flag commercial fleet operating in international trade enables the government to provide global economic and agricultural assistance programs, and provides the crews that are used to sail government reserve vessels in time of need. The MSP fleet provides this national security asset at a substantially lower cost than the government owning and maintaining an equivalent capability. The fleet of Bob Hope-class LMSRs includes the USNS Seay, pictured near Camp Lejeune, N.C., last year during a military exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton) Defense Dept. Awards LMSR Contracts To American Overseas Marine, Patriot AMSEA will continue operating the USNS Pililaau (shown above during an exercise in the Pacific Ocean in 2008) and sister ships supporting the U.S. military. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John W a g n e r ) . Delivered to MSC in 2003, the USNS Benavidez (photo at right) was the 19th LMSR built or converted at American shipyards since the mid-1990s to transport and preposition U.S. combat equipment. February 2010 SIU jobs were retained as American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) and American Ship Management/Patriot Contract Services, respectively, last month were awarded operating contracts for a total of 11 large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs). The U.S. Defense Department selected AMSEA to operate the seven Bob Hopeclass LMSRs and also selected Patriot as the operator of four converted LMSRs. The SIU represents all unlicensed mariners aboard the Bob Hope ships: the USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Seay, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau, USNS Brittin and USNS Benavidez. The union represents steward-department mariners on the other four ships covered by last month’s awards: the USNS Gordon, USNS Gilliland, USNS Shughart and USNS Yano. The operating agreement for the Bob Hope ships has options which, if fully exercised, would extend the contract to the year 2017. The operating agreement for the other four vessels also includes options potentially lasting to 2017, and consisting of a series of one-year options. Turnover on the converted vessels was expected to begin in late January. AMSEA already operated the Bob Hope ships. SIU officials pointed out that while these 11 vessels already were part of the union’s fleet, as with any contract bid, there were no guarantees that the new awards would go to Seafarers-contracted companies. Meanwhile, Capt. Thomas Merrell, president of AMSEA, stated that his company “has successfully operated the vessels in this program for the last five years and looks forward to continuing our superior service for our customer under this new contract.” The company further noted that the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s LMSR program “significantly enhances the U.S. sealift capability for the new millennium. LMSRs have been the primary movers of U.S. military equipment during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each LMSR can carry an entire U.S. Army Task Force, including 58 tanks and 48 other tracked vehicles, as well as more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles.” The Bob Hope ships were built at Avondale in New Orleans and were delivered from 1998 to 2003. The Shughart and Yano were converted at NASSCO in San Diego, while the Gordon and Gilliland were converted at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. The converted vessels were containerships. They were delivered to MSC by late 1997. MSC lists two main missions – prepositioning and surge sealift – for its LMSRs, including eight Seafarers-crewed Watson-class vessels. The ships vary in length from about 900 feet to approximately 950 feet. Seafarers LOG 3 �57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:34 PM Page 4 Maritime Icon Roman Gralewicz Retires Respected Leader Served as SIU of Canada President for 38 Years The SIUNA-affiliated Seafarers International Union of Canada recently announced the retirement of its longtime president, Roman Gralewicz. Additionally, the SIU of Canada Executive Board elected Michel Desjardins as Gralewicz’s successor. Desjardins had been serving as the union’s executive vice president. Gralewicz, 79, was president of the Canadian union for 38 years. He earned a reputation as a tough, fair, tireless and effective leader. “Roman Gralewicz is a true champion of the rank-and-file membership, a great labor leader and a trusted friend,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He came up through the ranks during difficult times. He successfully guided his union through one battle after another. And whether those fights took place on picket lines, in board rooms or within the halls of government, Roman always got the job done…. His guidance has benefited countless mariners and has inspired people from every segment of the industry.” Desjardins pointed out that Gralewicz has been part of the union for more than 60 years. “His passion and drive for improving the wages, benefits and working conditions of seafarers over the years was a personal battle for him and a victory for our brothers and sisters,” Desjardins added. “His knowledge and experience are invaluable to us all, and for this reason we have asked him to remain as advisor, a request he was kind enough to accept.” In a book published in late 2008, Paul Martin, a past owner A recent magazine profile describes Roman Gralewicz (right) as “a largerthan-life figure, with a blunt tongue and big heart.” His successor as president of the SIU of Canada, Michel Desjardins (left), had been serving as the union’s executive vice president. of Canada Steamship Lines who served as Canada’s prime minister from 2003-06, wrote that interacting with Gralewicz was “not for the faint of heart. We fought like hell, but over time, I acquired a great deal of respect for him. His members were lucky to have him, but the truth is, so was the industry.” In his final president’s column in the SIU of Canada newspaper, Gralewicz said, “I wish to thank the membership for their loyalty and support during my years as a union officer and president of our great union…. Nothing comes easy; we fought together to get good wages and safe working conditions and proved to people that a sailor is a first-class citizen and must be treated as one.” APL Announces ‘Landmark’ Clean-Air Plan in Oakland Seafarers-contracted APL and the San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District in mid-December announced what they called a “landmark” multi-million dollar project “to cut vessel emissions and improve this city’s air quality starting in 2010.” The company said it will use $4.8 million in air quality grants to retrofit its terminal and vessels to begin “cold ironing” in December 2010 at the Port of Oakland, Calif. Cold ironing is an industry term for turning off a ship’s engines at berth and connecting instead to electrical sources ashore. This process, also sometimes called alternative marine power (AMP), enables vessels to maintain power in port while eliminating exhaust emissions. In a news release, APL said its efforts will “cut more than 50,000 pounds of nitrogen oxides emissions – a leading component of smog – from ships berthed in Oakland and 1,500 pounds of particulate matter annually. APL will be the first and only carrier or terminal operator at the port to cold iron vessels.” Regulations mandating cold ironing in California take effect in 2014. “APL is getting a head start to reduce emissions well before the state deadline,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The Air District will fund two grants being provided to APL. They include $2.8 million to electrify berths at Global Gateway Central and $2 million to equip the first three containerships for cold ironing. Altogether, the vessels APL will retrofit make more than 50 calls to Oakland annually. Labor-Backed Candidate Wins in Houston Houston-area Seafarers (some of whom are pictured above) were part of an effective grassroots campaign which helped Annise Parker (right in photo at left, with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey) win a mayoral runoff election last December. “I’ve never seen the members so energized and excited by a campaign,” Corgey said. “They all realized this was a true grassroots effort. Of particular value to the campaign were the efforts of our bilingual members who made phone calls in Spanish and worked the Hispanic precincts. Bosun/AB Victor Medina voluntarily ran our Latino outreach program with the help of dozens of Hispanic SIU members primarily of Honduran descent. My hat is off to this membership. We look forward to working with the new administration on labor and maritime issues.” 4 Seafarers LOG SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) is pictured with APL Americas President John Bowe (left) and Terminal Operations Director Steve Hessenauer after a Dec. 18 press conference in Oakland where the cold-ironing plan was announced. February 2010 �57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:36 PM Page 5 IMO Designates 2010 ‘Year of the Seafarer’ U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is an outspoken advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Rep. Abercrombie Ready to Vie For Hawaii Gubernatorial Seat U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, a longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, early last month officially announced his plans to step down from the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 28. He is resigning from the House so he can fully focus on his campaign for governor of Hawaii. The congressman pointed out that in midDecember he first announced his intention to resign “in order to devote all my efforts to the 2010 campaign for governor of the State of Hawaii – a decision that followed a tremendous amount of thought and careful consideration. It was a decision inspired by the thousands of people who are frustrated by a collapse of leadership in our community but are encouraged by the opportunity in this New Year for a change in direction for our people and our state.” He continued, “Since announcing my intentions, I have consulted closely with the people I have worked with during my 19 years in Congress, including members of the Hawaii congressional delegation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the chairmen of two of my committees, the House Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. These discussions have helped me to ensure that I will be able to fulfill the remaining duties requiring my presence in the House…. As a result of these discussions, I can now set the effective date of my resignation for February 28, 2010, which will enable state elections officials to plan for a timely and costeffective special election for the First Congressional District to select a successor who will carry on the work of the people.” He concluded, “The past few weeks have reminded me that my 19 years in Washington, D.C., as a U.S. Representative from Hawaii have allowed me to build strong, lasting, and lifelong relationships with many colleagues on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill and throughout the federal government. Most of all, I have been privileged to be a part of an effective Hawaii congressional delegation which has accomplished so much to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaii and nation. I take all of these experiences and friendships with me into the future, as part of a proven partnership involving the state government, Congress, and now the White House, to change the direction and leadership of our state.” The International Maritime secure and efficient shipping on Organization (IMO) has declared clean oceans,” he noted. “And so, 2010 the “Year of the Seafarer,” we will celebrate next year’s as the theme for World Maritime World Maritime Day theme with much pride in your contribution Day. “Our intention is to pay tribute to our objectives. At IMO we to you, the world’s 1.5 million understand the extreme pressures seafarers – men and women from that you face and that, as a result, all over the globe – for the we approach our own tasks with a unique, and all-too-often over- genuine sympathy for the work looked, contribution you make to that you carry out.” Mitropoulos also said the IMO the wellbeing of all of us,” said IMO Secretary-General developed its “Go to Sea!” campaign that it launched in Efthimios E. Mitropoulos. Every year, the IMO and many November 2008 to add more of its member states celebrate awareness to maritime careers World Maritime Day. The exact and to attract new entrants to the date is left to individual govern- shipping industry by “becoming ments but usually is observed the seafarers of tomorrow.” The during the last week in IMO launched the campaign in September. According to the association with the International agency, the day is used to focus Labor Organization, the “Round attention on the importance of Table” of shipping industry orgashipping safety, maritime security nizations (International Chamber Shipping, International and the marine environment and of Shipping Federation, BIMCO, to emphasize a particular aspect International Association of of IMO’s work. Independent Tanker Owners For 2010, the IMO is and International planning numerous Association of Dry activities tied in with Cargo Shipowners) the “Year of the and the Seafarer” theme International – not just in Transport September, Wo r k e r s ’ b u t Federation. throughout “Seafarers the year. the world over In announcing its deserve our respect, plans, the agency recognition and gratidescribed mariners as tude and, during 2010 we “extraordinary profesat IMO are resolved to sionals who work in dangerensure that the world does take ous conditions delivering susnotice of your exceptenance to more tional role and conthan 6.5 billion peoThe IMO produced this ple of the world. logo in recognition of tribution and of the Seafarers deliver World Maritime Day special debt that all of us owe to you,” the wheat that 2010. Mitropoulos added. makes our daily The IMO is a spebread, the gas and oil that warms our homes or cialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for moves our vehicles.” Mitropoulos pointed out that measures to improve the safety seafarers are responsible for mov- and security of international shiping more than 90 percent of the ping and to prevent marine polluworld’s trade and sustaining tion from ships. It is also involved in legal matters, includhuman development. “At IMO, we are ever-con- ing liability and compensation scious of the important role you issues and the facilitation of play in helping us achieve safe, international maritime traffic. SIU Snapshots from the Port of Jacksonville, Fla. Mitch Oakley (left in photo above), an instructor at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, went to the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla., to give a general security awareness and vessel safety presentation to interested Seafarers, some of whom are pictured above. The presentation took place Dec. 16. Prior to the safety and security presentation, Seafarers (from left in photo at right above) Chief Cook Jose Norales, SA Erasmo Guevara and AB Emil Guevara Norales arrive at the union hall. Erasmo is Emil’s father; Jose is Emil’s uncle. SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware (left in photo at right) offers a “welcome ashore, good luck and congratulations on a job well done” to Chief Cook Ossie Statham, who recently retired. Sister Statham’s last ship was the Guayama. February 2010 Seafarers LOG 5 �57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:37 PM Page 6 Retired Port Agent Joe Perez Dies at 76 Retired SIU Port Agent Jose “Joe” said. “He never had an unkind word to say Perez, a colorful character who actively about anybody.” SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean served the membership for nearly 40 years, passed away Dec. 31 at North Corgey remembered that Perez “gave me Austin (Texas) Medical Center, following my first job, back in 1973. Joe started many a career of young men and women an illness. He was 76. A native of Robstown, Texas, Perez going to sea. He was a dedicated trade unionist and a soldier in earned an honorable dismany battles that set the charge after serving in stage for jobs, benefits the U.S. Army from and working conditions 1954-57. He began his that we all enjoy to this career with the labor day.” movement as an orgaSIU Assistant Vice nizer in Houston for the President Jim McGee Retail Clerks (now the said Perez “helped United Food and break me in, back in Commercial Workers). 1977. Joe helped show He started working for me how things were the SIU in 1959 at the done. He was a great Houston hall, reporting guy and a straight to Port Agent Robert shooter and a good Matthews. union representative. In the ensuing years, Joe was a real advocate Perez served in various for the membership and capacities including he also was a good those of field represenfriend. He’ll be tative and safety direcmissed.” tor. He transferred to Chris Westbrook, New Orleans in 1990 and was elected port Joe Perez worked for the union SIU port agent in New agent there in 1992. from 1959 to 1998 but stayed Orleans, recalled first meeting Perez “when I Perez was reelected to involved even after retiring. was an employee at that post in 1996 before E.N. Bisso and Son, and we were going retiring in 1998. In addition to his work with the SIU, through a pretty contentious organizing Perez was actively involved with the drive. I remember Joe was available all Greater New Orleans Central Labor the time, for anything we needed out Council, the Louisiana AFL-CIO and the there. The other thing about Joe was he Port Maritime Council of Greater New had a very calming presence. His Orleans and Vicinity. He kept in touch demeanor, in tense situations, was cool. with union members and officials long Knowing him later and coming into the after retiring, and remained an asset not organization, he was always there for only to the SIU but to organized labor as anything you needed, almost like an uncle who took you under his wing. He a whole. SIU Executive Vice President Augie stayed in touch all the way up to the end – he genuinely cared about the members Tellez knew Perez since 1978. “You could always count on Joe to and the organization.” Survivors include his wife, three chilgive you a hand,” Tellez said. “He became a stalwart in the Gulf. He was a good guy dren and four grandchildren. Donations in Perez’s memory may be made to and he had a great sense of humor.” Perez’s upbeat personality is what Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs stands out to SIU Secretary-Treasurer Rd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Queen David Heindel. “He always had a smile on his face and of Angels Chapel, P.O. Box 448, seemed to be happy with life,” Heindel Spicewood, TX 78669. Veterans and children alike (photo at left) join in the memorial dedication. SIU Assistant VP Chet Wheeler (above) brought his 3-year-old granddaughter, Alexandrea Hansen, to the ceremony. Calif. Memorial Recognizes U.S. Merchant Mariners A new veterans’ memorial in Calistoga, Calif., pays tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine along with members of the armed services. Located in Calistoga’s Logvy Park, the memorial was dedicated on Veterans’ Day 2009, with SIU officials, members and retirees among the hundreds in attendance. SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler formally represented the union; he took part in the official ceremony. The project itself was 10 years in the making, according those familiar with it. The memorial, a 2,500-square-foot plaza, was built on contributed land and through a public fund-raiser. Marble spires rise from the memorial park’s center; they feature the names of local veterans. One of the spires is dedicated to merchant mariners. “It’s a fitting tribute to all merchant mariners who have bravely sailed in harm’s way when our nation has needed them,” said Wheeler. Retired Seafarer Robert “Rocky” Schindler, 75, was part of the SIU contingent at the dedication. “I couldn’t have been more proud as a mariner to see so many people from our community come out to show their respect to those who have served our nation,” said the former AB, who sailed during the Vietnam War. “We found that a lot of folks here don’t know about the sacrifices that mariners have made for our nation, so we think the memorial will go a long way in teaching the community, especially the kids.” According to Schindler, local citizens, businesses and an American Legion post came out in droves to participate in the memorial’s primary fundraiser on Independence Day 2009. That effort included raising money to help ensure upkeep for the memorial. Published reports indicate that approximately $250,000 was raised, not counting additional donated services and labor. On Veterans’ Day, under sparkling blue skies, the community unfurled the American, military branch and the U.S. Merchant Marine flags over the marble monuments to patriotic tunes and a salute from a color guard from nearby Travis Air Force Base. UAs Impress Maersk Virginia Shipmates Recertified Bosun Credits Phase II Apprentices for Job Well Done Oiler Jackson Earns Safety Award Seafarer Brian Jackson (right) late last year received a safety award from Capt. Jan Kummernes (left) aboard the MV Honor. Kummernes credited the oiler for his “alert watch-standing” which included “early detection of smoke coming from #3 diesel generator shaft seal.” The captain further reported that Jackson “immediately notified the first engineer, who was able to secure the generator and prevent significant damage to the equipment, and avert what could have possibly been a crankcase explosion.” The Honor is managed by Interocean American Shipping for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier. 6 Seafarers LOG Recertified Bosun Ray Henderson recently let the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education know about the fine work performed by a pair of “Phase II” unlicensed apprentices aboard the Maersk Virginia. In a communication dated Dec. 27, Henderson saluted UAs Matthew Caradimos and Jason Bimle. “When Matt and Jason first came aboard the Maersk Virginia they … took what the instructors from Piney Point (Md.) had taught them and were ready and able to work,” the bosun wrote. “They also took all shipboard drills and the company’s safety policy very seriously. I would like to thank the instructors down at the school for instilling this into both of them. The apprentices took their time on board the Maersk Virginia very seriously and understood how much they could learn from all of the crew.” For example, Henderson pointed out, “If given a simple task like cleaning or chipping paint, Matt and Jason’s mindset was always to do it without hesitation or complaint, do it right and do it efficiently. When given the opportunity to, for example, weld, work in tanks, operate cranes or just doing plain old deck maintenance, it was always evident that they wanted to know more than what was needed just to get by. They took much interest in learning and understanding what they were doing, how the machinery and equipment worked, and how to spot any problems that might occur.” The bosun concluded that the initial phase of the apprentice program (12 weeks at the Paul Hall Center campus) left Caradimos and Bimle well-prepared for the shipboard segment. That phase lasts 90 days and includes stints in each shipboard department. “They came on board with a more than decent knowledge of ship terms, machinery, safety and emergency procedures, and the basics of life on board a merchant vessel,” Henderson said. “I attribute it to their months at Piney Point.” February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:34 PM Page 7 Seafarers Disaster Mariners Rally to Aid of Quake Victims Relief Fund Accepts Donations for Haiti Continued from Page 2 In order to assist in the Haitian relief effort, the union is accepting donations to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Money collected by the SDRF will be presented to the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers’ Campaign. With limited exceptions, anyone may donate through the SDRF – you don’t have to be an SIU member. (The SDRF cannot accept contributions from a service provider for the union or the SIU Plans, or from a Seafarers-contracted company or any of such a company’s representatives.) Checks should be made payable to Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund. Donations by check or money order may be made at SIU halls or may be mailed to: Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund c/o Secretary-Treasurer’s Office Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Additionally, cash donations may be made at the halls. Anyone making a cash donation will receive a receipt. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible. mous operation, the Comfort attracted immediate attention, partly because its services are so desperately needed. The floating hospital received its first Haitian patients late at night Jan. 19, delivered by a helicopter from the USS Carl Vinson. Hours later, the Comfort dropped anchor off the coast of Port-auPrince, Haiti. Since then, there’s been no slowdown aboard the 894-foot vessel, which has had multiple operating rooms running 24 hours a day. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Comfort usually is kept in reduced operating status in Baltimore, with a “caretaking crew” of 18 CIVMARS “and about 60 Navy medical personnel who maintain the shipboard medical facilities, equipment and supplies.” The vessel has a five-day activation period, but for the Haiti mission, shipboard personnel had the Comfort ready to sail in three days. MSC reported that the vessel is carrying a crew of 67 CIVMARS, 560 medical workers “and an approximately 110-person contingent of support personnel.” The Comfort also was in the news last year, when it sailed in Operation Continuing Promise from April to July. That mission involved civic assistance in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, Panama, Colombia, El Salvador and Nicaragua. More than 100,000 patients were treated. When the union’s disaster relief fund was reactivated, AB Alvin Clark (left) and QMED David Watkins (right) were the first to donate at the hall in Piney Point, Md. Accepting the donations on behalf of the fund is Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (center). Ocean Atlas Delivers Subway Cars Intermarine’s Seafarers-crewed heavy-lift ship Ocean Atlas on Jan. 6 delivered 40 subway car bodies and components to the Port of Baltimore for the New York City Transit Authority. The cargo originated in Brazil. Overall, the Ocean Atlas – operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine (PGM) – has hauled a total of 1,202 subway cars and components from South America and the Pacific during 18 voyages throughout Intermarine’s contract with New York. The vessel reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in 2002. “The uniqueness of these heavy lift vessels in the U.S.-flag sector demands a well-trained crew, with everyone on board working together as a team,” said PGM President Todd Johnson. “From the time she was reflagged to the present, the SIU and those sailing aboard the Ocean Atlas have made significant contributions toward achieving a successful operation.” The recent delivery in Baltimore coincided with a ceremony celebrating all of the successful transfers under this agreement. Attendees included officials from the SIU, Maritime Administration, Federal Transit Administration and New York City Transit Authority as well as dignitaries including former Maryland congresswoman and former Federal Maritime Commission chair Helen Bentley. During the ceremony, Bentley thanked “the SIU and other unions for what you do to keep the U.S. flag flying on the high seas.” Seafarers aboard the ship during the Jan. 6 delivery included Recertified Bosun Jimmie Scheck, ABs Edgar Elegino, Kevin Montiero and Eleazar Lozano, QEE Daniel Avery, GUDE Tino Guity, Steward/Baker Wayne Wilson and ACU Carlton McMiller. The Seafarers-crewed Ocean Atlas was built in 2000. Steward/Baker Wayne Wilson prepares lunch. Attendees at the Ocean Atlas ceremony included (left to right in photo above) Dennis Brennan, Mike O’Rear and Jan Downing of the Maritime Administration; Leo Bonser, head of U.S.-flag services for Intermarine; Jim Matthews of the New York City Transit Authority; Chuck Comer of Alstom Transport; Quinn Bond of Kawasaki Rail Car; Thomas Harrelson of MarAd; Cynthia Burman of the Port of Baltimore; Andre Grikitis, president and chief executive of Intermarine; Stephane Chabeau of Geodis Wilson freight management; and William Coleman of Alstom Transport. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (photo at right) observed cargo operations from the bridge. They were joined by Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (front, second from left) and Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (third from left). February 2010 The vessel offloads one of 40 subway car bodies (photo above) in Baltimore. The subway car bodies eventually were slated for transport to New York City (below). Seafarers LOG 7 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:34 PM Page 8 College Program Aids in Turnaround AB Frank Recommends Paul Hall Center Curriculums to Fellow Seafarers Ten years ago, deep sea Able Seaman Ernest Frank could not have dreamed that he’d be six months away from earning his Associate of Applied Science Degree let alone be in position to parlay his knowledge into a U.S. Coast Guard-approved mate’s license. Thanks to the college degree program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, however, that’s precisely his reality today. The Circleville, West Va., native, who served five years in the U.S. Army Rangers at Fort Lewis, Washington, is on pace to complete his requirements for a two-year degree in Nautical Technology later this year. “God willing, after finishing the work for my degree, I will get my mate’s license get a job in the tug industry with the ATBs,” Frank said. “That will provide me with some stability, a steady routine and good pay. Of course I look forward to someday returning to the beach and starting a family.” But Frank’s future was not always quite as promising. To the contrary, it was rather daunting. “I finished the 10th grade, but then dropped out of high school and did nothing except hang around the farm until I was 17,” he said. Shortly after turning 17, Frank met with Army Recruiter Jim Nethkan, who took him under wing and made all the arrangements for him to meet the Army’s induction requirements—including testing for and obtaining a West Virginia state GED in 1978. Frank, however, who described himself at that juncture as “a young man who was too cool for school,” continued to make bad choices in his life, even while in the military. “I still struggled with a narrow temper and a broad ego,” he admitted. Consequently, he ended a promising military career in 1984 under unplanned and less-than-ideal circumstances. A short time later, he commenced his civilian life in prison. Upon his release from incarceration, Frank left the state of Washington for Missouri. Once in Missouri, he worked part-time for a roofing contractor. He also took a full-time course load at Calvary Bible College in preparation for service as a foreign missionary to tribal peoples. Despite three semesters of successful academic work at Calvary, that pursuit ultimately didn’t work out. Frank confessed, “I began to understand late in life that hard work and determination alone were not enough. I saw that in addition to a strong body, it was critical for a man to use his self discipline to carve out a solid character and to cultivate a consistent positive attitude. I constantly ask God to help me with this.” Frank then returned to his home state where from 1987 to 2000 he worked in residential construction and took classes at both Fairmont State College and West Virginia University. “Major stretches of this period were spent living out of my truck,” Frank noted. “Non-union pay rates in a rural part of one of the poorest states in the union simply were not enough to cover both living and school expenses. Something had to be sacrificed.” Fortunately for him, his fate was about to change. In 2000, Frank left residential construction and joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) and Local 604, as a fully AB Ernest Frank, left, discusses a college degree program issue with Dale Rausch, Paul Hall Center academic registrar. Frank is on the verge of completing requirements for his Associate of Applied Science Degree at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. qualified Journeyman. He then began doing commercial and industrial construction work. “I was involved mostly in heavy and highway contracts such as bridges and (ironically) prisons.” The UBC disaffiliated from the AFL-CIO in 2001, citing concerns about organizing. During this disaffiliation process, the UBC reorganized itself into regions. Because of this shake-up, Frank said, many of the men who were working in West Va. fell on hard times. Finding steady work became a real challenge. “At that time I was about 42 and a buddy of mine who had been a Seafarer with the SIU for 38 years had retired,” Frank recalled. “He told me that I was still young enough to make a career change and that I might like shipping. “Knowing him as I did and what he had done over the years,” Frank continued, “I decided to join the SIU.” Frank entered the unlicensed apprentice program at Piney Point in 2005 and graduated as a proud member of Class 670. “That was my first year here,” he said. “Looking back over my life since then, I can tell you that choosing the maritime industry as my profession was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.” Frank has since gone to sea aboard several union-contracted vessels, working in the Deep Sea Division. He has returned to Piney Point on more than a few occasions to upgrade his skills. “The facility here [the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center] is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the union,” he continued. “It’s unbelievable when you consider all that this union has done and the extent to which it has gone to ensure the success of its members.” Frank lauded the role which the union’s officials over the years have played in the continued success and growth of the school. “The leadership has done everything possible to make it easy and convenient for members to further their careers, improve their skill sets and stay current with the needs of the industry,” he said. “In my estimation, this school has been one of Mike’s [SIU President Michael Sacco] real successes. “He has had the vision to maintain a place like this where members can come to, with their families, and get the education and experience they need in order to remain competitive in today’s maritime marketplace,” Frank said. “And of course, from the signatories’ [SIU-contracted companies] point of view, that’s exactly what they want to see…. They want to see a membership that they can tap into on demand … a membership competent and current in its skills.” Despite the union’s best efforts to make advancing one’s career less challenging, Frank feels that far too few of his brothers and sisters take advantage of it. “Members often do not take the time to improve themselves,” he said. “They see the opportunities for advancement when they are aboard the ships but often fail to follow through while on the beach by doing the things they really need to do to enhance their skill sets here at the school. “I’ve tried to get as many people interested in the school as possible because the union is expending a lot of energy to keep this program going…. I sincerely want to see more members take advantage of it,” Frank concluded. Paul Hall Center Offers Courses Which Lead To Degrees, Certificates In addition to its nationally acclaimed unlicensed apprentice training program for seafarers and boatmen, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers curriculums leading to two-year college degrees and certificates. Associate of Applied Science programs are available for deck as well as engine department students. Both degrees offer concentrations in the deep sea or inland divisions of the maritime industry. Successful students will need to complete general education courses as well as vocational courses specific to the department in which they ship. The Nautical Certificate program is available to those who complete the school’s unlicensed apprentice program and start both their upgrading and college programs. Certificates are offered in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or maritime engineering. Collectively, the foregoing programs are designed to provide the opportunity for seafarers to earn college degrees or certificates in their occupational areas. An added benefit is that these programs provide students with solid academic foundations in general education subjects. To be accepted for either of the college degree or certificate programs, candidates must meet the following criteria: ■ Be a member of the SIU in good standing; ■ Receive a passing score on the American College Testing program standardized test; ■ Possess the prerequisite maritime background for courses (have upgraded at least once in their department); ■ Provide an essay describing personal education goals; and ■ Have earned a high school diploma or GED. Seafarers who are interested in either of these programs should contact the Paul Hall Center Academic Department at (301) 9940010, ext 5411. April 15 Deadline Nears for Scholarship Application Annual Program Offers Up to $132,000 In Grants For Members, Dependents Time is running out for Seafarers and dependents who are interested in furthering their education through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) 2010 Scholarship Program. The application deadline is April 15. Planned as a vehicle through which the financial challenges of college and vocational studies can be diminished, the 2010 iteration of the annual SHBP program offers eight awards. Three of these offerings specifically are designated for Seafarers; five have been targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the Seafarers scholarships totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. Two other awards are for $6,000 each and are designed as two-year grants for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. The remaining five scholarships are for spouses and dependents. Each is worth $20,000. The first step in the application process is to send for the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. The package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. To obtain a copy of this handout, interested individuals need only complete the form which appears (location) and return it to the address provided. The packages also are available at SIU halls. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria to determine if they are eligible to participate. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit 8 Seafarers LOG with the full application. All required materials must be received by the SHBP Scholarship Program Office by April 15. Items that need to be incorporated in the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Letters of recommendation – solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals – also should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate are also required and should accompany the package. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Prior winners also may apply. Please send me the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name............................................................................................................................................................................................. Mariner’s Social Security Number............................................................................................................................................... Street Address............................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code ................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ..........( This application is for: )................................................................................................................................................. Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:35 PM Page 9 Questions & Answers About QMED Who is a QMED-Any Rating? ■ Anyone who has a Merchant Mariner Credential that states Rating Forming Part of an Engine Room Watch (QMED-Any Rating) on the International pages of their MMC (also known as the ’95 STCW pages) AND who is endorsed accordingly on the Domestic pages (also known as MMD pages) as Qualified Member of the Engine Dept – Any Rating. Must be listed in both sections. ■ OR have QMED-Any Rating on the old MMD and ’95 STCW certificate. It must be endorsed on both documents. How does a mariner become a QMED-Any Rating? The following are the endorsements a mariner must have in order to receive QMED-Any Rating on their MMC or MMD and the ’95 STCW. A mariner must have all of them and their document will reflect QMED-Any Rating. The first eight require written exams; Deck Engine Mechanic and Engineman do not require exams. ■ Refrigeration Engineer ■ Oiler ■ Deck Engineer Notice/Reminder Engine Department Career Path Engine Department Career Path Key UA – Unlicensed Apprentice BST – Basic Safety Training STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping BAPO – Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations RFPEW – Ratings Forming Part of an Engine Room Watch FOWT – Firemen, Oiler, Watertender February 2010 ■ Fireman/Watertender ■ Junior Engineer ■ Electrician ■ Machinist ■ Pumpman ■ Deck Engine Mechanic ■ Engineman ■ Deck Engine Mechanic How does a mariner get Deck Engine Mechanic and Engineman if there is no exam? ■ Deck Engine Mechanic – While holding QMED-Junior Engineer must sail six months (180 days) as QMED-JE on steam vessels of at least 4,000 horse power OR show satisfactory completion of at least four weeks of indoctrination and training in the engine department of an automated steam vessel of at least 4,000 hp. ■ Engineman – While holding QMEDFireman/Watertender, Oiler or Junior Engineer must sail six months (180 days) in any one or combination of QMEDFWT, Oiler or JE on steam vessels of at least 4,000 hp OR show satisfactory completion of at least two weeks of introduction and training in the engine department of a partially automated steam vessel of at least 4,000 hp. According to the SIU standard contract, what is the QMED classification system? ■ The classification system can be found in the SIU standard contract and is a rate of pay based on training within the engine department. ■ According to the SIU standard contract as of January 1, 1985 all QMEDs shall be classified subject to verification of having satisfactorily completed the following specified Paul Hall Center/Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) specialty courses: ■ Class #4 – SHLSS JE/DE course or old QMED-Any Rating (SHLSS) course ■ Class #3 – QMED JE/DE (SHLSS) or Any Rating (SHLSS) with two or three specialty courses ■ Class #2 – QMED JE/DE (SHLSS) or Any Rating (SHLSS) with four or five specialty courses ■ Class #1 – QMED JE/DE (SHLSS or Any Rating (SHLSS) with six or more specialty courses What are the SHLSS specialty courses? ■ Automation ■ Marine Electrical Maintenance or Marine Electrician ■ Marine Electronics ■ Welding ■ Refer Systems Maintenance and Ops or Marine Refer Tech ■ Pumproom Maintenance and Ops or Pumpman ■ Machinist ■ Diesel Engine Tech ■ Hydraulics ■ Hagglund Crane Maintenance ■ Advanced Refer Containers ■ Conveyorman How do I know what classification the mariner is? ■ Anyone who is in the QMED classification system should have a yellow highlighted sticker in the miscellaneous pages of their Training Record Book (TRB). ■ If there is no sticker the person either is NOT in the classification system or may call Paul Hall Center Admissions to verify classification (1-877-235-3275). ■ If someone has not taken the JE/DE course at the Paul Hall Center/SHLSS or the old QMED-Any Rating course they will NOT have a classification sticker and must attend the school. Only mariners who have been given an equivalency test or evaluation (for practical experience) by the Paul Hall Center director of training may be granted a class #4 status without attending the school. Who can sail as QMED-Any Rating according to the SIU contract? ■ Anyone endorsed as QMED-Any Rating on their MMC (correct pages) or on their MMD and ‘95 STCW OR anyone with QMED-Class #4 or higher sticker in their Training Record Book (TRB) What can I sail as if I am not an Any Rating or never attended SHLSS JE/DE courses, but have QMED ratings on my MMC or MMD/’95 STCW? ■ In the positions listed on the MMC or MMD/’95 STCW as long as they are NOT QMED positions. For example: Someone with the electrician endorsement can sail as an electrician or chief electrician if they meet the SIU contract requirements, but NOT as a QMED-Electrician If I am endorsed as Oiler and/or Fireman/Watertender can I sail as a QMED? ■ No. You can only sail as Oiler, FWT, OMU or FOWT Questions may be directed to the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center at 1-877-2353275. Seafarers LOG 9 �57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:40 PM Page 10 Holidays With Seafarers On the Paul Hall Center Campus Upgraders and unlicensed apprentices pitched in to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for fellow students to enjoy. Among those going “above and beyond” in the preparations were (from left in photo above) Charles Burnham, Lamond Fulton, Bernard Lawes, Valerie Russo and Chris Coston. At that time, Burnham was in Phase I of the unlicensed apprentice program, while Fulton was in Phase III. Lawes and Coston were enrolled in the certified chief cook class and Russo was completing advanced galley operations. At the Hall In Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Dozens of Seafarers, retirees and family members showed up Dec. 23 for a holiday barbeque at the hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Chief Steward Elrick Archer (third from left) starts filling his plate while fellow SIU members (from left) Miguel Santos and Marco Figueroa eagerly await their respective turns. AB Eugenio Lopez Pictured from left to right are Secretary Clara Rampersadsingh, Port Agent Kris Hopkins and Patrolman Kevin Marchand. Aboard the Golden State Just two days before Christmas, Seafarers aboard the tanker Golden State submitted these photos to SIU Tacoma Safety Director Ryan Palmer during a vessel visit in Ferndale, Wash. At that time, Kevin Stewart and Damario Carr were on board for the second phase of the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program. “Kevin and Damario are well-regarded by the crew as well as the captain and chief engineer, who praised the hard work and positive attitude shown by both,” Palmer noted. Pictured from left to right in photo at right are Oiler Alexis Frederick, UA Kevin Stewart, Bosun Cris Tizon, AB Clifton Ayars, ACU Jamie Serrano, SREC V e r o n i k a Cardenas, AB Morgan Piper and Chief Pumpman Dan Daligcon. UA Damario Carr (left) puts the finishing touches on the crew’s Christmas Tree. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:38 PM Page 11 Holidays With Seafarers Aboard the MV Freedom Aboard the Global Sentinel The recently concluded holiday season was a festive period for Seafarers during their off-duty time aboard the MV Freedom. In the photo above, crew members join for a group shot. Pictured (front, from left) are AB Luis Garcia, 3rd A/E Kern, 3rd Mate Phillips, STOS Michael Merrell, AB Mercurio Talictic, Oiler Steven Myrick, STOS Clayton Walker, (standing) BREC William Barrett, SREC Artis Pilgrim, C/E Hibl, 2nd Mate Elliot, 1st A/E Barto, 2nd A/E Fisher, Oiler Charles Gaitu, Chief Cook Mary Brayman, Oiler Michael Callahan, Capt. Hagerty and Chief Mate Champion. In the photo at right are Chief Steward Frank Starling, Chief Cook Mary Brayman and SA Frank Toth. The group photo was taken on Christmas day, while the other two were taken on Thanksgiving. These photos were submitted by Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman from the cable ship Global Sentinel. They were taken in December while the vessel was in Portland, Ore. At the Hall in Wilmington, Calif. Seafarers, retirees and family members turned out for a Christmas luncheon at the union hall in Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent Jeff Turkus and Retiree Mary Lou Lopez submitted these photos from the gathering. “It was a terrific event,” Lopez said. “I can safely say that everyone, including the active and retired members, thoroughly enjoyed the meal and wonderful decorations. Thanks to Jeff and his staff for doing a great job.” Some of those who participated in the activities (clockwise from above left, from left to right) included: Pristine Cartera-Turkus (wife of Port Agent Jeff Turkus), Port Secretary Lorraine Nuno; Retired Recertified Bosun Dirk Adams, Port Agent Jeff Turkus, Los Angeles County Labor Federation Representative Hector Saldivar and Dispatcher Nick Rios; AB Frank Gill Jr., and Retired Dispatcher Jesse Solis and Retirees Mary Lou Lopez, Aloa Agostino and Grace Woodman. At left is Bosun Gerry Gianan. February 2010 Seafarers LOG 11 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:55 PM Page 12 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009? Following are some of the changes that will take effect in 2009, along with changes that remain in effect from 2008. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. E-File Opens for 2009 - This year, the IRS and its partners in the Free File Alliance are offering a new option, Free File Fillable Tax Forms, which allows free electronic filing of tax returns for virtually everyone. Taxpayers who use e-file and who choose direct deposit can receive their refund in as few as 10 days. That’s because with e-file, there’s no paper return going to the IRS. IRS e-file allows taxpayers to file their returns now and pay later if they owe taxes. It allows taxpayers to file both federal and most state returns at the same time. Exemption - The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,500 in 2008 to $3,650 in 2009. You lose part of the benefit of your exemptions if your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount. The amount at which the phase-out begins depends on your filing status. For 2009, the phase-out begins at: ■ $250,200 for married people filing jointly and qualified widow(er) with dependent children, ■ $208,500 for a head of household, ■ $166,800 for single taxpayers; and ■ $125,100 for married persons filing separately. Standard Deduction – For 2009, three additional items may be added to the standard deduction amount: ■ State and local real estate taxes paid up to $500 ■ State and local excise taxes (or equivalent fees in states without a sales tax) on a new vehicle purchased after February 15, 2009 and before January 1, 2010 ■ Net disaster losses claimed on Form 4684 To claim any of these amounts, taxpayers must file new Schedule L with their return. The Standard Deduction for a dependent is the greater of $950 or the sum of $300 and the dependent’s earned income, not to exceed $5,700 (plus $1,400 if age 65 or blind). Economic Recovery Payment - There is a new one-time payment of $250 for certain eligible individuals who collect social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, veterans benefits, and/or supplement security income (SSI). This payment will be automatic for those individuals who qualify. Only one payment is allowed per person even if you collect more than one of the benefits listed above. You do not need to file a tax return to get this onetime payment. This payment is not taxable. Making Work Pay Credit - You may be able to take this credit if you have earned income from work. Even if your federal income tax withholding is reduced during 2009 because of the credit, you must claim the credit on your return to benefit from it. You cannot take the credit if: ■ Your modified AGI is $95,000 ($190,000 if married filing jointly) or more, ■ You are a nonresident alien, or ■ You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. The credit is 6.2% of your earned income but cannot be more than $400 ($800 if married filing jointly). The credit will be reduced if: ■ You receive a $250 economic recovery payment during 2009, ■ Your modified AGI is more than $75,000 ($150,000 if married filing jointly), or ■ You take the Government Retiree Credit Government Retiree Credit – This credit is available for taxpayers receiving pension or annuity payments in 2009 from services performed for the Federal, state or local government that is not covered by social security. The credit is $250 per taxpayer but may not be taken if the economic recovery payment was received. Both the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree credits are refundable and computed on new Schedule M. Earned Income Credit (EIC) - The EIC is a credit for certain people who work. The credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2009. ■ Credit of $5,657 if you have three or more qualifying children and you earn less than $43,279 ($48,279 if married filing jointly) ■ Credit of $5,028 if you have two qualifying children and you earn less than $40,295 ($45,295 if married filing jointly), ■ Credit of $3,043 if you have one qualifying child and you earn less than $35,463 ($40,463 if married filing jointly), or ■ Credit of $457 if you do not have a qualifying child and you earn less than $13,440 ($18,440 if married filing jointly). The maximum amount of investment income you can have and still get the credit has increased to $3,100 for 2009. If you get advance payments of the credit from your employer with your pay, the total advance payments you get during 2009 can be as much as $1,826. Some Unemployment Compensation Non-Taxable - For tax year 2009, the first $2,400 of unemployment compensation benefits are excluded from income. Social Security and Medicare Taxes - The maximum amount of wages subject to the social security tax for 2009 and 2010 is $106,800. There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax. Kiddie Tax - The limit on the so-called “kiddie tax” increased to $950 in 2009. Children will pay no income tax on the first $950 of unearned income, such as capital gains or interest from a savings account, and will be taxed at their own rate (most likely 10%) on the next $950 (0% for long-term capital gains). Unearned income over $1,900 is taxed at the parents’ rate. For tax year 2009, the kiddie tax will apply not only to children under the age of 18 at the close of the tax year but to any children who continue to qualify to be claimed as a dependent and who are not contributing more than 50% of their own support under the age 12 Seafarers LOG of 19. The age increases to 24 if the child is a full time student. Qualified Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rate - The 0% and 15% maximum tax rates on qualified dividends and net capital gains remains in effect from last year. Refundable Child Tax Credit - For 2009, if the total Child Tax Credit exceeds the amount of tax liability, the excess credit is refundable to the extent of the smaller of ■ The amount of the Child Tax Credit remaining after reducing regular tax or AMT to “0”, or ■ 15% of the taxpayer’s earned income in excess of $3,000. Adoption Benefits Increased - For 2009, the maximum adoption credit and exclusion from income for benefits under an employer’s adoption assistance program has increased to $12,150. These amounts are phased out if your modified AGI is between $182,180 and $222,180. Educator Expenses - The deduction for eligible educator expenses, $250, remains unchanged for 2009. Education Credits - For tax years 2009 and 2010, there is a new credit, “The American Opportunity Tax Credit”, which is a modification to the HOPE credit. The credit can be up to $2,500 and up to $1,000 of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit now applies to the first 4 years (previously 2) of post-secondary education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by taking 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related educational expenses and $25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your: ■ Modified AGI of $80,000 to $90,000 for Single, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er) ■ Modified AGI of $160,000 to $180,000 for Married Filing Joint The original HOPE credit may only be used in 2009 if an eligible student is attending an eligible institution in a Midwestern disaster area. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning credits are available to single filers with Modified AGI between $50,000 and $60,000 and $100,000 and $120,000 for joint filers. Tuition and Fees Deductions - Taxpayers who choose to claim the tuition and fees deduction must fill out and attach Form 8917. The resulting deduction is reported on Form 1040 Line 34 or Form 1040A Line 19. The maximum amount of the deduction is $4,000. Student Loan Interest Deduction - For 2009, the amount of the student loan interest deduction is phased out if your filing status is married filing jointly and your modified AGI is between $120,000 and $150,000. For all other filing statuses, your student loan interest deduction is phased out if your modified AGI is between $60,000 and $75,000. No deduction is available for Married Filing Separate taxpayers. Education Savings Bond – Individuals who redeem qualified US Savings bonds to pay for higher education may be able to exclude the interest income earned. The interest exclusion is phased out for joint filers with AGI between $104,900 and $134,900. For all other filers the phase out occurs between $69,950 and $84,950. Individual Retirement Accounts: ■ Education IRAs - (Coverdell Education Savings Account) – Taxpayers can contribute up to $2,000 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary’s postsecondary education expenses. However, expenses used to claim the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit will not qualify for tax-free treatment. ■ Traditional IRAs - The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2009 is $5,000 (increased to $6,000 for taxpayers age 50 or older at the end of 2009). Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range increased to $55,000-$65,000 for single, head of household, and $89,000-$109,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) when a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year. Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2006 are excluded from modified AGI. ■ Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $5,000. If a taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2009, the most that can be contributed will be $6,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single and head of household taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $105,000 and $120,000, for joint filers and qualifying widow(er) with an AGI between $166,000 and $176,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. Penalty-Free IRA Distributions – The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax penalty also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does not apply to distributions for an individual’s disability, medical care, or to a beneficiary after death of the individual. First-Time Homebuyer - A new law that went into effect November 6, 2009 extends the first-time homebuyer credit five months and expands the eligibility requirements for purchasers. For 2008 purchases, the credit of $7,500 is still similar to a no Continued on Page 14 TAX TIPS FOR HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. ■ Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. ■ Itemized deductions and tax credits. ■ Medical and dental payment records. ■ Real estate and personal property tax receipts. ■ Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. ■ Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 titled “Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals” is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800-272-9829 or 1-888-7291040 or visit web sites www.officialpayments.com or www.pay1040.com. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 73b, 73c and 73d on their Form 1040. Line 73b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 73c indicates the type of account, and line 73d is the taxpayer’s account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. Beginning in 2009, individuals that prepare his or her own return can access most commonly used Federal tax forms from the IRS website and directly submit t cally. Free electronic subject to any incom more information, vi at: www.irs.gov. WHAT ARE C DEDUCTIONS A Personal Exemp deduction for each e individual, his or her dents has increased son. In 2009, the ex for high income t reduced or eliminate gross income exceed amounts. A child exemption on his or fy for a higher edu child’s parents cla exemption for their c Standard D Increased: The stan dollar amount that r that is taxed, has i people (see box on t of this increase, it m ual’s benefit to take tion this year even itemized deductions Personal Interes 2009, personal in deducted. Personal interest on car loans sonal loans and tax d Interest on Deductible: Interest or investments deductible. Union Dues D dues, including w deductible only if th of adjusted gross in only the portion ov deductible. SPAD never been deductibl Club Dues Ded tion is permitted for dues paid to profess vice organizations business reasons. Deductions Subj Adjusted Gross Inc investment advisor administrative fees, are paid to produc unreimbursed emplo deposit box rental a fees. Deducting Expenses: Expenses seaman’s work may deductible. However deducted for which reimbursed by the e the union hall to reg union’s designated take the required phy are examples of ex work-related but not company. Members may deduct the co other equipment th but use when on a sh work duties. The p related clothing and as it is truly for work the employer, are li ered tax-deductible. Deducting Wo Expenses: Use of a STANDARD DEDUCTION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpay or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,100 for a mar “spouse” or $1,400 for an unmarried person). Note that the persona deduction is $3,650. Filing Status Sta Single and Married filing separate............................................... Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children............................................................... Head of household........................................................................ For 2009, taxpayers who claim the standard deduction and who owners may add the lesser of state and local property taxes paid or the case of joint filers) to the above amounts. February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:56 PM Page 13 OR MARINERS bmit the forms electronitronic filing is no longer income limitations. For on, visit the IRS web site v. RE CONSIDERED NS AND CREDITS xemption Amount: The ach exemption—for the or her spouse and depenased to $3,650 per perhe exemption deduction me taxpayers may be minated if their adjusted xceeds certain threshold hild cannot claim an is or her return or qualir education credit if the s claim a dependency heir child. Deduction Has e standard deduction, or that reduces the amount has increased for most x on this page). Because it may be to an individtake the standard deduceven if that person has tions in the past. terest Deductions: For al interest cannot be sonal interest includes loans, credit cards, pertax deficiencies. on Secured Loans terest paid on mortgages nts is 100 percent es Deduction: Union ng working dues, are if they exceed 2 percent oss income. If they do, n over the 2 percent is AD contributions have uctible. Deduction: No deducd for club dues; however, ofessional or public serons are deductible for s. Subject to 2 Percent of s Income: These include dvisory fees, trustee’s fees, legal expenses that roduce taxable income, employee expenses, safe ntal and tax preparation Work-Related enses associated with a may be considered tax wever, no expense can be hich a seaman has been the employer. Travel to o register or travel to the ated medical facility to d physical and drug tests of expenses which are ut not reimbursed by the mbers of the galley crew he costs of knives and nt they personally own n a ship performing their The purchase of workg and other gear, as long work and not paid for by are likely to be considible. Work-Related Car of a personally owned N axpayer is 65 or older a married person or ersonal exemption Standard Deduction ...........................$ 5,700 ..........................$11,400 ...........................$ 8,350 d who are also home aid or $500 ($1,000 in automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses—either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate. The rate is 55 cents in 2009. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operatingrelated costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel, for both the standard mileage rate and actual cost method, to ensure accurate records. Only workrelated expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When Traveling: You can use a special standard meal allowance if you work in the transportation industry. You are in the transportation industry if your work: ■ Directly involves moving people or goods by airplane, barge, bus, ship, train, or truck, and ■ Regularly requires you to travel away from home and, during any single trip, usually involves travel to areas eligible for different standard meal allowance rates. If this applies to you, you can claim a standard meal allowance of $52 a day ($58 for travel outside the continental United States) from January 1 through September 30, 2009 and $59 a day ($65 for travel outside the continental United States) from October 1 through December 31, 2009. Using special rates for transportation workers eliminates the need for you to determine the standard meal allowance for every area where you stop for sleep or rest. If you choose to use the special rate for any trip, you must use the special rate (and not use the regular standard meals allowance rates) for all trips you take that year. Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 2009, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $166,800 of federal adjusted gross income (or $83,400 if married and filing separately). Dependent’s Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may get a SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive a SSN. Refundable Child Tax Credit – For tax years 2009 and 2010, the refundable portion of tax credit will be calculated using earned income in excess of $3,000. In 2009, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $1,000 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. The phaseout ranges for deducting student loan interest are: ■ Modified AGI of $60,000 to $75,000 for Single, Head of Household and Qualifying Widow(er) February 2010 ■ Modified AGI of $120,000 to $150,000 for Married Filing Joint No deduction is allowed for Married Filing Separate. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank check or money order. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed on that person’s last tax return, IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died before filing a required return for 2009, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: ■ Jones Act settlements for lost wages. ■ Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. ■ Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. ■ Canceled debts. ■ State income tax refunds. ■ Rents. ■ Repayments. ■ Royalties. ■ Unemployment benefits. ■ Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. ■ Endowments. ■ Original Issue Discount. ■ Distributions from self-employed plans. ■ Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). ■ Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. ■ Lump-sum distributions. ■ Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). ■ Accumulation distributions from trusts. ■ Prizes and awards (contests, raf- fles, lottery and gambling winnings). ■ Earned income from sources outside the United States. ■ Director’s fees. ■ Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. ■ Embezzled or other illegal income. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: ■ Benefits from government welfare programs. ■ Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs. ■ Maintenance and Cure. ■ Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. ■ Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans’ Administration. ■ Child support. ■ Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. ■ Dividends on veterans’ life insurance. ■ Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death. ■ Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. ■ Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6month extension if, no later than April 15, 2010, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)) and the refund amount. It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return. WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11) ] provides that “no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pur- OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan. suant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year— was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which nonresidents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. WHERE TO GET INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answers questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under “United States Government, Internal Revenue Service.” Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your refund, send the IRS comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by e-mail. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Seafarers LOG 13 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:15 PM Page 14 All Hands Notice Interocean American Shipping Corp. Obligated to Pay Monies To Current, Former Seafarers The following list contains names of current and former SIU members who are owed money by Interocean American Shipping Corporation. The company asks that these individuals contact either Tom Foskett, vice president of finance, or Lisa Leuzzi, accounting manager, at Interocean American Shipping, 3 Harper Drive, Moorestown, NJ 08057, telephone (856) 770-1600, to claim payment. Abobaker, Mohamed Abrams, Reginald Acord, Floyd Agosto, Jose A. Aldridge, Larry L. Alexander, Robert M. Alvarado, Santiago R. Alwashie, Adel A. Ames, Therman E. Arnold, Krista Arzu, Julio C. Baldwin, Walter C. Banks, Troy D. Barrineau, William O. Battiste, Leo M. Bedford, Anthony P. Bennet, Andre Bohannon, Oliver L. Bravo, Enrique Brinn, Edward L. Brown, Joseph H. Cameron, James E. Cates, Laura L. Cintorino, Fred Clifford, Robert H. Collier, Herbert Copeland, Miles S. Cotterman, Christopher W. Cruz, Daniel Danao, Norman F. Davis, Envie Dinos, Dennis Dunn, Matthew Edmonds, Ralph T. Eldridge, Thomas Fadiga, Jamal Falcon, Alberto Faller, Kenneth J. Flynn, James Foster, Stephen R. Gatling, Kevin M. George, Adele Gray, David W. Greene, Al Antonio Hall, Douglas R. Hansen, Sarah R. Hardy, Ross A. Hargrave, Scott C. Harkleroad, Roger J. Harrell, Brehon S. Hernandez, Edric Holle, Alan Jackson, Barrow W. Jackson, Darryl D. Jackson, John Jackson, Timothy J. Jennings, Antoine Johnson, Joseph Jones, Wilfred Kelly, Donald L. Kem, John D. Kicsak, John A. Kifle, Mike Laidler, Robert E. Langley, Ricky K. Letang, Joseph A. Ligon, Keith Linnette, Antonio Lopez, Arnold MacFarlane, Dean Mack, Troy Manning, Henry Marsh, Bobby Martin, Herman Martin, Kim McDavitt, Sean M. McDonald, James A. McIntyre, Charles S. Messick, David R. Meyers, Jacqueline Mohamed, Munassar Morales, Luis R. Morawski, Jan Natter, David W. Ngo, Luong Nolte, Dwaine R. Noto, Phillip A. Pak, Errol F. Payne, Charles A. Pelingon, Bernabe S. Pennick, John D. Perham, Stephen J. Phelphs, Robert Phillips, John H. Prazeres, Antonio C. Rice, Dale L. Richardson, Mark Robertson, Angela Rodil, Augusto B. Rodriguez, Jesus Rolon, Rosario Saari, Timothy Santiago, Felix A. Savage, Kendra Sheriff, Samuel K. Short, Christine Sierra, Orlando J. Silva-Sampaio, Michael A. Simbler, Ken Sims, Ray F. Smith, David W. Smith, Jerome Smith, Teddy H. Stanley, Benjamin Steinberg, David E. Stephens, Joseph W. Sykes, Christopher Teferi, Alula L. Thompson, Charles W. Torngren, George C. Trahan, Robert H. Trahan, Robert J. Vega, Fernando L. Viola, Larry R. Wallis, George E. Walters, Winston Watson, Michael G. Weatherspoon, Edrick A. Webster, Daniel B. Weirauch, Jon N. Werner, Claiborne B. Whitehouse, Joel V. Willey, Jason Williams, James Williams, Michael Williams, Wallace J. Williams, Washington H. Jr. Woods, William Worrell, Robert J. Yazidi, Mahmoud A. Zena, Rodolfo W. Zene, Andre Zindani, Mutee Various Changes Take Effect for 2009 Tax Season Continued from Page 12 interest loan and must be repaid in 15 equal annual installments beginning in 2010. Several Acts in 2009 extend the deadline for qualifying home purchases from November 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010. Additionally, if a buyer enters into a binding contract by April 30, 2010, the buyer has until June 30, 2010, to settle on the purchase. The credit for 2009 purchases increased to $8,000 for a first-time homebuyer –– that is, a buyer who has not owned a primary residence during the three years up to the date of purchase. Additionally, the credit does not have to be repaid unless the home ceases to be the primary residence within 3 years of the purchase. For all qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 tax returns using the new version of the Form 5405. Taxpayers who claim the credit on their 2009 tax return will not be able to file electronically but instead will need to file a paper return. A taxpayer who purchased a home on or before Nov. 6 and chooses to claim the credit on an original or amended 2008 return may continue to use the current version of Form 5405. For homes purchased prior to Nov. 7, 2009, existing MAGI limits remain in place. The full credit is available to taxpayers with MAGI up to $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers. Those with MAGI between $75,000 and $95,000, or $150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers, are eligible for a reduced credit. Those with higher incomes do not qualify. For purchases after November 6, the full credit will be available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes (MAGI) up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers. Those with MAGI between $125,000 and $145,000, or $225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers, are eligible for a reduced credit. Those with higher incomes do not qualify. There are new restrictions on purchases that occur after November 6: ■ Dependents are not eligible to claim the credit. ■ No credit is available if the purchase price of a home is more than $800,000. ■ A purchaser must be at least 18 years of age on the date of purchase. Members of the Armed Forces and certain federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and still qualify for the credit. An eligible taxpayer must buy or enter into a binding contract to buy a home by April 30, 2011, and settle on the purchase by June 30, 2011. The new law also provides a “long-time resident” credit of up to $6,500 to others who do not qualify as “first-time homebuyers.” To qualify this way, a buyer must have owned and used the same home as a principal or primary residence for at least five consecutive years of the eight-year period ending on the date of purchase of a new home as a primary residence. Mortgage Insurance Premiums May Be Deductible - Many homeowners are paying mortgage insurance premiums which are now deductible as part of the mortgage interest deduction. This deduction begins at the start of 2007 and expires at the end of 2010. Mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Rural Housing Administration, and private mortgage insurance companies all qualify for the deduction. Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit - This credit equals 30 14 Seafarers LOG percent of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition, the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation and certain roofs also qualify for the credit, though the cost of installing these items does not count. It should be noted that qualified property should be expected to remain in use for at least 5 years. Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit – This credit also equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on qualifying property such as solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and fuel cell property. Generally, labor costs are included when calculating this credit. Also, no cap exists on the amount of credit available except in the case of fuel cell property, which is $500 for each one half kilowatt of capacity. Not all energy-efficient improvements qualify for these tax credits. For that reason, homeowners should check the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement before purchasing or installing any of these improvements. The IRS cautions that the manufacturer’s certification is different from the Department of Energy’s Energy Star label, and not all Energy Star labeled products qualify for the tax credits. Eligible homeowners can claim both of these credits when they file their 2009 federal income tax return. New Sales Tax Deduction for Vehicle Purchases Taxpayers who bought a new car or several other types of motor vehicles between February 16, 2009 and before January 1, 2010 may be entitled to a special tax deduction on their 2009 federal tax return as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. State and local sales and excise taxes imposed on up to the first $49,500 of a qualified vehicle (passenger auto, light truck, motorcycle or motor home) may be deducted. The deductible amount may either be added to your standard deduction or taken as an itemized deduction in lieu of state and local income taxes. For states that do not charge a sales tax, equivalent fees may be used for the purpose of this deduction. Standard Mileage Rates - The 2009 rate for business use of your vehicle is 55 cents a mile. The 2009 rate for use of your vehicle to get medical care or for travel related to deductible moving expenses reported on Form 3903 is 24 cents a mile. The 2009 rate for charitable services remain at 14 cents a mile. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) - The AMT is a parallel tax calculation method. Unlike the regular tax computation, certain items become taxable, some deductions are disregarded, and the exemption amount is larger. The following is updated for 2009 returns. ■ The AMT exemption amount has increased to $46,700 for single filers, $70,950 if married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) and $35,475 if married filing separately. ■ The AMT exemption amount for a child whose unearned income is taxed at the parent’s tax rate has increased to $6,700. ■ State or local sales or excise tax on the purchase of a new motor vehicle is also allowed as a deduction for the AMT. ■ Tax-exempt interest on specified private activity bonds issued in 2009 or 2010 is not an item of tax preference and therefore is not subject to the AMT. Charitable Contributions – Publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations described in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, is a list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. The IRS now features an online version to help you conduct a more efficient search of these organizations at: www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/. Donations of Automobiles - There is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. Debt Forgiveness - Taxpayers can exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on their principal residence. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return. This provision applies to debt forgiven in 2007, 2008 or 2009. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure qualifies for this relief. Use Form 982 to claim the exclusion. Deduction for Credit or Debit Card Convenience Fees - If you pay your income tax (including estimated tax payments) by credit or debit card, you can deduct the convenience fee you are charged by the card processor. The deduction is claimed for the year in which the fee was charged to your card as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% of AGI floor. Penalty for Failure to File Income Tax Return Increased If you do not file your return by the due date (including extensions) you may have to pay a failure-to-file penalty. For returns filed more than 60 days after the due date (including extensions) the penalty is increased to the smaller of $135 or 100% of the unpaid tax. Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child - In 2005, to simplify the tax law, the definition of a ‘qualified child’ changed for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elect Head of Household status, or take the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendent of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student, or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than onehalf of his/her own support for the year. Consumer Alert - The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for e-mails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agency and which mention their tax refund or economic stimulus payment. These are almost certainly a scam whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information — such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card or even PIN numbers — from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The e-mails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the information to process a refund or stimulus payment or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The e-mails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS Web site or an IRS “refund application form.” However genuine in appearance, these phonies are designed to elicit the information the scammers are looking for. The IRS does not send taxpayers e-mails about their tax accounts. Additionally, the way to get a tax refund or stimulus payment, or to arrange for a direct deposit, is to file a tax return. February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:19 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea Notice/Reminder Seafarers Must Renew TWICs Seafarers are reminded to renew their Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) so that the respective expiration dates do not adversely affect members’ ability to ship. In particular, mariners who signed up for reduced-fee TWICs are urged to check the expiration dates on those cards. The union is aware of recent instances in which members’ TWICs were set to expire while those mariners would have been at sea – a circumstance that prevented them from immediately shipping out. Reduced-fee TWICs were available in part so that mariners could arrange for both their z-cards/merchant mariner documents (MMD) and TWICs to expire at the same time. While a TWIC normally is valid for five years, a TWIC issued for a reduced fee would be valid for a shorter period; the exact time depends on individual variables. Mariners may begin the TWIC renewal process up to 180 days prior to expiration of their TWIC. Call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) “TWIC Enrollment Hotline” at 1-866-347-8942 to commence the renewal process. March & April 2010 Membership Meetings December 16, 2009 – January 16, 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 19 0 3 18 5 11 56 32 2 7 19 34 21 22 3 2 10 31 2 25 322 8 2 2 10 6 11 23 23 8 6 2 19 21 12 9 5 8 23 3 16 217 Deck Department 1 1 5 0 0 2 1 3 4 2 5 5 0 3 1 0 4 5 3 34 15 2 21 16 1 3 1 1 10 2 2 7 4 5 28 16 4 11 9 2 14 5 1 1 3 14 0 2 1 3 8 6 21 12 0 4 1 5 22 16 51 195 132 1 1 2 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 4 6 0 0 14 0 1 0 1 35 1 1 0 3 0 0 17 11 1 6 4 10 3 8 2 1 2 9 0 12 91 40 0 5 33 3 21 119 60 1 19 26 80 32 51 10 2 16 68 5 59 650 16 2 4 26 8 16 46 46 10 12 11 38 49 25 8 9 11 46 8 48 439 2 1 1 7 0 0 7 7 2 5 5 13 11 3 2 3 0 8 0 14 91 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 4 3 1 11 21 19 2 6 7 18 11 6 2 2 4 9 1 10 139 0 0 5 10 3 5 14 18 2 2 1 18 11 5 4 1 7 13 5 10 134 Engine Department 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 2 2 4 2 2 1 0 0 3 1 1 13 5 0 14 11 0 0 0 1 7 1 0 3 1 2 7 8 0 5 10 2 3 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 9 7 0 0 0 0 5 8 12 83 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 1 1 0 1 9 6 0 1 1 6 4 1 1 0 1 6 0 1 40 5 0 9 10 1 18 37 42 4 12 11 36 30 19 2 3 5 22 2 34 302 4 1 5 16 5 8 28 31 3 6 2 19 36 17 2 4 14 23 9 26 259 1 0 0 3 2 0 3 3 0 1 0 7 0 4 0 0 0 1 2 5 32 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 0 0 2 14 1 6 22 15 1 4 9 23 6 12 1 5 2 15 0 20 158 4 1 2 10 2 0 6 4 1 3 1 4 11 2 0 1 1 5 4 3 65 Steward Department 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 5 9 0 2 1 0 5 1 0 19 6 0 10 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 5 3 1 18 3 0 7 10 0 10 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 9 8 0 0 0 0 18 2 3 115 55 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 7 0 4 10 5 0 3 1 4 4 3 1 1 1 7 0 5 56 3 0 6 16 4 27 41 28 1 14 12 44 11 39 3 5 4 26 2 58 344 5 0 0 10 6 3 8 8 3 3 2 13 21 7 0 2 1 9 4 10 115 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 15 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 0 0 0 3 3 3 0 1 1 5 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 4 31 8 0 2 2 1 7 18 20 2 10 3 28 15 14 1 6 1 6 0 9 153 Entry Department 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 4 2 0 1 2 1 2 1 3 9 8 3 3 2 0 1 4 1 4 5 0 0 9 2 18 11 0 12 5 2 8 3 0 0 26 0 6 0 0 0 3 7 6 0 0 0 2 2 3 88 21 81 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 2 1 25 0 1 0 1 39 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 9 4 0 2 0 0 7 11 6 0 1 2 10 0 10 0 0 1 9 0 10 73 22 3 7 12 3 17 45 44 4 18 6 62 31 45 1 0 4 33 2 37 396 2 1 3 9 1 5 7 22 1 6 10 17 22 20 2 7 0 8 0 26 169 Grand Totals: 650 569 154 83 196 1,369 1,209 307 Piney Point.........................................Monday: March 8, April 5 Algonac ...............................................Friday: March 12, April 9 Baltimore........................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Guam............................................Thursday: March 25, April 22 Honolulu ...........................................Friday: March 19, April 16 Houston...........................................Monday: March 15, April 12 Jacksonville....................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Joliet.............................................Thursday: March 18, April 15 Mobile.......................................Wednesday: March 17, April 14 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: March 16, April 13 New York...........................................Tuesday: March 9, April 6 Norfolk...........................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Oakland ........................................Thursday: March 18, April 15 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: March 10, April 7 Port Everglades ............................Thursday: March 18, April 15 San Juan .........................................Thursday: March 11, April 8 St. Louis ............................................Friday: March 19, April 16 Tacoma..............................................Friday: March 26, April 23 Wilmington...........................................Monday: March 22, April 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention: Seafarers WHO TRUMPETS MARITIME INTERESTS? SPAD DOES! Contribute to the olitical P s r e r Seafa ation n o D n Actio ) (SPAD February 2010 Total Shipped All Groups A B C 414 330 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Seafarers LOG 15 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:00 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 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 Inquiring Seafarer Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Question: What are some of the things you look forward to in the New Year? Joe Caruso Recertified Bosun I’d like to see the health care bill passed, without the taxation. Other than that, I work steady and I love the union. Right now I sail relief on the OSG tankers and I enjoy the new ships. Everything works out really well here in south Florida – except for the weather lately! Ronald Webb AB I’m looking forward to being recertified one day. For the New Year, hopefully we can get more work, more contracts and improve our benefits. Basically I’m hoping for prosperity for the union. I’ve been in the union since 1986 and it has gotten better. At the same time, I’m looking forward to even more improvements. Victor Cooper Bosun What I’d like to see is a few things. I think there should be more ABs on the ships. I don’t know if the union can do anything about that, but that would give us some more jobs and it would be easier on the guys who spend a lot of time on the wheel. The time for your benefits – I’d like to see that drop a little bit. Also I would like to get into the recertified bosun class. That’s a very important thing for me. Edward Tennyson AB I’ve been in the union since 1997. Joining the SIU is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I’d like to see better contracts on some of the ships. I know our officials work hard and try to get us the best contracts they can get. I’d also like to see health care reform pass. It’s tough when you have children and have to take them to the doctor – it can be costly. Thomas Brooks AB I would like to see some changes in the deck department when it comes to manpower. I sail on many differ- ent kinds of ships and I believe if we had more ABs, it would improve safety. Otherwise, everything is good. The pay is good; the overtime is good. Virgilio Rosales Bosun Our benefits. I think if you can get better coverage it would be a good thing for the membership. I think our benefits need some work, speaking about the medical benefits, including dental. The insurance only covers so much. I think that’s something that should be worked on. Personally, I’d also like to get into that recertified class. Pics-From-The-Past 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 These file photos were taken during the general strike of 1946. The men holding the picket sign are in Boston; the other photo shows members at the SIU hall in New York. Reports from that era note that the SIU, “after consultations with all unions in maritime, called the first general strike in maritime history. Every ship in every port was immobilized, whether American-flag or foreign-flag. After eight days, on orders from President Truman, the Wage Stabilization Board reversed itself and approved SIU agreements. The strike was then called off and the waterfront returned to normal.” (Prior to the strike, the union had submitted two separate contracts to the board, then part of the Labor Department, for approval.) 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 February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:01 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 MELECIO AGPAOA Brother Melecio Agpaoa, 71, joined the union in 1996. He initially sailed on the Independence. Brother Agpaoa was born in Manila, Philippines, and shipped in the steward department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Agpaoa’s final ship was the RJ Pfeiffer. He is a resident of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. MATTHEW CARROLL Brother Matthew Carroll, 65, became an SIU member in 1965. His first ship was the Producer; his last was the Defender. Brother Carroll attended classes on two occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in New York and now lives in El Paso, Texas. RONALD GORDON Brother Ronald Gordon, 55, graduated from the trainee program in Piney Point, Md., in 1980. The Alabama native sailed mostly aboard vessels operated by Alaska Tanker Company. Brother Gordon was a frequent upgrader at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Gordon resides in Mobile, Ala. ARNULFO LACAYO Brother Arnulfo Lacayo, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 while in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Lacayo, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Honduras. He upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lacayo was last employed on the APL Balboa. He makes his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. February 2010 ALI MOHAMED Brother Ali Mohamed, 57, signed on with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1979 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest voyage was aboard the Del Oro. Brother Mohamed visited the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., on two occasions. His most recent trip was on the APL Korea. Brother Mohamed was born in Yemen and worked in the steward department. He now calls Garden Grove, Calif., home. TOM ONEYEAR Brother Tom Oneyear, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1994 while in the port of New Orleans. He originally shipped aboard the USNS Persistent. Brother Oneyear attended classes on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Oneyear’s final voyage was on the SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. He is a resident of Elizabeth City, N.C. INLAND DAVID WARDINGLEY Brother David Wardingley, 62, joined the SIU in 1999 while in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He initially sailed on the USNS Kane. Brother Wardingley was born in Illinois and worked as a member of the deck department. In 2001 and 2004, he upgraded his skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wardingley’s most recent trip was aboard the Padre Island. He calls Casselberry, Fla., home. GREAT LAKES JACK POVASER Brother Jack Povaser, 71, was born in Wisconsin. He began sailing with the union in 1987. Brother Povaser, a member of the steward department, was originally employed with Great Lakes Associates. In 2002, he enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Povaser’s final trip was on the Indiana Harbor. He is a resident of Superior, Wisc. DORIS SABIN Sister Doris Sabin, 66, became a Seafarer in 1994 in the port of Detroit. Her first ship was the Steel T. Crapo; her last was the Sam Laud. Sister Sabin was born in Alpena, Mich. The steward department member attended classes at the Piney Point school in 1995. Sister Sabin lives in Rogers City, Mich. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION JOSE BEOF Brother Jose Beof, 72, was born in Pennsylvania. The deck department member upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2002 and 2003. Brother Beof’s final voyage was aboard the Maersk Carolina. He settled in Temecula, Calif. ADRIANO COUTINHO Brother Adriano Coutinho, 65, joined the NMU before it merged with the SIU in 2001. He was born in Cape Verde, Honduras, and worked in the deck department. Brother Coutinho most recently sailed on the Maersk Wyoming. He is a resident of Pawtucket, R.I. EDWARD GAILLARD Brother Edward Gaillard, 65, began shipping with the NMU before the merger in 2001. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Gaillard was born in California. His last trip to sea was aboard the C.P. Navigator. Brother Gaillard makes his home in Charleston, S.C. to his retirement, Brother McLure worked on the Comet as a member of the deck department. He calls Wilmington, Calif., home. ROBERT TAYLOR Pensioner Robert Taylor, 65, started his NMU career before the 2001 merger. The deck department member was born in Texas. In 2004, Brother Taylor took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. His final ship was the Achiever. Brother Taylor continues to live in Texas. ELVIS MCLURE Brother Elvis McLure, 65, became an NMU member before the 2001 merger with the SIU. He was born in Philipsburg, Mont., and upgraded on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Prior This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1939 A new agreement was signed with the Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah (Savannah Line). The new contract included hiring through the union hall, overtime, safety conditions, nine holidays, room and meal allowance, first-class transportation and subsistence and raises in pay for some members of the steward and engines departments. It also provided for overtime to be paid for all work performed in port on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays. 1943 Maximo Murphy, SIU Able Seaman, was decorated Feb. 13 by Capt. Edward Macauley of the U.S. Maritime Commission in Washington. Brother Murphy received the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal, the highest honor to be given seamen. Murphy’s ship was sunk last year in the Caribbean. He pulled 21 crew members aboard a raft, navigated it to land and then plunged through the jungle for 18 hours to reach civilization and bring aid to his union brothers. After being repatriated to the U.S., Murphy joined the Army “to avenge my father.” His father was ship’s carpenter on a vessel that was lost about the time Murphy was torpedoed. 1942 Early on the morning of January 25, the ore carrier S.S. Venore was torpedoed off the Carolina coast and went down with the loss of the skipper, the radio operator and 18 SIU crew members. The 21 survivors of the Venore, after spending 38 hours in an open lifeboat were picked up by a rescue vessel and taken to Norfolk. The submarine masqueraded as a lightship and blinked a code message for the Venore to come closer. When the unsuspecting ship got within range, the submarine fired two torpedoes and then shelled her with a deck gun. In spite of recent promises that all ships would be armed, this ship did not even have a cap pistol aboard – she was a sitting duck. 1961 The SIU scored a most important victory for all American seamen when the National Labor Relations Board decided to take over jurisdiction over American-owned ships flying runaway flags, if these ships operate regularly out of U.S. ports. The ruling came in a case which had been universally recognized as a landmark in American maritime unions’ efforts to organize runaway-flag shipping. In fact, the case was considered so important that enormous pressure had been brought to bear on the Board to rule against the union. Those appearing in opposition to the SIU included the State Department, the Defense Department and a committee representing the giant steel, oil and aluminum combines. Seafarers LOG 17 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:01 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA ARCHIBALD BELL Pensioner Archibald Bell, 81, died Aug. 20. Brother Bell began shipping with the SIU in 1953. The engine department member was born in Iowa. Brother Bell originally sailed on the Oremar. His last ship was the Express. Brother Bell started receiving his retirement compensation in 1996. He called Ocean Park, Wash., home. GERALD CORELLI Pensioner Gerald Corelli, 73, passed away Sept. 1. Brother Corelli signed on with the union in 1961. He initially sailed on the Del Norte in the deck department. Brother Corelli was born in Bronx, N.Y. His final voyage was aboard the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Corelli went on pension in 1997. He was a resident of Pensacola, Fla. CARLITO FABIO Brother Carlito Fabia, 49, died July 30. He was born in Manila, Philippines. Brother Fabio became a Seafarer in 1988. His first ship was the Independence; his last was the Long Lines. Brother Fabio worked as a member of the steward department. He continued to reside in the Philippines. WILLIAM KRATSAS Pensioner William Kratsas, 67, passed away Oct. 21. Brother Kratsas joined the SIU in 1959 while in the port of Baltimore. He originally sailed on the Dorothy. Brother Kratsas, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Baltimore. Prior to his retirement in 2006, he shipped aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Kratsas settled in LaPlace, La. GEORGE PAPAMANOLIS Pensioner George Papamanolis, 85, died Feb. 24. Brother Papamanolis, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964. His first trip was with Pacific Seafarers Inc. Brother Papamanolis was born in Karpathos, Greece. He was last employed aboard the El Faro. Brother 18 Seafarers LOG Papmanolis started collecting his pension in 1988 and lived in Greece. JOHN ROBINSON Pensioner John Robinson, 87, passed away Sept. 11. Brother Robinson started sailing with the union in 1951 while in the port of New York. He was born in Louisiana. Brother Robinson’s earliest trip was on a Delta Steamship Line vessel. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Robinson’s final voyage took place aboard the Sam Houston. He retired in 1986 and called Huntsville, Ala., home. INLAND JAMES AMBROSE Pensioner James Ambrose, 62, died Sept. 1. Brother Ambrose joined the union in 1976. He primarily sailed with Allied Transportation Company. Brother Ambrose was born in Virginia and worked in the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 2001. Brother Ambrose made his home in Hayes, Va. NORMAN DAWSON Pensioner Norman Dawson, 77, passed away Aug. 1. Brother Dawson was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He first donned the SIU colors in 1951 while in New York. Brother Dawson initially sailed aboard a New York Dock Railway vessel. He was most recently employed with Moran Towing of Maryland. Brother Dawson went on pension in 1997 and resided in Crystal River, Fla. JAMES GLYNN Pensioner James Glynn, 85, died Sept. 2. Brother Glynn began his Seafaring career in 1978 while in Wilmington, Calif. He was mainly employed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Brother Glynn was a native of Illinois. In 1995, he retired and settled in San Diego. WILLIAM KRAJEWSKI Pensioner William Krajewski, 94, passed away Sept. 21. He started sailing with the SIU in 1960. Brother Krajewski was born in Connecticut. His final trip was with Penn Central Transportation Company. Brother Krajewski became a pensioner in 1973. He called New Brunswick, N.J., home. JOHN LANE WINSTON DANIEL Brother John Lane, 52, died Sept. 18. He signed on with the SIU in 1998. Brother Lane primarily worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage Company. The Alabama native sailed in the deck department. Brother Lane lived in Bloomingdale, Ga. Pensioner Winston Daniel, 91, died Aug. 5. The New York-born mariner became a pensioner in 1983. Brother Daniel made his home in Bronx, N.Y. GREAT LAKES ROBERT WERDA Pensioner Robert Werda, 63, passed away Sept. 14. Brother Werda began sailing with the union in 1964 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He first worked with American Steamship Company. Brother Werda, a member of the deck department, most recently shipped aboard the JAW Iglehart. He went on pension in 2002. Brother Werda continued to reside in his native state of Michigan. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION JULIO ALAMO Pensioner Julio Alamo, 91, passed away Aug. 7. Brother Alamo was born in Peru. He became a pensioner in 1987 and settled in New York State. JOSEPH BELL Pensioner Joseph Bell, 69, died Aug. 25. Brother Bell was a Garland, La., native. He retired in 2002 and called Port Arthur, Texas, home. ROBERT CANTRELL Pensioner Robert Cantrell, 81, passed away Aug. 5. The Oklahoma native started collecting his retirement pay in 1990. Brother Cantrell resided in Henderson, Nev. FELIX CASTRO Pensioner Felix Castro, 90, died Sept. 19. Brother Castro was born in Honduras. He went on pension in 1984. Brother Castro lived in Galveston, Texas. GEORGE CORDES Pensioner George Cordes, 81, passed away Aug. 2. Brother Cordes was a native of New York. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1966. Brother Cordes resided in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. 1985. Brother Histing lived in New Jersey. CHARLES JAPNGIE JOSE DEJESUS Pensioner Jose DeJesus, 95, passed away Aug. 7. Brother DeJesus was born in Yabucoa, P.R. He retired in 1980. Brother DeJesus called New York home. Pensioner Charles Japngie, 72, passed away July 11. Brother Japngie was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1973. Brother Japngie made his home in Brooksville, Fla. MAX LONG Pensioner Max Long, 78, died Sept. 14. Brother Long, a native of Georgia, retired in 1987. He called Hinesville, Ga., home. JAMES EARNHEART Pensioner James Earnheart, 80, died August 21. Brother Earnheart was a native of Maury City, Tenn. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1973. Brother Earnheart made his home in Conroe, Texas. RAFAEL FIGUEROA Pensioner Rafael Figueroa, 76, passed away Sept. 18. Brother Figueroa was a resident of New York. He went on pension in 1993. WALTER MARCHINKO Pensioner Walter Marchinko, 88, passed away Aug. 15. The Boston-born mariner went on pension in 1985. Brother Marchinko made his home in Hampton, N.H. CORNELIUS MOSS ADRIAN GABRIEL Pensioner Adrian Gabriel, 83, died Sept. 3. Brother Gabriel was born in New Bedford, Mass. He became a pensioner in 1996 and continued to reside in New Bedford. HAROLD GOODRUM Pensioner Harold Goodrum, 71, passed away Aug. 3. The Tennessee-born mariner retired in 1997. Brother Goodrum resided in Tyler, Texas. Pensioner Cornelius Moss, 69, died Aug. 21. Brother Moss was born in Port Arthur, Texas. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in New York. Name Alves, Joseph Anderson, William Barboza, John Collins, Angus Dewar, George El-Emanuel, Eloah Emanuele, Maria Glick, Leo Jones, Charles Lacayo, Mariano Mahon, Rufus Martinez, Moises McCauley, Charlie McCloud, Leroy McGhee, Roy Notargicico, Ralph Papakoulos, Apostolos Ramey, Ralph Rondeau, Adrian Santos, Luis Torres, Jose Age 96 84 81 92 98 80 93 92 82 72 94 86 90 86 86 84 94 75 89 90 86 DOD Sept. 9 July 10 Aug. 19 July 28 Aug. 16 Sept. 27 Sept. 24 Sept. 12 July 12 Aug. 31 July 3 July 3 Aug. 24 Aug. 28 July 12 June 22 Sept. 1 July 2 July 23 July 11 July 3 ERNEST HISTING Pensioner Ernest Histing, 79, died Aug. 10. Brother Histing was a native of Philadelphia. He began receiving his pension in February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:02 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings AMERICAN SPIRIT (American Steamship Company), December 29 – Chairman Paul Gohs, Secretary Joyce Sufak, Educational Director Michael Kruse, Deck Delegate Ronald Bochek, Steward Delegate James R. Beaudry. Chairman put copies of scholarship applications booklets in crew recreation room for members to see what requirements are needed to apply. He reminded mariners to renew all documents that may expire over winter lay-up. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He posted classes from the January Seafarers LOG on the bulletin board. Crew discussed beef over vessel restriction in Silver Bay, Minn. They are pleased with the union’s response and look forward to a resolution. Deck department members were reminded to dress properly for severe cold and watch for signs of frostbite. Next port: Silver Bay, Minn. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship Company), December 31 – Chairman Stanley Gurney, Secretary Joel E. Markle, Educational Director Ricardas Juska. Chairman informed members that he is available any time for questions or concerns regarding departments, contract or union business. Secretary notified crew that he has union forms available for anyone who needs them. Educational director talked about the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. 2nd Cook requested new mattress. Next port: Superior, Wisc. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship Company), December 6 – Chairman Donald Rezendes, Secretary Strode V. Call, Engine Delegate Connie Adejado, Steward Delegate Sally Santiago. Chairman reported safety meeting that was held on Nov. 12 went smoothly and was easy to understand. Secretary advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center. Mariners were encouraged to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation); when they do, they are helping themselves as well as their union brothers and sisters. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners were advised to keep all necessary seafaring documents current and start renewal process early. Thanks were given to the steward department for great food. With Seafarers Aboard the Coast Range HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), December 20 – Chairman Billy Hill Sr., Secretary Patricia Sullivan, Deck Delegate Billy Hill Jr., Engine Delegate Vorden Ferguson, Steward Delegate Allen Van Buren. Bosun reported payoff upon arrival in Jacksonville, Fla. on Dec. 26. Crowley is taking over as company manager. The SIU welcomes them aboard. Secretary noted room inspections went well and asked crew to have new linen ready for replacements. Educational director reiterated the need for mariners to make sure all shipping-related documents are up-to-date and keep dues current. He also advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center. Treasurer reported $2,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that crew dryer and duty mess fridge had been installed during voyage. The new pay scale goes into effect on Jan. 1. Solar window tint has been placed on all windows to help reduce heat inside. Steward department was thanked for great holiday spreads and barbecues. Next ports: Galveston, Texas; Charleston, S.C.; and Baltimore. Members of the deck gang include ABs (from left) Mike Cousin, Leonard Welcome, Tibby Clotter and Rick Wiemer. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), December 29 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director David M. Parker, Deck Delegate Lou Cabano, Engine Delegate Prentiss Smith, Steward Delegate Muckbil A. Shabi. Chairman expressed his gratitude to crew members for a smooth voyage. Secretary urged members to contribute to SPAD. He also asked those departing vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), December 7 – Chairman Cecil Yearwood, Secretary Meeting aboard Matson’s Mahimahi Pictured aboard the Matson containership Mahimahi are (from left) Chief Cook Lito Acosta, SIU Oakland Dispatcher Nick Marrone II and Chief Steward Sivasa Laupati. February 2010 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. Chief Cook Bernard Butts tends to the grill. Alexander Banky, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Abdul Gharama, Steward Delegate Saeed Alahmadi. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost-time injures. Crew members praised Apprentice Marvin Kirby as a good worker and an asset to the SIU. Secretary announced payoff in Newark, N.J., on Dec. 14. He advised mariners to have all receipts turned in and check their vouchers. Members were advised to read the Seafarers LOG to stay informed about changes to benefits and shipping rules. Educational director reminded crew members to empty pockets when doing laundry so the machines do not get broken. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that the TV in crew lounge is out-of-date; they need a converter box and antenna. Motion was made to have shore gang reliefs and increase pension benefits. Members would also like the medical plan to send out notifications when benefits are about to expire and let them know how much it will cost per month to keep their benefits. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; and Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS BOSTON (OSG Ship Management), December 27 – Chairman Christopher Kicey, Secretary Stephen Avallone, Recertified Bosun Greg Jenkins mixes paint aboard the tanker while the vessel is in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Educational Director Thomas Woerner, Deck Delegate Carlo Balajadia, Engine Delegate Shawn Alexander, Steward Delegate Saeed Shaibi. Bosun went over ship’s itinerary and encouraged mariners to donate to SPAD. Members were reminded to secure possessions in rooms for sea travel and clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested concerning cash draws. Members would also like new mattresses. Next port: Anacortes, Wash. Timothy Koebel, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Bruce Landos, Engine Delegate Cesar Bugtai, Steward Delegate Ernie Lizada. Chairman stated that Tacoma port agent will call on ship in Anacortes, Wash. He will bring a copy of original agreement signed with company, which is still applicable. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase medical benefits. Kudos to steward department for superb cuisine. Next ports: Anacortes, Wash.; Valdez, Alaska; and Nikiski, Alaska. RESOLVE (Interocean American USNS SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Shipping), December 13 – Chairman Roan Lightfoot, Secretary Robert Owens, Educational Director Ameon Fuller, Deck Delegate Osnan Arriola, Steward Delegate Robert Maschmeier. Chairman reported payoff to take place on Dec. 20 in Beaumont, Texas. Educational director advised members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for excellent meals during voyage. Request was made for a treadmill. Next port: Beaumont. Ships Inc.), December 13 – Chairman Aristeo Padua, Secretary Cesar Dela Cruz, Educational Director Randolph Sutton, Deck Delegate Johnie Chavez, Engine Delegate Damien Bautista, Steward Delegate Leonida V. Peligrino. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and stated payoff would be in Norfolk, Va. on December 22. Secretary led discussion pertaining to new gym equipment and possible fitness room. Treasurer reported $779 in ship’s fund to be used for DVDs and crew recreational activities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew conveyed thanks and compliments to military personnel for protecting the vessel. Next port: Norfolk, Va. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk Tankers), December 23 – Chairman Seafarers LOG 19 �57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:42 PM Page 20 Letters To The Editor 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. Remembering One of Our Own Thank You and Best Wishes On Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, Pumpman Ronnie L. Day reported to the bridge of the USNS Samuel L. Cobb with severe chest pains at about 0610, ship’s time. He was also having trouble breathing. Capt. William G. McCullough, who has known Ronnie since 1991, was immediately concerned and had Ronnie moved to the ship’s hospital. There, Third Mate Justin Hajduk, with the assistance of members of an embarked security team, began tending to Ronnie. Ronnie L. Day Unfortunately, he went into cardiac arrest. Despite administering CPR and the use of the automated external defibrillator, he never regained consciousness. The captain was in contact with a shore-based medical service, and it was determined that further efforts would not be effective. The entire crew and other SIU brothers and sisters of Ronnie L. Day send their heartfelt condolences to the family. He was a good man, a hard worker, and a good shipmate. Enclosed are two photos of Ronnie taken nine to 10 days earlier. I hope this letter finds all SIU brothers and sisters in the best of health and safe from harm. I am writing a few lines to say thank you so much for sending me my pension check early, especially for those holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas and other special days. It’s a great help…. Your understanding and consideration always are greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all of you. May God bless our Seafarers International Union. Rickey D. Yancey Norfolk, Virginia Brother Day (right) and fellow crew members pose in the engine room of the USNS Samuel L. Cobb. Plurinsus G. Ordansa Glen Burnie, Maryland Scholarship Winner Conveys Thanks This is a long overdue but deeply felt letter of thanks for the financial support granted by the National Maritime Union, which launched me on a career that has been rather unconventional but, I hope you will agree, deserving of investment. In 1967, I received a $10,000 scholarship from the NMU that essentially paid for my undergraduate education – three years at Mount Holyoke College and a year at the University of Exeter in England. Although I had majored in political science, I shifted to United States history when I attended graduate school at the University of New Hampshire. I combined the two fields in my dissertation, a study of judicial decision-making in Supreme Court cases involving aid to sectarian schools. A few years after completing my doctorate, I was awarded a Liberal Arts Fellowship by Harvard Law School. This enabled me to audit classes related to my academic interests and to complete the research for an edited collection of the correspondence between Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and Felix Frankfurter, who was a professor at Harvard Law School during the time of the correspondence but later joined the Supreme Court. This volume, co-edited with Robert M. Mennel, was subsequently published by the University Press of New England. The following year, I was a Fulbright Scholar in Norway, where I held the unique position of “roving scholar.” In order to improve instruction in English language and American culture at the upper secondary level, the Norwegian Department of Education sponsors an American scholar to travel throughout the country to give workshops to teachers. I was privileged to be among the first to be given this opportunity. Although I held the position nearly 20 years ago, I have maintained strong connections with some of my professional colleagues in Norway and have returned to participate in conferences and, under the auspices of the United States Embassy, to lecture at the law schools in Bergen and Oslo. I taught at private secondary schools in New England for five years before completing my graduate work and have, on several occasions, accepted short-term appointments at colleges and universities: Clark University, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of New Hampshire, and Western Washington University. I was the founding director of the National History Education Network and have served as a consultant for the Young Adult and Reference Divisions at Oxford University Press and for the Education Division of the National Endowment for the Humanities. I also wrote a young adult biography of Chief Justice Earl Warren, which was published by Oxford. I am currently working on a history of the North Bennet Street School in Boston and have received a grant from the Craft Research Center in North Carolina to complete the research for that project. A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to establish a Fellowships Office at Western Washington University. In this position, I assist students who choose to apply for national competitive scholarships – in short, some of the best students at the university. In a very real sense, I see this assignment as bringing my experience full circle. I am grateful to be able to guide students through the challenging process of applying for merit scholarships and, having been a recipient of comparable awards myself, to know what a difference these awards will make in the lives of these talented and hard-working young people. I am, of course, delighted to know that the Seafarers International Union remains committed to assisting both the members and members’ spouses and dependents to further their educations. As one who has benefited so greatly, I applaud your continuation of this worthwhile program. Christine L. Compston, Ph.D. Bellingham, Washington Seafarers Safe Haven Has Openings for Retired Mariners Seafarers Safe Haven at the Prospect Park YMCA in Brooklyn has several permanent rooms available for retired seafarers. These rooms are complemented by a communal lounge with cooking facilities, a comfortable seating area and a library. This shared space fosters a strong community among the seafarers, and a sense of connection with the broader community of the Prospect Park YMCA. Residents can use the recreational facilities at the YMCA, and have access to surrounding institutions including the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park. The development of the residential facility has served as a springboard for the development of programming for the retired seafarers. Special activities and events are developed based upon the interests of residents, and have included trips to the maritime museum in Mystic, Connecticut, dinners for the residents, movies and discussion groups. Seafarers Safe Haven currently has several vacancies. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: must be retired from active maritime service; must have at least 10 years of sea time (not including vacation time) documented by discharges and U.S. Coast Guard records; must be receiving Social Security and/or pension benefits, with annual income not exceeding $28,000; and, must be “clean and sober” and able to handle semi-congregate living. For more information, please contact Herb Reiss, director of Seamen’s House, at (718) 768-7100, extension 122, or write to: Seamen’s House Prospect Park YMCA 357 9th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 Herb Reiss Brooklyn, New York 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. February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:03 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 first 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 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Medical Care Provider April 19 June 14 April 23 June 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Steward Recertification April 12 May 3 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 Jan. 25. Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 1 April 26 June 21 April 19 October 18 May 24 May 3 June 21 June 7 April 5 March 29 June 21 March 8 May 10 February 15 March 26 May 21 July 16 April 23 November 8 June 18 May 7 June 25 June 18 April 16 March 29 June 21 March 19 May 21 February 19 ARPA Bosun Recertification Celestial Navigation Fast Rescue Boat Lifeboatman Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Recertification Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Tank PIC Barge DL Engine Department Upgrading Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations FOWT Marine Electrician Machinist Welding March 29 May 24 March 1 April 26 June 21 March 22 February 22 March 8 April 5 May 10 June 7 April 23 June 18 March 26 May 21 July 16 May 15 March 12 March 26 April 23 May 28 June 25 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting March 8 May 31 BST/Basic Firefighting February 8 March 1 April 26 May 24 June 21 Medical Care Provider March 22 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 “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. Email 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. 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. March 19 June 11 February 12 March 5 April 30 May 28 June 25 March 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name __________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ 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. _______________________________________________________________________ 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 Department______________________ Home Port_____________________________________________________________ COURSE DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ February 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. 2/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:03 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 725 - Thirteen unlicensed apprentices on Oct. 2 completed this 60-hour water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Adalberto Caceres, Damario Carr, Jonathan Green, Daryl Holloway, Leland Jordan, Jason Newsham, Lionel Rivera, Mark Santoli, Charles Searfass, Marcel Soares, Kevin Stewart, Joseph Tucker and James Washington. Their instructor, Ben Cusic, is at right. Welding – Eight upgraders completed their requirements in this 103-hour course Dec. 18. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Efren Bacomo, Jonathyn Bland, Jeremy Birchfield, Michael Brannon, Tony Brinkley, Enchantress Johnson, Orlando Pabon and John Walsh. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is sixth from left in the back. FOWT – Thirteen upgraders graduated from this course Jan. 29. Completing their requireCelestial Navigation – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed this 126-hour course Jan. 29: Lou Cabano, Alfred Drake, Christopher Paul, Korron Richardson, James Robinson, Whitney Sheridan, Martin Simons, Troy Tadlock and Anthony Willis. ments (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tellentyre Barmann, Romeo Benidco, Daniel Cortez, Corey Covington, Abdulkarin Ghaleb, Mohamed Ghaleb, Steven Hamilton, Brandon Hess, Douglas McLaughlin, Reina Mendez, Walter Orange, Melvin Smith and Charles Wescott. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Able Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements in this course Jan. 29: James Baldwin, Erik Clausen, Jaysen Cummings, Scott Daly, Jarrell Dorsey, Tyler Egan, James Grant, Lorenzo Hall Jr., Eric Johnson, Aretta Jones, Jeremy Paschke, Justin Spodoni and Jesse Sunga. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right. Welding – Five individuals completed their training requirements in this 103-hour course Jan. 22. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abner DiazTorres, Daniel McFarland, Rodolfo Opinaldo, Frank Strong, and Daniel Tapley. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is standing left in the back row. 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. 22 Seafarers LOG February 2010 �57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:16 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Eighteen individuals graduated from this 41-hour course Dec. 11. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Olawale Adegunwa, Ben Anderson, Kenneth Baker, David Brady, Michael Brown, Lewis Coleman, Patrick Devlin, Jonathan Driggers, Oscar Garcia, Nicole Geidemn, Ross Lyle, Alfred Norris, Chester Roberson Jr., Cesar Runatay, Martin Simmons Jr., Daryl Thomas, Aaron Velunta and Donald Wellentin. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer – Twenty-five upgraders graduated from this course Dec. 18. Completing their training requirements (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Julius Bollozos, Alex Canada, Gregory Carroll, James Demouy, Helbert Esquivel, Michael Evans, Edwin Feliciano, James Glover, Eloy Gutierrez, Rance Hadaway, Demarco Holt, Geoffrey James, Arthur Kately, Frederick Kotoku-Sackson, Noel Magbitang, Latisa May-Christopher, Keith McIntosh, Christopher Mercado, Candido Molina, Victor Quioto, Wayne Roberson, Mikel Tittsworth, David Turley, Justin Valencia and Clarence Verdun. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is standing at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Two classes of upgraders completed this class December 18. Those graduating (photo at right, in no particular order) were: Ben Anderson, Oscar Garcia, Luis Irias, Korron Richardson, Cesar Runatay, Martin Simmons Jr., Donald Wellentin, Olawale Adegunwa, Jonathan Driggers, Roderick Frazier, Nicole Geideman, Alfred Norris, Robert LaPointe, James Summers and Daryl Thomas, Their instructors, Mark Cates and Mike Roberts, are pictured second from left and at the far right respectively. Certified Chief Cook - The following individuals (above, from left to right) completed this 12-week course Jan. 12: Victor Jones, Christina Mateer and Obencio Espinoza. Their instructor, John Dobson, is at right. February 2010 BST (HAWAII) - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) completed this course Dec. 12 at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point Hawaii: Sunny Baez, Cory McKim, Kyle Blalock, Jessica Bateman, Jennifer Bonawitz, Kiryl Chemyshenka, Victor Cruz, Luz Gonzalez, Brian Healey, Leandra Kim, Duncan MacLeod, Darren McCahill, Abel Mendoza, Alain Nicolas, Siraya Schleis and Nathalie Ventura. Seafarers LOG 23 �57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:43 PM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 2 February 2010 Holidays With Seafarers - Pages 10-11 A large number of toys and bicycles (photo at left and the one above) were donated to needy military families. Fourth Arm of Defense Supports Military Families Tacoma-Area Seafarers Donate Time, Money, More through ‘Santa’s Castle’ When some military members in the Northwest United States needed a boost during the holidays, 70 volunteers from the Tacoma, Wash., SIU hall swung into action to help support those who do so much for our nation. Through a program called “Santa’s Castle,” SIU members and others in the state—along with officers and enlisted personnel at Ft. Lewis, Wash.—come together to collect donations of toys, money and other items in support of the military’s lower enlisted ranks – those who are paid the least, but who often are deployed the most. Names of families that are in need of support are submitted to post officials such as chaplains and first sergeants. During the recent holiday season, Santa’s Castle provided gifts to more than 1,600 children from nearly 700 families for a total of about $125,000 worth of toys. To top off the season’s activities, the Tacoma hall sponsored a luncheon for volunteers and families. “As part of the fourth arm of defense, we wanted to give something back to the families of those who are on the front lines when our nation calls,” said SIU Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo. “As mariners, we in Tacoma have worked side by side with many of these folks [service members] in various operations in which we deliver the goods. They’re like family to us so, it’s only fitting that we share the holiday cheer with their families.” “Our families just fell in love with the Seafarers who volunteered,” explained Santa’s Castle Assistant Vice President Susan Adams. “They contacted us and volunteered. We have a lot of deployments in this area and many of our families have both parents deployed during the holidays. SIU folks helped make the holidays for these families warm and wonderful. And, boy, did they work. SIU folks alone collected more than $3,500 in donations of toys and money, and helped us run the program. Without our volunteers, there are families who might have had a less cheerful holiday season.” Seafarers including Hernando Basilan, Saleh Ahmed, Josh Luna and Abdullah Ali carry toys for military children participating in the Santa’s Castle program. Among the Army and union volunteers for Santa’s Castle from the Tacoma area were (photo at left, back row, left to right) Sergeant Gehlen, Lieutenant Colonel Adams, Captain Anderson, SIU Port Agent Joe Vincenzo, Master Sergeant Crompton, SIU Safety Director Ryan Palmer, Specialist Bacon and SIU Tacoma Administrator Jim Ott. Pictured in the front row are Santa’s Castle Asst. VP Susan Adams (left) and Tacoma Secretary Brenda Flesner. The Tacoma SIU hall (photo above) had 70 volunteers for the program. � 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 February 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS MOBILIZE FOR HAITI RELIEF LMSR CONTRACTS GO TO AMSEA, PATRIOT NEW RO/RO JOINS SIU FLEET SIU MEMBERS ANSWER CALL FOR HAITI RELIEF OPERATIONS SEAFARERS HELP MOBILIZE SHIPS, DONATE TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS DEFENSE DEPT. AWARDS LMSR CONTRACTS TO AMERICAN OVERSEAS MARINE, PATRIOT MARITIME ICON ROMAN GRALEWICZ RETIRES APL ANNOUNCES ‘LANDMARK’ CLEAN-AIR PLAN IN OAKLAND LABOR-BACKED CANDIDATE WINS IN HOUSTON IMO DESIGNATES 2010 ‘YEAR OF THE SEAFARER’ REP. ABERCROMBIE READY TO VIE FOR HAWAII GUBERNATIONAL SEAT RETIRED PORT AGENT JOE PEREZ DIES AT 76 CALIF. MEMORIAL RECOGNIZES U.S. MERCHANT MARINERS OCEAN ATLAS DELIVERS SUBWAY CARS COLLEGE PROGRAM AIDS IN TURNAROUND AB FRANK RECOMMENDS PAUL HALL CENTER CURRICULUMS TO FELLOW SEAFARERS INTEROCEAN AMERICAN SHIPPING CORP. OBLIGATED TO PAY MONIES TO CURRENT, FORMER SEAFARERS FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE SUPPORTS MILITARY FAMILIES 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 02/01/2010 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. 2 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/458dce825611bbdaf4d81478566a5518.pdf cd1d4beb335cf22ece97bb0a683b6443 PDF Text Text 58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:42 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 3 March 2010 Maersk Adds 2 RO/ROs To American-Flag Fleet Vessels Signal New Shipboard Jobs for SIU Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is in the process of reflagging two ships under the Stars and Stripes. The Hoegh London (inset) became the Alliance Charleston on Feb. 12, while the Hoegh Tokyo (above) was scheduled to be renamed the Alliance Beaumont in late February. Page 3. Seafarers Answer Call in Haiti SIU members were among the first to mobilize for Haiti relief operations after that nation was struck by a 7.0magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12. Among the Seafarers-crewed vessels deployed for Operation Unified Response was the prepositioning ship USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, pictured loading cargo in Jacksonville, Fla., before sailing to the devastated country. In the other photo (right), Marine Staff Sgt. Jonathon Thompson inspects cargo from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Marine Corps at Blount Island Command before loading it aboard the Lummus (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles). Pages 10-11. Paul Hall Center Gets Top Marks Page 4 CIVMAR News Page 5 Snapshots from Pride of America Page 7 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:42 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t New Ships, New Jobs There’s never a bad time for the SIU to gain new shipboard jobs, but considering our nation’s ongoing economic woes, I am especially pleased to report Maersk Line, Limited’s current addition of two roll-on/roll-off vessels to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. As highlighted on our front page, Maersk is reflagging two modern vessels under the Stars and Stripes. These are outright additions for the SIU, and our union will fill all of the unlicensed positions on both ships (the Alliance Beaumont and Alliance Charleston). More good news is in sight. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is getting ready to launch another new SIUcontracted tanker, while on the West Coast, NASSCO is gearing up for the christening of the next Lewis and Clark-class vessel, signaling job opportunities for Michael Sacco members of the SIU Government Services Division (also, both yards employ union workers). Our industry continues to feel its share of the effects of the recession, but when Seafarers read about these new ships and others, I hope you share my optimism about the future. We are weathering the tough times and we are continuing to secure work aboard vessels like the new Maersk ships, the new T-AKE vessels, Sealift Inc.’s recently reflagged cargo ship Mohegan (another outright addition), Crowley’s new ATBs, new tugboats in the Gulf and more. Even with today’s overall economic challenges, these are exciting times for our union. I look forward to reporting on more gains in the months ahead. MTD’s Vital Importance As of this writing in mid-February, I understand there’s snow on the ground in 49 of our 50 states. Despite that cold reality, we are not relocating the union’s headquarters to Honolulu – not surprisingly, the only state to dodge the snow. However, no matter how bad the weather gets, we are preparing for the winter executive board meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. For our newer Seafarers who may be unfamiliar with the MTD, you should know that this is one of our most important affiliations. The MTD was formed in 1946 and is a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. It has 23 affiliated unions, including the SIU, with a combined membership of more than 5 million. The MTD also consists of 21 port maritime councils across the nation and in Canada. Last fall, I was honored to be re-elected as MTD president. And as I’ve said from time to time, let me assure you that when you go anywhere representing an organization with 5 million members, people listen. What it boils down to is that the MTD’s structure and affiliates help give maritime workers a recognizable presence throughout North America. Like any effective grassroots organization, the MTD, especially through its port councils, enables its affiliates to combine resources on issues that are crucial to rank-and-file members. During our regular meetings as well as at our conventions, we map out the best strategies to promote and protect the job security of members of the MTD unions. The meetings also serve as a forum for representatives of our military, government and different segments of the industry to share in the planning and reinforce their respective commitments to the U.S.-crewed, American-flag fleet. The bottom line is the MTD is a huge part of our strength. Next T-AKE Ship, USNS Charles Drew, Set for Christening The christening and launch of the USNS Charles Drew (pictured above and at right while under construction) is scheduled to take place Feb. 27 at the union-contracted General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Like the other vessels in the Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships, the USNS Charles Drew will be crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The USNS Drew is named after the AfricanAmerican physician and medical researcher who pioneered blood banking and transfusions in the 1940s. 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 and USNS William McLean. Congressional ‘Sail-In’ Announced Officials Cast Wide Net for New Support in Congress Volume 72, Number 3 March 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 The U.S. Maritime Coalition recently announced the first ever Congressional “Sail-In,” which is scheduled to take place on Capitol Hill on May 13, 2010. The event represents the American maritime industry’s plan to bring together a diverse group of maritime professionals in an organized fashion to lobby Congress, according to the coalition. A main purpose of the Sail-In is increasing Congressional awareness of the importance of America’s maritime industry to the economic and national security of the United States. Another focal point of the event is to generate support for the programs and policies important to the survival and growth of the United States-flag merchant marine and to the jobs of American merchant mariners as well as the rest of America’s maritime workforce. “The maritime industry is the backbone of the American and global economy,” said Vice Admiral Albert J. Herberger, USN (Ret.), former Administrator for the U.S. Maritime Administration, and former Deputy Commanderin-Chief for the U.S. Transportation Command. “We represent thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in investment and we are the critical connection to the global economy. We can’t take it for granted that government understands the complex nature of the American maritime industry and the necessity of the U.S.-flagged merchant fleet.” The Sail-In is designed to mimic the idea of a fly-in, a tactic that many companies use to rally support. Hundreds of hard-working individuals from across the American maritime industry have been invited to Washington to participate. Individuals will be separated into teams and will see as many members of Congress as possible in as many Congressional offices as possible throughout the day. The meetings will entail informing Congressional representatives of the American maritime industry’s importance to economic and national security as well as the thousands of jobs created and maintained as a result of the industry. When announcing the event, the coalition noted that anyone who is interested is encouraged to visit http://www.maritimeindustrysailin.com in order to get information and register (at no cost) for the Sail-In. The U.S. Maritime Coalition is a volunteer group of representatives from throughout the U.S. maritime industry, including shipboard labor unions. March 2010 �58340_p01_20X:58340 2/22/2010 6:23 AM Page 3 SIU-Crewed Maersk Fleet Grows by 2 RO/ROs Alliance Beaumont, Alliance Charleston Reflag U.S. In a major maritime development, the union is adding two roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessels to its contracted fleet. At press time, SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) was in the process of reflagging two modern ships under the Stars and Stripes. The Hoegh London became the Alliance Charleston on Feb. 12, while the Hoegh Tokyo was slated to be renamed the Alliance Beaumont around month’s end. The London/Alliance Charleston was constructed in 2008, while the Tokyo/Alliance Beaumont was built in 2004. Each 27,000 DWT-ship is 751 feet long and has more than 710,000 square feet of cargo space. Each can carry 7,900 car equivalent units (CEU) and can sail at greater than 20 knots. The vessels were constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding. One of them, the Alliance Beaumont will enroll in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). “It would be an understatement to call this a welcome event,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “These ships mean new jobs for the SIU membership. Also, as on other occasions when militarily useful tonnage has entered the American-flag fleet, the reflagging of the Alliance Charleston and the Alliance Beaumont helps our country’s national and economic security. These vessels will help maintain the pool of welltrained, loyal American crews who answer our nation’s call in peace and war.” In a communication to top officials at the U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Coast Guard, respectively, MLL President and CEO John Reinhart said that in order to accomplish the flag-ins, “We worked together with MarAd, the U.S. Coast Guard, the EPA and our maritime labor partners to achieve another The Hoegh London in mid-February was reflagged American and renamed the Alliance Charleston. important milestone. We appreciate this positive cooperation, which resulted in the expansion and modernization of the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet to serve our nation, support the military and create employment for the U.S. mariners.” In addition to helping ensure availability of reliable civilian crews, the MSP also gives the military access to a state-of-the-art intermodal network around the world. With roots dating to the mid-1990s, the program currently provides for a fleet of up to 60 vessels. Many of those ships are crewed by SIU Scheduled for reflagging in late February, the Hoegh Tokyo will be renamed Alliance Beaumont and will enroll in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. American Maritime Union Presidents Urge Additional Efforts In Anti-Piracy Campaign The presidents of six maritime unions last month urged the Obama administration to build upon earlier efforts to combat piracy. In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the union leaders thanked the administration for its anti-piracy actions but pointed out that mariners remain at risk. Signing the letter were the following union presidents: Michael Sacco, Seafarers International Union; Tom Bethel, American Maritime Officers; Don Keefe, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Tim Brown, Maters, Mates & Pilots; Gunnar Lundeberg, Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; and Anthony Poplawski, Marine Firemen’s Union. In part, the letter reads as follows: “On behalf of the American merchant mariners our organizations represent we respectfully ask that you work with us to develop and implement the programs and policies necessary to protect U.S.-flag vessels and Personnel from a U.S. Coast Guard maritime safety and security team and from the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut investigate a Somali skiff Feb. 2 in the Gulf of Aden. The Farragut is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct anti-piracy operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Allen) March 2010 members, and they help equip America to provide sealift for U.S. armed forces. High-ranking military officers have pointed out that the MSP fleet provides this national security asset at a substantially lower cost than the government owning and maintaining an equivalent capability. Moreover, an American-flag commercial fleet operating in international trade enables the government to offer global economic and agricultural assistance programs, and provides the crews that are used to sail government reserve vessels in time of need. their United States citizen crews from acts of piracy. Despite efforts over the past 10 months, American mariners face an ongoing threat…. Our organizations continue to work with American shipowners and government agencies to ensure mariners have the training they need to help repel pirate attacks. However, these non-lethal measures alone are not enough as piracy becomes more sophisticated and deadly. American crews need and deserve to have their government standing shoulder to shoulder with them to combat this ongoing threat. “We agree that international patrols in high-risk waters, international conferences and meetings – including those of the United Nations’ CGPCS (Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia) – and international aid efforts can all help bring attention to the problem and may ultimately lead to long-term solutions. However, until there is an effective international response in place the United States Government should act forcefully to protect U.S.-flag vessels and their American citizen crews. ...It is extremely impor- tant that our government be prepared to respond, as it did so effectively during the situation involving the Maersk Alabama, with speed and force each time a U.S.-flag ship is attacked and the vessel and its American crew are taken hostage. “We further believe that our government should not consider after-the-fact legal actions against U.S.-flag shipowners who, as a last resort, pay a ransom to secure the safe release of their American citizen crews as the best solution to the problem of piracy. It would be unconscionable for the United States government to turn its back on or to dictate that American shipowners turn their backs on the American merchant mariners who willingly sailed into harm’s way in service to their country. We are proud that throughout our history American merchant mariners have served with distinction as our nation’s fourth arm of defense. America’s merchant mariners never have and never will shirk their responsibility to deliver the goods whenever and wherever needed. For this reason, we do not subscribe to an international call for mariners to boycott the waters most at risk to attack by pirates. Rather, we believe that just as land-based criminals know they will face strong and swift retribution when they attack innocent victims, we believe seaborne pirates should know they will be treated no differently. “A plan to repel and fight piracy must be as forceful and as unrelenting as piracy itself. We suggested immediately following the attacks against the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun last year that the most effective step that can be taken in response to aggressive action against U.S.-flag ships and their American crews is for our government to provide U.S.-flag vessels with the on-board armed force protection necessary to repel acts of piracy. We remain convinced that this approach still represents the most effective course of action that can be taken. Nonetheless, we appreciate and strongly support the recent decision by the Department of Defense to assist U.S.-flag vessel operators in contracting with private security forces for U.S.-flag vessels carrying military cargo in high-risk waters. We ask that all agencies of the Federal government immediately follow the Defense Department’s lead so that all U.S.-flag vessels transporting military as well as non-military government cargoes receive the same type of support.” Seafarers LOG 3 �58340_p01_20X:58340 2/22/2010 6:33 AM Page 4 Paul Hall Center Gets Top Marks from NMC The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) recently conducted a visit/audit to the SIU’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (including the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School) to review the facilities, classrooms and training and found all to be outstanding, including “a professional setting conducive to learning.” NMC representatives visited the school to review the Coast Guard-approved coursework and state-of-the-art training provided to mariners at the southern Maryland campus. The Paul Hall Center is noted industry-wide as offering the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any Based in Piney Point, Md., the school features cutting-edge equipment including simulators like the one shown here. maritime school in the nation. From entry training to license preparation to recertification coursework to academic support and distance learning, students at the school also may earn high school diplomas, college credit and associate’s degrees. As many attendees have mentioned since the center opened in 1967, the school helps provide mariners the means to get ahead in the industry. The Coast Guard observed many of the courses being conducted both at the main campus and at the nearby Joseph Sacco School. Agency officials said that students and instructors were “fully engaged in the class material.” The visiting Coast Guard team also pointed out that the teachers thoroughly understood and explained course material and provided excellent instruction. The USCG noted that lab facilities and training aids are “extensive and up to date.” Visitors also reviewed a sampling of curriculums in the school’s course development center and found that the methods by which the school developed its coursework to be outstanding. The Coast Guard team further pointed out that the Paul Hall Center’s database, security and filing systems are exceptionally good. The team particularly commended the fire school’s basic safety training and medical care provider training as well as facilities themselves. Overall, the visitors said the school “shows obvious dedication to mariner The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (above), part of the Paul Hall Center, was credited for being well-maintained, as was the main campus. development and safety on the job and throughout training. This school is an excellent display of extreme professionalism.” Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman agreed that the administrative visit went well. “The role of the REC (U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center) has changed,” he said. “Although NMC directs an audit or visit to take place the local REC has been tasked to administer and conduct a very lengthy audit. I was pleased to see the professionalism that was exhibited by REC Baltimore. The process from the announcement to the online audit checklist (and) the interface with LCDR (Mark) Palmer and Ms. (Paulette) Chase prior to the arrival made for a smooth audit and I think REC Baltimore did a great job from start to finish.” Apprentice Earns Diploma At Union-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Ali Alhamyari (center) recently earned his high school diploma through the certified program available at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Congratulating him at the February membership meeting are (from left) SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President Michael Sacco and jersey-clad SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (showing support for the New Orleans Saints, who won the Super Bowl the night before the meeting). AFL-CIO President Trumka Discusses Efforts, Vision of Labor Movement AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka says among other key steps, the nation’s manufacturing capabilities must be restored 4 Seafarers LOG AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka earlier this year told a National Press Club audience that nothing less than America’s national identity is at stake as the labor movement fights to maintain and rebuild the middle class. In a wide-ranging speech, he also described organized labor’s key activities and goals. “We built our middle class in the 20th century through hard work, struggle and visionary political leadership,” Trumka said during the mid-January address. “But a generation of destructive, greed-driven economic policies has eroded that progress and now threatens our very identity as a nation…. A dead-end job with no benefits is not the best our country can do for its citizens.” The federation president said he recently travelled across the country and was dismayed by the mood and outlook of so many citizens – especially those who can’t find work. “Everywhere I went, people asked me, why do so many of the people we elect seem to care only about Wall Street?” stated Trumka. “Why is helping banks a matter of urgency, but unemployment is something we just have to live with? Why don’t we make anything in America anymore? And why is it so hard to pass a health care bill that guarantees Americans healthy lives instead of guaranteeing insurance companies healthy profits? “As I travelled from city to city,” he continued, “I heard a new sense of resignation from middle class Americans – people laid off for the first time in their lives asking, ‘What did I do wrong?’ I came away shak- en by the sense that the very things that make America great are in danger.” Trumka, who last year was elected to head the federation as AFL-CIO President John Sweeney retired, said political action will be vital to the resurgence of the middle class. He said that starting immediately, “Our elected political leaders must choose between continuing the policies of the past or striking out on a new economic course for America – a course that will reverse the damaging trend toward greater inequality that is crippling our nation. At this moment, the voices of America’s working women and men must be heard in Washington – not the voices of bankers and speculators for whom it always seems to be the best of times, but the voices of those for whom the See Federation, Page 5 March 2010 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:42 PM Page 5 CIVMAR News Update on the Habitability Arbitration Cases As many CIVMARS are aware, since 2006 the SIU has brought a series of grievances to MSC on behalf CIVMARS who have been provided sub-standard quarters. Several of these grievances were tried at arbitration hearings when MSC and the union could not agree on a resolution to these cases. These cases involved shore-side and shipboard quarters. On January 26, 2010 the union received an award for the CIVMARS on the USNS Grapple. The arbitrator awarded unlicensed CIVMARS $40 per day quarters allowance for the poor habitability conditions on this T-ARS vessel. This three-year effort to ensure habitable quarters, or compensation in the event habitable quarters are not provided, has been supported by many hardworking and dedicated CIVMARS. Throughout the years CIVMARS have worked tirelessly to provide much of the evidence needed to win these cases. Many CIVMAR witnesses took time to testify at the hearings. Without CIVMAR testimony, it would be difficult to prevail in these cases. Each case represents years of work and many thousands of dollars in litigation costs. SIU officials have noted that the quest for a habitable-quarters standard aboard MSC vessels is comparable to the civil rights movement. It is a long journey with victories and setbacks and can only be accomplished with CIVMAR support. Here is a summary of the decisions so far and status of other arbitration cases: 1. 2007 – Days Inn Hotel: Arbitrator awarded $40 for a certain period of time to CIVMARS required to stay at the sub-standard hotel while assigned to the East Coast CSU. 2. 2008 – USNS GRASP: The first case in the T-ARS class. The arbitrator awarded $13 (amount of lodging pay from 1979 found in the East Coast collective bargaining) for those CIVMARS assigned four persons to a room. The union argued that this amount was updated by the $40 rate found in the CMPI. The union appealed this ruling to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) in Washington, D.C. During the Bush Administration the FLRA decisionmaking process was negatively impacted. FLRA members (judges) were not appointed quickly. If a member resigned they were not quickly replaced. As a result, the backlog of cases before the FLRA grew to several years long. The union has been advised that the decisions on backlog cases are being made as quickly as possible and generally the oldest cases – which would include the Grasp – are being reviewed before the newer cases. 3. 2008 – USNS COMFORT: MSC provided $30 quarters pay to CIVMARS sleeping in quarters with more than four persons to an area. The arbitrator awarded $40 habitability pay. MSC appealed the decision to the FLRA in 2008. The union requested that the Grasp and Comfort appeals be combined. We are awaiting a decision from the FLRA. 4. 2009 – USNS Grapple: The second case in the TARS class. $40 per day awarded retroactive to May 21, 2007 and payable until the vessel is modified to provide habitable quarters. MSC may now file exceptions to the decision before the FLRA if MSC believes the arbitrator made an error in his decision. An appeal must be made in 30 days. 5. Habitability cases for the West Coast vessels the Salvor (2007) and Mercy (2009) and the USS Emory Federation Leads Fight to Rebuild, Maintain Middle Class in America Continued from Page 4 New Year brings pink slips and givebacks, hollowed-out health care, foreclosures and pension freezes – the roll call of an economy that long ago stopped working for most of us.” He said that the labor movement’s March 2010 Bosun Byron Costa (center) is pictured with Gov’t Services Asst. VP Chet Wheeler (right) and Representative Kate Hunt. Land (2009): The union filed habitability grievances for employees aboard the Salvor, the third in TAR-S class of vessels, the USNS Mercy and the Emory Land. See below for more information regarding these cases. While all of the arbitrators in the above cases found that habitability conditions aboard the vessels were inadequate, one arbitrator varied on the amount of quarters pay they awarded to CIVMARS. Future Plans While the parties await the FLRA appeal decision, the union is evaluating its options as to how to proceed in the cases which have been filed but not yet arbitrated. Information regarding this decision will be sent to CIVMARS via a CIVMAR-GRAM, Seafarers LOG article, web-site posting and CSU and shipboard meetings. CMPI 610 Negotiation Update In January of this year the LOG reported that MSC, the SIU, MEBA and MM&P had received interest-based bargaining training in anticipation of CMPI 610 – Hours of Work and Premium Pay negotiations. The parties agreed to use the interest-based bargaining process for these discussions. Generally, negotiations for CMPI 610 are taking place the first week of each month. Over the last two sessions the parties have been discussing the CMPI 610 General Provisions. Thus far, the negotiation process has been quite thorough with the parties reviewing each line of every section. One of the main goals of the parties is to ensure that the CMPI revisions make this Instruction clearer and more user-friendly for unlicensed and licensed CIVMARS fleet wide. Licensed and unlicensed subject matter experts are in attendance to assist the negotiators during the negotiations. Bosun Byron Costa attended the February negotiations. Costa has significant sailing vision for our country includes a national economy that “creates good jobs, where wealth is fairly shared…. But despite our best efforts, we have endured a generation of stagnant wages and collapsing benefits – a generation where the labor movement has been much more about defense than about offense.” Recalling his upbringing, Trumka said he believes the union movement once again can serve as a catalyst for good jobs and a better way of life. “I grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, and I was surrounded by the legacy of my parents and grandparents,” he said. “My grandfather and my father and their fellow workers went into mines that were death traps, to work for experience in both the private and government maritime sectors. He has sailed in both the east and west coast MSC fleets. Costa has also had prior negotiation experience using traditional negotiation techniques. Before his arrival at the negotiations, the union provided Costa with IBB training materials. This written information was supplemented with three hours of additional preparation with union representatives and SIU counsel. In addition to obtaining Costa’s expertise for the General Provisions sections, during off hours, union representatives worked with him to review all CMPI 610 sections related to the deck department for information regarding current deck plate work and the application of CMPI 610 payment practices. This will be of great value when the unlicensed deck section language is discussed. Costa noted that these negotiations were important “because the CMPI 610 needs to be updated and simplified.” In addition, he said, “CIVMARS will benefit from a better organized Instruction.” Costa also shared his views regarding the IBB process used in these negotiations. “After reading about the IBB process I was very skeptical that it would work,” he said. Costa found however that this process allowed for “all representatives from labor and MSC to be treated with respect and that led to productive discussions.” Costa further noted that his “participation at these negotiations was hard work, but a great learning experience.” Chet Wheeler, assistant vice president for the SIU Government Services unit concluded that Costa’s contributions at the discussions were extremely important. Once again, the union will continue to update CIVMARS regarding the progress of CMPI 610 negotiations with future articles and other communications. wages that weren’t enough to buy food and clothes for their families. They and the union they built made those jobs into middle class jobs. When I went into the mine, it was a good job. A good job meant possibilities for me – possibilities that my mother moved heaven and earth to make real – that took me to Penn State and to law school and to this podium.” Among numerous specific steps he outlined that would help improve things for working families, Trumka mentioned the AFL-CIO’s five-point program to create more than 4 million jobs. That plan calls for extending unemployment benefits, including COBRA; expanding federal infrastructure and green jobs investments; dramatically increasing federal aid to state and local governments facing fiscal disaster; direct job creation where feasible; and finally, direct lending of TARP money to small- and medium-sized businesses that can’t get credit because of the financial crisis. He added, “Beyond the short-term jobs crisis, we must have an agenda for restoring American manufacturing – a combination of fair trade and currency policies, worker training, infrastructure investment and regional development policies targeted to help economically distressed areas. We cannot be a prosperous middle class society in a dynamic global economy without a healthy manufacturing sector.” Seafarers LOG 5 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:42 PM Page 6 Seafaring Life Suits Sisters Stacy, Samantha Paul Hall Center Graduates Recommend Maritime Careers Although it’s not every day that one sees two sisters working together in the deck department aboard the same vessel, it should come as no surprise that ABs Stacy Murphy and Samantha Murphy-Ortiz each found a home in the SIU. That’s because the sisters hail from an SIU family. Their father, Richard Murphy, along with a half-dozen cousins and uncles all are or were members of the union. At various times, all of them also upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. – experiences which helped lead Samantha and Stacy to the school’s unlicensed apprentice program. Samantha graduated with more than a certificate – she met her eventual husband, AB Hector Ortiz (then a fellow trainee), at the school, thereby adding to the SIU family legacy. Like so many of their other family members, the sisters, who ship from the Houston hall, have returned to Piney Point for additional training. Both say they would recommend the union, school and industry to individuals looking for career opportunities. For Samantha (who also recently earned a 1,600-ton mate’s license) and Stacy, the ultimate professional goal is to follow in their father’s footsteps and become harbor pilots. Richard Murphy has been a pilot for Alaska Marine Pilots Association since 1990. Samantha also is continuing with part-time modeling work “for fun and for extra money when I’m off the ship.” But it all begins at the Paul Hall Center, say Stacy and Samantha, who are natives of Aransas Pass, Texas. Foundation at Piney Point Stacy enrolled in Class 644 and graduated in 2004 “because it’s the quickest way to get into the industry, know if you’re going to like it and not have to depend on anyone,” she recalls. Stacy’s achievement inspired her sister, who arrived at the school later that year and also graduated in 2004 (Class 655), but both of them already had been influenced by their father long before traveling to the southern Maryland campus. “He grew up dirt poor and got into the maritime industry as a teenager so he could better his life,” Stacy (right) and Samantha graduated from the unlicensed apprentice program in 2004. Samantha states. “He always told us both to do whatever we wanted, but he also told us that maritime was a really good career choice.” Adds Stacy, “He used to take us for rides when he was a tugboat captain. He taught us to never give up and to pursue your goals. He showed us that no matter where you come from, you can make something of yourself as long as you work hard.” That message obviously got through, notes Recertified Bosun Tom Minton, who recently sailed with the sisters on the USNS Benavidez. “Their abilities and their willingness to learn really stand out,” says Minton, who has been sailing for 41 years. “They are very good crane operators and they’re fun to work with. Most of all, they just have the right attitude – they understand that the only way to get anywhere is through hard work. They always help me out greatly.” Attitudes Change with Times Both the bosun and the sisters say that most mariners nowadays seemingly take it in stride when females are part of the crew, even though it’s still a mostly male industry. “Most people are really accepting, open and nice,” Samantha says. “Some of the guys treat us differently at first until they see we’re hard workers.” Both sisters describe the merchant marine as a great career choice, but they also caution that it’s not easy. “Especially if you’re female, you have to be strong,” Stacy advises. “You have to not let things bother you, and let your work do the talking. But it’s a great way to go. For one thing, we both make more money than all of our friends” who work in other fields. “I personally love it when we set sail and you’re just surrounded by nothing but water,” Samantha says. “I also like the navigation aspect of it. And even though you‘re confined to the ship, there’s an element of freedom.” Stacy agrees, saying she enjoys “being out there in the middle of the sea. Plus we both like being outside – that’s something we realized right away.” Recertified Bosun Tom Minton (left) commends both Samantha (right) and Stacy for their hard work. “They just have the right attitude,” Minton says. from handbags to lingerie, from wedding dresses to tequila, and from hair styles to fitness equipment, Samantha has covered lots of ground. Despite the potential lure, however, she isn’t interested in abandoning her maritime goals for more work as a model. “It’s not as glamorous as it looks,” Samantha explains. “There’s a lot of sacrifice that comes with modeling in the big time. People say you’re away from your family as a mariner, but it’s much worse in modeling if you accept one of those jobs. “It’s also a lot of hard work,” she continues. “I took my sister with me once, and Stacy basically said the pictures were awesome but it took forever. It’s fun, but it’s difficult.” Her avocation isn’t something Samantha routinely mentions to fellow Seafarers. “The only people on the ships who know about the modeling are the ones I’ve built up friendships with,” she says. “I don’t just freely offer that information, but they all think it’s really cool and they are supportive.” Not Quite Moonlighting A part-time model, Samantha (left) says she plans to stick with maritime as her full-time profession. When Stacy (right) accompanied her sister on a photo shoot, she took note of the long hours and hard work involved. (Photo by Carl Gross) 6 Seafarers LOG There’s little doubt that shipboard life has become more inviting to women than it was 20 or 30 years ago. The industry has changed in other ways, too, especially in terms of additional government regulations. Altogether, the trends have blurred if not extinguished old stereotypes of merchant seafarers. Still, whatever might qualify as the standard image of today’s U.S. mariner, it certainly doesn’t involve bikinis or leopard-print miniskirts. On that front, Samantha’s part-time modeling is unusual and maybe even groundbreaking. She began modeling in her mid-teens when someone approached her with the idea. In the approximately 10 years that have followed, she graduated from a modeling program based in Corpus Christi, Texas, and has built a long and very diverse list of “photo shoots,” live runway shows and other assignments. Showing off everything Choosing the deck department was an easy decision for Stacy (above) and her sister. March 2010 �58340_p01_20X:58340 2/22/2010 6:03 AM Page 7 Noorudin Muthala handles a mooring line. Sunnil Motley aboard stores. helps bring William Fountain applies a fresh coat of paint. Seafarers Ensure Smooth Sailing Aboard Pride of America SIU members continue doing their parts to help ensure smooth operations aboard the only U.S.-flag deep-sea cruise ship: the Pride of America. Launched in 2005 and based in Honolulu, the Pride of America offers inter-island cruises to Hawaii’s four main islands. The NCL America ship is 921 feet long, has 15 decks and can carry more than 2,100 passengers. Last year, SIU members approved a new long-term contract covering the cruise ship’s unlicensed mariners. That agreement includes wage increases and other gains. AB Ruben Siclot (right) guides UAs Noorudin Muthala (left) and Jonmark Newman through the process of making an eye splice. Additionally, members of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) also approved a long-term pact covering their employment aboard the Pride of America. SEATU members work in hospitality jobs aboard the vessel. Pictured on this page are SIU members and unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education working aboard the vessel in 2009. Selecting the right tool for the job is Amber Fisher. Sean Smith spruces up part of the vessel’s exterior. Christened in New York City in 2005, the ship is based in Honolulu. Patricia Ricks lays the groundwork for what will be a shuffleboard area. March 2010 Tyrell Perry participates in a lifeboat drill. Bosun’s Mate Marie Acosta (left) and UA Elijah Eastman reflect the good spirits and camaraderie evident throughout the Pride of America. Seafarers LOG 7 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:43 PM Page 8 Study: Unions Boost Wages, Benefits Research Examines Unionization Rates Across Nation A new report released Feb. 3 by the Center for Economic and Policy Research pinpoints unionization rates, the size and composition of the unionized workforce and the wages and benefits for union workers in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. “The union presence varies across states,” said John Schmitt, the author of the report, “but unions substantially raise wages and benefits for workers in every state.” The study, “The Unions of the States,” found that in the typical state, unionization is associated with a 15 percent increase in hourly wages. Unionization, according to the report, is also associated with a 19-percentagepoint increase in the likelihood of having employer-provided health insurance and a 24-percentage-point increase in the likelihood of having employer-sponsored retirement plans. Specifically, the study found that: Unionization rates vary substantially across the states, from below 5 percent of the overall workforce in South Carolina and North Carolina, to more than 25 percent in New York and Hawaii. The rate in the states right in the middle with respect to unionization is 12.6 percent (the rate in Missouri and Vermont). The absolute number of union workers in each state also varied greatly in 2009, from just 20,000 in Wyoming to about 2.6 million in California. Across all the states, unionization is strongly associated with increases in overall compensation (measured by hourly wages and health and pension benefit coverage) The report used data from the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) covering the period 2003-2009. In addition to information regarding wage and benefit increases, the study also provides a detailed presentation of the demographic characteristics of each state’s workforce, including the share of each state’s unionized and non-unionized workforce by gender, racial and ethnic composition. Additionally, the levels of education of unionized and non-unionized workforce are provided. A full copy of “The Unions of the States,” can be retrieved by visiting www.cepr.net/index.php/publications/re ports/the-unions-of-the-states/ New MSP Ship Arrives in Baltimore As previously reported, the union recently added the multi-purpose RO/RO Endurance to its contracted fleet. The 860-foot vessel, formerly named the Taronga, is being operated by Crowley for American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier. These photos were taken in early February when the ship arrived in Baltimore. The Endurance is enrolling in the U.S. Maritime Security Program – a vital initiative which helps ensure that U.S.-flag vessels and well-trained, dependable American crews are available to the U.S. military during times of crisis. Crescent Boatmen, Company Reps Emphasize Safety These photos of SIU boatmen and Crescent Towing officials were taken last year in New Orleans. At that time, representatives from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were visiting Crescent tugs as part of safety initiative. Hundreds of Seafarers sail aboard Crescent boats. They are based in New Orleans, Mobile, Ala., and Savannah, Ga. Clockwise starting at above left are Crescent officials and representatives of the Paul Hall Center. The school personnel are Mitch Oakley (second from right) and Harry Gieske (third from left). The company officials are (from left) Tim Shepard, Eric Armstrong, Keith Kettenring, George Yurcisin and Joe Pinner. SIU-crewed Crescent tugs recently won safety awards presented by the Chamber of Shipping of America. The company operates a fleet of well-maintained, modern tugs and is quick to credit its SIU crews for outstanding performance. Pictured in the other photos are Engineer Grant Wilkinson (far right) and Deckhand Don Wallace. 8 Seafarers LOG March 2010 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:43 PM Page 9 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea Seafarer Receives ‘A’ Book January 16, 2010 – February 15, 2010 Port John Hoskins (left), SIU port agent in Guam, presents an Aseniority book to engine-department Seafarer Billy Duenas. The photo was taken last December at the union hall in Guam. Celebrating Holidays in Charm City Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups A B C Deck Department 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 13 0 5 13 4 5 51 35 8 15 12 50 21 28 4 0 5 34 2 25 330 16 3 5 18 5 9 24 25 5 3 3 20 11 10 6 3 6 23 2 25 222 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 3 0 1 1 1 7 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 25 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 5 0 3 9 2 2 9 18 3 9 7 16 8 9 5 0 4 15 1 12 137 4 2 2 5 2 3 18 14 2 3 2 8 18 5 0 3 5 16 3 14 129 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 12 0 0 4 13 0 8 48 22 0 12 15 42 9 24 5 0 10 21 3 17 254 1 1 4 11 3 8 14 17 1 1 2 19 14 9 5 5 5 7 3 14 144 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 2 17 0 0 1 5 0 4 16 12 0 4 5 18 2 7 2 0 3 14 2 8 103 40 0 5 36 6 16 108 56 9 20 26 86 39 56 7 2 12 72 3 56 655 25 4 2 27 10 16 48 42 12 11 7 35 41 18 10 7 13 46 4 55 433 3 2 0 5 0 1 3 5 4 1 3 9 11 3 2 4 1 7 0 15 79 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 4 10 0 1 1 5 2 3 0 0 0 7 0 4 40 9 0 7 14 2 13 32 36 5 13 13 33 26 14 6 2 5 19 2 36 287 7 2 3 15 3 9 27 32 4 3 1 17 31 11 1 7 13 25 9 24 244 1 0 0 3 2 1 4 1 0 1 0 6 2 6 0 0 0 1 2 2 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 1 3 5 5 0 0 1 4 4 10 0 1 1 2 0 8 47 6 0 5 18 4 34 37 27 0 9 12 46 15 35 6 3 4 31 3 58 353 6 2 0 12 5 6 10 11 4 2 0 13 21 11 1 2 1 7 3 5 122 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 14 Engine Department Seafarers, retirees and family members gather at the SIU hall in Baltimore late last year to celebrate the holiday season. April & May 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: April 5, May 3 Algonac .....................................................Friday: April 9, May 7 Baltimore..............................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Guam................................................Thursday: April 22, May 20 Honolulu ...............................................Friday: April 16, May 14 0 0 7 4 1 5 9 16 0 3 5 16 12 8 2 1 0 12 0 12 113 0 1 6 5 2 1 7 7 0 3 2 11 10 8 1 0 7 7 1 9 88 Houston................................................Monday: April 12, May 10 Steward Department Jacksonville..........................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Joliet.................................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 New Orleans..............................................Tuesday: April 13, May 11 New York..............................................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 Norfolk.................................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Oakland ............................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Philadelphia.......................................Wednesday: April 7, May 5 Port Everglades ................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 San Juan ...............................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 St. Louis ................................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Tacoma..................................................Friday: April 23, May 21 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 5 0 7 8 3 14 17 16 0 5 5 27 19 30 3 1 3 21 2 30 216 2 1 2 4 1 5 9 9 2 1 0 5 9 8 2 2 1 5 1 1 70 Wilmington................................................Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. ATTENTION SEAFARERS STOP Have You Made A Contribution To The Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD)? March 2010 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 0 0 5 5 0 12 19 12 0 6 3 25 9 22 1 2 4 17 1 22 165 0 0 2 3 1 1 6 4 0 1 2 2 6 1 1 2 1 3 2 2 40 Entry Department 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 1 0 0 2 8 3 3 0 0 5 1 6 0 0 0 6 0 3 41 25 4 1 4 4 7 15 15 3 2 4 29 25 18 1 2 2 16 2 11 190 2 1 2 6 1 2 6 5 2 1 1 5 13 10 1 35 0 2 2 3 100 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 4 0 1 0 5 0 4 0 0 2 5 0 5 33 0 2 1 5 2 5 21 7 0 4 3 26 16 13 1 1 1 5 0 5 118 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 3 0 0 0 2 12 4 1 32 0 1 0 4 68 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 2 0 4 16 6 0 1 0 0 10 11 4 3 0 1 9 1 4 0 0 0 9 0 5 64 30 2 4 11 6 12 35 40 6 15 5 51 39 39 1 2 4 30 2 31 365 3 2 1 12 2 3 9 14 3 6 8 21 27 18 3 5 0 7 1 26 171 GRAND TOTALS 724 611 144 565 390 92 206 1,359 1,164 296 Seafarers LOG 9 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:44 PM Page 10 Teamwork is evident about the SIU-crewed USNS 1s Ope Seafa Various types of civilian-crewed ships were mobilized for the response mission. They include prepositioning vessels like the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (above), dry cargo/ammunition ships, tankers, a hospital ship and more. Seafarers bring urgently needed relief supplies to the devastated area. American-flag vessels carried wheeled and tracked vehicles to Haiti. 10 Seafarers LOG Because of damage to port facilities in Haiti, vessels including the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus utilize cranes, lighterage and more to deliver vital cargo. Relief cargo is ready for loading onto the SIU-crewed USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus in Jacksonville, Fla. ( Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles) March 2010 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:45 PM Page 11 S 1st Lt. Jack Lummus as the ship transfers cargo ashore. Mariners and military personnel are working together in Operation Unified Response to deliver vital supplies. eration Unified Response afarers Answer the Call, Help Deliver Relief to Haiti As reported in detail last month, the SIU immediately mobilized for relief operations following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12. More than a dozen SIU-crewed ships have sailed in support of the humanitarian mission known as Operation Unified Response. A few of those vessels are pictured on these two pages; the photos were taken from mid-January to early February. Additionally, the union still is accepting charitable donations for Haiti through the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Monies collected via the SDRF will be presented to the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers’ Campaign. The CIVMAR-crewed rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp (photo at immediate left) in midJanuary takes on fuel and supplies at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay while en route to Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward Flynn). In the photo above, sailors assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland handle lines during a replenishment at sea with the SIU-crewed Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky) es, Fla. (U.S. The USNS Sacagawea moves into position for an at-sea replenishment with the USS Bataan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera) March 2010 A Haitian boy plays in the water with the hospital ship USNS Comfort visible off the coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James R. Stilipec) Seafarers LOG 11 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:45 PM Page 12 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 Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked of upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Question: What advice would you give to someone who’s just entering the maritime industry? Jim Battista Recertified Steward If you are coming into the seafaring industry today, the best thing you can do is get a full education. Shop through all three departments: deck, engine and steward. Look at where you might like to go and consider what you might like to do. But most of all get the education that you need in order to come out and do the job to keep you safe and healthy. Do a good job while you’re on board the vessels. Memo Elfeky Steward/Baker Come to the school here in Piney Point. Take advantage of the good opportunity for yourself and your family. Keep returning to the school and the union halls and be involved and an active part of the membership. Amy Atterberry Chief Cook Push, get out there, and take any job. Get a good reputation, go to the school and upgrade. Keep your dues paid up and also contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Do what you do well and do what you have to do to get and keep a good job. David Spaulding QMED/Pumpman I went through all the steps of the apprentice program and everything has worked out to give me a great job in a great industry. I got the confidence to work and I advise everyone to upgrade as soon as they feel comfortable. To try to get the best job possible because there are many opportunities out there for everyone who wants to sail. It will provide great experiences, great travel and good money. Follow the program, follow the steps. Tony Spain Recertified Steward My advice to any young people coming out today is that you get a good education. Get a high school diploma. If you don’t have it, Piney Point is here to offer it to you. Make sure when you get here you decide what department is for you: deck, engine or steward. These are some of the things that Piney Point offers for you to better educate yourself and then go out to sea. Pics-From-The-Past 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 12 Seafarers LOG The tanker Golden Monarch (photo at right) was launched in February 1975 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. The 894-foot vessel reportedly was among the first double-bottom ships; it could carry 500,000 barrels of crude oil. Pictured aboard the vessel later that same year (above) are some members of the deck gang (from left): AB Terry White, AB John Bertling, Recertified Bosun John Worley and OS Sam Daugh. 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 March 2010 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:46 PM Page 13 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland 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 MOHAMED ABDULLA Brother Mohamed Abdulla, 59, joined the union in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Patriot. He was born in Yemen. In 1989 and 2002, Brother Abdulla attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A member of the engine department, he most recently shipped on the Horizon Hunter. Brother Abdulla is a resident of Baton Rouge, La. FRANZ BROOKS Brother Franz Brooks, 65, became an SIU member in 1991 while in the port of New York. His first ship was the Lawrence Gianella; his last the Cape Henry. Brother Brooks was born in Jamaica. The deck department member settled in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. HEATH BRYAN Brother Heath Bryan, 64, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of New York. His earliest trip was with Vivian Tankships. Brother Bryan upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He was born in the West Indies and worked in the steward department. Brother Bryan’s final voyage was on the Seabulk Challenger. He now lives in Margate, Fla. CHARLES CLAUSEN JR. Brother Charles Clausen Jr., 63, began his career with the union in 1974 while in the port of New York. He originally sailed aboard the McLean. Brother Clausen often enhanced his seafaring abilities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in New York and shipped in the engine department. Brother Clausen’s most recent trip was on the Performance. He makes his home in Lexington, Md. KENNETH DUFRENE Brother Kenneth Dufrene, 65, was born in Los Angeles. He joined the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Dufrene first worked aboard the Overseas Chicago. The deck department member upgraded in 2000 and in 2001 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dufrene’s last ship was the USNS Bob Hope. He resides in Springdale, Ark. JOHN PERSLEY JR. Brother John Persley Jr., 65, donned the SIU colors in 1966 while in San Francisco. He initially sailed on the Elizabeth as a member of the engine department. Brother Persley is a Louisiana native. In 1973, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Persley’s final voyage was March 2010 aboard the Grand Canyon State. He now calls DeBerry, Texas, home. ALI SALEH Brother Ali Saleh, 58, joined the SIU ranks in 1975 while in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Mobile; his last was the Cape Intrepid. Brother Saleh was born in Yemen. He worked in the deck department. Brother Saleh attended classes in 2002 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He is a resident of Tacoma, Wash. ASSIE STATHAM Brother Assie Statham, 65, became a union member in 1988. His earliest trip to sea was on the USNS Lynch. Brother Statham frequently took advantage of upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school. The steward department member was born in Florida. Brother Statham’s final ship was the Guayama. He lives in Jacksonville, Fla. INLAND MILTON BROOKS Brother Milton Brooks, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1986. He was initially employed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Brooks sailed in the deck department. His last trip was aboard a vessel operated by Orgulf Transport Company. Brother Brooks makes his home in Tampa. DENNIS CUMISKEY Brother Dennis Cumiskey, 62, became an SIU member in 1969. He first shipped with Meyle Towing Company as a member of the deck department. Brother Cumiskey attended classes on three occasions at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He last worked aboard a vessel operated by Taylor Marine Towing. Brother Cumiskey lives in Jenkintown, Pa. LEO COOPER Brother Leo Cooper, 62, was born in St. Louis. He sailed with Hvide Marine for the duration of his career. Brother Cooper upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. The engine department member now calls Harvey, La., home. VLADIMIR SALAMON Brother Vladimir Salamon, 69, started sailing with the union in 1997 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He was primarily employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Salamon was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia, and shipped in the deck department. He enhanced his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Maryland. Brother Salamon settled in San Pedro, Calif. ROBERT STICKNEY Brother Robert Stickney, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1972 while in the port of Philadelphia. He mainly worked with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Stickney was born in Pennsylvania but calls Avalon, N.J., home. GOLDIE THOMAS Sister Goldie Thomas, 62, joined the union in 1995. She shipped mostly aboard Orgulf Transport Company vessels. Sister Thomas was a steward department member. She lives in East Prairie, Mo. GREAT LAKES RONALD DANDREA Brother Ronald Dandrea, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977 while in Duluth, Minn. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dandrea initially worked aboard the Austin as a member of the deck department. His last ship was the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Dandrea resides in Duluth. PHILIP PIFER Brother Philip Pifer, 56, became an SIU member in 1972 while in the port of Detroit. His first ship was the Columbia; his last the Alpena. Brother Pifer attended classes in 2003 at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The engine department member continues to live in his native state of Michigan. ALI QURAISH Brother Ali Quraish, 67, started sailing with the union in 1993. His earliest trip was aboard the John Boland. Brother Quraish, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Yemen. In 2002, he took advantage of educational opportunities at the union-affiliated school on Piney Point, Md. Brother Quraish was last employed on the Joseph H. Frantz. He is a resident of Dearborn, Mich. ALI SAEED Brother Ali Saeed, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1969. He was originally employed aboard the American Seaocean. Brother Saeed’s final trip was with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Saeed worked in the steward department and lives in Detroit. This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1942 Early in the morning on February 26, the SIU-contracted freighter S.S. Cassimir was rammed by the S.S. Lara off the coast of North Carolina and sank rapidly, taking her six SIU members and the chief mate. The same week the S.S. Raritan struck a shoal at Frying Pan Shoals about 1 a.m. Fortunately the entire crew was picked up by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel and landed at Oak Island, then was given transportation back to New York. During this same week, the S.S. Marore was attacked about midnight by three German submarines. Even though she was torpedoed and hit by more than 100 shells, the entire crew escaped in lifeboats. One of the boats rigged a sail and made port at Cape Hatteras. The other two boats, containing 25 men, were spotted by a Navy plane which directed a ship to their rescue. 1943 Effective March 15, the Recruitment and Manning Organization of the War Shipping Administration formulated new shipping rules governing the amount of time a seaman would be allowed to stay ashore between voyages. The rules provided that for any voyage of less than three full weeks, a seaman could only stay ashore four days. For a voyage of 15 full weeks or more, a seaman could stay ashore no longer than 30 days. In the event a seaman vio- lated his shore leave, the RMO would notify his draft board that the seaman was no longer an active seaman and he would be subject to induction. 1951 The war risk bonuses and the $10,000 life insurance for areas adjoining China, Korea and South Siberia were extended for six months until Sept. 30, 1951, the date the union’s contracts expire. This is the third time the bonuses were extended through negotiations since the Maritime War Emergency Board was dissolved last year. War risk coverage includes, besides insurance, a 100 percent bonus for sailing within any of the five areas adjoining the countries, $100 attack bonus and $2.50 a day for sailing in certain other somewhat less dangerous areas. 1963 Testimony began this week to discuss a plan introduced by U.S. Rep. Herbert C. Bonner (D-N.C.) to set up special machinery to deal with maritime labor disputes with the ultimate goal of enforcing mandatory arbitration in all shipping disputes. The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, on behalf of the SIU, its affiliates and other maritime unions, will make a full presentation of the opposition side of the bill before the congressional committee. If enacted, the proposal would rob maritime unions of collective bargaining and the right to strike for better wages and working conditions. Seafarers LOG 13 �58340_p01_20X:58340 2/22/2010 6:02 AM Page 14 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA LUIGI ALLELUIA Pensioner Luigi Alleluia, 82, died Oct. 16. Brother Alleluia became a Seafarer in 1961 while in the port of New York. His first trip was with Victory Carriers Inc. He was born in New Jersey and worked in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 1992, Brother Alleluia shipped on the Defender. He settled in Los Angeles. ALBERT AUSTIN Pensioner Albert Austin, 65, passed away Oct. 2. Brother Austin joined the SIU ranks in 1987 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His earliest trip to sea was aboard a Virginia Pilot Corporation vessel. Brother Austin, a member of the deck department, was born in North Carolina. His final voyage took place on the Cape Johnson. Brother Austin became a pensioner in 2008 and settled in Chesapeake, Va. GARY CORREY Pensioner Gary Correy, 70, died Oct. 13. Brother Correy began shipping with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1976 while in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Portland, Ore., and shipped in the steward department. Brother Correy’s final trip to sea took place on the Manukai. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1996 and made his home in Seattle. WILLIAM EMERSON Pensioner William Emerson, 93, passed away Oct. 7. He was born in Maryland. Brother Emerson started shipping with the union in 1966 in the port of New York. He initially sailed with Paco Tankers. 14 Seafarers LOG Brother Emerson was a member of the deck department. His final trip was aboard a Bethlehem Steel Corporation vessel. Brother Emerson went on pension in 1976 and continued to reside in his native state. THOMAS JINGLES Pensioner Thomas Jingles, 86, died Oct. 7. Brother Jingles signed on with the Marine Cooks & Stewards prior to their merger with the SIU. He joined in the port of San Francisco and worked in the steward department. Brother Jingles was born in Texas but called Fairfield, Calif., home. He retired in 1973. FRANK McCOLGAN Pensioner Frank McColgan, 87, passed away Oct. 21. Brother McColgan joined the union in 1961 while in the port of San Francisco. He was born in California and sailed in the steward department. Brother McColgan was last employed on the Santa Mercedes. He was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. Brother McColgan became a pensioner in 1979. MICHAEL MEFFERD Pensioner Michael Mefferd, 56, died Oct. 30. Brother Mefferd first donned the SIU colors in 1971. He originally shipped aboard a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Mefferd was born in New Orleans and sailed in the engine department. His most recent voyage was on the Buenos Aires. Brother Mefferd was a resident of Abita Springs, La. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 2008. ROBERT THOMAS Pensioner Robert Thomas, 88, passed away Oct. 16. Brother Thomas became a Seafarer in 1951. The Philadelphia native shipped in the steward department. Brother Thomas’s first vessel was operated by Waterman Steamship Corporation. His final trip was aboard the Beaver State. Brother Thomas went on pension in 1986 and continued to call Philadelphia home. CLIFFORD WHIPP Pensioner Clifford Whipp, 73, died Oct. 21. Brother Whipp was born in Washington, D.C. He began sailing with the union in 1968. Brother Whipp’s first ship was the Afoundria; his last was the Ranger. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Whipp lived in Baltimore. He retired in 2007. INLAND JOHN BLACKMON Pensioner John Blackmon, 83, passed away Oct. 10. Brother Blackmon, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the port of New York. His first trip was with Bloomfield Steamship Company. Brother Blackmon was born in Merryville, La. He was last employed aboard a G&H Towing vessel. Brother Blackmon started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987. He resided in Santa Fe, Texas. THOMAS BRADDY Pensioner Thomas Braddy, 85, died Oct. 31. Brother Braddy signed on with the union in the late 1950s. He worked primarily aboard Interstate Oil vessels. Brother Braddy settled in Greensboro, N.C. He became a pensioner in 1989. CHARLES HODGES Pensioner Charles Hodges, 74, passed away Oct. 27. Brother Hodges joined the union in 1957 in the port of Houston. He was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Hodges was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He went on pension in 1997. Brother Hodges made his home in Port Aransas, Texas. LEON MORGAN Pensioner Leon Morgan 77, died Oct. 18. Brother Morgan began sailing with the SIU in 1967 while in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked with Gellenthin Barge Lines. Brother Morgan was a New Jersey native. His final trip was with Interstate Oil Company. Brother Morgan was a resident of Estell Manor City, N.J. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1996. RONALD NEIBERT Pensioner Ronald Neibert, 72, passed away Oct. 15. Brother Neibert was born in Maryland. He started his SIU career in 1962. Brother Neibert primarily shipped aboard McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessels. The deck department member retired in 1994. Brother Neibert called Crownsville, Md., home. RUFUS PRITCHETT Pensioner Rufus Pritchett, 69, died Oct. 15. Brother Pritchett began sailing with the union in 1996 while in the port of Philadelphia. He was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Pritchett mainly worked with Crowley Liner Services during his seafaring career. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Salem, N.J. RALPH WICAL Pensioner Ralph Wical, 69, died Oct. 14. Brother Wical signed on with the SIU in 1981. The Iowa native initially sailed with Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Wical most recently worked with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville as a member of the deck department. He went on pension in 2005. Brother Wical was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. MANUEL LEBRON Pensioner Manuel Lebron, 88, passed away Aug. 17. The Puerto Rico native went on pension in 1970. Brother Lebron made his home in Orlando, Fla. Philadelphia. He retired in 2009. Brother Siegler lived in Shady Cove, Ore. ROBERT SMITH Pensioner Robert Smith, 83, died Aug. 23. Brother Smith was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He became a pensioner in 1990 and continued to reside in New York. JOHN SUITS Pensioner John Suits, 82, died Aug. 14. Brother Suits, a native of Norfolk, Va., went on pension in 1993. He made his home in Groves, Texas. KOH VEN Pensioner Koh Ven, 87, passed away Aug. 5. Brother Ven was born in China. He retired in 1987. Brother Ven called New York home. NORBERTO YBARRA Pensioner Norberto Ybarra, 84, died Aug. 5. Brother Ybarra was born in Beeville, Texas. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1984 and settled in Brazoria, Texas. Name Allen, Wynward Bade, Jose Barroso, Jose Brooks, Edward Gutierrez, Mario Pasea, Elton Pusey, Harold Rodriguez, Angel Rodriguez, Juan Rose, Gerald Williams, Freddie Age 99 78 88 91 87 87 89 85 83 84 73 DOD Oct. 14 Oct. 9 Oct. 24 Oct. 15 Oct. 7 Oct. 19 Oct. 18 Oct. 31 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Oct. 10 FREDERICK SIEGLER Pensioner Frederick Siegler, 66, passed away Aug. 8. Brother Siegler was a native of March 2010 �58340_p01_20X:58340 2/22/2010 6:37 AM Page 15 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings Pearl (APL Maritime), January 3 – Chairman Salim Ibrahim, Secretary Roger Griswold, Educational Director Joaquim Figueiredo, Deck Delegate William Rios, Steward Delegate David Johnson. Secretary reminded crew to clean rooms and leave clean linen for relief crew. Educational director reminded everyone of the value of upgrading their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs reported. Disputed OT resolved in deck department. Crew suggested modifications to pension requirements and stated contract needs to be clarified. Next port: Howland Hook, N.Y. CS Global Sentinel (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.), January 2 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir Tkachev, Deck Delegate Justin Beal, Steward Delegate Robert Haggerty. Chairman reported that new gym equipment, a television and furniture were purchased. He thanked steward department for a nice Christmas and thanked entire crew for keeping ship clean. Education director encouraged mariners to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Horizon Discovery (Horizon Lines), Dec. 6 – Chairman L.D. Jacobs, Secretary Gerald Kitsey, Educational Director C.A. Steward. Chairman advised crew to apply for passports and mariner credentials six to 11 months in advance. Secretary reminded crew to check the expiration of their TWIC cards and ensure their TWIC PIN numbers are accurate. Educational director recommended getting information about retirement plan from the union and to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggests changes to pension, vacation and medical plans and asks for a new couch. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department. Next port: Houston. Liberty Eagle (Liberty Maritime), January 17 – Chairman Juan Rivas, Secretary Fernando Guity, Educational Director Forrest McGee. Chairman thanked everyone for a great trip. Secretary reminded crew to check expiration of their documents. Educational director encouraged mariners to advance their careers by upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested form for vacation benefit. Crew suggested modifications in optical and dental coverage 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. and also requested a juice dispenser. Liberty Glory (Liberty Maritime), January 10 – Chairman Victor Beata, Secretary James Harris, Educational Director Marco Rodriguez. Chairman reminded everyone of a change of command aboard ship and thanked steward department for excellent food. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping ship clean. Educational director encouraged all to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported but the deck delegate requested a clarification on an aspect of overtime. Crew suggested an increase in pension benefit, a reduction in the number of days for retirement, a percentage of slop chest funds to be applied to the ship’s fund, direct deposit aboard ship and a television converter box or satellite television. Next port: Houston. Maersk Ohio (Maersk Line, Ltd.), January 3 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Fidelis Oliveira, Educational Director Brian Sengelaub. Chairman thanked everyone for an outstanding job and for keeping safety a top priority. He also advised crew to take care of their health, especially during long voyages. He thanked the steward department for good food and keeping a healthy environment. Secretary encouraged crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center opportunities and to remain safety conscious. Educational director recommended watching each other’s back when it comes to safety in all departments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested acquiring a new vacuum cleaner and reported fixing a coffee machine. Aboard the Horizon Producer Port Agent Amancio Crespo sent along these photos from a Feb. 8 servicing aboard the Horizon Producer in San Juan, P.R. In photo above, Recertified Steward George Monseur helps prepare breakfast. In the other snapshot, Chief Cook Bill Blees (right) serves a meal to Bosun Carlos Marcial. Overseas Nikiski (Overseas Shipholding Group), Dec. 30 – Chairman Albert Williams, Secretary Joseph Emidy, Educational Director Ben Matthews. Chairman thanked crew for working safely together. Secretary read SIU president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Educational director reminded everyone of the training opportunities at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. Sealand Racer (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 27 – Chairman March 2010 Thomas Flanagan, Secretary Donna Taylor, Educational Director Paul Titus, Deck Delegate Mark Smith. Chairman thanked everyone for a good, safe trip and for keeping their spaces clean. He reminded crew to keep up on their documents and physicals. Educational director encouraged all to keep upgrading at Piney Point. Crew gave steward department vote of thanks for “great holiday meals and daily chow.” Next port: Charleston, S.C. Sunshine State (Crowley Maritime), January 25 – Chairman Richard Wilson, Secretary Susan Bowman, Deck Delegate Weston Hines, Engine Delegate Melvin Ratcliff, Steward Delegate Rere Paiti. Chairman reminded crew about parameters for vacation benefits. He also thanked steward department for their hard work and mentioned the captain is working to get a computer and e-mail access on board for the crew. Crew suggested that direct deposit for vacation pay be established and also asked for increase in vacation days to reflect inflation. Next port: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Seafarers LOG 15 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:47 PM Page 16 Pictured above are GVA Gilbert Regalado, Cadet Mak Maley, GVA Jamie Merced, Bosun Daniel Davenport, AB Dennis Bracamonte and AB Noel Camacho. GVAs Gilberto Regalado and Jamie Merced With Seafarers Aboard the Jean Anne These photos were submitted by SIU Wilmington (Calif.) Safety Director Abdul Al-Omari following a Jan. 8 payoff aboard the car carrier Jean Anne in San Diego. The Jean Anne is operated by Interocean American Shipping for Pasha Hawaii Transport. Steward/Baker Ronnie Newman QMED Clinton Cephas Chief Cook Ingra Maddox AB Noel Camacho 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 16 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. March 2010 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:47 PM Page 17 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 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion BST/Basic Firefighting April 26 May 24 June 21 April 30 May 28 June 25 Medical Care Provider March 22 April 19 June 14 March 26 April 23 June 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Steward Recertification Deck Department Upgrading Courses April 12 May 3 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Able Seaman April 26 June 21 May 21 July 16 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began Feb. 22. ARPA April 19 April 23 Bosun Recertification October 18 November 8 Celestial Navigation May 24 June 18 Fast Rescue Boat Lifeboatman May 3 June 21 June 7 May 7 June 25 June 18 Radar Observer (Unlimited) April 5 April 16 Radar Recertification March 29 June 21 March 29 June 21 March 8 May 10 March 19 May 21 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 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Engine Department Upgrading Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations March 29 May 24 April 23 June 18 FOWT April 26 June 21 May 21 July 16 Marine Electrician March 22 May 15 Welding March 8 April 5 May 10 June 7 March 26 April 23 May 28 June 25 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting March 8 May 31 March 19 June 11 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name __________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. Email 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. 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 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. _______________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ Deep Sea Member ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # __________________________ Seniority_____________________________ 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ March 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. 3/10 Seafarers LOG 17 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:47 PM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Training Classes Five individuals recently completed various computer classes while attending upgrade training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Rich Prucha (second from right in photo at left, and at left and right respectively in the other two photos) served as instructor for each of the classes. Finishing classes (clockwise from photo at left) were: Frank Strong, Rodolfo Espinaldo and Glenn Agustin; Gary Timmons; and David Spaulding. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 726 – Seventeen unlicensed apprentices completed their requirements in this 60-hour water survival course Dec. 11. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Billingsley, Charles Burnham, Joshua Clemente, Kevin Cunningham, Derek Gomez, William Harrison, Jon Hutchins, Shannan Iaea, Ryan Landers, Daniel Linkletter, Marchez Mosley, Timothy Parks, Zachary Pollman, Warren Sacca, Osamah Saleh, Samiel Thomas and Gary Youman. Medical Care Provider – Four upgraders completed their training requirements in Medical Care Provider – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on Jan. this 21-hour course Jan. 15. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Michael Brown, Isabelo Fernandez, Candido Molina and David Spaulding. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. 29 completed their training in this course: Tyler Adams, Richard Barnes, Dexter Bonner, Scott Ellis, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancock, John Howard, Timothy Huth, Fabian Lanzy and Filiberto Moreira. Mark Cates, their instructor, is fourth from left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) GMDSS – Seven upgraders on Jan. 29 completed their training in this 70-hour course. Graduating (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Lisa Hamilton, Richard Huffman, Robert Knowlton, Jeremy Scheil, Martin Simmons Jr., Annie Walker and William White. James Mixon, their instructor, is second from the right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 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. 18 Seafarers LOG March 2010 �58340_p01_20:58340 2/18/2010 9:47 PM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Two classes of Phase III apprentices completed their requirements in this 63-hour course Jan. 22. Graduating (photo above, in alphabetical order) were: Ali Alhamyari, Bryan Alvarez-Santana, Kareem Batxter, Beau Blicher, Ryan BOltz, Roberto Borras-Valencia, Jonathan ChaparroLorenzo, Jose Crespo, Amancio Crespo, Christepher Cross, Will Dalton, Christopher Dehr, Jacob Diefenbach, Ricky Gault Jr., Mayra Gines-Ontero, Jason Greene, Timothy Hess, Tyler Hicks, Jordache Hunter, Sharon Joyner, Adam Lloyd, Allen Ludlow, Tremaini McCoy, Julio Perez, Grayson Ross, Zachary Ross, David Santiago-Arroyo and Antoine White. Junior Engineer – The following upgraders (photo at left, in alphabetical order) on Feb. 26 completed this course: Thomas Bain, Edgardo Barrios, Rosalio Cordova, Kevin Daughtry, Charles Ellsworth, Kenneth Evett, Edley Foster, Hugh Haynes, Reginald Hunter, Gilbert Johnson, Loreto Labajo, Kevin Lewis, Anibal Lopes, Sjamsidar Madijidji, Getolio Medallo, Robert Ott, Gilbert Preyer, Tijani Rashid, Stephen Roseberry, Kenny Spivey, Pati Taototo, Enrique Valez-Vallejo, Sanjay Waidyarachchi, and Mariano Ylaya. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is fourth from left. (Note: Not all are pictured) BST (Hawaii) -The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Jan. 16 completed this course at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Tavia McDonald, Adia RaSun, Charles Rodriguez, Christopher Span, Karthikeyan Sundararajan, Alberto Villa, Karen Rosenthal, Eddie Williams, Mikal Davis, Nicole DeSanto, Kellie Foster, Bradley Jurss, Jonathan McKee, Matthew Fogal, La’Cee Brown and Ronald Feder. March 2010 BST (HAWAII) - Fourteen individuals completed this training at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii Jan. 23. Finishing the course (above, in no particular rder) were: William Tregenza, Thomas Alford, Jordan Bartkus, Oscar Plesco, Dung Tran, Blaze Chastain, Johannan Izigzon, Michael Perkowski, Dwight Little, Christine Norvell, Alica Olson, Brian Fisher, Ebony McMurray and Benjamin Rummery. Seafarers LOG 19 �58340_p01_20X:58340 2/22/2010 6:02 AM Page 20 Volume 72, Number 3 March 2010 Snapshots from the Pride of America - Page 7 U.S.-flag shipping (photo inset) on the Great Lakes is vital to the nation’s economy. The H. Lee White (left) is part of American Steamship Company’s SIU-crewed fleet. Seafarers including those pictured in the photos above and below sail on many different types of Great Lakes vessels and tugs. SIU-contracted Lakes ships call on dozens and dozens of ports and contribute to an annual cargo load which has totaled as much as 200 million tons. Lakes Seafarers Keep Cargo Moving S IU members play important roles in helping to keep cargo moving on the Great Lakes. Seafarers in that region sale aboard a wide variety of vessels including self-unloaders of up to 1,000 feet, dredges, tugboats and more. The material transported by SIU-crewed Great Lakes vessels is vital to America’s economy. For example, more than 70 percent of the country’s steelmaking capacity is based in the Great Lakes area. Overall, Great Lakes shipping has been described as one of the foundations of the U.S. and North American economies. The photos on this page were taken in early November aboard the Seafarers-crewed H. Lee White while the vessel was in Detroit. The 704-foot ship is operated by American Steamship Company. It is used in general trades, transporting iron ore pellets, coal, limestone and grain. Lakes cargoes include iron ore, stone, coal, cement, salt, sand, and grain. AMO Steward Mary Engebretson serves lunch. Helping keep the galley spotless is SA Gary Lapczynski. Recertified Bosun Bill Mulcahy relays information aboard the ship. Oiler/Conveyorman Dean Parks checks available inventory. � 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 March 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MAERSK ADDS 2 RO/ROS TO AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET VESSELS SIGNAL NEW SHIPBOARD JOBS FOR SIU SEAFARERS ANSWER CALL IN HAITI NEXT T-AKE SHIP, USNS DREW, SET FOR CHRISTENING CONGRESSIONAL ‘SAIL-IN’ ANNOUNCED SIU-CREWED MAERSK FLEET GROWS BY 2 AMERICAN MARITIME UNION PRESIDENTS URGE ADDITIONAL EFFORTS IN ANTI-PIRACY CAMPAIGN PAUL HALL GETS TOP MARKS FROM NMC AFL-CIO PRESIDENT TRUMKA DISCUSSES EFFORTS, VISION OF LABOR MOVEMENT SEAFARERS ENSURE SMOOTH SAILING ABOARD PRIDE OF AMERICA STUDY: UNIONS BOOST WAGES, BENEFITS CRESCENT BOATMEN, COMPANY REPS EMPHASIZE SAFETY OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE SEAFARERS ANSWER THE CALL, HELP DELIVER RELIEF TO HAITI WITH SEAFARERS ABOARD THE JEAN ANNE LAKES SEAFARERS KEEP CARGO MOVING 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 03/01/2010 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. 3 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6d45906ff252aa8000a4b7161f85944c.pdf de8aa5d7f165826d4a8b54b5e42d3e6c PDF Text Text 58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:13 AM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 4 April 2010 Military Leaders, Other MTD Speakers Reinforce Support for U.S. Mariners At the most recent meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board, guest speakers emphasized appreciation and support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Most mentioned the relief mission in Haiti as yet another example of the U.S.-crewed, American-flag fleet’s dependability. Clockwise beginning at upper left, left to right in each photo, some of the guest speakers from the Feb. 25-26 meeting in Orlando, Fla., are pictured with SIU officials as follows: SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco and General Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Vice Admiral Mark Buzby, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, and SIU Government Services VP Kermett Mangram; Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Richard Lidinsky and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez; and SIU Sec.Treasurer David Heindel and AFL-CIO Sec.-Treasure Liz Shuler. Coverage starts on page 3 and continues on pages 9-13. USNS Comfort Returns Home Liberty Promise Becomes Newest Vessel to Join SIU-Crewed Fleet The car carrier Liberty Promise (right) recently joined the SIU-contracted fleet, signaling more job opportunities. SIU members man the vessel’s unlicensed positions in all three shipboard departments. Page 3. Following a successful deployment for Operation Unified Response, the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort last month returned to its home port, Baltimore. SIU Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (left) welcomes Bosun Gerald Butch shortly after the vessel docked on March 19. Previously, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen visited crew members while the ship was in Haiti. Page 24. Finance Committee Approves Records Snapshots from New Ship Mohegan Page 2 Page 4 Important Notice to Seafarers Page 15 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:14 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Effective Partnership Good for America A highlight from the recent meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board was the presentation by General Duncan McNabb, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command. Depending on whether you’re reading this article on the web or in our union newspaper, you may already have seen General McNabb’s photo and read some of his remarks to the MTD. In any case, he was very gracious and undoubtedly sincere when he described the American-flag maritime industry – including SIU members and other U.S. civilian mariners – as valuable partners who boost our national and economic security. A few weeks later, he made similar, supportive statements when testifying before the House Armed Services Committee. On March 17, General McNabb said, “One of our greatest advantages over any adversary is our nation’s strategic ability to move – it is a crown jewel in our National Strategy and gives us our true global reach.” Part of that capability is the U.S. Military Sealift Michael Sacco Command, one of the Transportation Command’s components. He also urged continued support of pro-maritime initiatives including the Maritime Security Program (MSP), among others. And he said that TRANSCOM’s partnerships with the U.S. commercial sealift industry “give us critical access to U.S. commercial capability while ensuring the availability of a viable U.S.-flag maritime industry and U.S. citizen mariner pool in times of national emergency.” It’s an honor for our industry to have the support of a leader like General McNabb, and I know we’ll continue to earn his trust and confidence. One of the steps that will help us accomplish that goal is the extension and expansion of the MSP. As the SIU noted in our own testimony prepared for a separate Congressional hearing last month, the current version of the program expires in just a few short years. It would cost literally billions of dollars to replicate the tonnage and infrastructure currently available to our military through MSP. The cost of replacing the manpower pool really cannot be measured. When you add it all together, you get a program which has been described year after year by our nation’s military leaders, including General McNabb, as an invaluable bargain. The bottom line is that the MSP is a proven, effective program with widespread backing. It benefits not only our industry but our nation. Health Care The fight over health insurance reform has been intense and complicated, as was evident when the House recently passed health care legislation patterned after the bill approved by the Senate on Christmas Eve. If there’s one thing everyone seems to agree on – supporters and opponents alike – it’s that the newly signed bill isn’t perfect. While it’s too soon to know in fine detail exactly how the new rules and regulations will affect the SIU, for the most part it doesn’t appear as if they will mean much to people who already have medical benefits through their employer. As our old-timers know, the SIU has always made sure we could afford the benefits we offered our members and their families. The biggest changes apply to the uninsured – an additional 32 million people will be covered. We will continue analyzing what it all means for the Seafarers Plans and we’ll be reporting on it. Meanwhile, this bill contains a number of labor-supported improvements, not the least of which is the elimination of denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions. It also bans charging higher rates due to pre-existing conditions and outlaws the practice of insurers dropping coverage when someone files a claim or is diagnosed with a condition requiring expensive treatment. Other key components include eliminating 85 percent of the tax on benefits (contained in the Senate bill) that would have penalized working families. Instead, the bill signed by President Obama substitutes a tax on the wealthy stipulating that Medicare contributions be paid on unearned income. It also extends the age for dependent coverage to 26. Again, the bill isn’t perfect, but it’s not the abomination that some are portraying it to be. It’s a start and it’s something we can build on. Volume 72, Number 4 The double-hulled vessel Overseas Martinez, pictured during its launch in Philadelphia, is part of the largest-ever commercial order for tankers. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Launches Overseas Martinez Tanker will be Operated By SIU-Contracted OSG The SIU-contracted fleet continued on its course to expansion March 10 as Aker Philadelphia Shipyard launched the ninth Veteran Class MT-46 product tanker in a series of 12 such ships to be completed by 2011. A 46,000 dwt vessel, Ship 013 was floated off of its blocks and was transferred by tug from the shipyard’s building dock to the outfitting dock. It was expected to remain in that location for a few weeks while undergoing continuous testing and commissioning in preparation for its upcoming sea trials. When completed, the 600-foot-long vessel, to be named the Overseas Martinez, will be sold to American Shipping Company and bareboat chartered to union-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) for use transporting petroleum products. A double-hulled tanker, she will join her Akerbuilt sister ships—the Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City, Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski and Overseas Cascade—which are crewed by members of the SIU. Each vessel is diesel powered with a beam of roughly 105 feet. They can carry 332,000 barrels apiece and sail at speeds in excess of 14 knots. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is a union-contracted facility and a leading U.S. commercial yard building vessels for operation in the Jones Act market. The Jones Act is a law that protects United States national and economic security by stipulating that vessels travelling from one domestic port to another be crewed, built, owned and flagged American. Union’s Financial Records for 2009 Reviewed, Approved by Members Each year, in accordance with the union’s constitution, a committee of rank-and-file SIU members closely reviews the organization’s financial records for the prior year. This routine-but-important scenario played out again last month, as seven Seafarers found the SIU’s financial records for 2009 in good order. Those members were elected March 8 by fellow rank-andfile Seafarers to serve on the financial committee. They scrutinized all of the appropriate records that same week, meeting at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Again in accordance with the SIU Constitution, the committee’s report will be read in all ports at the union’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. The report formally has been presented to the SIU secretary-treasurer. Serving on the committee following their election at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., were Seafarers Gerard Costello (chairman), Army Joe Leake, Kimberly Strate, Cecil Williams, Aubrey Davis, Thomas Woerner and Robert Ott. In its report, the committee, using traditional phrasing, stated, “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 report further pointed out, “Representatives of the certified public accounting firm who periodically audit the union’s books and records explained their auditing procedures for the checking of the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records. They further discussed with us the overall financial operation of the union. In addition, the secretary-treasurer worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to the committee…. All of said records were, in fact, examined by the committee.” 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. April 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 Committee members and SIU officials are pictured at union headquarters. Seated from left to right are QE4 Cecil Williams, Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis, QEP Thomas Woerner and QMED Robert Ott. Standing (from left) are Chief Steward Army Joe Leake, Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Chief Steward Kimberly Strate, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello and Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel. April 2010 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:13 AM Page 3 MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (photo at right) encourages board members and guests. The meeting room (above) is packed for a detailed presentation from Gen. McNabb, commander of TRANSCOM. MTD Speakers Credit Maritime Labor Many Cite Haiti Relief Ops as Latest Example of Mariners’ Reliability An impressive array of guest speakers at the most recent Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board meeting praised the U.S. Merchant Marine for its dependability and said America simply cannot afford to do without a strong U.S.-flag fleet. A number of those speakers, including the respective leaders of the U.S. Transportation Command and the U.S. Military Sealift Command, pointed to Operation Unified Response in Haiti as yet another prime example of how civilian mariners and the industry as a whole always answers our nation’s call. Representatives from the military, the Obama administration, labor and business addressed the board Feb. 25-26 in Orlando, Fla. Their insights and support helped MTD officials hone strategies designed to boost not only maritime workers but America’s working families in general. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD, which is a constitutionally mandated depart- ment of the AFL-CIO. The MTD consists of 23 international unions and 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 5.5 million working men and women. In his opening remarks, Sacco said that while organized labor undoubtedly feels some frustration about the economy and on issues including health care and the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), neither the MTD nor its individual affiliates or port maritime councils will abandon efforts to advocate for working families. “There is nothing in front of us that we can’t overcome,” he told the audience. “We are still in a position where we have a fighting chance to stand up for our members and for all working families. We are still in a position where we have a pro-labor White House and Congress. And we’re smart enough and experienced enough to know that we simply have no choice but to stay in the fight.” In order of appearance, the following guest speakers addressed the board Feb. 25: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, commander of MSC; Eric Smith, vice president and chief commercial officer of OSG America; Stephen Cotton, International Transport Workers’ Liberty Promise Reflags Under ‘Stars and Stripes,’ Adds More Job Opportunities for Seafarers More shipboard opportunities recently appeared on the union’s job radar with the delivery of the Liberty Maritime Corporation (LMC)-operated MV Liberty Promise into the U.S. fleet. A roll on/roll off platform, the Liberty Promise becomes the ninth vessel in LMC’s SIU-crewed fleet. She joins fellow RO/RO sister ships the Alliance New April 2010 York and the Liberty Pride along with bulk carriers Liberty Eagle, Liberty Glory, Liberty Grace, Liberty Spirit, Liberty Star, and Liberty Sun in LMC’s flotilla of vessels which sail under the Stars and Stripes. Like the Liberty Pride, which entered the American-flag fleet late last year, the Liberty Promise also is a pure car and truck carrier. LMC’s affil- Federation maritime coordinator; Frank Larkin, communications representative from the International Association of Machinists; and Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris. A day later, the following individuals spoke to the board: U.S. Air Force General Duncan McNabb, commander of TRANSCOM; U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Brian Salerno, the agency’s assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship; Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Richard Lidinsky; U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda; and AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Liz Shuler. As the meeting concluded, on behalf of the MTD and its port councils and affiliate unions, President Sacco and other officials presented a check for the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers’ Campaign. Altogether, the MTD and its affiliates donated more than $82,000, including contributions from SIU members. See pages 9-13 for detailed coverage of the MTD meeting iate, Liberty Global Logistics, will employ the vessel together with its sisterships, the MV Alliance New York and MV Liberty Pride, in the worldwide international trade focusing on providing first class service to the United States military and other customers. Seafarers are manning the vessel’s unlicensed positions in all three shipboard departments. Current crew members include Bosun Mark Lance, ABs Benjamin Wright, Hector Barnes, Ryanne Wheeler, Delroy Brown and Lawrence Tharp; Oilers Alexander Kramer and Lee Roy Wright; Steward Baker Gergory Melvinand SA Richard Gegenheimer. The Liberty Promise was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea. She boasts a draft of 32.8 feet and has a 105.44-foot beam. The Promise has a total deck cargo area of more than 584,000 square feet and is rated to carry 6,100 small cars. She is 656 feet in length, has a MAN B7W 7S60MCC6 engine and can sail at a service speed of 20.5 knots. “We are delighted to take delivery of the MV Liberty Promise, our second newly constructed, state of the art, pure car truck carrier, and to bring it into the U.S. flag fleet to serve the needs of our nation’s military personnel,” said Philip J. Shapiro, Liberty’s President and CEO. “We also salute the men and women of our U.S. citizen crew, comprised of well trained members of the SIU and the MEBA, and wish them fair winds and following seas,” he concluded. “The addition of the Liberty Promise to the U.S.-flag fleet means more jobs for SIU members,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s great news not only for the union but also for the country during these very trying economic times.” Liberty Maritime Corporation is based in Lake Success, N.Y. Formed in 1988 as the operating entity for various deep sea oceangoing dry bulk carrier vessels owned by Liberty Shipping Group, the LMC is one of the largest privately held independent operators of U.S.-flag dry bulk carrier vessels. Its American-flag fleet operates in both the preference trades of the United States and the international commercial trades. The Liberty Maritime operated Liberty Promise (above and in photo at left) is shown during sea trials last month. A pure car and truck carrier, the vessel is the latest platform to join the SIU-contracted fleet. Seafarers LOG 3 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:14 AM Page 4 Containership MV Mohegan Delivering Cargo for MSC The containership MV Mohegan, one of the newest additions to the Seafarers-crewed fleet, is delivering cargo for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) following its recent reflagging into the American registry. Operated by Sealift Inc., the vessel is sailing on resupply mis- sions to Diego Garcia in a shuttle service from Singapore. The ship was built in 1994. Formerly named the Rio Bogota, it was reflagged U.S. late last year and then was delivered to MSC the first week of January. The charter for the Mohegan may extend up to five years if all options are exercised. Operated by Sealift Inc., the Mohegan is under charter for up to five years The vessel was built in 1994. This photo was taken aboard the ship late last year while the vessel was reflagging overseas. Pictured from left to right are (sitting) AB Anthony Pace, Recertified Steward William Bragg (standing), SIU Guam Port Agent John Hoskins, AB Chris Johnson, OMU Terry Abbott, OMU Mike Jones and AB Kenneth Taylor. Navy Confirms 2 More T-AKE Orders New Builds will Boost Lewis and Clark-Class Fleet to 14 Despite the fears and woes that the recession and unemployment rates are causing for many, U.S. mariners can breathe a little easier than most due to the introduction of new ships and jobs into the U.S.-flag fleet. For example, the U.S. Military Sealift Command recently announced it will follow through on its plans for additional Lewis and Clark-class T-AKE ship construction; the agency has committed budget money to add two more such vessels to its fleet. The original plan for the dry cargo/ammunition ships was to award contracts for the construction of six vessels with an option for six more at a later date. Due to the success of the program, the Defense Department announced the funding of T-AKE 13 and T-AKE 14, to be built by unioncontracted General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. T-AKE 13 is the future USNS Medgar Evans and T-AKE 14 has yet to be named. Construction of the ships is scheduled to begin in the second and fourth quarters of 2010, respectively. According to MSC, T-AKEs allow Navy ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready, for extended periods of time. The ships are crewed by approximately 124 civil service mariners and 11 U.S. Navy sailors, who provide supply coordination. 4 Seafarers LOG SIU Government Services Division members sail in the unlicensed positions aboard the Lewis and Clark-class T-AKE ships. In other recent news about the TAKEs, the U.S. Navy christened and launched the USNS Charles Drew (TAKE 10) in February. The ship honors Dr. Charles Drew, an American physician, regarded as the father of the blood bank, who researched and developed methods of blood collection, plasma processing and storage. Drew’s research in blood storage first benefited soldiers in the field during World War II, but has continued to save the lives of millions of people worldwide. His blood bank design is still the model for modern hospitals and for organizations such as the American Red Cross. Also in February, NASSCO delivered the USNS Matthew Perry (TAKE 9) to the Navy. The ship is named in memory of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the U.S. Navy officer who established American trade with Japan in the mid-19th Century. The USNS Charles Drew (above) slides into the water following its christening Feb. 27, at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Sarah E. Burford, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific Public Affairs). Union-contracted NASSCO delivered the USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) (photo at left) to the Navy in February. April 2010 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:15 AM Page 5 List of Nations to Ratify ILO 185 Grows to 17 United States, Canada Still Lagging on Measure In late February, the International Labor Organization (ILO) reported that Russia had become the latest nation to ratify a convention known as the Seafarers Identity Document No. 185 (typically abbreviated as ILO 185). This brings the number of ratifications of the convention up to 17. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) pointed out that so far in 2010, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina also have ratified ILO 185. “The ratification shows that this convention is still relevant,” said ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary Jon Whitlow. “This should encourage other countries to do likewise.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who serves as first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, said the recent ratifications are bittersweet in that they once again indirectly call attention to the fact that neither the U.S. nor Canada has signed off on the agreement. “This convention is important to all mariners, not just U.S. mariners,” Heindel stated. “When our seafarers go abroad, it’s critical that we have an ILO 185-compliant document. And when seafarers of other nations sail to our shores we should not further complicate their profession by restricting their ability go ashore. To that end, America should ratify this important convention immediately.” According to the ILO, the Seafarers Identity Documents Convention of 2003 (No. 185) revises the earlier Seafarers Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108). The new convention, among other things, covers shore leave and is aimed at helping enable mariners to go ashore in foreign ports. “The much-needed changes of 2003 relate to the identification of the seafarers,” the agency pointed out. “They have radically enhanced the security features as well as the uniformity of the Seafarers Identity Document (SID) that countries are required to issue to their seafarers and lay down minimum requirements with respect to the countries’ processes and procedures for the issuance of SIDs.” In late February, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board approved a statement on this topic. The resolution in part reads: “ILO 185 … calls for nations to use state-of-the-art technology to verify the identity of mariners documented by their countries. These documents would be audited every five years. They would eliminate the need for visas for shore leave. “Maritime unions throughout the world, including those belonging to the MTD, believe such a technologically advanced document would provide greater security for ports while allowing mariners to disembark vessels when in port. However, despite being the originator of the proposal in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the United States – as well as Canada – is among the nations who have failed to ratify ILO 185…. “The MTD and its unions believe [ILO 185] deserves support and ratification. The United States and Canada should take the lead in doing so in order that mariners around the world will have safer and better working conditions.” The International Labor Organization is a United Nations agency self-described as “bringing together governments, employers and workers of its member states in common action to promote decent work throughout the world.” The ITF has more than 750 affiliated unions representing more than 4.6 million transport workers in 154 countries. Tanker Modified for Shuttle Service Seafarers and SIU officials in early March helped commemorate the conversion of the tanker Overseas Cascade (above), which was modified for shuttle service. A ceremony took place March 4 in Charleston, S.C. For a related story, see page 12. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) and VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (left) congratulate U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) on receiving a prestigious award from a Great Lakes coalition. U.S. Rep. Sutton Honored By Great Lakes Coalition SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware, OSG Senior VP Capt. Robert Johnston SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware, OSG VP and CCO Eric Smith The SIU crew aboard the tanker includes (from left) AB Romualdo Medina, OMU Marcos Arriola, QEP Victor Quioto and ABs Jonathan Weaver, Lawrence Hernandez, Julio Arzu and Silvio Lino. April 2010 U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) recently was honored by a key maritime industry coalition because of her lifelong commitment to American-made goods and the workers who produce them, as well as for her dedication to saving and creating jobs. In an early February ceremony in Washington, D.C., Sutton received the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) 2010 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award. The task force is the largest labor/management coalition representing workers and industries dependent on shipping on the Great Lakes. The SIU is one of its members; SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski attended the award presentation. The president of the GLMTF, James H.I. Weakley, said that in addition to her many other accomplishments, Sutton’s leading role in helping enact the program known as Cash for Clunkers “made her our overwhelming choice” for this year’s award. He pointed out there is a strong connection between shipping on America’s fourth sea coast and the automotive industry. “On average, a car requires 1,600 pounds of steel, so the Cash for Clunkers program means 265,000 tons of American-made steel is moving people about the country,” Weakley said. “Iron ore, the primary ingredient in steel, is the largest cargo on the Great Lakes. It takes about 1.5 tons of iron ore to make a ton of steel, so those vehicles consumed nearly 400,000 tons of Minnesota and Michigan iron ore that moved from mine to mill in U.S.-Flag lakers.” John D. Baker, first vice president of the coalition said the only thing stronger than Sutton’s commitment to the environment is her allegiance to American labor and enterprise. “I have known Betty for many years. Time after time she has stood firm with American labor and American companies,” he stated. Rep. Sutton has made other significant contributions to Great Lakes shipping since being elected to the House of Representatives in 2006. She serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and serves as co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Job Creation. Seafarers LOG 5 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 9:50 AM Page 6 Retired SIU Official Babkowski Passes Away in N.J. at Age 91 Theodore “Teddy” Babkowski, a retired SIU official who took part in virtually all of the union’s earliest fights, passed away Feb. 21 at his home in Kendall Park, N.J. He was 91. Babkowski joined the union in 1941 in Philadelphia and sailed in all combat zones during World War II. A member of the deck department, he helped organize the Isthmian fleet, was active in the 1946 general strike and participated in many of the other beefs which helped lay the SIU’s foundation. He came ashore after the war to work for the union as a port representative in New York, where he spent much of his career. Before retiring in 1983, he also at various times served the union on the West Coast (including Seattle) and at other East Coast locations including Baltimore and Piney Point, Md. “He was a good union man – a real fighter,” remembered SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was involved in a lot of battles in the early days of the union and was one of the builders. He helped organize a lot of companies.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez recalled that Babkowski was the patrolman on Tellez’s first payoff as a mariner, which took place in Italy. “He later broke me in on the waterfront,” Tellez said. “Ted dedicated a lot of years to the SIU and had a unique way of resolving beefs. He was a good guy.” SIU New York Port Agent Bob Selzer knew Babkowski for more than 50 years. “He was a good man and was well-liked by the membership,” Selzer stated. “He broke many guys in and was a good union official. He was just a wonderful guy.” Retired SIU Piney Point Port Agent Edd Morris remembered Babkowski as quiet and serious during the union’s earlier years, “but then, those were some trying days as we were growing. While (then SIU President) Paul Hall had all those sleepless nights and constant campaigns, Teddy and all of us were handling the orchestration of Paul’s conductorship. “We have many unsung heroes who enabled what we take for granted today. I am glad that Teddy is being recognized at his passing, as he played an important role.” Babkowski was a native of Wilkes Barre, Pa., which also was the site of his funeral. Family members remembered him as a loving husband and father and a proud grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, three children and three grandchildren. Off-watch members of the MV Sea-Land Champion prepare to commence burial at sea ceremonies for the late Seafarer Norman Evans. Brotherhood of the Sea Memorializes Steward Retired SIU official Teddy Babkowski sailed throughout WWII before coming ashore to work for the union. In this photo from late 1979, Patrolman Teddy Babkowski (seated) fills out a dues receipt for Chief Steward Joe Speller (fourth from left) aboard the Sealand Anchorage. Also pictured are (from left) AB Osman Malip, Recertified Bosun George Burke and Engine Delegate Raymond Collazo With Seafarers in Puerto Rico These recent snapshots were taken at the hall in Santurce, P.R. In the top photo, Bosun Dion Tury (center) helps with some repairs and other tasks, assisted by retiree Luigi Roman (left) and Port Agent Amancio Crespo. In the other photo, the port agent welcomes back AB Anibal Vega, who had just finished a long voyage. Vega is displaying his new “A” seniority book. 6 Seafarers LOG The ashes of the late Seafarer Norman Evans were scattered at sea Sept. 20 from aboard the SIUcrewed MV Sea-Land Champion. A retired Recertified Steward, Brother Evans passed away Aug. 30, 2009 at the age of 72. He retired in 2000 after proudly sailing under the SIU banner for nearly 30 years. In accordance with his wishes, the ceremony was held off the West Coast of Amsterdam, the Netherlands at Latitude 31-59.9, and Longitude 07805.5W. A memorial service was conducted by MV Sea-Land Champion Master John W. Muir and attended by all off-watch members of the crew, each of whom were fellow SIU union brothers of Brother Evans. Included were Bosun James Walker, ABs Richard Gathers, Brian Gauntt, Rubin Mitchell and Christopher Johnson, Electrician Dennis Baker, QMED Gregorio Blanco, DEU Andre Mitchell, Steward Gregory Melvin, SA Dagoberto Guavara and Cook Michael Harris. Chief Mate Richard Boullion also attended the service. During his ceremonial remarks, Master Muir in part said, “We commit the earthly remains of Norman W. Evans to the deep, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. From water, all life arises. Mother of waters, Father of rain, you have taken back your own. “As a stream flows into a river, as a river flows into the sea, may Norman W. Evans’ spirit flow to the waters of the healing, to the waters of rebirth.” AB Mitchell spoke during the services on behalf of the crew. Senator Vitter to Receive ‘Salute to Congress’ Award The International Propeller Club of the United States recently announced it is bestowing its 2010 “Salute to Congress Award” to Sen. David Vitter (R-La.). Vitter, a staunch supporter of the American maritime industry who serves on three Senate committees with substantial jurisdiction over maritime, will be the 26th recipient of the annual award. It is scheduled to be presented April 27 at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Vitter’s senatorial resume includes service on the Senate Committee on Armed Services, where he is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, and service on the Subcommittee on Personnel and the Subcommittee on Sea Power. Additionally, he is a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard and (separately) the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. During a past National Maritime Day ceremony, Vitter stated, “Each day, mariners perform a vital service in the global economy by ensuring that international trade proceeds without interruption. They work long hours in all kinds of weather. Whether they sail on the storm-tossed waves of the North Atlantic or the tropical heat of the South Pacific, these men and women perform their duties without recognition or fanfare.” According to the Propeller Club, the first Salute to Congress Award was presented to Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill in 1985. Recent recipients have included U.S. Reps. James Oberstar, (D-Minn.), Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) and Duncan Hunter (RCalif.) and Senators Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), John Warner (R-Va.) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). The Propeller Club of the United States is selfdescribed as a grassroots, non-profit organization “dedicated to the enhancement and wellbeing of all interests of the maritime community, nationally and internationally. The organization aggressively promotes the maritime industry through many of its programs and partnering with other similar organizations.” April 2010 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:14 PM Page 7 AFGE President John Gage (above) addresses rally participants while Seafarers gather for a photo before the demonstration in Washington, D.C. (Group Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) Seafarers Support TSA Workers, AFGE With more than 30 percent of the Transportation Security Administration workforce expressing interest in making their choice of union representation official, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) recently filed a petition with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to be the exclusive union representative for 40,000 Transportation Security Officers. SIU members earlier this year showed their support for the workers and for AFGE by participating in related demonstrations in Washington, D.C., and SIU members and officials in Oakland show their support for workers’ rights. Oakland, Calif. Speakers at the D.C. event included AFGE President John Gage, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker, AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Liz Shuler, U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), Communications Workers of America President Larry Cohen, Flight Attendants President Patricia Friend, National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi, Letter Carriers President Fredric Rolando and Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO President Ernie Grecco, among others. “It is way past time for the Obama administration to give the TSOs (transportation security officers) their right to bargain collectively and hold their election so they can sit down at the table with management, start the negotiations and change their lives for the better,” Holt Baker said at the Feb. 23 rally. Shuler said the labor movement “will not rest until the TSOs are treated equally” with other Homeland Security employees who have the right to bargain for a contract. Gage refuted the misguided arguments by some in Congress who believe that allowing TSOs to have a union contract would jeopardize national security. He cited union members who have acted heroically when national security was threatened, such as the first responders to the Sept. 11, 2001 bombings and the police officers who shot a gunman who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas. Gage said, “The national security argument is an insult to AFGE, the AFL-CIO and every union member. Don’t tell me that being in the union movement doesn’t do anything but good for national security.” Ten days earlier, state and local political and labor leaders teamed up with security workers at Oakland International Airport for a rally. Attendees included California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski, Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, Assemblyman Dave Jones, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Sheila Jordan, San Leandro Mayor Tony Santos and Councilwoman Joyce Starosciak. Maersk Seafarers Complete Safety Session SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is maintaining its popular and productive series of safety leadership conferences at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. In late January, 24 Seafarers employed by Maersk along with several shore-side MLL employees finished the latest two-day session at the school. As previously reported, the safety conferences are part of a bigger MLL program geared toward workplace safety. SIU President Michael Sacco (at podium in photo at right) welcomed the group and briefly updated them on some key current events. He was joined by SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) and SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel (center). Scheduled attendees from the January conference, many of whom are shown in the group photo below, included SIU members James Walker, James Battista, Terry Franklin, Guy Wilson, Donald Gearhart, Lawrence (Jack) Croft, Rafael Irizarry, Edward Rockinger, Stephen Osovitz, Connie Tarplin, Gilbert Louis, Brian Sengelaub, Tony Spain, Konstantino Prokovas, James Wynegar, Herbert Hyde, Ato Aikins, John Daniels, Timothy Girard, Rudolph Daniels, Malachi Tannis, Russell Haynes, Todd Abrams and Bill Jacobs and, from the company, Sean Kline, Sara Breed, Patrick Callahan, Jeff Londynsky, Steve Krupa, Erika Meinhardt, Dennis Houghton and Carol Berger. April 2010 Seafarers LOG 7 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:15 PM Page 8 ACNV Fred Hart A U.S. Coast Guard vessel sails past the Algonac, Mich., union hall. Bosun James Skowronek Lakes Crews Report for Fit Out AB Norbert Hinrichs Alpena One of Many SIU-Crewed Ships Returning to Work Great Lakes fit out was in full swing last month, as Seafarers reported to numerous vessels throughout the region. One such ship is the Alpena, aboard which most of the photos on this page were taken on March 11 in Muskegon, Mich. The other photo was snapped outside the SIU hall in Algonac, Mich. AB Dan Hart AB Phillip Piper (left) and Third Mate William Rieckelman 8 Seafarers LOG AB Herbert Schiller (left) and AB Richard Sawyer Steward Richard Lalonde April 2010 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:19 AM Page 9 2010 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting ‘What a Difference You’ve Made’ Military Leaders Cite Value of Mariners’ Reliability, Industry Partnership T he heads of the U.S. Transportation Command and the U.S. Military Sealift Command and a high-ranking U.S. Coast Guard officer all credited the U.S. Merchant Marine for its ongoing reliability, and also cited the invaluable partnership that exists between the military and the American-flag commercial maritime industry. Making those statements Feb. 25-26 to the Maritime Trades Department executive board were U.S. Air Force General Duncan McNabb, commander of TRANSCOM; U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, commander of MSC; and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Brian Salerno, the agency’s assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship. They addressed the board in Orlando, Fla., during its annual winter meeting. America’s relief mission in Haiti – titled Operation Unified Response – was a common thread in their comments. McNabb, Buzby and Salerno each pointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine’s quick, efficient response as the latest example of a sterling record of dependability. “I’m here to say thanks to all of you and the folks you represent,” McNabb stated. “What a difference you’ve made. I get to see that firsthand as we move additional forces to Afghanistan, as we bring equipment out of Iraq and most recently what went on with Haiti. It was amazing.” Gen. Duncan McNabb Rear Adm. Mark Buzby Rear Adm. Brian Salerno As he explained TRANSCOM’s various components and its mission of overseeing the global movement of materiel, the general pointed out that when the military gets an assignment, very often “we turn to our commercial industry and say let’s go get ’em.” He said the commercial sector is “a big part” of America’s capability to keep supply lines open and support the troops. Describing the hundreds of civiliancrewed, American-flag ships available for military use through the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, McNabb said, “If we had to own that, it (the monetary cost) would be astronomical. But by having that in the commercial industry, where they’re doing the normal commercial business and helping us as we need it, it’s huge. What a difference it makes.” He said the military taps into industry expertise to boost efficiency. In part that is how they recently teamed up to deliver 5 million meals to Haiti in 5 days. Within the command, as they plan missions, “It’s based on trust,” McNabb said. “Again, my thanks go to you all for being such great partners.” Buzby said that without the merchant marine, MSC couldn’t fulfill its mission. “Your people make my ships go,” he stated. “I’m under no illusion – I don’t have a command unless I have you and your brothers and sisters running my ships for me. And your people have never failed to answer the call in peace and war. The latest example of that is Haiti.” He said the response for Haiti was “amazing” in terms of speed and is “a real tribute to the mariners who answer the call, and not just the mariners” but also port personnel, many of whom also are represented by MTD-affiliated unions. Buzby went to Haiti when many of the MSC ships were arriving. He boarded each of the U.S.-flag vessels and met many Seafarers. “Our impact was huge, delivered by your mariners,” he said. The admiral drew loud applause when he explained why he thinks there will be increased job opportunities for mariners. “The Navy is relying on MSC more and more to provide fleet logistics and other, non-combat services because we deliver,” he said. “We continue to be a growth industry and we deliver economically and still get the mission done. My belief is that as budgets continue to get tight, and the Navy is pressed more and more to continue to provide service with fewer dollars, that means more ships are coming our direction. I truly believe we are going to see more ships – ships that we never considered becoming MSC ships – coming our way.” Along those lines, he said MSC is “taking advantage of your expertise in education right now by sending some of our mariners through your worldclass training schools…. I see MSC turning increasingly to you and your schools to meet our training needs. I think it makes perfect sense.” He credited mariners for doing an exceptionally good job maintaining the fleet and also said he is “very heartened” by the negotiations in Washington, D.C., between maritime unions and MSC concerning the Civilian Marine Personnel Instructions (CMPI) update. “For years, that’s been at an impasse and we’re actually making progress and moving forward on that. I have great optimism that we’re going to actually make that happen,” he said. Buzby concluded, “Together, we have much to be proud of and much to look forward to.” Salerno also credited mariners for their effort in Operation Unified Response, adding that their work was indispensable but in character. “The role of maritime was really preeminent,” he said. “You could not have done what was done in Haiti without maritime. The civilian mariner once again showed their true value to the nation, just as they did after Katrina, just as they did after 9/11…. When it comes to national resiliency, mariners are very much a part of that.” He discussed several other topics including mariner credentialing and licensing. Salerno said the agency’s National Maritime Center “I think is really on track. It has overcome some of the glitches that it experienced when the 17 regional exam centers merged or their functions were merged and is now running fairly smoothly. There’s still a lot more to do but their goal is to improve the procedures so that no mariner is ever harmed or prevented from going back to work because the system was to slow. In fact the average processing time at the National Maritime Center is now 20 days. If you consider where we were a year ago where it was over 90 days that’s a considerable improvement. “We do welcome visitors,” he continued. “I know many of the unions have come up there and seen the process and we’ve received a lot of feedback. We’ve taken that feedback and we’ve done some things that make it easier for the individual mariner.” MSC Commander: Seafarer Personifies Spirit During his speech to the MTD board, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby recalled a recent stop aboard the SIU-crewed Cornhusker State, which had deployed for relief efforts in Haiti. The MSC commander met numerous mariners aboard various U.S.-flag ships in that area, but one – SIU Chief Cook Patricia Sullivan, pictured above – personified the U.S. Merchant Marine’s eagerness to lend a hand, the admiral stated. “When she heard this relief effort was going down, she immediately went and looked for the first ship she could get on that was going to Haiti,” Buzby said. “She signed on immediately…. She really epitomized the pride and the desire of our mariners to be a part of this effort and to help out. She literally dropped what she was doing, as did many other people on that crew, to be a part of it…. The Haiti ops really underscored the strength of our industry and the mariners who make it run.” April 2010 Seafarers LOG 9 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:15 PM Page 10 2010 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler Machinists Representative Frank Larkin U.S. Must Create, Maintain Good Jobs Administration, Labor Officials Say Recovery Impossible Without Rebuilding Middle Class Focusing not only on the importance of good jobs but also on how to create and maintain them in America, representatives from the Obama administration, the AFL-CIO and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) recently told the Maritime Trades Department executive board that economic recovery depends on rebuilding the middle class. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler and IAM Representative Frank Larkin were among the guest speakers who addressed the board Feb. 25-26 in Orlando, Fla. Harris recalled that he got his start in the labor movement 26 years ago, working as a field representative for the Seafarers in Houston. Coincidentally, SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco (then a union vice president) was based at the same hall. “Mike and I spent a lot of hours talking about the hard lives of workers in this industry,” Harris remembered. “He told me about the stories he had heard about what it was like in this industry before there were unions, what it took to build a strong union and what it meant to stand up for working families. “That union hall is where I earned my ‘graduate degree’ in trade unionism and fighting for working families,” Harris continued. “Mike and Joe (the late SIU Executive Vice President Joey Sacco) and the other Seafarers officials were my professors; our members were my tutors, and they gave me an education that changed my life.” Harris pointed out that the economic climate in those days was comparable to what Americans face in 2010. “I have no illusions about what’s happening to working families right now,” he stated. “Working families are suffering through the worst economic times in seven decades. But our political system seems paralyzed to help – unable to resolve this painful crisis. The unemployment rate stands at 9.7 10 Seafarers LOG “...creating and maintaining good jobs will be this administration’s number one focus in 2010, and that’s why President Obama has called for a new and comprehensive jobs bill on his desk this year. But rescuing the economy is only the first step. It will not be good enough for America’s working families to just get by. Our country needs them to thrive.” - - - Seth Harris, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor percent. Some 6.3 million Americans have been out of work for six months or longer. In some industries and in some communities, it’s much higher.” Harris acknowledged his frustration concerning health care, pension issues, stagnant wages and EFCA. He blamed much of the political gridlock in Washington on a climate in which productive debate aimed at achieving results to benefit citizens instead has been replaced by perpetual focus on “who wins and loses arguments.” “But there’s another way to do business,” Harris said. “There is a way to make progress without insisting that one side must be losers in order for the other side to be winners. The people in this room know what I’m talking about because it’s the way that the maritime industry has been doing business since before my days in Houston with Mike and Joe…. I know that maritime labor and maritime management don’t always love each other. You have different interests and perspectives and goals. But maritime labor and management have found a way to work together so that both parties’ interests are served. You have friends on both sides of the partisan aisle, because it’s not about ideology. It’s not about party. It’s about everyone’s interests being served. You don’t agree on everything, but that’s what negotiations are for. You know as well as I do that if both sides sit down and bargain honestly for their interests, there’s almost always room to [reach] a deal. That’s the governance model we should insist on: a focus on shared interests and honest negotiations that involves some give and take. This industry can be a model for my friends and colleagues back in Washington. It can show them how business can be conducted – business that serves everyone’s interests and moves our country forward.” Finally, Harris said that creating and maintaining good jobs “will be this administration’s number one focus in 2010, and that’s why President Obama has called for a new and comprehensive jobs bill on his desk this year. But rescuing the economy is only the first step. It will not be good enough for America’s working families to just get by. Our country needs them to thrive.” Similarly, Shuler said that jobs are the labor federation’s top priority. Illustrating today’s tough times, she pointed to Evansville, Indiana, where more than 1,000 workers are losing their jobs because Whirlpool is relocating a refrigerator production plant to Mexico. “That may pad Whirlpool’s profits, but it’s a disaster for the whole community of Evansville,” Shuler said. That is true for “not only the workers who’ve lost their jobs at the plant, but the grocery stores where they shop and the schools that depend on their taxes, and on down the line. Multiply Evansville by 10,000 and that explains a lot of the jobs crisis in this country.” Shuler said the Economic Recovery Act has helped but is just a start. She described the federation’s five-point program for job creation. Those steps include extending unemployment benefits; putting people to work repairing the nation’s infrastructure and in green jobs; boosting aid to state and local governments to continue vital services; increasing government work where appropriate, but not as a replacement for private-sector jobs; and taking leftover TARP funds and using them to support lending to small businesses. “But we can’t stop there,” Shuler said. “When we create jobs, we have to rebuild our economic foundation and make sure that those jobs are good jobs. And that means one thing above everything else, and that is ensuring the freedom of every worker to join a union and bargain collectively…. Without the Employee Free Choice Act, if we create millions of jobs but the jobs have low pay, lousy benefits and no future, that means we win the battle but lose the war.” She concluded by saying that the labor movement “must lead the way.” Larkin described the massive grassroots campaign the IAM is waging to educate Americans about the importance of good jobs and to offer hope and solutions by building community networks. “We’re continuing to make the point that a jobless recovery is no recovery,” he said. “Our issue is that until there are jobs being created, it is not a real recovery. We say there should be a comprehensive strategy. It’s not simply enough to resuscitate the finance industry or the insurance industry or the banking industry. We’re talking about the manufacturing and shipbuilding industry, construction sectors…. We’re encouraging skills training so that when the economy does begin coming back these highskill jobs don’t end up having to be pushed overseas.” April 2010 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:15 PM Page 11 2010 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting Joseph Hunt President Iron Workers Robert Scardelletti President TCU Richard Hughes President ILA Michel Desjardins President SIU of Canada Roman Gralewicz President Emeritus SIU of Canada MTD Profile Dean Corgey VP Seafarers James Williams General President Painters The Maritime Trades Department, to which the SIU is affiliated, is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. The MTD comprises 23 international unions and 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 5.5 million working men and women. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD. He most recently was reelected to the latter post during the MTD convention in September 2009. Traditionally, the MTD execu- Lynn Tucker General VP Machinists Ralph Maly Vice President CWA Bernard Hostein Asst. to President Steelworkers tive board meets early in the year. Such was the case again for 2010 – the board convened Feb. 25-26 in Orlando, Fla. During the two-day session, board members and guests tackled important issues confronting not only maritime workers but all working families. The articles and excerpts on pages 9-13 are based on comments made at the meeting. Also, the photos on this page show some of the board members and guests, including a photo of a check presentation made by the MTD for Haiti relief efforts. Desiree Gralewicz Secretary-Treasurer SIU of Canada Robert Gleason Sec.-Treasurer ILA David Kolbe Political Director Iron Workers MTD Unions Donate for Haiti Relief Near the end of the meeting, on behalf of the MTD and its port councils and affiliate unions, MTD President Michael Sacco (left) and other officials presented a check to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (center) for the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers’ Campaign. Altogether, the MTD and its affiliates donated more than $82,000, including donations from rank-and-file Seafarers. Pictured from left to right are Sacco, MEBA President Don Keefe, Shuler, AMO President Tom Bethel and MM&P VP Rich May. April 2010 Richard Lanigan Vice President OPEIU Joseph Condo International VP TCU Nick Marrone VP Seafarers Tommy Fisher International Rep Sheet Metal Workers Joseph Soresi VP Seafarers Jerry Abell Sec.-Treasurer South Fla. Maritime Trades Council Seafarers LOG 11 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:20 AM Page 12 2010 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting OSG Executive: Labor-Management Cooperation Boosts Maritime Industry Working together, management and labor are writing a new chapter in American maritime history. However, much work remains if the industry is to continue making progress and weathering the current economic crisis. That’s what Eric Smith, the vice president and chief commercial officer of OSG America, told the executive board of the Maritime Trades Department on Feb. 25. The most prominent examples of this management and labor cooperation are the 12 new SIU-contracted Jones Act tankers that were commissioned by OSG America a few years ago, Smith said. It was the largest order of its kind in the U.S. commercial sector. According to Smith, unionized workers at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard who are building the vessels have been meeting the highest international standards, matching shipbuilding giants like those located in China and South Korea. OSG America VP and CCO Eric Smith “...We – OSG and labor – are living proof that when good policy is created and established, great things come to this industry. We did it in 2004 and we can do it again.” - - -Eric Smith, VP, CCO, OSG America Smith stressed that these are state-ofthe-art vessels that will enable OSG to remain the second-largest tanker company in the world and the largest one in America. He reminded the audience that in 2004, the company went to Washington, D.C., with a promise that if certain tax laws were changed to allow for fair competition, the company would use the savings to build new tankers “and create jobs at sea and ashore here in the United States. The law was changed; we honored our promise. We took 20 future years’ worth of tax savings and spent them in three years. We signed a contract to build 10 new, modern tankers…. We then increased that order to 12, bought a competitor and ordered large ATBs for lightering in Delaware Bay. After spending a couple of billion dollars, we added $17 billion to the nation in economic impact, created 2,600 jobs at sea and on shore, generating $3 billion in income for these folks. Together, we stimulated the economy.” He believes management and organized labor need to continue working together to get the federal government to enact policies helping the maritime industry to get through these difficult times. Among other potential benefits, such policies could help the nation fully capitalize on opportunities involving massive oil and energy supplies in the Gulf of Mexico that would create tens of thousands of jobs in industries across the board. Already, some of those jobs will involve shuttle tankers. There are billions of barrels of “proven reserves” in that region, Smith said. Because of a lack of pipelines in certain areas, shuttle tankers “may be the next great Jones Act shipping opportunity. This is new ground for the U.S., as there are no shuttle tankers currently trading in the Gulf of Mexico. That’s about to change, as OSG will deliver the first-ever shuttle tanker in the Gulf of Mexico on April 1 of this year,” he stated, referring to the Seafarers-crewed Overseas Cascade. Smith also credited MTD-affiliated unions for their outstanding safety records. He described OSG’s diverse U.S.-flag fleet and pointed out that “since 1985, we’ve lightered more than 2 billion barrels of crude oil in Delaware Bay and carried on 12,000 voyages with no incidents or spills.” Both on the legislative front and when it comes to shipboard safety, Smith said the company is “succeeding because of the efforts from SIU, MEBA and AMO…. We at OSG are grateful to you and your folks for the support we’ve received.” He concluded, “Good tax policy is a critical element in growing our economy and in growing jobs in the maritime community. We – OSG and labor – are living proof that when good policy is created and established, great things come to this industry. We did it in 2004 and we can do it again. We become more competitive with Jones Act tonnage. We create a means for the U.S. government to use Jones Act tonnage in times of war. And, most of all, we create jobs.” In his remarks to the board, Eric Smith mentioned the new shuttle tanker Overseas Cascade, which recently underwent conversion in Charleston, S.C. ITF Urges Increased Action to Thwart Piracy Stephen Cotton ITF Maritime Coordinator 12 Seafarers LOG An official from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) told the Maritime Trades Department executive board that piracy is growing, and greater effort is needed to protect the world’s mariners. ITF Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton on Feb. 25 reported on the global effort the federation has been spearheading to ensure safety for seafarers. He offered some sobering statistics reflecting the depth of the piracy problem – one which has been pressing for many years, but which didn’t gain widespread attention until the 2009 attacks on the SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun. The SIU is one of the ITF’s 751 affiliates. Those unions collectively represent more than 4.6 million transport workers worldwide. “The last few years have seen massive growth in piracy,” Cotton said. In 2009 alone, he reported, there were 406 documented incidents – mostly near Somalia, though the danger zone is expanding. Of those cases, 153 vessels were boarded by pirates, and 49 of the ships were hijacked. Some 120 vessels were fired upon – a threefold increase from the prior year. More than 1,000 mariners were taken hostage and eight were killed, though the fatalities “were not necessarily (directly) because of the attacks but because of stress and strain related to hijack,” Cotton said. As he and others have observed, the long-range solution isn’t simply a military one. Piracy in the region is a political and social problem, particularly given the chaos in Somalia and the crushing poverty there. This is a crisis that must be resolved, he stated, not just because of the humanitarian aspects involved but because of the great economic and strategic importance of the Gulf of Aden. More than 30,000 vessels a year transit the area. At a minimum, he said, flag states need to increase military action in the region and use innovative concepts like shared convoys and increased training. Cotton reiterated the ITF’s call that steps should be taken to ensure that all countries and companies sending vessels into the region be required to actively fight piracy. Some are failing to take proactive steps to combat this growing menace, relying on nothing more than additional incentives for civilian mariners so that they continue to crew vessels, he said. Additionally, Cotton pointed to what happened nearly a decade ago near the Straits of Malacca, where a concerted international effort drastically reduced such incidents. The same thing could happen in the Gulf of Aden, but only if the entire international community gets involved, he declared. Cotton also thanked North American labor for all it is doing and urged it to keep the issue in the spotlight through petitions and by mobilizing political support. On a separate subject, he reported that ITF inspectors worldwide had a banner year in 2009 when it came to assisting marines. “It’s fair to say it’s still difficult times, but last year, the ITF inspectors collected over $20 million in unpaid wages for seafarers on a global basis, which is a massive increase,” Cotton said. April 2010 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:16 PM Page 13 2010 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting Maritime Administrator, FMC Chairman Underscore Need for Strong U.S. Fleet Addressing the Maritime Trades Department executive board Feb. 26 in Orlando, Fla., U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Richard Lidinsky reiterated the strong support of their respective agencies for the U.S. Merchant Marine. The Maritime Administration (MarAd) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation; its functions include promoting the use of waterborne transportation and the sustainment of a viable U.S. Merchant Marine. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent agency responsible for regulating oceanborne transportation in America’s foreign commerce. Matsuda praised the U.S. maritime industry’s strong response to the crisis in Haiti. He also expressed support for the laws that have helped preserve a viable domestic industry – most notably, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the America’s Maritime Highway initiative and the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program. He went on to stress President Obama’s appreciation of the American maritime industry, noting, “We have the right guy in the White House.” Matsuda said that the response to the Haiti earthquake once again displayed “what the merchant marine is all about and how we contribute and help in times of need.” He pointed out MarAd activated seven vessels for Operation Unified Response, and said it was a prudent move considering one ship can carry as much cargo as hundreds of airplanes. “These ships are crewed by dedicated and skilled U.S. mariners represented by the unions here today,” he stated. Looking ahead, he said one of the agency’s “major priorities is job creation and the future of our workforce.” MarAd’s critical missions also include security, preparedness and response. For example, Matsuda described the MSP, which DOT administers, as “a program many of you here (in the MTD) had a hand in helping create. This program guarantees military access to commercial U.S.-flag ships, related logistic services and a workforce of trained U.S. mariners.” He noted that since the start of 2009, the agency “has worked closely with the Coast Guard and U.S.-flag carriers to approve the reflagging of foreign ships to the U.S. registry under an expedited process. Seven new ships (have been added) since then – that’s approximately 300 new jobs. These U.S.-flag commercial ships, many of them in the MSP program, delivered around half a million containers of equipment and supplies to support U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Lidinsky discussed the FMC’s history and priorities and drew on his working relationships with figures from labor’s past and present to underscore his commitment to preserving the Jones Act fleet. He noted that he has worked in the industry for more than four decades in such places as the old House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and in the Port of Baltimore. He said it was an honor to know such legendary labor leaders as the late Paul Hall of the SIU. According to the chairman, while the FMC dates its existence back to 1916, the present shape of the agency took hold in 1961 under a restructuring that gave MarAd control of most promotional programs and which made the FMC the entity in charge of regulation. “Besides administering our parts of the Shipping Act that impact labor activity,” he said, “we stand in full support of the Board Approves 13 Statements The following are excerpts from a few of the 13 statements approved Feb. 25-26 by members of the Maritime Trades Department executive board. The resolutions help emphasize the MTD’s position on issues which are critical to its affiliates and to the rank-and-file members of MTD unions. Jones Act What is the Jones Act? Simply put, it is the best known of the nation’s cabotage laws. By calling for movements of waterborne cargoes between U.S. ports by vessels that are American-crewed, -built, -flagged and -owned, it has enhanced important national security interests and generated many economic benefits…. As numerous national defense experts have noted, the Jones Act has helped maintain a pool of skilled civilian mariners capable of meeting the nation’s strategic sealift needs. By generating 76 percent of all commercial U.S. shipbuilding opportunities, it has preserved a viable domestic shipbuilding base. Moreover, some 70 percent of the ocean-going self-propelled vessels in the Jones Act fleet are militarily useful…. The total annual economic impact of the Jones Act is $100 billion. Annual taxes generated by the Jones Act fleet top $9 billion. Support the Troops, and Veterans Once again, American armed forces are standing on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as patrolling for pirate motherships in the Indian Ocean. Other troops are in Haiti assisting the earthquake survivors in regaining some semblance of a life and a country. Still more are April 2010 David Matsuda Maritime Administrator Richard Lidinsky Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Jones Act, cargo preference requirements, protection of our mariners from piracy, and other key laws that form the foundation of American-flag maritime policy.” Lidinsky devoted much of his speech to “the state of the global maritime economy and its impact on our country and workers.” He said 2009 was an historically bad financial year in maritime, though the challenges certainly weren’t confined to one industry. Further, he said that although most experts who track the industry aren’t predicting a full recovery in 2010, there are “small signs of the corner being turned and good news in the wings. In the AsiaEurope trades traffic is up nine percent. In our Pacific trade eastbound from Asia to the U.S., container traffic is up 2.2 percent. Experts are predicting growth in the westbound trade of 9.9 percent, with the eastbound trade growing 8.7 percent…. “On the port front,” he continued, “positive signs are being registered, such as Los Angeles, which had a 35 percent increase in containers in December over the previous year. Exports at that port were also up 40 percent. Overall, some economists [predict] a port recovery of 20.2 percent for West Coast ports and 13.1 percent for East Coast ports this year…. The bottom line is that full recovery will come to all maritime trades, so don’t lose determination and hope.” located around the globe making sure American interests remain secure. Our hearts and prayers go out to these brave men and women, and to their families. Among these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are our own union sisters and brothers. They have stepped away from their professions to answer their nation’s call…. However, some of these returning veterans are finding yet another battle when they take off their country’s uniform and attempt to return to their jobs. They are discovering roadblocks and locked doors to picking up where they left off. Despite the fact that it is federal law that workers called to active duty for their country should get their jobs back, some veterans are finding that is not the case. When these workers seek legal redress, they are discovering governmental red tape that could keep them off the job for years. Others are coming home only to find their jobs have been contracted out. The facility still is standing, some of the same workers may even be doing the same jobs as when the veteran left, but a new name is on the paperwork so the original obligation no longer exists. We in the MTD have seen this too often as union busting. Now it is being turned against those returning from service to their country as a way to cut costs. How patriotic is that! Those who have worn the nation’s uniform do not deserve such treatment. Cargo Preference As we have seen with the recent tragedy in Haiti, people in need around the world look to the United States to be the first to provide aid and assistance. The sight of the American flag on an aid package or on the shoulder of a member of the armed services means somebody cares and help is on the way. From the famines in Africa to tsunamis in Southeast Asia, Americans have been swift and generous with food and staples to help those without. A major contributor to these humanitarian efforts has been the nation’s cargo preference laws, especially the Food for Peace section of the Cargo Preference Act of 1954. That specific law calls for a percentage of certain kinds of government-generated cargo to be carried aboard U.S.flag commercial vessels at fair and reasonable prices. With regard to the Food for Peace provision, it covers humanitarian aid to people in need around the world. Food for Peace has assisted more than 3 billion people in 150 countries. But the 1954 act is only one of the laws dealing with cargo preference. The others are the Cargo Preference Act of 1904 which requires all cargo procured or owned by the U.S. military to be carried exclusively by U.S.-flag vessels, and Public Resolution 17 (enacted in 1934) which states that all cargo generated by the Export-Import Bank be shipped on U.S.-flag vessels. Jobs Officially the national unemployment figure is around 10 percent. However, we know the problem is even worse. For almost every person included in the official count, there is another who is either underemployed or who has quit looking…. No one has created a cute or clever name for the economic downturn that is enveloping the country because there is nothing cute or clever about these last several years. What is true is the old axiom that when a friend or neighbor is unemployed, that’s a recession; when you are unemployed, that is a depression…. Americans are a proud and determined people. They don’t want handouts; they want jobs! That is why the AFL-CIO has proposed a five-point program to get America back to work…. The time for action is now. While economists claim the recession is coming to an end, the depleted pocketbooks and wallets of working people tell a different story. People want jobs and they want them now. The MTD, its affiliates and its Port Maritime Councils will continue to pursue whatever action is necessary to get America back to work. Seafarers LOG 13 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:21 AM Page 14 AT THE FT. LAUDERDALE HALL – Following a recent membership meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., AB Angela Corbitt (photo at right) picks up her union book while other Seafarers (above) spend some additional time at the hall. SUNSET ON SODERMAN – At Sea and Ashore With the SIU Recertified Bosun James Orlanda emailed this photo of a sunset as seen from the USNS Soderman. A Seafarer since 1995, Orlanda completed recertification near the end of 2009. The Soderman is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR). KUDOS TO STEWARD – Fellow mariners aboard the Antares recently praised the work of Recertified Steward Stephen Bird, pictured above. Baltimore SIU Port Agent Elizabeth Brown reported that when she went aboard the ship, “the captain and every crew member spoke so highly of him, I thought it would be nice to give him some recognition in the LOG.” Bird’s SIU career began in late 1991 ABOARD TYCO DEPENDABLE – This photo was taken aboard the Tyco Dependable in Baltimore, during the holiday season. Pictured with Baltimore SIU Port Agent Elizabeth Brown are (standing, from left) OS Johnny Hunter, SA Lamond Fulton, and Wiper Mike Kelly. CONGRATS TO AB – At the hall in Oakland, Calif., Dispatcher Nick Marrone II (left) congratulates AB Ralph White on qualifying for his “A” book. White most recently sailed aboard the Capella. CELEBRATING RETIREMENT – Fellow SIU members and officers aboard the Seabulk Arctic, some of whom are pictured in the group photo above, wished all the best for Recertified Bosun Juan Castillo as he headed into retirement. In the photo at left, taken during the same voyage last fall, the bosun cuts the first piece of his farewell cake. Castillo sailed with the SIU for 40 years. 14 Seafarers LOG WELCOME ASHORE – At the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla., Patrolman Brian Guiry (right) presents newly retired AB Francisco Rivera with his first pension check. Rivera started sailing with the SIU in 1964. His last ship was the National Glory. April 2010 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:33 AM Page 15 Important Notice to Seafarers: Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea Always Keep Your Shipping Documents, Records Updated SIU members already understand the importance of keeping their maritime credentials current. In short, mariners can’t sail unless they comply with Coast Guard and TSA and other requirements pertaining to documentation and training. Another vitally important step for all Seafarers is making 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. Examples of modifications to the aforementioned items would include new stickers added to an MMC upon upgrading a rating, renewal of a passport, original receipt of a TWIC, etc. Also, it is critical that members help ensure SMIS reflects their compliance with each of the four elements of STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). Any member who has completed BST at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., and who has renewed it either via sea service or by returning to the school already should be current in SMIS. Similarly, any member whose training record book (TRB) already reflects compliance with the four elements of BST (personal survival, fire prevention, elementary first aid, and social responsibility) found on the Basic Training pages of their TRB should be current in the system. Anyone who successfully completed the unlicensed apprentice (UA) program will be in compliance as long as they have continuously sailed and obtained one year of seatime in the past five years. Those who were originally grandfathered in need to have taken the BST course at least once and sailed one year in the past five. However, entry and steward department members who completed BST elsewhere should bring both their original STCW Basic Safety Training certificates and their training record books to the union hall as soon as possible. This will allow port personnel to update SMIS and to credit mariners for the training they have completed. Finally, rated members who hold a 1995 STCW certificate from any entity other than the Paul Hall Center and who never sent their original certificates to the school now must bring their original certificates to the hall as soon as possible. The bottom line is that, while SMIS is a state-of-the-art system and widely is regarded as a major improvement compared to the system built in 1981, its effectiveness in serving the membership depends in part on containing and maintaining current data. Therefore, Seafarers are asked not to wait until the last minute to inform the union halls of any changes to their documents/credentials. Questions about SMIS may be directed to port agents or to the admissions office in Piney Point. April & May 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: April 5, May 3 Algonac ....................................................Friday: April 9, May 7 Baltimore.............................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Guam...............................................Thursday: April 22, May 20 Honolulu ..............................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Houston...............................................Monday: April 12, May 10 February 16, 2010 – March 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 12 0 4 13 3 9 48 28 6 12 11 48 17 21 2 2 14 41 2 26 319 9 3 4 18 3 2 31 24 10 6 8 15 30 15 13 5 8 21 1 20 246 7 0 2 5 0 1 4 7 1 2 2 6 7 0 1 6 0 1 1 2 55 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 4 13 1 9 16 20 7 4 7 14 10 10 3 2 1 19 0 12 155 3 2 6 3 2 3 8 15 2 1 1 9 21 5 2 3 5 10 3 18 122 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 11 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 2 5 2 13 21 16 3 3 4 23 10 14 0 2 2 14 3 27 166 3 2 0 4 0 6 2 9 1 3 2 8 8 2 2 1 1 4 1 7 66 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 9 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 2 5 2 5 0 0 9 0 4 0 0 0 7 0 3 40 12 1 3 8 0 4 9 25 15 5 6 18 13 18 2 6 0 12 2 10 169 7 0 6 7 0 4 4 6 1 2 2 11 10 7 1 13 4 4 1 9 99 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 5 1 1 5 1 3 0 0 0 4 0 1 30 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 New Orleans.............................................Tuesday: April 13, May 11 New York...............................................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 Norfolk................................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Oakland ............................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Philadelphia......................................Wednesday: April 7, May 5 Port Everglades ...............................Thursday: April 15, May 13 San Juan ..............................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 St. Louis ...............................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Tacoma.................................................Friday: April 23, May 21 Wilmington....................................... Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. GRAND TOTALS: 680 603 174 560 April 2010 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 26 0 4 14 2 5 57 17 9 8 7 22 19 21 3 0 12 24 1 29 280 8 0 0 11 3 6 11 9 3 6 4 13 13 12 6 5 5 14 0 15 144 5 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 1 0 1 1 22 0 0 1 11 0 3 12 7 0 1 3 14 7 8 2 1 4 11 0 13 98 15 0 5 30 7 16 84 51 5 23 28 88 27 45 5 3 12 72 3 50 569 23 6 6 27 12 14 61 46 13 7 10 33 42 17 13 6 18 39 4 51 448 4 0 2 6 0 2 5 9 1 3 4 7 14 1 2 5 3 5 0 10 83 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 2 1 0 1 3 6 0 1 2 3 3 8 0 0 0 6 0 2 38 3 0 7 18 3 10 33 35 5 9 12 31 23 9 7 3 4 26 0 19 257 3 3 4 14 5 5 26 30 5 1 2 22 38 9 2 2 13 24 7 22 237 2 0 1 3 2 1 3 0 1 1 0 2 1 6 0 1 0 0 1 4 29 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 7 0 0 0 3 0 3 9 7 0 4 1 9 3 4 0 3 1 3 0 5 55 5 0 7 14 4 24 35 23 0 7 9 41 15 31 4 2 2 34 3 60 320 3 2 1 6 0 7 11 12 2 3 1 10 14 11 2 1 4 5 2 8 105 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 6 9 2 0 4 1 5 8 12 17 5 2 21 6 10 1 5 0 10 2 7 127 1 0 1 3 2 0 3 1 0 0 1 1 3 3 2 15 0 1 0 6 43 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 17 4 0 1 0 0 6 8 3 2 1 0 12 0 3 0 0 0 18 0 4 62 21 1 4 8 3 4 31 43 3 13 8 51 35 33 2 3 2 29 0 28 322 7 1 4 12 0 4 11 15 3 7 6 18 29 16 1 7 3 7 1 13 165 397 78 208 1,208 1,112 283 Engine Department 6 0 3 5 0 8 6 11 4 5 9 15 5 12 2 0 2 8 2 11 114 3 0 4 5 0 3 9 9 1 1 2 4 10 6 0 1 4 7 2 8 79 Steward Department Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Joliet.................................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Total Shipped All Groups A B C 1 0 0 9 1 10 16 18 3 7 5 18 6 15 1 4 3 9 1 9 136 3 1 0 5 3 2 3 7 1 2 1 3 8 1 0 1 2 3 1 0 47 Entry Department Seafarers LOG 15 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:22 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 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 Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked in Norfolk, Va. Question: What was one of your most memorable voyages, and what made it so? Jeremy Finley AB Honestly, the most memorable was the most recent voyage, aboard the Energy Enterprise. I had sailed deep sea before; this was my first coastwise trip. I learned a lot – just general ship’s knowledge. You’re all over that ship, all the time. It was nice to see…. I’d run a T-AGOS before and you’re just out in the middle of the ocean. The Energy Enterprise was a true merchant ship and the diversity of the crew was really nice to see. We were on with the chief mate from the Maersk Alabama. I didn’t realize he was that young. I have to say the officers and crew were really cohesive – more cohesive than I’ve seen before, with more camaraderie. It was a really good voyage. Sherman Hudson Bosun I’d go all the way back to my first trip as an OS, which was aboard the Sealand Explorer. I was running from Seattle to Anchorage and the greatest thing was the adventure, just being out at sea. Shipping now is a little different than it was then. The best thing is being around different cultures and exploring the world. I’ve been doing it for 31 years and it’s still an adventure. Being out at sea, you have time to think about how you want to live your life…. It might sound phony to others but you’ve got to like what you’re doing in this world, and God blessed me to become a mariner. The brotherhood aboard the ships is always great. In the SIU you have a chance to upgrade your skills and further your education. It’s a golden opportunity and can be a great foundation for anyone. Tim Kacer AB I’d say the trips when I used to be an AB on the Gopher State. I was on it for five years. We went from Guam to Thailand for a military exercise and that was fun. I saw a lot of parts of the Pacific on that ship…. The best trip I ever made to Europe was in 1994 on a tanker called the Sealift Antarctic. We got to see a lot of different sites and we spent about two or three days in every port. We went from North Carolina to Rhode Island to Italy, Spain, back to Italy, then Greece, Turkey and England. The port time is what made it memorable. Abner Diaz Torres QMED-Electrician My most recent one I guess is the best one. I was an electronics technician aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Harry Martin and it was one of the best experiences. I’m a very academic person and this voyage put me in a position to troubleshoot, to work on communications systems and other systems. It helped me become more proficient in all the electrical systems in the engine department and I also learned that I need to keep training. That ship goes from South Korea carrying military cargo. We started the voyage in Yeosu and discharged in Chinhae. I learned a lot and gained good experience. 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 the crew of the SIU-contracted SS Steel Vendor during an around the world voyage that took place from Nov. 3, 1951 to Feb. 18, 1952. It was submitted by Pensioner R.J. McConnell of Long Beach, Calif. A member of the crew during the voyage, McConnell said that he could “write a book about this trip.” McConnell is second from left in the photo. 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 April 2010 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:17 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 EDWARD ARMOND Brother Edward Armond, 65, joined the union in 1986. He initially sailed on the USNS Indomitable. Brother Armond shipped in the deck department. His final ship was the USNS Assertive. Brother Armond resides in Vandemere, N.C. CHARLES BOWEN Brother Charles Bowen, 65, became an SIU member in 1988 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the USNS Curtiss; his last the Defender. Brother Bowen upgraded in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in San Francisco and now lives in Ojai, Calif. JUAN CASTILLO Brother Juan Castillo, 60, joined the Seafarers in 1970 while in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department on vessels including the Andrew Jackson and the Seabulk Arctic. Brother Castillo frequently visited the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Katy, Texas. FERNANDO DOMENICALE Brother Fernando Domenicale, 74, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 from the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His first voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Domenicale, who sailed in the steward department, attended classes on two occasions at the Piney Point school. He was last employed on the Overseas Philadelphia. Brother Domenicale is a resident of Hallandale, Fla. ARTHUR EDWARDS Brother Arthur Edwards, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. He originally shipped aboard the Santa Maria. In 2000 and 2002, April 2010 Brother Edwards enhanced his seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Philadelphia and worked as a member of the steward department. Brother Edwards most recently sailed on the Keystone State. He calls San Pablo, Calif., home. CARLOS JULIO Brother Carlos Julio, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990 while in Honolulu. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIU-affiliated school in Maryland. Brother Julio initially worked aboard the Independence as a member of the steward department. He was born in Panama. Brother Julio’s last ship was the Overseas Maremar. He resides in New York. WALTER KIMBROUGH Brother Walter Kimbrough, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1973 while in the port of New York. His first trip was aboard a vessel operated by Gulf Canal Lines. Brother Kimbrough upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He sailed in the engine department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Kimbrough’s final voyage was on the LNG Libra. He calls Sparks, Nev., home. OGDEN LAFAYE JR. Brother Ogden Lafaye Jr., 69, was born in New Orleans. He became a union member in 1981 while in San Francisco. Brother Lafaye’s first ship was the Liberator; his last was the Motivator. He worked in the engine department. Brother Lafaye makes his home in Starbuck, Wash. JULIO MATTOS Brother Julio Mattos, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of New York. He was originally employed aboard the Wacosta. Brother Mattos was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. His final trip was on the El Morro. Brother Mattos shipped in the deck department and lives in Buena Vista, P.R. THOMAS MCCORMACK Brother Thomas McCormack, 70, donned the SIU colors in 1999 while in San Francisco. He initially shipped aboard the Stephen W. Pless. Brother McCormack was born in New York and sailed in the deck department. His most recent voyage was on the Honor. Brother McCormack resides in Lake Worth, Fla. RICHARD STUVERUD Brother Richard Stuverud, 65, started his career with the union in 1990 while in the port of Seattle. He originally sailed aboard the Independence. In 2000, Brother Stuverud took advantage of opportunities available at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. The engine department member’s last ship was the Tacoma. Brother Stuverud calls Federal Way, Wash., home. ANGELO URTI JR. Brother Angelo Urti Jr., 66, became a Seafarer in 1965. His earliest trip was aboard the York. Brother Urti often upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. He worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Urti’s final ship was the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He lives in Hammond, La. INLAND THOMAS FITZPATRICK Brother Thomas Fitzpatrick, 62, joined the union in 1973. His first ship was operated by Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Fitzpatrick was born in Pennsylvania. He was last employed with Moran Towing of Pennsylvania. Brother Fitzpatrick settled in St. Petersburg, Fla. DAVIS GRIFFIN Brother Davis Griffin, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1981. He primarily sailed with Dravo Basic Materials Company for the duration of his career. Brother Griffin is a resident of Megargel, Ala. MICHAEL OFFENSEND Brother Michael Offensend, 71, began his SIU career in 1977. He initially sailed with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Offensend most recently worked on a Mariner Towing vessel. He makes his home in Linesville, Pa. WILLIAM PALMER Brother William Palmer, 66, was born in Houston. He joined the union in 1959. Brother Palmer first worked with G&H Towing as a member of the deck department. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Palmer’s final trip was on the Pacific Reliance. He now resides in Conroe, Texas. This Month In SIU History Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1945 A Japanese suicide plane, which hit smack in number 3 hold, could not stop the SIU men on the SS Kyle V. Johnson from participating in the invasion of Luzon. A number of soldiers and the steward were killed, and a hole torn in the side, but after an emergency patch was made in the side of the vessel, it was able to continue in the convoy. The ship was given credit for shooting down six Japanese planes, with the members of the crew helping man the guns. The crew was commended by the Army officers and General MacArthur for their splendid behavior and action during and after the attack. 1956 SIU crewmembers of the Steel Advocate who took part in a dramatic rescue of two fliers from shark-infested Pacific waters were awarded a special blue pennant for “meritorious rescue operations” by the National Security Council. The rescue took place about 1,100 miles west of Hawaii. A commercial cargo plane went down with five men, but only two sur- vived after being in the weather for 44 hours. They were being attacked by sharks when they were spotted by the ship’s bosun. A smoothrunning rescue followed and the men were quickly brought aboard. 1978 The latest in what has become a grim history of flag-of-convenience tanker wrecks involves the 233,000 dwt Amoco Cadiz. The ship, which was registered under the Liberian flag, went aground off the coast of France. Despite efforts to minimize pollution, several days later the Cadiz broke in two and spilled her entire load of 68 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. 1999 The SIU-crewed USNS Gordon was prepositioned and anchored when crew members spotted two United Arab Emirates fisherman waving and clinging to a mostly submerged 12-foot boat in high wind and choppy seas. Reacting quickly, the Gordon launched an inflatable boat and saved the two men. The rescue lasted only 28 minutes. Rear Admiral Gordon Holder, commander of Military Sealift Command, described the rescue as “a perfect example of seamanship in the finest tradition.” Seafarers LOG 17 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:17 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA LORAINE CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Loraine Christensen, 89, passed away Nov. 17. Sister Christensen joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1968 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged into the SIU. She was born in Wisconsin and shipped in the steward department. Sister Christensen sailed with States Steamship Company and Matson Navigation Company during her career. She went on pension in 1982 and called San Joaquin, Calif., home. DAVID CORDERO Pensioner David Cordero, 62, died Nov. 29. Brother Cordero became a Seafarer in 1969. He originally worked aboard the Jacksonville as a member of the deck department. Brother Cordero was born in Puerto Rico. Prior to his retirement in 2007, he shipped on the Quality. Brother Cordero settled in New York. PEDRO CORTEZ Pensioner Pedro Cortez, 84, passed away Nov. 23. Brother Cortez started sailing with the union in 1963 while in the port of New York. He was born in Ponce, P.R. Brother Cortez’s earliest trip was aboard the Cantigny. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Cortez most recently worked on the USNS Altair. He retired in 1991 and lived in Burlington, N.C. RONNIE DAY Brother Ronnie Day, 55, died Nov. 15. He signed on with the SIU in 1990 in the port of Houston. Brother Day initially shipped aboard the USNS Capella. His final voyage was on the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Day was a member of the engine department. He was born in Illinois and made his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. SAMUEL GIBSON Pensioner Samuel Gibson, 83, passed away Nov. 30. Brother Gibson, a member of the engine department, began sailing with the 18 Seafarers LOG Seafarers in 1951. His first trip was aboard the Alcoa Pennant and his last was on the Overseas Alaska. Brother Gibson was born in Alabama. He became a pensioner in 1983. Brother Gibson was a resident of Gilbertown, Ala. THOMAS MARTINEZ Pensioner Thomas Martinez, 89, died Nov. 12. Brother Martinez was born in Ecuador. He joined the union in 1945 while in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Martinez originally shipped with Sinclair Oil Corporation as a member of the engine department. His most recent vessel was the USNS Bruce Heezen. Brother Martinez went on pension in 1999 and resided in Philadelphia. FRANCIS SCHUMACHER Pensioner Francis Schumacher, 82, passed away Nov. 30. Brother Schumacher began his seafaring career in 1947 while in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was operated by CSX Lines. Brother Schumacher’s final trip was aboard the George White. The deck department member started collecting his retirement compensation in 1982. Brother Schumacher called Evansville, Ind., home. INLAND CHARLES KEICHLINE Brother Charles Keichline, 51, died Nov. 26. He became a union member in 1991 in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Keichline primarily worked with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. He was born in Woodbury, N.J., and sailed in the deck department. Brother Keichline continued to live in New Jersey. JACK TILLETT Pensioner Jack Tillett, 77, passed away Oct. 11. Brother Tillett signed on with the SIU in 1951. His earliest trip was with Blidberg Rothschild. Brother Tillett was a North Carolina native. He last sailed on a Marine Oil Service vessel. Brother Tillett retired in 1994 and settled in Chesapeake, Va. JOHN ZELLER JR. Pensioner John Zeller, Jr., 62, died Nov. 18. Brother Zeller joined the union in 1973 while in Baltimore. He initially shipped aboard a Charles H. Harper & Associates vessel. Brother Zeller was most recently employed with Moran Towing of Maryland. He went on pension in 2009 and resided in his native state of Maryland. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Cortes was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1992. Brother Cortes lived in Bayamon, P.R. CLARENCE DOUGLAS Pensioner Clarence Douglas, 69, died Dec. 13. Brother Douglas was a native of Mobile, Ala. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1995. Brother Douglas resided in Cypress, Texas. GERALDO FERREIRA Pensioner Geraldo Ferreira, 79, passed away Oct. 27. Brother Ferreira was born in New Bedford, Mass. He became a pensioner in 1989 and settled in Waterford, Conn. ANTONIO ALVARADO Pensioner Antonio Alvarado, 89, passed away Sept. 20. Brother Alvarado was born in Honduras. He became a pensioner in 1987 and settled in New York State. MICHAEL GORMLEY Pensioner Michael Gormley, 72, passed away Sept. 24. The New Jersey-born mariner became a pensioner in 1992. Brother Gormley made his home in Port Orange, Fla. FRIDE ANDERSSON Pensioner Fride Andersson, 86, died Sept. 14. Brother Andersson was a native of Sweden. He retired in 1989 and called Vidor, Texas, home. LEWIS HATCHER Pensioner Lewis Hatcher, 86, died Jan. 4. Brother Hatcher was born in Alabama. He retired in 1967. Brother Hatcher called Norfolk, Va., home. NICOLAS APONTE Pensioner Nicolas Aponte, 77 passed away Nov. 10. Brother Aponte was born in Santo Domingo. He began receiving his pension in 2002. Brother Aponte was a resident of New York. JOHN HUGHES Pensioner John Hughes, 89, passed away Sept. 11. Brother Hughes was a native of Massachusetts. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1973. Brother Hughes made his home in Timonium, Md. JOSE ARANGO Pensioner Jose Arango, 95, died Dec. 12. The Colombia native started collecting his retirement pay in 1976. Brother Arango resided in Austin, Texas. ELPIDIO CORTES Pensioner Elpidio Cortes, 74, passed away Sept. 16. Brother LAWRENCE KORYCKI Pensioner Lawrence Korycki, 84, died Sept. 22. Brother Korycki was a resident of Maryland. He went on pension in 1966. ANTONIO MARTINEZ Pensioner Antonio Martinez, 88, passed away Sept. 17. Brother Martinez was born in Tampa, Fla. He became a pensioner in 1966 and continued to reside in Tampa. PRISCILIANO MORALES Pensioner Prisciliano Morales, 85, died Dec. 30. Born in Puerto Rico, he retired in 1968. Brother Morales resided in New York. JAMES PERRODIN Pensioner James Perrodin, 80, passed away Jan. 4. Brother Perrodin began receiving his pension in 1999. He lived in Cottageville, S.C. JUAN RIVERA Pensioner Juan Rivera, 99, died Sept. 21. Brother Rivera was a native of Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1968. Brother Rivera continued to make his home in Puerto Rico. ROLANDO RIVERA Pensioner Rolando Rivera, 75, died Sept. 14. Brother Rivera was a native of El Progreso, Yoro, Honduras He retired in 1995 and called Metairie, La. ANGELO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Angelo Rodriguez, 87, passed away Sept. 12. Brother Rodriguez, a native of New York, retired in 1966. He called Bronx, N.Y., home. GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Gilberto Rodriguez, 83, died Sept. 3. The Puerto Rico native went on pension in 1967. Brother Rodriguez made his home in Tampa, Fla. NAJI SAIBAN Pensioner Naji Saiban, 77, passed away Sept. 14. Brother Saiban was born in Yemen. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in San Leandro, Calif. MELVIN SPEIR Pensioner Melvin Speir, 82, died Sept. 3. Brother Speir was a native of Georgia. He retired in 1972. Brother Speir lived in Pembroke, Ga. KESLEY WALLACE Pensioner Kesley Wallace, 78, passed away Sept. 29. Brother Wallace, a native of the Cayman Islands, went on pension in 1986. He made his home in St. Petersburg, Fla. Name Barreto, Daniel Barrs, Marion Bodden, John Brande, Clifford Carrero, Juan Cruz, Raymond Daniels, Franklin Ekleberry, Bobby Frazer, Vincent Garcia, Salvadore Guerrero, George Hill, Donald Jakobsen, Jack Kon-lin, Szu Lawrence, William Lewis, Edward Maxwell, John Poplar, Stephen Rantas, Emetrio Age 92 81 78 82 85 85 87 82 83 82 88 82 93 85 91 91 84 65 87 DOD Dec. 16 Dec. 30 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Dec. 3 Dec. 20 Dec. 20 Dec. 20 Nov. 26 Jan. 1 Dec. 17 Dec. 1 Nov. 13 Nov. 24 Dec. 20 Dec. 11 Nov. 2 Jan. 2 Dec. 21 April 2010 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:17 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), Feb. 8 – Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory Lynch, Educational Director Corey Hann. Chairman challenged mariners to maintain safety record from beginning of outfitting. He discussed new performance agreement and stated it is a difficult but welcome challenge to beat last year’s nearperfect performance. All involved in tank cleanup were thanked. Secretary asked crew to report items that are needed. Educational director suggested crew members take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Members were reminded to renew documents early so they won’t miss job opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motions were made regarding 2011 contract negotiations. Phone and internet access is now available at sea with new satellite. Crew asked to clean up after themselves in laundry room. Kudos were given to steward department for great food. Members were urged to communicate on the job before situations get out off hand. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 21 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Julius Udan, Steward Delegate Frank Iverson. Chairman announced payoff February 25 in Long Beach, Calif., and read president’s report in the Seafarers LOG. Secretary expressed gratitude for help keeping ship clean. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to keep going to Piney Point to upgrade skills and also reminded them to keep documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward Laureta was thanked for an excellent job and putting out special food. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Honolulu. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Feb. 28 – Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln Pinn, Educational Director Vladimir Babenko, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Bosun stated payoff upon arrival on March 3 in Tacoma, Wash. He urged members to keep dues current and contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Chairman was pleased with cleanliness of ship. Educational director advised members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. January 2010 president’s report from Seafarers LOG about union’s success in 2009 was read and discussed. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. MARILYN (Sealift), Feb. 1 – Chairman Fareed Khan, Secretary Gordon Major, Educational Director Tyrone Benjamin, Engine Delegate Bobby Turner, Steward April 2010 Delegate Timothy E. Taylor. Chairman reported smooth sailing and thanked all aboard for a job well done. Secretary stated that during voyage the crew was very positive and helpful which made for a pleasant trip. Educational director advised mariners to attend classes at the Piney Point school to enhance seafaring abilities. It was suggested to enroll in security or small arms training classes due to pirate activity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for new dryers. 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. Way Down South OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (OSG Ship Management), Feb. 1 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Mario Firme, Educational Director Charles Kennedy, Deck Delegate Michael Bell, Engine Delegate Rolando Ocson, Steward Delegate Sallahaldin Nasser. Chairman noted that crew members were doing a great job helping each other. He commended them for and contributing to SPAD and the Maritime Defense League. He stressed the importance of keeping necessary mariner documents current. Secretary reminded members to separate plastic from paper and make sure plates are brought back to galley. Educational director urged crew to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like satellite TV receivers and refrigerators in rooms. Recommendations were made regarding the dental plan and direct deposit for vacation checks. Next ports: Cherry Point, Wash., and Long Beach, Calif. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Crowley), Feb. 19 – Chairman Samuel Uyatede, Secretary Exxl Ronquillo, Educational Director David Carter, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles, Steward Delegate Jose Constantino. Bosun announced payoff February 20 in the port of Houston. He advised fellow members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities in Piney Point, Md., and thanked them for their hard work during voyage. Secretary thanked everybody for help cleaning up after meals and putting dirty linen in the right spot. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members stated there are lots of movies to watch and exercise equipment is available. 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 Antarctica. The USNS Paul Buck, a tanker operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., pumped off more than 150,000 barrels of fuel for equipment ranging from generators to helicopters. Once the Paul Buck departed, the American Tern, operated by OspreyAcomarit Ship Management, docked at McMurdo’s ice pier to deliver 734,907 cubic feet of cargo that included equipment, food and other supplies—the life-sustaining cargo for McMurdo’s research scientists and residents. These photos of some of the crew members and sites are from the Buck and were submitted by Robert Lee, a pilot. Look for additional photos from Deep Freeze in an upcoming issue of the LOG and on www.seafarers.org. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), March 4 – Chairman Michael Kadderly, Secretary Robert Mosley, Educational Director Joie Flesner, Deck Delegate Jovencio Cabab, Engine Delegate Larry Calixto, Steward Delegate Ronald Fluker. Bosun lead discussion about the reason for union meetings and thanked his crew for working safely. Secretary asked mariners to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next member. Educational director reminded everyone of the value of upgrading their skills at the Piney Point school. He explained how the Seafarers 401(k) plan works and touched on the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Treasurer reported $115.50 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All departments were credited for outstanding work. Everyone was asked to keep noise down while watchstanders are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif., and Hawaii. USNS SODERMAN (Ocean Ships), March 4 – Chairman James D. Orlanda, Secretary Milton Sivells, Educational Director Kevin Quinlan, Deck Delegate Lynn Mallis, Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Chairman reviewed the basics of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, with the crew. Clarification requested as to whether or not members could fly into their home address versus the registered union hall. Educational director encourage members to apply for scholarships. Treasurer stated $100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were informed about online classes. All aboard were thankful for their jobs. Seafarers LOG 19 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:35 AM Page 20 Seafarers Support ‘Unified Response’ The photos appearing on this page were sent to the LOG by Jan Genemans of the American Maritime Officers Union and by SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Ashley Nelson. The images were taken during various stages of Operation Unified Response, a relief mission in Haiti which began in the aftermath of the 7.0- magnitude earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation Jan. 12. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, more than a dozen SIU-crewed vessels, including the PFC Dewayne T. Williams, Cornhusker State, MV Cape May and 1st Lt. Jack Lummus sailed to the area in support of the mission. The PFC Dewayne T. Williams SIU crewmembers aboard the Cornhusker State (front row, from left to right) included: AB Kevin Johnson, OS Shaun Wood, OMU Hubert Dennis, Wiper Gregory Attawora, AB Papa Yankeh and OMU Christopher Sheppard. In the back row are: AB Gary Turner, OMU James Corprew, OS Alvin Rhodes, AB William Markeson, Cook Patricia Sullivan, SA Penny Taylor, Steward Adele George, AB Damon Parker, SA James Petite, AB Daniel Marcus and SA Francisco Calix. Also on the crew, but not pictured were Wiper Al Greene and Electrician J. Clothier. The AMO crew aboard the Cornhusker State (front row, left to right) included REO Ashley Vail, 3AE Warren Carroll, Capt. Todd Cooper, 3AE Scott Williams, (middle row) 3M Mark Holman, 3M Erik Bekkelund, (back row) 3AE Adamo Ferriero, CE Mick McDermott, 2AE Chris Gilman, 3M John Baucom and CM Jan Genemans. Missing from this photo is 1AE Mark Harvey. The Cornhusker State Crewmembers from the PFC Dewayne T. Williams (photo above) are pictured in Jacksonville following their return from Haiti. Included (from left to right) are Bosun Chris Janics, SA Sixto Carcamo, S A L e z l i e Vehikite, and AB John Gonnsalves. In the photo at left, Bosun Janics joins SA Rosemary Glover and AB Nick Vandergriff. Chief Cook Meili Seegers PFC Dewayne T. Williams Cook/Baker Edward English PFC Dewayne T. Williams 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. April 2010 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:23 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 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. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Medical Care Provider April 19 June 14 April 23 June 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Chief Steward April 19 July 19 May 28 August 27 Steward Recertification April 12 May 3 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 26 June 21 May 21 July 16 ARPA April 19 April 23 Bosun Recertification October 18 November 8 Celestial Navigation May 24 June 18 Fast Rescue Boat Lifeboatman May 3 June 21 June 7 May 7 June 25 June 18 Radar Observer (Unlimited) April 5 April 16 Radar Recertification June 21 June 21 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman May 10 May 21 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began March 22. 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 Department Upgrading Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations May 24 June 18 FOWT April 26 June 21 May 21 July 16 Welding April 5 May 10 June 7 April 23 May 28 June 25 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting BST/Basic Firefighting May 31 April 26 May 24 June 21 June 11 April 30 May 28 June 25 Medical Care Provider March 22 March 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ “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, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 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. Email 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. 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 ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # ____________________________ Seniority_____________________________ COURSE DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ Department______________________ Home Port_____________________________________________________________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ April 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. 4/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:17 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 727 – Nineteen unlicensed apprentices completed their requirements in this 60-hour water survival course Dec. 11. Those graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Ibrahim Abubaker, Brandon Albro, Rafael Alvarez-Chacon, Joshua Bickel, Russell Bravo, Lawrence Brooks, John Cacella, Christin Clanton, Walter Clark, Christopher Corvino, Dhindo Faulve, Kaamil Gray, Brandon Hubbie, Melbourne Leask, Kassim Mohamed, Tervin Narcisse, Luis SantiagoSotero, Ricky Sherfy, and Daniel Stepnik. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Four upgraders completed their requirements in the 103-hour course Feb. 19. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Steven Hamilton, Jonathan McNeil, Reina Mendez, and Rogelio Thompson. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing, second from left. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Seventeen urgraders on Feb. 26 completed their requirements in this 63-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Danilo Achacoso, Nicholas Barkdull, David Blue, Mamadou Diallo, Terry Franklin, Jape Geonzon, John Gryko, Peter Hamm, Jeremiah Harrington, Fabian Lanzy, Travis Long, Malek Muhsen, Raymond Nowak, Rudy Puerto, Salahuddin Saleh, John Schmanski and Bernard Smalls. Herb Walling, their instructor, is at left. BAPO – The following Phase III apprentices and upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed this 140-hour course Feb. 26: Benjamin Arroya, Joseph Bankhead, Roberto Borras, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Christepher Cross, Daniel Daligcon Sr., Christopher Dehr, Jacob DieFenbach, Jason Greene, Shawn Haber, Kelvin Jennings Jr., Shaun Lewis, Allen Ludlow, Tremain McCoy, Carlos Noriega, Thomas Respicio, Grayson Ross, Zachary Ross, Garland Scott, Aleksey Vigovskiy and Antoine White. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at right. ARPA – Six upgraders completed this 32-hour course Feb. 19. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tyler Adams, Richard Barnes, Scott Ellis, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancock and John Howard. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, 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. 22 Seafarers LOG April 2010 �58860_p01_24:58860 3/25/2010 7:17 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Vessel Security Officer – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) finished their requirement in the course Feb. 17. Graduating were: Greg Allman, David Callis, Douglas Carson, Douglas Covil, James Dixon, Scottie Duncan, William Eskridge, Dennis Gaskill Jr., Wayne Huebschman, Parran Keane, Richardson Korron, Brian Pruitt, Gil Pruitt, James Robinson, Michael Smith and Foster Watts. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is fourth from the left. Tank Pic Barge – Sixteen uprgraders completed this course Feb. 19. Graduating (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Stephen Banks, Robeson Carrier, Al Caulder, Thomas Conry, Monte Cross Jr., Joel Fahselt, Cory Gardner, Ronel Guerzon, Thomas Halliburton, John Immerfall, John Manning, Kenneth McLamb, Louis Ponsiglione, Robert Stevens, Annie Walker and Emmanuel Wilson. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is kneeling in the front Certified Chief Cook Eight members of the steward department recently completed this 12-week course. Those graduating (photo at left, from the left) were: Brad Stephenson, BeGiana Eason, Lamberto Palanos, Elizabeth Ibanez and Stanford Drakes. Also graduating (photo at right) were Greg McNiel, Alexandra DeJesus and Richard Wythe. BST (Hawaii) – Sixteen individuals completed this training at the Seafarers Training STCW – Eleven upgraders on Feb. 12 completed their requirements in the course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Danilo Achacoso, Jaysen Cummings, David Denizac, Jape Geonzon, Ricky Langley, Michael Lyell, Kenneth McLamb, Terry Polly, Salahuddin Saleh, Bernard Smalls and Annie Walker. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at left. April 2010 Center in Hawaii Jan 30. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Kimberly Tibbs, Chad Eichelberger, Maria Obando, Blaine Tennyson, Roberto Arteaga, Patricia Trueblood, Jillian Clark, Christopher Aldrich, Catherine Pozerski, Allison Holladay, Rebecca Ray, Gerry Stocker, Steven Scordino, John Medwid, Nick Lucero and Bryan Suarez. Seafarers LOG 23 �58860_p01_24X:58860 3/29/2010 6:25 AM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 4 April 2010 SMIS Notice - Page 15 Navy Secretary, Joint Chiefs Chairman Commend SIU-Crewed USNS Comfort T he civilian mariners and sailors aboard the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort are known worldwide for their humanitarian assistance efforts. They were visited in January and February by the U.S. Navy’s top brass and a Haitian leader to commend them for the lifesaving assistance they provided to an earthquake-devastated Haiti in Operation Unified Response. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representative recently passed House Resolution 1048 commending the efforts of the Comfort crew and those of all Navy and Military Sealift Command ships involved in the operation. The civilian mariners in the Comfort’s unlicensed positions are members of the SIU’s Government Services Division and were on hand when Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen and Haitian Health Minister Dr. Alex Larsen visited the ship while the Comfort was anchored off the coast of Port-au-Prince to commend the vessel’s personnel for their efforts. During the Comfort relief mission, the medical contingent performed surgery and related assistance to more than 900 Haitians hurt from the quake. Mariners distributed relief supplies from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Comfort also provided more than 300 units of blood from its on-board blood banks, delivered more than 100 pallets of other relief supplies and acted as ambassadors of the U.S. “I want to simply say thank you for the skills you have, the dedication you have and the hours you have put in,” said Secretary Mabus to the crew. “Thank you for everything you have done on behalf of the United States for the people of Haiti. To have Comfort anchored off the coast of Haiti shows a completely different face of America.” Mabus added, “It shows what we can do, and that we are here to help.” “You got down here in record time and made a huge difference,” said Adm. Mullen. “I can only imagine what you’ve been through and seen. I wanted to thank you and thanks to your families who make this possible. We just couldn’t do it without their support. They’re proud of what you’re doing.” Health Minister Larsen presented a plaque to the crew on behalf of a grateful nation. “The United States answered the call very early. The only thing I can do from the bottom of my heart,” said Larsen, “is to say thank you from the Haitian people.” As of March 5, more than 1,200 civilian mariners, sailors, and nongovernmental volunteers from the Comfort had helped provide aid during Operation Unified Response, a USAID-led multinational relief effort to begin the steps toward recovery from January’s catastrophe, according to the Navy. Military forces attached to the Joint Task Force in Haiti have provided just over 2.6 million bottles of water, 2.2 million meals, and 149,000 pounds of medical supplies. When commending the Comfort crew, H.R. 1048, sponsored by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), noted the extraordinary USNS Comfort staff has saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship’s patient population and “commends the efforts and honors the work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the U.S. Navy in the immediate response to those affected by this calamity.” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen (left) speaks with Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Mortimer and other personnel aboard the SIU-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy) AB Wendell Moore mans the lines during an underway fuel replenishment. The hospital ship received fuel from fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman, allowing the vessel to continue support of Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edwardo Proano) AB Mina Abucay communicates with the USNS Leroy Grumman. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edwardo Proano) Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (center) meets with Capt. Rodelio Laco, commander of Task Group 41.8, aboard the USNS Comfort. Mabus visited the Comfort to recognize the accomplishments of the crew, who provided critical medical care to more than 900 victims of the earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson) � 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 April 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MILITARY LEADERS, OTHER MTD SPEAKERS REINFORCE SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARINERS AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD LAUNCHES OVERSEAS MARTINEZ UNION’S FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR 2009 REVIEWED, APPROVED BY MEMBERS MTD SPEAKERS CREDIT MARITIME LABOR LIBERTY PROMISE REFLAGS UNDER ‘STARS AND STRIPES,’ ADDS MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR SEAFARERS CONTAINERSHIP MV MOHEGAN DELIVERING CARGO FOR MSC NAVY CONFIRMS 2 MORE T-AKE ORDERS LIST OF NATIONS TO RATIFY ILO 185 GROWS TO 17 U.S. REP. SUTTON HONORED BY GREAT LAKES COALITION RETIRED SIU OFFICIAL BABKOWSKI PASSES AWAY IN N.J. AT AGE 91 SENATOR VITTER TO RECEIVE ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ AWARD SEAFARERS SUPPORT TSA WORKERS, AFGE LAKES CREWS REPORT FOR FIT OUT ‘WHAT A DIFFERENCE YOU’VE MADE’ MILITARY LEADERS CITE VALUE OF MARINERS’ RELIABILITY, INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP U.S. MUST CREATE, MAINTAIN GOOD JOBS OSG EXECUTIVE: LABOR-MANAGEMENT COOPERATION BOOSTS MARITIME INDUSTRY ITF URGES INCREASED ACTION TO THWART PIRACY MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR, FMC CHAIRMAN UNDERSCORE NEED FOR STRONG U.S. FLEET SEAFARERS SUPPORT ‘UNIFIED RESPONSE’ NAVY SECRETARY, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN COMMEND SIU-CREWED USNS COMFORT 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 04/01/2010 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. 4 2010 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/5c216ec36ae97fabd1b34cb0d2016636.pdf b9957f8d1e69549262c7df200b2c6428 PDF Text Text 59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:20 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 6 June 2010 SIU Joins in Celebrat ing New Tonnage Liberty Promise, Endurance Improve U.S. Sealift Capability Seafarers and SIU officials took part in mid-May ceremonies that formally welcomed the Liberty Promise (below) and Endurance (lower left) into the American-flag fleet. The Liberty Promise event took place May 11 near Charleston, S.C., while the Endurance ceremony was conducted May 14 in Baltimore. Both ships are militarily useful RO/ROs which boost the nation’s sealift capacity while also strengthening the job security of SIU members. Pages 2, 3. With military cargo in the background, the Liberty Promise’s entry into the U.S. registry is welcomed by (photo above, from left) Philip Shapiro, president and CEO of Liberty Global Logistics and Liberty Maritime Corporation; Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Mrs. Emily Clyburn, vessel sponsor; and her husband, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Apprentices and officials gather for a photo after the Endurance ceremony. From left to right in the back row are AMO Exec. VP Bob Kiefer, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, ARC President/CEO Raymond Ebeling, AMO President Tom Bethel, U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Duncan McNabb, Mrs. Linda McNabb and SIU President Michael Sacco. American Merchant Marine’s Dependability Recognized at National Maritime Day Events The U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Maritime Administration on May 18 hosted their respective annual National Maritime Day observances, both of which were attended by SIU members and officials. In this photo, (foreground, left to right) Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby and Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. join Navy Operations Specialist 2nd Class Raymond Herbert (center), SIU Bosun Gerald Butch (second from right) and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Matthew Clements in paying respects behind three wreaths honoring U.S. Merchant Mariners. Page 4. Union, School Name Training Vessel In Honor of Exec. VP John F. Fay On May 11, the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education named the school’s new training vessel in memory of John Fay, who passed away in 2005. Fay served the SIU in various posts – most recently, that of executive vice president. As part of the commemoration in Piney Point, Md., Brother Fay’s widow, Phyllis (right), received a framed photo of the state-of-the-art boat now bearing John’s name. Making the presentation are (from left) SIU Sec.Treasurer David Heindel, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. Pages 12-14. SHBP Awards Scholarships Page 7 Overseas Martinez Delivered Page 8 Photos from USNS Pomeroy Pages 10-11 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:35 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Celebrating Gains, Working for More What a month! In May, our union had plenty to celebrate and plenty to report. Topping the list were ceremonies for the new SIUcrewed RO/ROs Endurance and Liberty Promise along with the delivery of the new tanker Overseas Martinez. As I’ve said on similar occasions, these types of gains don’t happen by accident. A lot of hard work and commitment goes into the process of securing new tonnage, and SIU members definitely deserve their share of credit. The professionalism, efficiency and loyalty of Seafarers give confidence to those whose investments bring vessels under the Stars and Stripes. There were other causes for celebration and commemoration last month. In keeping with a tradition dating back to 1952, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan selected recipients for its annual scholarships. This year, the SHBP is awarding Michael Sacco $146,000 in academic grants to one Seafarer and seven SIU dependents. This is a fantastic program. I congratulate this year’s winners and I encourage interested SIU members and their families to apply for the 2011 scholarships. Also in May, the union and our affiliated Paul Hall Center participated in annual National Maritime Day observances in Washington, D.C. Both the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration put together first-class events in our nation’s capital on May 18. Those ceremonies not only honored the proud heritage of the U.S. Merchant Marine but also reinforced the ongoing, vital need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet manned by loyal, welltrained, U.S. mariners. It was a fitting day and I’m glad the SIU was there. One week earlier, the Paul Hall Center hosted a dedication in which the school’s new training vessel was named in memory of John Fay, who served our organization for many decades. This, too, was a fitting tribute as well as a warm remembrance of an individual whose devotion to Seafarers was second-to-none. At the same time, we were (and remain) very active in working on a number of other important issues. For instance, if you’ve visited our web site lately, you probably noticed the launch of a new electronic petition calling for decisive action to end piracy. The petition is sponsored by a broad coalition of organizations, including trade unions and shipowners’ groups and many others. Check it out on our home page, www.seafarers.org, and you can also read about it in this issue of the LOG (page 5). I know the pirates aren’t afraid of a petition. But, the global maritime industry launched this petition to show the world’s leaders something has to be done. The more support the petition receives, the more international leaders will look at and understand our concerns. Additionally, SIU crews either mobilized or were standing by to assist in the weeks-long oil cleanup in the Gulf. As of late May, Seafarers aboard an Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) tanker, two Moran Towing of Texas tugs and an E.N. Bisso & Son tug had been deployed for the operation. Obviously, the situation was constantly changing, so it’s possible that more SIU members will be involved in the massive procedure. Like I said, it was quite a month. We have much more to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead – improvements and challenges alike. Two things I can guarantee are that we won’t stand still and we won’t take anything for granted. Our success is a team effort, and I know that with the strong support of the rank-and-file membership, the SIU will continue sailing on a successful course. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience the occasional setback or that we won’t have to make the occasional sacrifice with an eye on our long-term health. But I know we’re headed in the right direction. Months like May 2010 strongly reinforce that belief. Liberty Promise Formally Welcomed New Vessel Signals Jobs, Enhances Military Capability The setting couldn’t have been more appropriate as Seafarers joined various VIPs in celebrating the entry of the new vessel Liberty Promise into the SIU-crewed fleet. A formal naming ceremony took place May 11 at Naval Weapons Station Charleston in Goose Creek, S.C. – a fitting backdrop, since the ship will be utilized to serve the needs of America’s military personnel (in addition to carrying commercial cargo). Delivering remarks for the event were (in chronological order) Robert Wellner, executive vice president and COO of Liberty Global Logistics; Philip Shapiro, president and CEO of Liberty Global Logistics and Liberty Maritime Corporation; David Matsuda, acting U.S. maritime administrator; General Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Majority Whip. Mrs. Emily Clyburn, the congressman’s wife, served as the naming sponsor. As previously reported, the Liberty Promise was delivered in March and was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea. It is the newest rollon/roll-off vessel (RO/RO) to enter the U.S. registry and meets the requirements of the In photo above, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) addresses the crowd at the naming ceremony. General Duncan McNabb (photo at left) describes the effective partnership between the maritime industry and military. The deck gang includes (from left) Recertified Bosun Mark Lance and ABs Hector Barnes, Lawrence Tharp and Delroy Brown. SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (left), Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin Volume 72, Number 6 U.S. Maritime Security Program. The ship is 656 feet long, has a beam of more than 105 feet and can sail at greater than 20 knots. The Liberty Promise can carry up to 6,500 cars and/or Department of Defense equipment such as tanks, helicopters, HUMVEEES and MRAPS. Put another way, it can carry approximately enough cargo to fill eight football fields. “She clearly is the most efficient [and] cleanestburning ship we have in the U.S.-flag fleet and has stateof-the-art modern technology” Shapiro told a local reporter covering the ceremony. “She has a stern ramp at the rear of the ship, which can actually take two tanks, one coming on and off at the same time.” Mrs. Clyburn said, “We wish this beautiful ship and its crew well. It’s just a wonderful feeling we’re happy to share with everyone here. They all seem to be so very enthusiastic for this event today in the naming of this new ship.” Among other topics, Rep. Clyburn talked about local maritime history. McNabb spotlighted the key partnerships that exist in the American maritime industry, while Matsuda emphasized the importance of brining new, militarily useful tonnage under the U.S. flag. In addition to the Liberty Promise, the company’s fleet also includes the RO/ROs Alliance New York and Liberty Pride and the bulk carriers Liberty Eagle, Liberty Glory, Liberty Grace, Liberty Sun, Liberty Star and Liberty Spirit. June 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. ABs Benny Wright (left) and Ryanne Wheeler Unlicensed Apprentices Brett Van Pelt and Joseph Gref The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Chief Cook Jimmy Williams 2 Seafarers LOG GSU Richard Gegenheimer The vessel is the ninth ship in Liberty’s fleet. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:41 PM General Duncan McNabb, Commander, U.S. TRANSCOM Page 3 SIU President Michael Sacco David Matsuda Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator AB James Wray (third from left) is pictured with (from left) Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, VP Contracts George Tricker, Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift, Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen Ceremony Stresses Maritime’s National Security Role MV Endurance Boosts America’s Sealift Capacity To the casual observer, the sight of the MV Endurance docked in Baltimore may have been eye-catching because of the vessel’s size (860 feet) and attractive new paint job. But to General Duncan McNabb, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), the SIU-crewed ship signifies something infinitely more important than the cosmetic. Giving the keynote address at a May 14 ceremony aboard the recently reflagged ship, McNabb said the Endurance and other vessels in the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) fleet “represent a critical rollon/roll-off capability that responds directly to the evolving logistics requirements of the combatant commanders. At U.S. Transportation Command our focus is on supporting these war fighters – providing the end-to-end deployment and distribution solutions to bring them what they need, where they need it, and when they need it. Overall, more than 90 percent of what we deliver in support of the combatant commanders is moved by sea. The vast majority of that is through commercial shipping; (there are) 35 ships loading, off-loading or underway at any given time. We accomplish this with great precision and at the greatest value…. Ships like the Endurance represent a key element in that capability.” He recalled being in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 and said that in the big picture, America’s ability to support its armed forces “is about the future of mankind…. This really is a battle of good over evil, of hope over despair, of light over darkness, of freedom over tyranny. It’s going to be a long war; we’ll stay at it and we will win.” SIU President Michael Sacco also was a featured speaker at the Baltimore event, as were acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and ARC President and CEO Raymond Ebeling, who served as master of ceremonies. Linda McNabb, the general’s wife, was the vessel’s sponsor. Hundreds of guests attended the ceremony, including other high-ranking military officers, active and retired congressional representatives, SIU members and officials and others from various maritime industry components. The Endurance is operated by Crowley for ARC, which described the vessel as “the largest and most militarily useful, multi-purpose RO/RO ship in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet.” It was built in 1996 and entered service under the American flag in mid-February. The ship has nine decks and is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a vital part of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s foundation. Throughout the ceremony, each speaker cited the critical value of civilian mariners and the effective partnership that exists among maritime labor, management, the military and backers in government. McNabb pointed out that since 2004, ARC ships “have set sail over 1,500 times and carried over 5 million tons of cargo in support of our war fighters.” He credited mariners for their reliability dating to the country’s founding, and said the unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center who were in attendance symbolized “that next generation, and you’re raising your hand for freedom. This next generation is stepping up magnificently. You all are awesome.” McNabb added that the commercial fleet and civilian mariners “serve the nation today as a crucial part of the U.S. transportation team. You bring our nation strategic advantage no other nation has. You provide America with logistics superiority over any and all adversaries. You enable our war fighters to fight and to win. You help us to keep our promise to them.” Ebeling said the ship’s name is appropriate as America continues its years-long efforts in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as in national economic recovery. He pointed out that ARC is the third-largest U.S.-flag international carrier and noted that the company “has now invested $500 million in U.S.-flag shipping … and is committed to future investment.” He said the U.S.-flag fleet has been saved by “a unique labor-management partnership, by the powerful support of the U.S. Transportation Command, by the decisive action of certain congressional supporters and, I would specifically note, by the investment by overseas investors of $2.5 billion in U.S.-flag international carriers.” Ebeling credited Sacco for seeing “more clearly than most, perhaps all, that the relationship with industry and labor has to be win-win.” Speaking of the entire ARC team, including its mariners, he praised them for helping the company grow and then asked, “Where might we be 10 years from now? At ARC, we plan to be right here. We plan to keep on going and keep on growing, and we need your help to do that.” Sacco thanked McNabb and Ebeling for their respective efforts on behalf of American mariners. He said that although the maritime industry often seems overlooked by the general public, “we’ve been in the headlines a lot during the past several years, and I think people are starting to appreciate more and more who we are and why our work matters. U.S. mariners are the ones who rescued the passengers and flight crew during the Miracle on the Hudson just a little more than a year ago. U.S. mariners are the ones who fought back against the pirates aboard the Maersk Alabama – a development Raymond Ebeling, President/CEO, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier that brought some much-needed attention and action to a very serious problem off the coast of Somalia. U.S. mariners are the ones who sailed the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Haiti right after the earthquake, along with many other civilian-crewed ships bringing relief to Continued on Page 5 Vessel Sponsor Linda McNabb (second from left) and others celebrate the ceremonial christening, which involved a large model of the ship’s bow (background) Hundreds gather aboard the vessel to commemorate its entry into the American-flag fleet. June 2010 Major General James L. Hodge, Commander, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, greets apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Seafarers LOG 3 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:43 PM Page 4 Standing with the Maritime Day wreaths (above, left to right) are MSC Commander Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, retired Congresswoman and Federal Maritime Commission Chairperson Helen Bentley, SIU Bosun Gerald Butch, Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Matthew Clements, SIU President Michael Sacco and Navy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Matthew Clements (photo at right) rings eight bells as Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) (center) and Jay Brickman, VP of Crowley Maritime, look on. National Maritime Day Events in D.C. Honor Dedication, Value of Mariners America paid tribute to the dedication and ongoing reliability of its merchant mariners during National Maritime Day observances in Washington, D.C., on May 18. The day-long commemoration opened at the Department of Transportation headquarters building with an event sponsored by the Maritime Administration, and ended at the Washington Navy Yard with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony sponsored by the Military Sealift Command. The annual ceremonies, including a luncheon sponsored by the Propeller Club, featured military, congressional, adminis- SIU VP Contracts George Tricker addresses the audience at the National Press Club. tration and maritime leaders who praised the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Among those representing the SIU were President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Assistant Vice President Ambrose Cucinotta. A group of unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also attended, as did Bosun Gerald Butch from the USNS Comfort. Fr. Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member, makes a point during the event cosponsored by the North American Maritime Ministry Association and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association Presidential Proclamation National Maritime Day 2010 Even before our Nation declared independence, our forebears recognized the importance of merchant ships and seafarers to our economic and national security. Since 1775, America’s maritime fleet has risen to the challenges before them and worked to meet our country’s needs in times of peace and war alike. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine for their contributions to America’s leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security. Civilian mariners and their ships have played an important role in equipping our military forces at sea in national conflicts. During World War II, they executed the largest sealift the world had ever known, and thousands 4 Seafarers LOG The morning program at DOT featured an invocation by SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre, president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, and remarks by U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), who stressed the importance of the Jones Act to the nation’s economy. “It’s a great [law] that’s vital to our nation, American business and American maritime,” the congressman stated. Acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda added, “Seafarers have long been the backbone of our economy and defense and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their sacrifices.” The same event also featured the ceremonial ringing of eight bells, done in remembrance of the service of mariners. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Matthew Clements rang the bell. Later in the day at the Washington Navy Yard, Navy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. praised generations of U.S. Merchant Mariners for their contributions to national defense. “Mariners’ service and sacrifice, their pride and professionalism are the firm foundation of our global military operations,” he said. Harvey also hailed mariners’ roles in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, most recently to Haiti after its devastating January earthquake. MSC Commander Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby noted during the ceremony, “We gave their lives to help convoys with desperately needed supplies reach our troops. Their service to our Nation continues today. Merchant mariners support military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian missions, including the delivery of supplies to Haiti following this year’s devastating earthquake. The United States Merchant Marine also shepherds the safe passage of American goods. They carry our exports to customers around the world and support the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways. They help strengthen our Nation’s economy; bolster job creating businesses; and, along with the transportation industry, employ Americans on ships and tugs, and in ports and shipyards. Today, we pay tribute to the United States Merchant Marine, and we honor all those whose tireless work is laying a foundation for growth, prosperity, and leadership in the 21st century. at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Buzby also recognized by name four civil service mariners from the hospital ship USNS Comfort – Bosun Butch, Chief Mate David Lieberman, Third Mate Joseph Kranz and Second Assistant Engineer Peter Barry. The four were presented with Merchant Marine Outstanding Achievement Medals by MarAd earlier in the day. On a day full of maritime tradition, three wreaths were placed at the Navy Yard in honor of mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice – one by Butch on behalf of the USNS Comfort, one on behalf of MSC and the third by Clements on behalf of the school. The wreaths were later moved to a place of honor at the Navy Memorial, also in the nation’s capital. In an event related to National Maritime Day, the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., hosted a seminar titled, “Environmental Intelligence in Shipping and the Seafarer.” Tricker and Oubre both were among the panelists. The actual date of National Maritime Day is May 22 annually. It was established by Congress in 1933 to honor the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. Merchant Mariners in defense of the United States. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2010, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance with appropriate activities, and I encourage all ships sailing under the American flag to dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA June 2010 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:37 PM Page 5 Online Petition Pushes New Vessel Joins SIU Fleet Action to Combat Piracy Continued from Page 3 The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in mid-May announced that an unprecedented coalition of organizations – from trade unions to shipowners’ associations and insurers – “has joined forces to back a global e-petition demanding concrete action to end the piracy that is putting lives at risk and threatening world trade.” The web address for the petition is: www.endpiracypetition.org Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the ITF (to which the SIU is affiliated) called the petition “the centerpiece of a new campaign to persuade all governments to commit the resources necessary to end the increasing problem of Somalia-based piracy. It is intended to deliver at least half a million signatures to governments by International Maritime Organizaton World Maritime Day, September 23.” The petition calls on nations to dedicate significant resources and work to find real solutions to the growing piracy problem. It urges them to take immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers to their families, and also to work within the international community to secure a stable and peaceful future for Somalia and its people. Among those backing the campaign are the ITF, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), International Chamber of Shipping, International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations, International Maritime Employers’ Committee, International Parcel Tankers Association, International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, International Ship Managers’ Association, International Group of P&I Clubs, INTERTANKO, International Shipping Federation, International Union of Marine Insurance and the Society of International Gas Tankers & Terminal Operators Ltd. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft stated, “With one click everyone can now make their feelings about piracy known, and then pass the link on to all their colleagues around the world who feel the same. In this way we can signal our belief that it is past time for all governments to do what has to be done to protect seafarers, ships and the goods that they carry and on which we all rely.” Speaking on behalf of all the signatory associations, International Shipping Federation President Spyros M. Polemis explained, “Together we must encourage all governments to do everything necessary to protect the lives of seafarers who are subject to increasingly violent attacks, with over 1,800 kidnapped in the last two years alone. Ninety percent of world trade is carried by sea, and governments have a duty to extend the naval protection being provided – which is currently inadequate – and regain control of the Indian Ocean from a handful of criminals.” The text of the petition reads in part: “We, the undersigned, urgently call on Governments to do everything possible to protect the thousands of seafarers and the hundreds of ships at risk of attack by pirates by: dedicating significant resources and concerted efforts to find real solutions to the growing piracy problem; taking immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers to their families; working within the international community to secure a stable and peaceful future for Somalia and its people.” Transportation Institute Cites Importance of Jones Act fleet National Maritime Day ceremonies often focus on the proud history of the U.S. Merchant Marine. A Washington, D.C.-based organization that promotes the American-flag fleet and U.S. mariners recently suggested that National Maritime Day also should be an occasion to appreciate the value of the Jones Act fleet, which is vital not only to the industry but to the country’s overall economy. On May 19, the Transportation Institute issued a news release in which it pointed out the “40,000-plus vessels that move cargo and passengers between U.S. ports generate nearly 500,000 family-sustaining jobs and provide an annual payroll in excess of $29 billion. U.S.-flag vessels in domestic waterborne commerce are the largest single component of America’s Merchant Marine…. Without the Jones Act fleet, the American economy would sputter and fail.” Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between U.S. ports be carried in vessels that are U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed. Other laws and statutes apply the same ground rules to the movement of passengers, towing, dredging, and marine salvage. The basic requirements of the Jones Act have been the foundation of U.S. maritime policy since 1817. The institute’s release pointed out that in a strong economy, Jones Act vessels will carry more than 1 billion tons of cargo. This activity generates $100.3 billion in economic output and contributes $11.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The release further noted that the “499,676 jobs the Jones Act creates and June 2010 sustains are spread across the nation, but the top 10 states for Jones Act employment are, in order: Louisiana, Texas, California, Washington, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee.” Moreover, in light of the global push for environmentally sound operations, a key paragraph in the release described waterborne commerce as “the greenest form of transportation. A large U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighter can carry a ton of cargo 600-plus miles on a gallon of fuel compared to 200 for a train, and do so while producing 70 percent less carbon dioxide. A 24-barge tow on the inland rivers moves the same amount of grain as 384 rail cars or 1,680 highway trucks – again a boon to the environment and a much-needed lessening of congestion on the nation’s overburdened rail beds and interstates.” Finally, the institute stated that in addition to promoting commerce, America’s cabotage laws also “play a vital role in the nation’s ability to defend its interests overseas. When American troops are stationed abroad, more than 90 percent of the materiel they require moves by ships. Jones Act vessels engage in these transoceanic voyages, but equally important are its mariners who began their careers in the Jones Act trades who crew the other U.S.-flag vessels ferrying arms and supplies to war zones.” The Transportation Institute was founded in 1967. Its self-described mission “is to enhance American political, economic and military security by advocating a sound, comprehensive national maritime policy which secures the role of the U.S.flag industry in both foreign and domestic trades.” that nation. And of course, U.S. mariners are the men and women who’ve been there from day one in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, supporting our troops and delivering the food, fuel, vehicles and ammunition they need.” He added that without a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, “it would only be a matter of time before our nation became an economic hostage of other countries whose ships call on our ports. Without us, I wouldn’t even want to imagine who we could really count on to deliver the vital supplies to our armed forces.” Matsuda said that the program in which the Endurance is enrolled, the MSP, “is effective and a good value. I’m delighted to welcome such a modern, impressive ship into the U.S.-flag fleet. These ships and the mariners who sail aboard them are the invisible heroes of the American logistics and commerce chain.” He cited the importance of investments made by commercial operators and “the bravery and intrepidness of our civilian merchant Bosun Fred Cintorino mariners.” Recertified Steward Stephen A. Bird (left), Chief Cook Gerald Rogers Oilers Ken Bricker (left) and Adam Soto The Endurance is an asset to America’s sealift capacity. ‘Like a Cadillac’ SIU members sailing aboard the recently reflagged Endurance reported smooth sailing on the roll-on/roll-off vessel, which entered the union-contracted fleet earlier this year. Moments before a May 14 shipboard ceremony in Baltimore, Bosun Fred Cintorino stated, “Things are going well. We’ve got a bunch of good guys aboard the ship. We all work and I’m proud of them. You really couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s a good boat, like a Cadillac.” Oiler Adam Soto agreed. “It’s one of the cleanest ships I’ve ever been on,” he said. “We’ve got good food and a good crew and everyone is friendly.” Added Oiler Ken Bricker, “It’s a very big and very clean ship.” Crew members seemed especially pleased with the galley gang, headed by Recertified Steward Stephen A. Bird and including Chief Cook Gerald Rogers. Seafarers LOG 5 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:45 PM Page 6 After the meeting, stewards and SIU officials gather for a photo in the auditorium. Pictured from left to right are Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Edward Banks, Army Joe Leake, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Daniel Herrera, Kimberly Strate, VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco, Leonard Benton, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Annette Hart and husband Jack Hart, Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel and VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Stewards Graduate from Recertification Class Seafarers Describe Benefits of Upgrading at Paul Hall Center With focus and enthusiasm, six SIU members in early May finished steward recertification at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Recertification is considered the top Paul Hall Center curriculum available to members of the steward department. Graduating from the most recent course offering were Seafarers Edward C. Banks, Leonard Benton, Jack Allen Hart Jr., Daniel Herrera, Army Joe Leake and Kimberly Strate. The three-week class includes hands-on training, classroom instruction and meetings with representatives from different departments of the SIU and the Seafarers Plans. Among the 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. The stewards received their graduation certificates May 3 during the membership meeting in Piney Point. Following a longstanding tradition, each of them addressed the other upgraders and officials in attendance. Several offered practical encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices in the audience. Banks was first to the microphone. A Seafarer since 1990, he said some of the course’s most useful lessons involved training in conflict resolution and preventing sexual harassment. He also thanked union and school officials and staff members for their hard work. “The union has been an important part of my life,” stated Banks, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va. “It has helped me to grow professionally, expand my knowledge and see different countries. I’ve been able to upgrade my skills for use now and in the future.” Speaking to the apprentices, Banks urged them to “stay focused, study hard and give 110 percent. Trust me, it pays off.” Herrera, whose home port is San Juan, P.R., signed on with the SIU in 2001 and has upgraded several times since then. He described the recertification class as “a very good experience. The instructors and the staff were terrific. It also opened my view of the union and what it’s all about…. I encourage everybody to continue to upgrade.” Benton, who sails from the port of Houston, had been a member of the old National Maritime Union (NMU) when it merged into the SIU in 2001. He said the recertification course “was well worth waiting for. It has given me a wide range of knowledge in food service and I will be able to provide better supervision plus maintain a high level of sanitation.” A mariner since 1967, Benton urged his fellow members to “always remember, it’s not what’s on the (shipping) paper that makes us who we are; it’s who we are that makes the paper. The choices you make today will navigate your course for tomorrow.” Piney Point is a familiar setting to Hart, who graduated from the trainee program in 1981 and now sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He said the computer training, ServSafe and conflict resolution sessions were highlights of the recertification class. “This is the best school for seamen in the world,” Hart added. “I have used this school to better my pay and better my life. It has helped me improve my skills…. For those coming into the union now, I would recommend using this school to upgrade their skills as much as they can and as soon as they receive the (sea) time. “I also would like to say thanks to everyone who helped me along my way to become a recertified steward, especially (retired Recertified Steward) James Willey for taking me under his wing.” Strate joined the SIU in Jacksonville in 2001. She commended the union for “always being supportive” and also urged fellow members to participate in SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. “Because of our donations to SPAD, we have the best team going to bat for us every day in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “They face a maze of regulations and they need our support.” Strate, whose home port is Baltimore, said that the recertification course as a whole will help her when interacting with fellow crew members and company representatives. A frequent upgrader, she added, “It’s always a pleasure to come here. The hotel looks wonderful, as does the entire campus. Every single employee has a great attitude. I have to commend the hotel staff for continuing to provide first-class accommodations. Over the years, including this visit, things just keep getting better.” Turning to the apprentices, Strate stated, “I have a job I love and have a huge extended family. Don’t forget to work hard and strive for the professionalism that sets us apart.” Leake had the final word at the podium. He began by pointing out he’s been sailing for 47 years, including 17 with the SIU and 30 with the Navy. He also thanked the union’s officials for their hard work, and encouraged fellow Seafarers to contribute to SPAD. “The SIU has been very important in my life,” said Leake, who sails from the port of Norfolk. “I wanted to continue sailing and the SIU provided me that opportunity. I’ve traveled the globe many times, more than a halfdozen times around the world.” Concerning the recertification class, Leake said, “I am very appreciative of the entire educational experience that I received. I am particularly pleased that I had an opportunity to learn more about proper food-service procedures and also the fact that I became more educated regarding SIU contracts. The knowledge that I received will allow me to be a more effective steward.” Finally, he told the apprentices, “The training you receive here will give you a strong foundation for a successful career. Study hard, study smart, don’t get cocky, and stay focused. Your learning will never end.” First aid and CPR training are included in the recertification class, as reflected in the photos above and below. Stewards brush up on their fire fighting skills. This part of the course takes place at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. 6 Seafarers LOG June 2010 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 11:07 PM Page 7 Eight Share $146,000 in Scholarships from SHPB One active Seafarer and seven dependents now will be able to further their educational aspirations thanks to the recent awarding of grants totaling $146,000 from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHPB). Meeting May 7 in Charleston, S.C., members of the SHBP Scholarship Committee chose Seafarer Lon Oliver along with dependents Robert Firme, Aisha Woods, Margot O’Meara, Eizie Giray, Jacob Miller, Sime Masnov and Molly Johnson as recipients of the calendar year 2010 Charlie Logan Scholarships. Oliver is the recipient of a two-year, $6,000 endowment while Firme, Woods, O’Meara, Giray, Miller, Masnov and Johnson each will receive four-year scholarships for $20,000 to attend institutions of their choices. Following are brief biographical sketches of each scholarship recipient and recaps of their respective educational aspirations. Lon Oliver Recertified Bosun Lon Oliver is the recipient of the scholarship designated for active Seafarers. He will receive $6,000 for study at a two-year institution of higher learning. A native of Oregon, Brother Oliver attended YamhillCarlton Union High School for two years and received his GED in 1981. He is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served aboard a guided missile destroyer from 1981 to 1984. Brother Oliver joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Seattle, Wash. “This allowed me to return to my first love, the sea,” he said. He added that since becoming a Seafarer, his life has improved greatly and he is more focused. “I bought a small piece of land on which I plan to plant a small orchard and grow various types of fruit,” he stated. With luck, he hopes sell the “fruits of his labor” and become self-sufficient. “By taking chemistry and horticulture classes to help me grow the best fruit possible for market, along with business classes to show me how the market works, things should only get better,” he said. School in Stevensville, Md. While in high school, she achieved an overall 4.03 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society and earned a myriad of Maryland State academic honors. O’Meara was heavily involved with cheerleading and worked tirelessly in volunteer activities in her community. O’Meara currently is attending St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City, Md. Still in her freshman year, she already has amassed 14 credits toward her degree. She plans to major in Political Science and Economics with minor emphasis in Sociology. “I have always been interested in government and politics,” said O’Meara in the narrative portion of her scholarship application package. “After undergraduate school, I am planning on continuing my education further in law school.” Eizie Giray Eizie Giray was born in the Republic of the Philippines and is daughter of deep sea Bosun Rufino J. Giray (mother, Ruchie, a home maker) and has two siblings. A resident of Waipahu, Hawaii, Giray graduated from Pearl City High School where she posted a 3.67 GPA and ranked 49th in her class. Eizie devoted her time exclusively to academics during her freshman and sophomore years, but got involved in athletics and extracurricular activities as a junior and senior. She was active in her school’s student council, math team and Polynesian and Leo Clubs. “Ever since I can remember, my parents have always taught me that education is of the utmost importance; it’s the key to making it in life,” she said in her scholarship package. Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in science and ultimately pursue a career in biomedical engineering. Giray has applied to three four-year universities: University of Hawaii, La Sierra University and Stanford University. Robert Firme Robert Firme hails from Ewa Beach and is a graduate of James Campbell High School in Hawaii. Born in the Republic of the Philippines, he is the son of Steward Roberto A. Firme (and mother, Bita.) and has two brothers. Firme posted an overall 4.2 grade point average during his high school tenure and graduated first in his class of 639 students. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of numerous academic accolades in math, science, English, and history. He was enrolled in the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC, was active in student government and held membership in a variety of high school clubs including the math, science and robotics teams. Firme was a member of his high school’s varsity tennis team and was extremely active in a host of other non-athletic extra-curricular and community activities. He plans to pursue a four-year degree in civil engineering, possibly at Stanford University where he already has been accepted. Jacob Miller Jacob Miller wants to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. The son of retired Chief Engineer Marlin Miller (mother, Sheryl) Jacob has two siblings. He was born in Duval County, Fla., and is a graduate of Duncan Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach. Fla. Jacob ranked 98th in his graduating class and posted an overall 4.0 GPA. He excelled in both baseball and basketball while in high school, but baseball was his passion. He had aspirations of playing in college and even in the Majors before a serious injury to his pitching arm brought an abrupt end to his dreams. “Then I discovered eBay and the world of mechanical engineering and everything changed,” he said. “At the instance, all of my aspirations came back to me and I felt inspired again. “I discovered that I could modify an Xbox 360 controller and sell it on eBay,” he continued, “….and my goal to become a mechanical engineer at the University of Florida had begun.” Jacob has already completed two semesters of study at Florida State Community College. He has earned 25 credits towards his degree. Sime Masnov Sime Masnov hails from San Pedro, Calif., and is a 2009 graduate of San Pedro High School. The son of Chief Engineer Marijan Masnov (mother Biserka is a homemaker), Sime has one sibling. While in high school, he was a member of the cross country team and participated in the Los Angeles Marathon. Masnov served as vice president of his school’s Croatian Club. Active in his community, Sime was a volunteer tutor in the boys and girls clubs and served as an usher in his church. Following graduation, he attended Los Angeles Harbor College in Wilmington, Calif., where he earned five credits. He later enrolled at California Maritime where he remains to date and is pursuing his degree in maritime transport. Masnov has earned 62 credits and has an overall GPA of 3.45. Quoting Booker T. Washington, Masnov believes that “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Applying this quote to his own life, he says that he is a true believer in Washington’s assessment regarding success. “During my time in Pedro (High School) I had many experiences that will always stay with me,” he said. After competing in the L.A. Marathon in 2004—on of the hottest of all time, Masnov said, “I felt like I could accomplish anything.” Molly Johnson Molly Johnson was born in Sonoma, Calif., and currently resides in Healdsburg, Calif. The daughter of the late Bosun Michael Johnson (mother, Kathy), Molly is a 2010 graduate of Healdsburg High School. She achieved an overall 4.0 GPA while attending Healdsburg High and was active in a number of sports, clubs and community activities. Her favorite sport is swimming; she was a four-year member of her high school swim team. Molly hopes to continue swimming while in college. Johnson plans on pursuing a career in marine biology at either the University of California at Santa Cruz, or at Humbodt State University in Arcata, Calif., where she already has been accepted. “In school, my favorite subjects were always mathematics and science, and I decided that Marine Biology would be my major when I applied to college,” she said. “I am deserving of this scholarship because I am very determined to go to college,” Molly said. “I will be the first generation to finish college.” Aisha Wood Alisha Wood is the daughter of AB Wilbert E. Wood (and mother Betty, a teacher). Born in Louisiana, Wood now resides in Argyle, N.Y. She is a 2009 graduate of Argyle High School where she ranked first in her class of 68 with a very high GPA. While in high school, Wood held membership in the Tri Beta Club (Biology), an acapella group and an international student organization. Wood currently is attending Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. She has already earned 17 credits toward her four-year degree .She plans to major in Biology and someday attend medical school. “I believe in honesty, responsibility, hard work and people achieving great things simply by having a strong will and an immeasurable passion,” she stated in her scholarship application package. “I know I will make a great physician because I have the drive and the passion to help others.” Margot O’Meara A native Marylander, Margot O’Meara hails from Chester, Md. She is the daughter of retired Inland Master James O’Meara (and mother, Goga, an accounts manager) and has one sister. O’Meara is a 2009 graduate of Kent High June 2010 Members of the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee met in Charleston, S.C., to choose this year’s award recipients. Comprising the committee (above, from left to right) were: Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired); Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Charles Lyons, Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired), and Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired). Not pictured but participating via phone was Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gustavus Adolphus College. Seafarers LOG 7 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:49 PM Page 8 Lakes Contracts Include Numerous Gains The union recently wrapped up negotiations with three different companies in the Great Lakes region, and in each case, the agreements call for wage increases and other gains. According to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, a long-term contract has been completed with KK Integrated Shipping LLC, based in Menominee, Mich. Seafarers sail aboard two integrated tug-barge units operated by the company. The contract includes wage increases in each of its first eight years, followed by a wage reopener. It also features vacation benefits along with Paul Hall Center benefits for training and upgrading. Finally, it includes health care coverage and a 401(k) plan. Meanwhile, a new five-year contract is in place at Luedtke Engineering, located in Frankfort, Mich. The pact stipulates yearly wage increases while maintaining Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan coverage at the “CorePlus” level, the highest available. Additionally, the contract calls for company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and maintains pension benefits. It offers members the opportunity to participate in the Seafarers 401(k) Plan and also includes Paul Hall Center benefits for training and upgrading. The third agreement covers employees at Champion Auto Ferry, based in Algonac, Mich. This four-year pact calls for a wage increase and includes a wage reopener. It also maintains medical and pension benefits. For both the KK Integrated Shipping and Champion contract negotiations, the union was represented by SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Algonac Representative Don Thornton. For the Luedtke talks, the union was represented by those same three individuals along with Joliet Port Agent Chad Partridge and Algonac Safety Director Monte Burgett. Orzechowski credited not only the union’s negotiating teams but also the company representatives for hammering out good, fair agreements. “As everyone knows, it’s very rare in this economy to be able to secure new contracts that boost wages while maintaining benefits,” he said. “These new agreements do just that, and I think they reflect well on the membership and on our contracted companies.” Notice/Reminder Credit for Sea Time in Reduced Operating Status The National Maritime Center has laid out policy on evaluating experience aboard vessels that are underway for only limited periods. The guidance affects evaluating sea time for Merchant Mariner Documentation and training requirements. Especially affected are mariners assigned to reduced operating status (ROS) vessels. According to NMC Policy Letter 09-01, service on ROS ships can be credited without restriction on days when the vessel is underway. But when the vessel spends the majority of its time moored, with reduced crews and limited operating systems like most ROS ships, time of service on these ships can be credited as follows: Engineering Department Service may be credited for up to one-half of the required service for the particular license or MMD applied for, but not more than 180 days of credit, at the rate of three days equals one day of credit. The Overseas Martinez is the ninth vessel in its class. Aker Philadelphia Delivers OSG Tanker Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard on May 14 delivered the ninth Veteran-Class product tanker in its series of 12 such ships. The Overseas Martinez was slated to leave the shipyard later in the month under the operation of SIUcontracted OSG America. The vessel will transport petroleum products for Tesoro. Several weeks earlier, a small ceremony was conducted to bless and formally name the vessel. At that time, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim Miller credited the delivery to the strong teamwork demonstrated by the yard’s employees. “There is an unspoken recognition here that when one team is successful, we are all successful, and I believe that spirit is contagious,” Miller stated. “The end result speaks for itself. Here we stand on this beautiful 600-foot-long vessel handcrafted with the hearts of each employee. It’s truly amazing.” Aker Philadelphia has three other ships currently under construction as part of its historic build program (the largestever order for commercial tankers). All are scheduled to be delivered through spring 2011. The other SIU-crewed ships built by Aker Philadelphia for OSG are the Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski and Overseas Cascade. Each of those vessels is 46,000 dwt and can carry 332,000 barrels. Each is 600 feet long, has a beam of 105 feet and can sail faster than 14 knots. Deck Department For renewal of licenses and MMDs, mariners who demonstrate three years of service within the last five years, in any capacity in the deck department, will be eligible for renewal. For a raise in grade/upgrade of MMD rating, service may be credited for upgrade if it is similar in nature to the duties performed aboard an in-service, underway vessel. Such service may be credited for up to 180 days of the service required for an upgrade at the rate of three days of service equals one day of credit. For an original license or MMD, service may be credited for up to one-half of the required service for the particular license or MMD applied for, but not more than 180 days of credit, at the rate of three days equals one day of credit. Pictured aboard the ship are (from left) SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim Miller, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. A union-contracted facility, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard also built four containerships for Matson Navigation Company. 8 Seafarers LOG OSG Senior VP Capt. Robert Johnston (left), SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez The shipyard has built nine tankers and has three more under construction. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:51 PM Page 9 AB EARNS COLLEGE DEGREE – AB Ernest Frank (third JACKSONVILLE HALL A WINNER – Recertified Bosun John Grosskurth (right) submitted this photo of him and his wife, Pat, and SIU President Michael Sacco. The snapshot was taken late last year during a ceremonial opening of the new SIU hall in Jacksonville, Fla. “I’m very impressed with the new hall and the wonderful meal that was given for the membership,” the bosun said. BOSUN CALLS IT A CAREER – Bosun George Pino (center) recently retired, following an SIU career that dates to January 1974. A frequent upgrader, Pino first sailed on the Seatrain Oregon. His last vessel was the Sealand Hawaii. At various times, he worked under and assisted the port stewards of Oakland, Calif., Tacoma, Wash., and Elizabeth, N.J. He most recently served as lead bosun of the Oakland shore gang. Congratulating him at the Oakland hall are (from left) Administrative Assistant Diana Marrone, Asst. VP Nick Celona, VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Dispatcher Nick Marrone II. from right) recently earned an Associate of Applied Science degree through the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Frank picked up his diploma during the May membership meeting at the school, where he was congratulated by (from left) SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, President Michael Sacco, VP Contracts George Tricker and VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Briefly addressing his fellow Seafarers, Frank said the college program “is a fantastic opportunity and I hope to see more people take advantage of it.” At Sea and Ashore With the SIU FULL ‘B’ BOOKS PRESENTED – Two members recently were sworn in and received their respective B-seniority union books at the hall in Oakland, Calif. Pictured above, SA Musa Alhaj (right) is congratulated by Asst. VP Nick Celona. In the photo below, AB Gemini Tacang takes the union oath. AMERICAN TERN RETURNS – The American Tern called on the West Coast in early March, after participating in Operation Deep Freeze 2010 (the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station in Antarctica). SIU Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus and Safety Director Abdul Al Omari paid off the ship and sent along these photos. In the image at left, Turkus (right) is shown with Bosun Hernando Bansuelo (left) and Capt. Brian O’Hanlon. In the photo above, pictured from left to right are Steward/Baker Gregory Broyles, SA Rickey Roberson and Chief Cook Ziting Xu. TUG VALOUR MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – A spokesperson from SIU-contracted OSG Ship Management reports that the 2010 Tug Valour Memorial Golf Tournament was a big success. More than 200 individuals signed up for the event, which took place in Dade City, Fla. Pictured here, OSG Senior VP Capt. Robert Johnston (holding microphone) addresses the crowd. Also in the photo are (from left) committee volunteers Amy Hajek, Marty Timney, Patty Turner and John McKenzie (tournament chairman) and Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Joseph Tucker. The yearly, non-profit tournament originally was a fund-raiser for surviving family members. It now generates funds to provide maritime education opportunities and, to date, has granted nine Paul Hall Center apprentices scholarships of approximately $3,000 each to cover various expenses related to travel, documentation, uniforms and more. SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Ft. Lauderdale Port Agent Kris Hopkins and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan were among this year’s participants. The tournament is named after the tug which tragically sank in early 2006, claiming three lives, including those of longtime SIU member Ron Emory and former Seafarer Fred Brenner. The date for next year’s tournament already is set: April 29, 2011. June 2010 ABOARD THE SEALAND CHAMPION – In early April, the Sealand Champion paid off in New York, and Patrolman Mark Von Siegel took these images. The group photo includes (from left) AB David Freeman, Chief Cook Michael Harris, Recertified Steward Willie Massaline, SA Sarrod Dognia and AB Anecito “Tito” Limboy. Seafarers LOG 9 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:52 PM Page 10 Snapshots from the USNS Pomeroy Bosun Mark Coleman submitted these photos (and those on the next page) from a voyage aboard the prepositioning vessel USNS Pomeroy. Among the mariners pictured are Coleman, AB King Scott, AB Oliver Dailey, AB Cortney Williams, STOS Jason Davis, SA Araceli Brunson, STOS Carus Peet, AB 10 Seafarers LOG Quince Harrington and Chief Mate Alex Piper. Operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Pomeroy is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR). It is 950 feet long, has a beam of 106 feet and can sail at up to 24 knots. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 June 2010 5/26/2010 8:52 PM Page 11 Seafarers LOG 11 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 Rev. Msgr. Karl A. Chimiak Anthony Naccarato Trustee, Paul Hall Center 8:02 PM Page 12 Don Nolan VP, Paul Hall Center Orlando Gotay Jr. U.S. Maritime Administration ves Members of the Fay Family react to a light moment during the May 11 ceremony which christened and dedicated a ve the union’s late Executive Vice President John F. Fay. In the front row (from left) are son and daughter John Fay Jr. aan Phyllis Fay, the late Brother Fay’s wife; and SIU Electrician Mike Fay, another of Fay’s sons. In photo at immediate rrig Michael Sacco delivers remarks to those in attendance at the ceremony. Brother Fay’s third son, Patrick Fay (right inn p joins his mother and brother as they make their way to dockside for the vessel’s christening. Union Names Vessel in Honor of Latee E S David Heindel SIU Secretary-Treasurer John Fay Jr. 12 Seafarers LOG Michael Fay ome 200 union officials, dignitaries and guests gathered May 11 at the Piney Point, Md.-based and SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to christen and dedicate a vessel to the memory of the union’s late Executive Vice President John F. Fay. Brother Fay passed away in 2005. SIU President Michael Sacco headed the list of union officials who joined members of Fay’s family to pay tribute to John, who was lauded not only as a proud and loyal Seafarer, but also as a trusted friend and tireless leader. In addition to Sacco, the ceremony was attended by Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Vice Presidents George Tricker, Tom Orzechowski, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone and Kermett Mangram. Also present were: Michael Desjardins, president, SIU of Canada; Roman Gralewicz, president emeritus, SIU of Canada; Orlando Gotay Jr. of the U.S. Maritime Administration; SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen; Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan; UIW National Director John Spadaro and a number of other officers, staff and trustees of the Paul Hall Center. Fay family members in attendance included Mrs. Phyllis Fay, the late Brother Fay’s wife, who served as Godmother during the naming ceremony; sons John Fay Jr., SIU Electrician Michael Fay and Patrick Fay; daughter Kelly Fay; and grandchildren Kelly Fay, Patrick Fay, Shaina Fay and Shane Fay. Four of Brother Fay’s siblings also were in attendance: brothers Francis Fay and Charles Fay with wife Mary; and sisters Clarie Quinland and Cathrine Tompkins. Following an inspirational invocation by Monsignor Karl Chimiak of St. George’s Catholic Church in Piney Point, Nolan welcomed those present and introduced the ceremony’s speakers. First to take the microphone was Anthony Naccarato, Paul Hall Center trustee. Naccarato expressed his extreme delight with the school’s decision to name its new training vessel in honor of his good friend, the late John F. Fay. “John was truly a wonderful person, a family man, a friend and outstanding labor leader,” he said. “He was not afraid to speak his mind, especially on behalf of those he swore to represent, but he was always a gentleman and he never made it personal. “It is befitting to name a vessel that will train the next generation of seafarers, after a person that devoted his life to seafarers,” Naccarato continued. “It is inspiring to name a vessel that will teach discipline and self reliance, after a person who understood the value of duty and responsibility. “It is appropriate to name a vessel that will teach men and woman the power and gratification gained from having the skills to earn an honest living, after a person that committed his life to the notion that every worker should be treated fairly and respectfully,” Naccarato said. “It is wonderful to name a vessel that will teach that there is dignity in a hard day’s work, after a person who understood the value of hard work.” Paying his personal tribute to his departed friend, Naccarato said, “John, very few of us are chosen for greatness. You were among those chosen. You gave strength to those without power; hope to those in despair; and support to those who were abandoned. “All of us are here today to celebrate the knowledge that you faithfully steered the course that He (God) set for you, and that you have now returned to your home port to receive your wellearned payoff for a job well done. “As we navigate our own lives, we will use your commitment to others as our North Star and your amazing capacity for com- passion as our infallible compass,” Naccarato continued. “This vessel will always be a symbol of the magnificent legacy you have left behind and may all who train aboard her be infused with the same humanity and affection that you always exhibited for your fellow man. “John, my friend, may you rest in peace,” he concluded. Heindel was next to address those in attendance. After expressing his appreciation for the chance to speak about an individual who meant so much to him personally and to the union as a whole, Heindel said, “John Fay was my mentor and my friend. He was someone I looked up to, and not just because of his towering height. “John was as genuine as they come,” Heindel continued. “He had a knack for bringing people together for sensible compromise. He paid strict attention to every last detail, no matter the task.” Heindel said that he knew Fay was not only a devoted family man, but also completely dedicated to the union, including the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. “He cared about the membership,” Heindel said. “He always stood up for the underdog. He was always ready to lend a hand.” Reflecting on Fay’s varied contributions to the union, Heindel offered, “John served our union in just about every capacity, first as a member and then as an official. He signed on with us a teenager and he never left. As a result, tens of thousands of mariners are better off than they would have been without John’s influence.” Heindel described Fay’s impact on the SIU as extremely wideranging and included a huge body of crucial work that promoted the union’s international interests. “He started those efforts back in 1975, primarily with the International Maritime Organization, the International Labor Organization and the International Transport Workers’ Federation,” Heindel noted. “Fast forward 20 years to 1995, and John became the first American ever to serve as chairman of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. That was truly an historic accomplishment…John’s work really did benefit all mariners, not just SIU members, or U.S. mariners. He opened a lot of new doors and he certainly helped amplify America’s voice in international maritime issues. “I feel proud and humbled to follow in John’s footsteps, both in the international arena and as secretary-treasurer of the SIU,” Heindel concluded. “He gave so much guidance and insight that I really couldn’t go wrong. I’m grateful to have known him, and he will always be my friend.” “It’s hard to believe almost five years have gone by since John passed away,” Sacco said as he addressed the audience, “but I can tell you beyond any doubt that his legacy continues, and his work on behalf of both the SIU and the school is still bearing fruit.” Contemplating his relationship with Fay, Sacco said, “From the moment I became president of the SIU, John was someone I turned to, and someone I knew I could trust. Those were critical days for our organization, and it meant the world for me to have someone as loyal and honest and intelligent as John as my confidant. “John wasn’t the kind of person who told people what they wanted to hear,” Sacco recalled. “He was the kind who told it like it was. He was a straight shooter and he loved the SIU to his very core. Having him as a sounding board was simply invaluable, and it helped me make better and stronger decisions.” But Fay did much more than merely provide advice, Sacco said. “He devoted his life to our union and to our affiliated school here in Piney Point. He helped build our foundation and helped shape us into the well-respected, highly effective organization we remain today. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 10:28 PM Page 13 vessel in memory of ve r. aand Kelly Fay; Mrs. e rright, SIU President t inn photo at far right) ee Executive Vice President John F. Fay th - “John also did a particularly terrific job in promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine in the international arena,” Sacco said. “It’s not often you can point to one specific individual for this kind of credit, but the truth is that John performed groundbreaking work in helping solidify a strong, efficient, valued presence for the U.S. maritime industry in international affairs, particularly with our friends at the International Transport Workers’ Federation. “When I think about John,” Sacco told the audience, “I think of someone who appreciated everything he had in life. And that’s because he earned all of it. John was a great leader whose strength and stability and loyalty to the SIU membership were second-to-none. “I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with him, not just at the office or in the union halls or aboard ship but also on the road,” Sacco continued. “We got to know each other very well. John was a humble guy and he had a deliciously dry sense of humor – something I appreciated more and more as we traveled together. “I think it’s most appropriate that we name this training vessel after our good friend and union brother, John Fay,” Sacco said. “While I think he would be uncomfortable with the attention, I know that this is a well-deserved honor for someone who cared about each and every person who sailed with the SIU. “As the next generation of Seafarers learns and refines their skills aboard this boat, may they approach their opportunities with the same resolve, dignity and determination as the man for whom the vessel is named,” Sacco concluded. Two of Fay’s sons—John Jr., an attorney from Louisiana, and Mike, an SIU electrician—also addressed ceremony attendees. “On behalf of my mom, my brothers and my sister and me, we want to thank you for this great honor,” said John Jr. “It’s really touching for us to hear these things and to recognize how much my father meant to the union.” John Jr. shared a story that he felt reflected the widespread bond of the “Brotherhood of the Sea.” The story involves his father’s SIU lapel pin, which he wears daily as a remembrance to his Dad. “Ever since my Dad passed away, I’ve been wearing one of his pins.” John said. “Every day I put it on my suit and people would ask me what it was and what it was about. One day I was at a meeting at court and the judge recognized my pin as a Seafarers pin. The judge told me he had an uncle who once was in the Seafarers and that he was very close to him. The judge said that his uncle told him many stories about when he was at sea.” Like himself, John Jr. said, the judge also had recently lost his own father. “We developed a bond,. So that night when I got home, I wrote the judge a note and sent him one of the Seafarers pins that the union had given to my father.” When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, Continued on Page 14 e l t s e- 0 se I e hn an k ke y d ol e Paul Hall Center staff members and unlicensed apprentices make final checks to ensure that all aspects of the christenting and naming ceremony are a go. June 2010 Seafarers LOG 13 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:52 PM Page 14 MV John F. Fay Takes Place as PHC Training Vessel “… Father, let us continue to carry the blessed banner of John Fay, this banner of blood, sweat and tears that is the foundation of the Paul Hall Center that makes it stand out in the Seafarers International Union like a bright beacon of light. As you have honored and blessed John F. Fay in giving him a new command, to pray for us in the eternal now, and to assist these fine men and women who will use this craft and become masters in their fields…” ---Monsignor Karl Chimiak of St. George’s Catholic Church May 11 in Piney Point, Md., as he annointed and blessed the MV John F. Fay Continued from Page 14 John Jr. and his family, like scores of other residents were forced to evacuate. “I left town with a pair of shorts and a Tshirt, and ended up having to buy a whole set of new suits while we were evacuated.,” he said. “Two years later, during Hurricane Gustav, we were evacuating again and my wife said we’re not re-outfitting you again so she made me pack a couple of suits” he continued. “So I put my favorite suits, one of which had my pin on it, in a bag and evacuated to Nashville (Tennessee) where my son was in college. “I never had to take the suits out of the bag and when Gustav passed we all went home,” he explained. Upon arriving back home in Louisiana and unpacking his car, John Jr. discovered that his suit bag was missing. “My suits and my father’s pin were gone,” he said. Some two weeks later while attending the funeral of another judge, John Jr. said he saw the same judge to whom he earlier had given one of his dad’s union lapel pins. “When he saw that I was not wearing my pin, he asked me what happened to it.” John Jr. told him about the Gustav evacuation and the circumstances surrounding the apparent loss of his suits and more importantly, the loss of his father’s Seafarers union lapel pin. “The next day when I got to my office, I had this note from the judge which I’d like to read because I think it really signifies and speaks volumes about what this organization means to the people who are in it and to their families,” he said. “The pin says Brotherhood of the Sea and as I put it on every day, I think about my dad and what the words really mean. “The note (from the judge) is dated Feb. 12, 2009,” he continued. “It reads, Dear John… I simply could not abide by with the idea that I’m in possession of an SIU lapel pin given to me by you at the same time that the hurricane has deprived you of yours, particularly knowing the family importance it holds for you. My uncle, the late Fedele DiGiovanni — a proud SIU member, would want you to have it. Wear it with the same love and pride for your father that led you to give it to me in the first place. It belongs on your chest. Please accept its return with appreciation and respect for your kind gesture to me….” To John Jr., it was this exchange between two men whose lives had been touched by members of the Seafarers, symbolized by the back and forth of the SIU pin, that brought home the union’s meaning and influence. John Jr. continued, “The postscript to the story is that last year in June when my wife and I went back to Nashville for my son’s college graduation, my son asked, ‘Dad are you missing a couple of suits?’ Well, it turns out that the suits and my Dad’s pin, that were thought lost during the Hurricane Gustav evacuation, were in the back of my son’s dorm room closet. I had thought that the suits had been stolen out of the car on the ride home, but the suit bag was in his closet. So I got the suits back and I got my Dad’s SIU pin back.” Like his brother, Mike extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone present for “…the honor you are affording my father today. I’m just so glad that my mom was able to be here today because you all know the sacrifices my dad made by being away from home and all,” he said. “But it was just as hard on my mom because she kept the house together in my dad’s absence. She did a wonderful job and I think this (the ship naming ceremony) is a great Mothers’ Day gift. Monsignor Carl Chimiak of Piney Point, Md.’s St. George’s Catholic Church anoints the MV John F. Fay. 14 Seafarers LOG “I have my daughter here today and as everyone knows, she runs around the hotel like she owns it,” Mike continued. “I have to constantly stay on her, telling her to take it easy and slow down.” Mike said the actions of his daughter make him “….think back to when I was her age back in 1968 or 1969 down here and it was me and my brothers and sisters running around in the old wooden hotel. Long before I knew what the SIU was or even what a union was, I knew this was our family,” he continued. “The people down here, we grew up together. “This wasn’t just my dad’s job, it was his life and I think this is why we are dedicating this vessel,” Mike surmised. “He wasn’t retiring from here with a gold watch and plaque. You know, he is still here on the job,” he said as he looked toward the vessel which was docked nearby. “My father, as important as he was – and I traveled with him – treated the kid mopping the floor with the same respect he afforded the president of a shipping company,” Mike said. “He was friendly to everybody, he never talked down to anybody and I’m trying to use all of that as a guide to live my life.” “I want to thank Don Nolan and his staff here for everything. They are first class all the way,” Mike concluded. “You can come to that door any hour of the day, expected or unexpected and the staff always gives you their absolute best.” With the conclusion of Mike’s remarks, Father Chimiak anointed and blessed the vessel. Moments later, Mrs. Fay officially christened it the MV John F. Fay. Rather than inaugurating the vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne, Mrs. Fay befittingly baptized it with a huge jug of Tabasco Sauce, one of her late husband’s favorite condiments. Shaina Fay sounds three whistles from the bridge of the MV John F. Fay to officially put the vessel into service. Shaina is the daughter of Electrician Mike Fay and granddaughter of the late SIU Executive Vice President John F. Fay, for whom the vessel was named. Waterfront Improvements Upcoming Just prior to the dedication ceremony for the MV John F. Fay May 11, several union officials, joined by officers and trustees from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), ceremoniously broke ground to mark the beginning for a much-anticipated waterfront restoration project. Turning the first shovels of earth to signify the official start of construction were: SIU President Michael Sacco; SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel; SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen; PHC Vice President Don Nolan and PHC Trustee Anthony Naccarato. “At some point down the road—hopefully in a couple of years or so—this entire waterfront will be entirely redone,” Heindel told onlookers witnessing the groundbreaking. “Everything will be spic and span and ready to take on another 50 years of new life. “When it’s all done, we will dedicate it to the memory of John Fay and in his honor,” Heindel said. The project will take place along the waterfront and pier area of the school’s Piney Point, Md.-based campus. According to Nolan, the project will be all-inclusive and entail the removal of: ■ More than 1,500 feet of old piers ■ In excess of 1,000 feet of old bulkheads, and ■ The old railway, marina, Hagglund Crane and marine museum. Slated for replacement are: ■ Pier 45 with new concrete pier and floating concrete marina (12 double slips), and ■ Old seawall with revetment rock. ■ Among the area’s new features will be: ■ A 100-foot marshland ■ A waterfront park (green) ■ Single-point davit with fast rescue boat capability ■ Pier site for the MV John F. Fay training vessel, and ■ Lifeboat davit and new lifeboats. Union officials, officers and trustees from the Paul Hall Center (PHC) officially launch a highly anticipated waterfront restoration project at the school. Participating in the ceremony were (from left to right) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, PHC VP Don Nolan, PHC Trustee Anthony Naccarato, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:03 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea USNS Mercy begins Pacific Partnership April 16, 2010 – May 15, 2010 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped 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 13 1 4 10 4 10 57 37 4 8 12 51 19 17 2 1 4 33 2 29 318 4 1 4 13 6 5 19 20 10 9 5 22 25 12 5 5 4 21 7 30 227 3 0 1 3 0 1 3 1 0 2 1 3 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 27 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 0 0 5 7 0 7 19 14 3 11 5 16 10 11 6 1 2 11 0 6 134 4 2 6 7 1 2 9 21 4 2 0 11 15 10 4 0 10 11 1 5 125 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 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 4 0 8 7 4 7 20 7 1 6 9 24 7 20 1 5 2 29 2 18 181 1 0 3 6 0 2 7 7 1 1 1 2 10 5 1 3 1 6 0 2 59 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 10 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 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 4 21 13 0 8 3 1 7 10 13 8 2 3 24 15 11 0 5 1 12 0 13 149 3 0 1 4 1 3 5 8 0 1 2 3 7 7 1 13 0 4 0 9 72 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 4 24 GRAND TOTALS: 654 560 123 497 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 12 0 4 11 0 6 40 17 3 7 11 29 13 14 6 0 7 33 0 16 229 8 0 1 9 7 4 26 10 5 2 4 20 26 3 7 2 6 13 5 20 178 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 4 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 17 1 0 0 10 0 4 29 12 0 1 3 17 6 6 3 0 5 9 0 19 125 10 1 9 20 8 17 108 65 2 18 20 78 23 43 4 1 8 58 4 61 558 9 6 11 22 6 18 43 48 8 14 10 33 49 25 10 5 15 40 11 51 434 7 0 2 9 0 2 9 9 0 4 4 8 14 1 0 7 1 1 0 17 95 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 6 0 1 8 9 0 2 3 3 1 7 1 0 5 9 0 4 60 1 1 9 16 1 14 32 29 1 17 9 30 14 22 8 3 3 21 0 25 256 4 4 7 10 3 12 18 39 1 5 3 19 25 16 3 3 18 22 3 19 234 4 0 1 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 4 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 4 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 6 2 0 4 3 6 2 1 1 0 1 5 0 12 48 3 0 8 7 4 30 33 24 0 9 11 32 14 35 1 3 5 33 3 42 297 2 0 2 10 1 2 12 14 1 5 6 10 21 6 1 3 5 8 1 12 122 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 14 7 1 6 5 0 2 9 13 5 2 3 16 10 7 1 6 0 7 0 9 109 3 0 2 1 0 4 2 2 0 0 3 4 5 1 2 13 0 1 0 0 43 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 17 2 0 0 0 0 3 5 4 2 1 1 16 0 5 0 0 2 12 0 10 63 17 0 6 11 2 13 29 34 1 8 6 56 33 30 3 3 1 21 0 37 311 5 0 4 12 1 12 21 14 1 6 4 22 34 10 1 4 1 11 0 31 194 413 66 250 1,174 1,101 328 Engine Department The Seafarers-crewed U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Mercy (above) departed Naval Station San Diego May 1, beginning its part in Pacific Partnership 2010 – a five-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. According to MSC, Pacific Partnership 2010 “is a mission that will take medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and civic assistance projects to Southeast Asia and Oceania to build on relationships that have been developed during previous similar missions….” Members of the SIU Government Services Division sail in the unlicensed positions aboard the Mercy. In this photo, pallets are positioned near the ship in San Diego. The labels say “Project Handclasp,” which is part of this year’s Pacific Partnership mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson) Personal Electrician Gregory Thomas Please contact David Milligan at P.O. Box 971, Reno, NV 89504 June & July 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point............................Monday: June 7; *Tuesday: July 6 Algonac ...................................................Friday: June 11, July 9 Baltimore............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Guam................................................Thursday: June 24, July 22 Honolulu ..............................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Houston...............................................Monday: June 14, July 12 Jacksonville........................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 New Orleans..............................................Tuesday: June 15, July 13 New York...............................................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 Norfolk...............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Oakland ............................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Philadelphia.......................................Wednesday: June 9, July 7 Port Everglades ................................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 * Piney Point change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. June 2010 2 1 5 1 4 1 8 7 1 2 2 7 10 7 4 0 4 8 3 9 86 Steward Department Joliet.................................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 2 0 3 10 1 4 12 16 6 2 4 7 8 7 1 0 6 14 1 8 112 3 0 5 6 1 10 12 8 1 6 7 25 4 6 3 3 0 12 0 20 132 0 0 1 5 0 3 3 4 1 2 0 2 5 5 0 0 1 4 0 4 40 Entry Department Seafarers LOG 15 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:51 PM Page 16 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 What are some of the things you enjoy about your profession? 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 the steward department is pretty good. I’ve been sailing for almost 30 years, since I was 19 years old. I enjoy pretty much all of it, especially in this type of economy. Somehow we’re still shipping out pretty good in our department. I would never trade it for any other job. Hopefully I can stay for another 15 to 20 years. Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered in Oakland, Calif. Gregory Keene Recertified Steward One of the main things is the camaraderie with the crew. The time off that you get so you’re able to enjoy things, also. I live overseas, so it gives me an opportunity to spend more time with my family. I have a lot more freedom with that. Just the overall aspect of the merchant marine is a wonderful life for me. I couldn’t think of wanting to do anything else. Michael Wells Electrician Where else can you work six months of the year and make superior cash, and have the freedom to live anywhere in the world where you want to live? I happen to live in Thailand. Where else can you take 100-day vacations as the norm? It’s very atypical of an American to be able to have so much time off. What I also like about my job is that every day is different. Every day brings something new – I could be on any part of the ship at any given moment. Antedio Liguid Chief Cook I like my job. Sailing in Saher Ali AB I like to travel to different countries. I make good money and when I get off the ship I have time to spend with my family. That’s what I like about Seafarers. I’ve been sailing for eight years. My last ship was the Sealand Intrepid and I had a really good experience on it. I learned a lot. I sailed with the bosun, Matt Bevak, and he taught me a lot of things. Barry Alviso Recertified Steward Number one, the lifestyle that it provides for me and family. The freedom, the time off in between. Being away at sea is a different way of life and it’s not for everybody. I seem to handle it fine. The pay is good – I can support my family. I enjoy the work. I like cooking and hearing positive feedback, and it’s an important part of being out at sea on a ship. You make bonds with a lot of different people and you get to see different places. It’s exciting. 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 Seafarers examine the provisions of their new standard freight agreement in the recreation room of the hall in the Port of New Orleans. Pictured (from the left) are Steward Lee de Parlier, Waiter Cosby Linson, FOW Johnny Medvesky, AB Bill Storey and Messman Bill Gillespie. The agreement, which among other features called for a five to 15 percent wage increase for all hands, was unanimously approved by SIU members in all ports. The photo was taken in December 1952. 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 June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:52 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 Spirit. Brother Hussein calls Dearborn, Mich., home. DIRK ADAMS Brother Dirk Adams, 50, became an SIU member in 1982 while in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the LNG Libra; his last the Horizon Consumer. Brother Adams upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in Madrid, Spain, and now lives in Huntington Beach, Calif. SAMUEL MCKNIGHT Brother Samuel McKnight, 65, was born in Seattle. He joined the Seafarers in 1978. Brother McKnight sailed in the deck department on vessels including the Westward Venture and the Lightning. In 2001, he enhanced his seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother McKnight makes his home in Tucson, Ariz. FRANCISCO CACERES Brother Francisco Caceres, 65, joined the union in 1989. He initially sailed on the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Caceres was born in El Salvador and shipped in the deck department. His final ship was the Horizon Challenger. Brother Caceres resides in San Antonio, Texas. GEORGE PINO Brother George Pino, 57, signed on with the SIU in 1974 while in New York. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the Paul Hall Center in Maryland. Brother Pino initially worked aboard the Seatrain Oregon as a member of the steward department. His last ship was the Oakland. Brother Pino resides in Fairfax, Calif. HERMAN CERBANA Brother Herman Cerbana, 64, started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard the President Pierce. Brother Cerbana, who sailed in the steward department, attended classes on three occasions at the Piney Point school. He was last employed with Matson Navigation. Brother Cerbana is a resident of Lakewood, Wash. AMIN HUSSEIN Brother Amin Hussein, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980. He originally sailed aboard the Santa Magdalena. Brother Hussein worked as a member of the deck department. He most recently sailed on the Horizon June 2010 FRANCISCO RIVERA Brother Francisco Rivera, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1964. His first trip was aboard the Fairland. Brother Rivera upgraded on three occasions at the Seafarersaffiliated school. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Rivera’s final voyage was on the National Glory. He lives in Spring Hill, Fla. INLAND JOEL ANSOTIGUE Brother Joel Ansotigue, 67, became a union member in 1978. He primarily shipped with Mariner Towing Company. Brother Ansotigue is a resident of Tampa, Fla. THOMAS COGNEVICH Brother Thomas Cognevich, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1984. He was mainly employed in the engine department of Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans vessels. Brother Cognevich calls Covington, La., home. HOWARD PLYBON Brother Howard Plybon, 65, started his career with the union in 1979. He originally sailed in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Potomac. The deck department member’s last ship was operated by Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Plybon settled in Blue Ridge, Va. MICHAEL PRIVETTE Brother Michael Privette, 55, joined the SIU in 1975. His first vessel was operated by American Ship Management. Brother Privette was a member of the deck department. He most recently worked on a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessel. Brother Privette makes his home in Lancaster, Calif. JULIO RAMOS Brother Julio Ramos, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1977. The deck department member mostly sailed with Crowley of Puerto Rico. Brother Ramos enhanced his skills in 1988 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He resides in Catano, P.R. RAYMOND SNOW Brother Raymond Snow, 62, signed on with the union in 1988. His earliest trip was on the USNS Lynch. Brother Snow shipped in the deck department. His final journey was aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. Brother Snow lives in Sevierville, Tenn. DAVID STRICKLAND Brother David Strickland, 61, began his SIU career in 1980 while Piney Point, Md. He initially sailed with Ogden Merrimack. Brother Strickland’s most recent trip was on the Liberty Island. In 1979 and 2005, he took advantage of opportunities available at the union-affiliated school. Brother Strickland is a resident of New Port Richey, Fla. CARL WOLF Brother Carl Wolf, 58, joined the SIU ranks in 1996. He was employed with Crowley for the duration of his career. Brother Wolf calls Audubon, N.J., home. This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1940 In spite of claims by outsiders that it was impossible to get increases from the coastwise operators, the SIU negotiated with the coastwise companies and won increases of $10 per month plus an increase in the overtime rate of ten cents per hour for all departments. Companies covered by this agreement were Seatrain Line Inc., Range Lines, Canadian and Gulf Lines, Fall River Navigation Company and Waterman Steamship Corporation (for their coastwise ships). 1945 One thousand, one hundred, fifty-four American ships were lost between the outbreak of the European war and V-E Day, it was revealed this month, at the cost of 6,066 merchant seamen dead, missing or captured. The most extensive destruction was in the North Atlantic where wolf packs of U-boats prowled against convoys, sinking 219 ships until curbed by fast expanding Allied air and naval power. Next, the Caribbean was the most popular hunting ground for the sub- marines, with 122 of our vessels lost there. 1951 The SIU made history when it negotiated with its contracted operators a revolutionary, industrywide vacation plan which guarantees all Seafarers the equivalent of two weeks paid vacation for each 12 months of service. Regardless of how many ships or companies a member works for, the operators will pay into a central fund a certain amount for each day worked. The mariner no longer has to go to the company office to collect his vacation pay – the person merely goes to the union hall to submit discharges and, on that basis, will receive pro-rata vacation pay. 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eightmonth fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Seafarers LOG 17 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:11 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA JOSEPH BIDZILYA Pensioner Joseph Bidzilya, 79, passed away Aug. 22. Brother Bidzilya joined the SIU in 1951 while in the port of Philadelphia. He was born in Pennsylvania and shipped in the deck department. Brother Bidzilya initially sailed with Liberty Navigation Company. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he shipped on the Integrity. Brother Bidzilya continued to call Pennsylvania home. ARLO KLEIN Pensioner Arlo Klein, 76, died Jan. 12. Brother Klein became a Seafarer in 1963. He originally worked aboard an American Steamship Company vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Klein was born in North Dakota. His final voyage took place on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Klein went on pension in 1992 and settled in Seattle. HERBERT LADSON Pensioner Herbert Ladson, 88, passed away Jan. 30. Brother Ladson signed on with the union in 1972 while in the port of Seattle. His earliest trip was aboard a States Steamship Company vessel. Brother Ladson was born in Jacksonville, Fla. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Ladson’s last trip to sea was on the USNS Bellatrix. He retired in 1987 and lived in Federal Way, Wash. WAI LEE Pensioner Wai Lee, 98, died Nov. 30. Brother Lee was born in China. He started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards before that union merged into the SIU. Brother Lee worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1977. Brother Lee was a resident of San Francisco. WILFREDO RICE Pensioner Wilfredo Rice, 67, passed away March 28. Brother Rice, a member of deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971 from the port of New Orleans. His first trip was aboard the Morning Light and his last was on the USNS Pollux. 18 Seafarers LOG ber’s last voyage was aboard the Achiever. Brother Weaver was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. He went on pension in 1995. Brother Rice was born in Honduras. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2009. Brother Rice resided in Metairie, La. BERNARD SABERON Pensioner Bernard Saberon, 84, died Jan. 13. Brother Saberon began his seafaring career in 1963. He originally sailed aboard the Anton Brunn as a member of the deck department. Brother Saberon was born in the Philippines. His final voyage was on the Elizabeth. Brother Saberon went on pension in 1992 and made New Jersey home. CECIL SCIPIO Brother Cecil Scipio, 58, passed away Jan. 8. He joined the SIU in 2000 while in Baltimore. Brother Scipio’s first ship was the Cape Florida. The steward department member was born in Guyana. Brother Scipio most recently worked on the APL Balboa. He called Coconut Grove, Fla., home. DANIEL SEYMOUR Brother Daniel Seymour, 53, died Jan. 3. He became a union member in 1988, initially sailing aboard the Liberty Wave. Brother Seymour was born in Green Bay, Wisc., and shipped in the deck department. His last vessel was the USNS Bob Hope. Brother Seymour lived in Kenner, La. ALFONSO VALENTE Pensioner Alfonso Valente, 85, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Valente signed on with the SIU in 1964. His earliest trip was on the R.D. Conrad. Brother Valente, who sailed in the deck department, was a New York native. He last sailed aboard a TYCO vessel. Brother Valente retired in 1991 and settled in New Jersey. ARLOND WEAVER Pensioner Arlond Weaver, 79, died July 15, 2009. Brother Weaver was born in Georgia. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Weaver originally worked on the Spitfire. The deck department mem- INLAND ROBERT FOUNTAIN Pensioner Robert Fountain, 72, passed away Dec. 25. Brother Fountain joined the union in 1966. He initially shipped with C.G. Willis Inc. Brother Fountain was born in North Carolina. His final trip to sea was aboard an Allied Transportation Company vessel. Brother Fountain started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987 and settled in Elizabeth City, N.C. LINDSAY GASKINS Pensioner Lindsay Gaskins, 75, died Dec. 24. Brother Gaskins began his seafaring profession in 1956. He originally sailed with Perry Towing Corporation. Brother Gaskins was born in North Carolina. He last worked on a vessel operated by McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Gaskins lived in Chesapeake, Va. He became a pensioner in 1996. PAUL LATIOLAIS Pensioner Paul Latiolais, 79, passed away Jan. 21. Brother Latiolais was born in Louisiana. He was first employed with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Latiolais’ final trip was with Dixie Carriers. He retired in 1992 and continued to reside in his native state. 1970. He was born in North Carolina. Brother Newkirk mostly sailed with Stone Towing Lines. He began receiving his pension in 1999. Brother Newkirk made his home in Wilmington, N.C. VICTOR WRIGHT Pensioner Victor Wright, 83, died Dec. 30. Brother Wright joined the SIU in 1956 while in New Orleans. For the duration of his career he worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Brother Wright was born in Kansas but settled in Terrytown, La. He retired in 1991 . GREAT LAKES DAVID GOWANS Pensioner David Gowans, 85, passed away Dec. 4. Brother Gowans started his seafaring career in 1960 while in the port of Detroit. He primarily shipped with American Steamship Company. Brother Gowans, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Barton, Md. He went on pension in 1985. Brother Gowans was a resident of Lanse, Pa. KENNETH SHORKEY Pensioner Kenneth Shorkey, 81, died Dec. 23. Brother Shorkey was born in Alpena, Mich. He signed on with the union in 1949. Brother Shorkey’s first ship was the Adam E. Cornelius; his last was the American Mariner. He became a pensioner in 1993 and resided in Pembroke Pines, Fla. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. JEROME MAMO NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Pensioner Jerome Mamo, 91, died Dec. 30. Brother Mamo signed on with the SIU in 1961. He primarily shipped aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Mamo was born in Pennsylvania. He went on pension in 1984. Brother Mamo called Norristown, Pa., home. WILLIAM ARBONA HENRY NEWKIRK Pensioner Herminio Badillo, 84, died Oct. 13. Brother Badillo was a native of Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1989. Brother Badillo made Pensioner Henry Newkirk, 75, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Newkirk became a union member in Pensioner William Arbona, 89, passed away Dec. 25. Brother Arbona was born in Puerto Rico. He retired in 1969. Brother Arbona continued to call Puerto Rico home. his home in New York. CARLOS DA SILVA Pensioner Carlos Da Silva, 96, passed away Dec. 3. Brother Da Silva, a native of Brazil, became a pensioner in 1980. He settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. RAMON FIGUEROA Pensioner Ramon Figueroa, 84, died Dec. 3. Brother Figueroa was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1990 and resided in Baltimore. JUAN IRIZARRY Pensioner Juan Irizarry, 89, passed away Dec. 22. Born in Puerto Rico, he retired in 1969. Brother Irizarry was a resident of Passaic City, N.Y. HOWARD LOIHLE Pensioner Howard Loihle, 75, died Dec. 1. Brother Loihle was a native of Newark, N.J. He began receiving his pension in 2000. Brother Loihle lived in Lacey Township, N.J. ELBERT MCBRIDE JR Pensioner Elbert McBride Jr., 80, passed away Dec. 24. Brother McBride was born in North Carolina. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. Brother McBride made his home in San Francisco. MARCIAL REYES Pensioner Marcial Reyes, 72, died Dec. 17. Brother Reyes, a native of New York, retired in 2005. He called North Miami, Fla., home. JAMES VETRA Pensioner James Vetra, 87, passed away Dec. 5. Brother Vetra was born in Norfolk, Va. He went on pension in 1977. Brother Vetra made his home in Tampa, Fla. The following former members of the NMU also have passed away, however, no data was available to construct individual biographical sketches: Name Cordier, James Franco, Antonio Garcia, Ricardo Grant, Vallancourt Jackson, Wiley Moore, Quinn Murray, Paul Naugle, David Records, Joe Reid, Owen Riley, Perry Rodriguez, Gilberto Sanford, Edward Smolkowicz, John Steiner, John Age 88 91 80 84 87 84 82 81 85 77 77 80 88 92 91 DOD Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 20 Jan. 20 Jan. 9 Nov. 11 Jan. 8 Jan. 3 Jan. 29 Jan. 9 Jan. 17 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 6 Jan. 16 HERMINIO BADILLO June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:12 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings YORKTOWN EXPRESS (Crowley), March 7 – Chairman Jesse Natividad Jr., Secretary C.L. Caster, Educational Director Jessie Uliba, Deck Delegate Jerome Williams, Engine Delegate C. Jefferson, Steward Delegate Greg Blaylock. Crew asked for clarification on contractual issues pertaining to vessel. Chairman discussed upcoming schedule. Secretary told fellow mariners to let it be known they need any cleaning gear for rooms. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is located in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $3,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed possibility of obtaining suitable router so internet may be accessed on personal computers. They also discussed training for ABs. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Miami and 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. Namesake Port Call for New SIU Ship MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14 – Chairman Brian Fountain, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director P. Meglow. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost time injuries. He announced payoff scheduled for noon on March 22. Secretary advised mariners to read SIU newspaper in order to stay up-to-date on union and industry news. He encouraged Seafarers to donate to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. He also advised crew who are signing off to leave rooms “like they would like to see when they are joining a ship.” Educational director reminded fellow crew members to “get your time in and take advantage of upgrading at Piney Point.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported need for new TV converter box. Crew thanked steward department “for all the great meals.” Crew made numerous suggestions concerning next contract as well as pension and medical benefits. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Norfolk, Va. OCEAN CHARGER (Pacific-Gulf Marine), March 14 – Chairman Joe Casalino, Secretary Anthony Smith. Chairman reported that as of meeting date, vessel had sailed for 215 days without a lost time injury. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for clarifications about vessel relief policy and out-of-pocket costs for vaccinations. Next port: Philadelphia. ALLIANCE NEW YORK (Liberty Maritime), March 28 – Chairman George Perry, Secretary John Gibbons, Educational Director Roger Phelps. Chairman thanked crew for “safe and successful voyage,” with special thanks to the deck gang. Crew requested patrolman on arrival to answer question about completing tour of duty. Secretary thanked crew for keeping messroom clean and also for “working together. It has been a good voyage.” Educational director discussed importance of mariners taking advantage of Piney Point school to enhance their skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew gave vote of June 2010 One of the union’s newly contracted vessels, the Alliance Beaumont (above), called on its namesake port in late March. The Alliance Beaumont, a roll-on/roll-off ship, reflagged American on Feb. 21 in Dubai and then carried a cargo of U.S. military equipment to Texas. The 751-foot vessel also loaded outbound military cargo before sailing from Beaumont. (Photo courtesy Port of Beaumont) thanks to steward department for good job and cookout. Special thanks conveyed from captain and other officers. Next port: Galveston, Texas. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), April 2 – Chairman Ron Paradise, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Bruce Landos, Engine Delegate Chris Espinosa, Steward Delegate Leslie P. McGirt. Chairman reported ship due to arrive in Anacortes, Wash., later that day to discharge cargo and then proceed to Valdez, Alaska, to load. Secretary thanked crew for keeping messhall clean and reminded them to do the same in TV room. Educational director told everyone to check documents for expiration dates and renew early. He also encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked union to look into issue concerning travel day. Crew would like to see improvements in medical and death benefits. Mariners gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Crew expressed concerns about mail system. Ship needs new linens and pillows. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line, Limited), April 4 – Chairman Albert Williams, Secretary Tommy Belvin. Chairman updated crew on repairs made in drydock. He commended crew for punctuality and productivity. Educational director encouraged fellow members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for increased in vacation benefit. Crew thanked steward department for outstanding job. Next port: Norfolk, Va. NOBLE STAR (Sealift, Inc.), April 4 – Chairman Saul Suarez, Secretary Debbie Randall, Deck Delegate Melvin Kennedy, Engine Delegate Jordan Cuddy, Steward Delegate Sylvester Merritt Jr. Chairman said dryers will be replaced in Lake Charles. He spoke to captain about issues concerning deck department and said clarification is needed from union. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade and reminded them that course dates are included on SIU web site. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Crew made suggestions for next contract. ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 18 – Chairman David B. Campbell, Secretary Rudolph Daniels, Educational Director Herbert Hyde, Deck Delegate Russell Haynes, Engine Delegate Malachi Tannis, Steward Delegate Vincent Chavez. Crew discussed issue of piracy and security. Chairman discussed Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Secretary reminded mariners to keep current address on file with the union so they will receive the LOG. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade, including participation in the company’s safety meetings at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew wants increase in pension benefits and lowered sea-time requirement. Also asked for increase in medical benefits. Crew asked for contract clarifica- tion. Crew thanked steward department for good work and good food. Also thanked electrician. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., and Beaumont, Texas. LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty Maritime), April 18 – Chairman Mark Lance, Secretary Greg Melvin, Deck Delegate Benjamin Wright, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate Richard Gegenheimer. Chairman thanked everyone for patience during breakout. He encouraged members to submit suggestions for next contract. He reminded crew that part of the purpose of shipboard meetings is to “iron out problems early. Speak up any time, but especially during meetings…. Let’s make the Brotherhood of the Sea a reality, not a cliché.” He cautioned members about “roaming” cell phone charges in Gulf of Mexico. Secretary requested that salad bar be included in next agreement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested copy of shipping rules. Crew is compiling list of suggested safety gear. Crew asked for direct deposit both through the company and for vacation checks. Crew asked for clarification on OT rule. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), April 18 – Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Fausto Aranda, Deck Delegate Larry Martin, Engine Delegate Mike Kifle, Steward Delegate Romalies Jones. Chairman thanked crew for good work. He announced payoff scheduled for Galveston, Texas. He encouraged all members to read president’s report in Seafarers LOG. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments. Educational director recommended that all members upgrade in Piney Point as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Galveston. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), April 19 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Felipe Jimenez, Engine Delegate David Hamilton, Steward Delegate Frank Iverson. Chairman read president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary stressed importance of cleanliness. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade and also to renew documents in plenty of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked Steward Laureta for good food. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Honolulu. PELICAN STATE (Crowley), April 28 – Chairman Ray Tate, Secretary Milton Yournett, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Engine Delegate Lebindra Maharaj. Chairman encouraged crew to look out for each other’s safety. Secretary reminded members to help keep ship clean. Educational director advised fellow members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported $800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew approved motion to reduce sea time required for pension. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department. Seafarers LOG 19 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:13 PM Page 20 With Seafarers in Guam In early May, SIU Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo joined Guam Port Agent John Hoskins in servicing several Seafarers-crewed vessels at the U.S. island territory, including the submarine tender USS Frank Cable and the prepositioning ship USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams. Pictured here in the group photo aboard the Williams are (from left) Vincenzo, GUDE Ahmed Ahmed, AB Armondo Alvarez, AB Vincent Castellano, SA Munasar Muthana, SA Majed Jahamee, AB John Gonsalves, QEWC Jasper McGirt, AB Pio Vili, AB Robert Goldson, Hoskins and AB Nathaniel Sherrill. In the other photo, taken aboard the Cable, Vincenzo (left) meets with Military Sealift Command engineers Ken Wilkinson and Bill Homer. 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, 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 Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $427,754 as July 31, 2009, compared to $327,255 as of August 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $100,499. This increase 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 $7,665,460, which included employer contributions of $7,616,468, realized losses of $4,571 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $53,563. Plan expenses were $7,564,961. These expenses included $434,385 in administrative expenses and $7,130,576 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: ■ ■ ■ ■ An accountant’s report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers; Assets held for investment; and Transactions in excess of 5% 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. 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. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:13 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. Deck Department Upgrading Courses Start Date Title of Course Able Seaman Date of Completion June 21 August 16 October 11 July 26 September 27 November 8 October 18 May 24 June 21 July 26 August 16 June 7 September 27 July 12 September 13 October 25 June 21 August 2 September 8 November 15 August 23 October 18 May 31 August 2 September 27 ARPA Bosun Recertification Celestial Navigation Fast Rescue Boat Lifeboatman Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Recertification (1 day) STOS Tanker Asst DL Tank PIC Barge DL July 16 September 10 November 5 July 30 October 1 November 12 November 8 June 18 June 25 July 30 August 20 June 18 October 10 July 23 September 24 November 5 June 21 August 2 September 8 November 15 September 3 October 29 June 11 August 13 October 10 Safety Upgrading Courses Start Date Title of Course Basic & Advanced Firefighting May 31 July 5 October 18 June 21 July 26 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 June 14 July 19 November 1 June 22 July 20 August 17 September 14 October 12 December 7 BST/Basic Firefighting Medical Care Provider Helo Firefighting (1 day) Date of Completion June 11 July 16 October 29 June 25 July 30 August 20 September 24 October 22 November 19 June 18 July 23 November 5 June 22 July 20 August 17 September 14 October 12 December 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses 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 May 31. 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. Engine Department Upgrading Courses Online Distance Learning Courses Advanced Container Maintenance Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations November 15 July 19 September 13 November 8 June 21 August 16 October 11 June 7 August 23 June 28 November 29 October 4 June 7 July 5 September 27 October 25 November 29 FOWT Junior Engineer Marine Refrigeration Technician Machinist Pumpman Welding December 10 August 13 October 8 December 3 July 16 September 10 November 5 July 30 October 1 July 16 December 17 October 15 June 25 July 23 October 15 November 12 December 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ “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. 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_____________________________________________________________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ June 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. 6/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:14 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 729 – Fourteen unlicensed apprentices completed training in this course March 5. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: James D’Amico, Ismael Gonzalez, Parker Johnson, Alexandra Jones, Lisa Lee, James Martin Jr., Andre MacCray, Jerry Morlett Jr., Derek Nix, Jarrod Nix, Michael Ray, Drew Reiley, Abelardo Reyes Jr., and Joseph Salgado. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is not pictured. Welding – Eight upgraders completed their requirements in this 103-hours course April 23. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leonard Ajoste, Benjamin Arroyo, Omar Aswad,Sylvester Crawford Jr., Kenneth Evett, Kevin Hill, Leonico Rabaya Jr., and Jovan Williams. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing third from the left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA – The following individuals finished this 32-hour course April 23. Those gradu- FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this ating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Archie Bodden, Keiron Bovell, William Coronacion, John Crawford, Monte Cross Jr., John Immerfall, Sam Lloyd and Marc Simpson. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is not pictured. course March 26: Jason Albertson, Benjamin Arroyo, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Scott Collings, Eric Cunanan, Timothy Cunningham, Romer Garrido, Shawn Haber, Michael Hill, Kevin Hunt, Patrick Leming, Rafael Leon, Maurice Reine, David Seymore, Johnny Swinson Jr., Richard Vega, Aleksey Vigovskiy and Osborn Wyche Jr. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) GMDSS – The following ugraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course May 7: Richard Barnes, Lou Cabano, John Crawford Scott Ellis, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancock, John Howard, Timothy Huth and John Immerfall. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is at left. Basic and Advanced Firefighting – Seventeen individuals completed their requirements in this 41-hour course March 19. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ahmed Aboelnaga, Al Balatico, Davon Brown John Crawford, Kashmir Singh Dhillon, Thomas Jones, Edison Lalin, Antwaun Legare, Forrest McGee, Jonathan Pampilon, Ronnie Rankin, Neil Sullivan, Billy Talbott, Charles Tison, Lua Minh Tran, Ray Truong and Michael Voda. Steve Stockwell, their instructor, 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. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:15 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization DL – Twenty-four Phase III unlicensed apprentices on March 10 completed this 63-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Immad Alhag, James Anderson, Michael Andrew, Daryl Balance, Talib Cherry, Dan Conner, Nathaniel Fitzpatrick, Justin Hammons, Nicholas Hoffman, Charles Hosea Jr., Antonio Jones, Boyko Kovatchev, Curtis Lee, John Matichak, Darryl McCoy, Tyler Peyton, Justin Pierce, Ricky Rivera Matrinez, William Roach, Jeremy Salas, Shawn Spencer, Zach Stout, Joseph Tucker and Kellan Von Rabenstein. STCW/BST – Twenty upgraders completed their requirements in this course April 30. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ahmed Baabbad, Morio Baja, Thomas Banks, Peter Bean, Christopher Dickens, Michael Edington, Orlando Flores, Louis Indelicato, Brent Johnson, Kristin Krause, Domingo Leon Jr., Joel Markle, Roberto Monge, George Monseur, Rodney Passapera, Argelio Perez Borroto, Lamar Pinckney, Donna Saling, Ernest Smith and Neonito Sodusta. STCW/BST – Eighteen upgraders completed this course April 30. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Terry Abbott, Tareq Ahmed, Ahmed Almuflihi, Emmanuel Buyser, Juan Castillo, Monte Cross Jr., Terry Evins, George Galanis, Casey Jones, Jerome Jordan, David Knuth, Terry McKee, Jeffery Moritz, Dalia Santiago, Pedro Santiago, Victor Sapp, Richard Sawyer and Raymond Vicari. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Shiphandling – Nine individuals finished their requirements in this course April 16. STOS – Ten Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed this course April 23. Earning graduation certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Immad Alhag, Daryl Ballance, Dan Conner, Charles Hosea Jr., Antonio Jones, John Matichak, Tyler Peyton, William Roach, Jeremy Salas and Joseph Tucker. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at right. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tyler Adams, Richard Barnes, David Blue, Lou Cabano, Scott Ellis, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancosk, John Howard and Timothy Huth. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is fourth from right. June 2010 Seafarers LOG 23 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:54 PM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 6 June 2010 Tanker Delivered Page 8 ‘Sail-In’ Delivers Industry’s Message on Capitol Hill Representatives of American maritime took the industry’s voice to Capitol Hill on May 13, conducting meetings with 124 members of Congress and staff during the first-ever Maritime Industry Congressional “Sail-In.” The event’s overall objective was to communicate the value of the industry to the U.S. economy and national defense. SIU officials who participated included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Vice President Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski. According to event sponsors, the Sail-In was designed to build new relationships with congressional figures who have only modest awareness of maritime issues. It was also undertaken “to better reinforce our friendships with lawmakers who already demonstrate an acute understanding of the industry’s importance.” Maritime representatives divided into groups and converged on elected official’s offices throughout the day. Key messages expressed on the Hill included: ■ More than 1.6 million Americans are employed in the U.S. maritime industry, keeping our economy strong and our nation secure. ■ Every day, we use our seaports and waterways to move trillions of dollars worth of export, import and domestic cargo. ■ 85 percent of war materiel delivered to the conflict theaters of Afghanistan and Iraq has been delivered by U.S. mariners sailing U.S.-flagged vessels. ■ 80 percent of our country’s humanitarian aid is delivered by the U.S. Merchant Marine, supporting thousands of American jobs and assisting people in need worldwide. David Matsuda, acting U.S. maritime administrator, kicked off the event at a breakfast in the Rayburn House Office Building. He then introduced U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for an inspiring keynote address that sent the 136 maritime industry participants to their day-long schedule of congressional meetings. The Sail-In was widely supported by various segments of the American maritime industry, including the SIU, international and domestic ocean carriers, terminal operators and other labor unions. “We had folks from 20 states, 48 congressional districts, 28 companies, nine unions and labor organizations, and 10 related associations,” reported Vice Admiral (Ret.) Albert J. Herberger, a former U.S. maritime administrator. “That’s a powerful message to Congress.” The Sail-In was organized by the U.S. Maritime Coalition, a volunteer committee of representatives from the U.S. maritime industry representing the U.S. merchant fleet, maritime labor unions and other maritime companies serving America. Retired Admiral and former U.S. Maritime Administrator Albert J. Herberger helps lead the event. U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) addresses the Sail-In attendees. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (right) discusses maritime issues with U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (second from right) meets with staffers of Rep. Peter King’s (R-N.Y.) office, MEBA Political Director Mike Ingrao (center) and Josh Shapiro of Liberty Maritime (far right). Pictured from left to right are Mark Sickles of Weeks Marine, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, U.S. Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), John Crowley of APM Terminals and Jim Henry of the Transportation Institute. From left, AMO Representative Dave Weathers, Tony Naccarato, Mary Naccarato, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and AMO Representative Brenda Otterson gather to talk about maritime legislation. � 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 June 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU JOINS IN CELEBRATING NEW TONNAGE LIBERTY PROMISE FORMALLY WELCOMED NEW VESSEL SIGNALS JOBS, ENHANCES MILITARY CAPABILITY CEREMONY STRESSES MARITIME’S NATIONAL SECURITY ROLE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY EVENTS IN D.C. HONOR DEDICATION, VALUE OF MARINERS ONLINE PETITION PUSHES ACTION TO COMBAT PIRACY TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE CITES IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT FLEET LAKES CONTRACTS INCLUDE NUMEROUS GAINS CREDIT FOR SEA TIME REDUCED OPERATING STATUS AKER PHILADELPHIA DELIVERS OSG TANKER UNION NAMES VESSEL IN HONOR OF LATE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT JOHN F. FAY MV JOHN F. FAY TAKES PLACE AS PHC TRAINING VESSEL WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS UPCOMING ‘SAIL-IN’ DELIVERS INDUSTRY’S MESSAGE ON CAPITOL HILL 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 06/01/2010 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. 6 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/548c8bb5c0b24211cbc5d567f90602a8.pdf e2137ad84af6047cb24d079722a3f3ec PDF Text Text 59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:00 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 7 Maersk to Operate 10 Prepositioning Ships July 2010 The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command on May 27 announced that it had completed “one of the largest acquisitions in the command’s history,” in which the agency selected SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited to operate and maintain 10 ships in the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF). Additionally, Seafarers-contracted Patriot won the bid to operate another prepositioning ship, the 1ST LT USNS Harry L. Martin. The agreements contain a series of one-year options which would extend through September 2015. The MPF ships include the USNS 2ND LT John P. Bobo (below) and USNS 1ST LT Baldomero Lopez (left). Page 3. SIU Members Continue Assisting in Gulf Cleanup Industry Rebuts False Claims About Jones Act SIU members from the union’s inland and deep sea divisions are still helping with the massive cleanup operation along the Gulf Coast, following the Deepwater Horizon disaster that began April 20 with a deadly explosion. Among the Seafarers involved with the cleanup are mariners aboard Overseas Shipholding Group’s shuttle tanker Overseas Cascade (left), pictured near the heart of the spill. Meanwhile, erroneous attacks against maritime labor, the Obama administration and the Jones Act emerged in mid-June, and an SIU official wrote an op-ed piece making a powerful case for union representation in the offshore oil industry. Pages 2, 5. Paul Hall Center’s Oil Spill Prevention And Containment Class in 20th Year The union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., continues offering a U.S. Coast Guardapproved oil spill prevention and containment course. Students from a mid-June offering of the class are pictured (in-lay at left) in a Paul Hall Center classroom and deploying booms as part of their hands-on training. The Paul Hall Center has conducted the course since 1991. Pages 12-13. USNS Martin Crew Donates to Navy-USMC Fund Page 4 SIU-Contracted Companies Honored for Safety Page 6 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:00 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Jones Act: Setting the Record Straight There were times in June when I almost had to check my calendar to make sure we weren’t back in the mid-1990s. During that era, wellfinanced, calculated opposition to American-flag shipping repeatedly attacked the Jones Act, one of the staples of our industry for the last 90 years. As SIU members know, the Jones Act requires that vessels operating between domestic ports be crewed, built, owned and flagged American. Most if not all other major maritime nations have laws that basically require the same thing. Orchestrated or not, attacks on the Jones Act recently resumed in the wake of the Gulf oil spill, with various publications, politicians and think-tanks firing off accusations ranging from the confusing to the insulting. The most ridiculous of those claims Michael Sacco involved a supposed refusal by the administration to waive the Jones Act and a supposed corresponding request (which never happened) from unions not to waive it. Let me cut right to the bottom line: It is offensive for anyone to suggest that American maritime labor would hinder cleanup operations in the Gulf, in any way, shape or form. Our industry has been clear from the start of this disaster – which, by the way, involved a non-union operation under the flag of the Marshall Islands. Speaking with one voice, U.S. maritime labor and management have said that we wouldn’t try to stand in the way of using foreign-flag assistance if no qualified, viable American-flag tonnage was available. That’s simple common sense, and shame on all those who try to distort our position. And what troubles me even more is that those attacking the Jones Act and the U.S.-flag maritime unions do not have the relationship with the water that we do. Many of our members and their families depend on the Gulf, its bayous and its estuaries for their livelihood and recreation. We are hurting because they are hurting. For anyone to say we don’t care simply shows how ignorant of the situation they truly are. We have plenty of supporters, too, and there have been media outlets that reported the truth. But again, the attacks aren’t anything new, nor are the methods. Enemies of American-flag shipping toss out half-truths and accusations designed to bring out emotion. They use words like “protectionist” to describe a law that benefits our nation’s economic and national security. What’s their real agenda? I agree with U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, who stated that recent attacks on the law smack more of “pushing a political agenda than any genuine interest in helping Gulf Coast communities with their clean-up.” Meanwhile, SIU crews and other American mariners continue assisting with the Deepwater Horizon cleanup, as do a number of foreign-flag ships that have been on the scene almost from the beginning. As for the Jones Act, our industry came together in the mid-1990s like never before to set the record straight. Our efforts worked, because the truth is that the Jones Act is a sound, proven, vital regulation that benefits America. Now, we’re in the process of resuming an educational effort to reinforce those facts. As we did in the past, we’ll succeed this time, too. Freedom, Barge EMI-2400 Become Newest Additions To Express Marine Fleet Seafarers-contracted Express Marine has taken delivery of the tug Freedom (right) and accompanying barge EMI-2400 (two other photos), which together form an articulated tug-barge (ATB). The 115-foot tug was built by Patti Shipyard Inc. in Pensacola, Fla., while the 480-foot barge was constructed by Gunderson Marine in Portland, Ore. The ATB will sail in the Jones Act trades, transporting coal to various Gulf Coast ports. Express Marine is based in Camden, N.J., and provides a variety of services including lightering, ship docking and general towing, both coastal and offshore. In recent years the familyowned company – in business for more than 100 years – has added other new tonnage including the tugboats Duty and Honor. (Photos by Harold Hutchinson) Thanking Seafarers On another topic, I want to thank the rank-and-file membership for authorizing action on the Horizon Lines contract. Just like always, you did the right thing and you showed your true colors. I am proud to represent you, and I appreciate your ongoing support. IMO to Focus on Piracy Response In 2011 World Maritime Day Theme Volume 72, Number 7 July 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 Following a proposal by International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, the IMO Council in June unanimously approved that next year’s World Maritime Day theme will be “Piracy: orchestrating the response.” In presenting the proposal, the secretary-general said that piracy continues to be an endemic problem for the international community, not only around the Horn of Africa but in other parts of the world as well, despite the many and varied efforts to contain if not eliminate it. These efforts notwithstanding, he added, much work remains to be done if the ultimate goal of consigning piracy to the realms of history is to be achieved. He identified five objectives that IMO and the international maritime community should pursue in promoting the 2011 WMD theme: ■ Secure the release of hostages by calling the world’s attention to the unacceptable plight of all those being held by pirates and, by so doing, create a worldwide demand for action that would eventually set them free; ■ Strengthen the protection of individuals, ships and cargoes by constantly improving guidance to the industry; promoting even greater levels of support from navies; and providing care for those attacked or hijacked by pirates; ■ Ensure compliance with adopted measures by making certain that merchant vessels are aware of how to access the available naval protection, and that they are implementing the recommended preventative, evasive and defensive measures effectively; ■ Promote cooperation between and among member states, regions and organizations in reducing the risk of attacks on innocent ships through information sharing; coordination of military and civilian efforts; and regional initiatives, such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct; and ■ Build up the capacity of affected member states to deter, interdict and bring to justice those who commit acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships – and, while so doing, help tackle the root causes of piracy. The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. July 2010 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 8:56 PM Page 3 The USNS Stockham (above) is a combination containership and roll-on/roll-off vessel. Civiliancrewed ships like the USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams (right) are vital to America’s military readiness strategy, according to the Navy. Maersk Wins U.S. Navy Prepositioning Contract Following a bidding process that lasted longer than a year, the U.S. Military Sealift Command in late May announced that SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited has been awarded a contract for the operation and maintenance of 10 ships in MSC’s prepositioning fleet. Seafarers-contracted Patriot Contract Services won the bid for the 11th ship in the fleet, the USNS 1ST LT Harry L. Martin. At press time, it was learned that turnover on the 11 vessels will be delayed, in part because of the time required to address a protest filed after the contract awards. However, if the original awards remain intact as expected, Seafarers will receive wage increases aboard all 11 vessels: the USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham, USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat, USNS 2ND LT John P. Bobo, USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus, USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams, USNS SGT William R. Button, USNS 1ST LT Baldomero Lopez, USNS SGT Matej Kocak, USNS MAJ Stephen W. Pless, USNS PFC Eugene A. Obregon and USNS Martin. Each contract includes a series of one-year options which if exercised will extend the agreements through September 2015. The 10 ships included in the Maersk awards actually are covered in four separate agreements while the 11th vessel is covered in what is known as a small business set-aside. The SIU represents all unlicensed mariners aboard Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) vessels and represents the steward department mariners aboard Patriot ships. In announcing the awards during the June membership meetings, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker pointed out that there were no guarantees the bids would be won by Seafarers-contracted companies. The union is grateful to keep these vessels under SIU contracts, he said. MLL issued a statement in which the company noted it will “provide personnel and mariners, operational and technical support ashore and afloat, as well as all the equipment, tools, provisions and supplies necessary to operate these vessels worldwide. MLL also will support MSC in the management of government-owned cargo, including, but not limited to, hazardous materials, vehicular, bulk, and general cargoes.” “MLL’s 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. “Our approach to ship management leverages our global network, proven management practices, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Costeffective readiness is a MLL hallmark, and we’re ready and excited by the opportunity to continue serving the nation.” According to MSC, all 11 ships are deployed to strategic locations worldwide carrying U.S. Marine Corps cargo including tanks, ammunition, food, and medical supplies ready for rapid delivery ashore when needed. The agency describes its overall prepo- sitioning program – which consists of 32 ships supporting the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency – as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning strategically places military equipment and supplies board ships located in key ocean areas to ensure rapid availability during a major theater war, a humanitarian operation or other contingency…. Prepositioning ships provide quick and efficient movement of military gear between operating areas without reliance on other nations’ transportation networks. These ships give U.S. war fighters, who are flown into a theater of operations, the assurance that they will have what they need to quickly respond in a crisis – anywhere, anytime.” The prepositioning fleet features both U.S. government-owned vessels, privately owned ships chartered by the military, and vessels activated from the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF). All are crewed by U.S. civilian mariners. The USNS 1ST LT Baldomero Lopez (left), pictured in 2008 in a military exercise in Thailand, is part of the MSC prepositioning fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian P. Caracci) Like a number of other ships in MSC’s fleet, the USNS MAJ Stephen W. Pless (above) is named after a Medal of Honor recipient. House of Representatives Votes to Extend MSP The U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) would be extended through 2025 under language contained in H.R. 5136, The National Defense Authorization Act. Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 28 by a vote of 229 to 186, the measure extends by 10 years the MSP, which previously had been authorized through the end fiscal year 2015. The legislation on June 9 was received by the Senate where it was read twice and placed on the body’s legislative calendar. As of press time for this edition of the Seafarers LOG, no further action had taken place. The measure still must be passed by the Senate and signed by President Obama before it becomes law. Title 35, Section 3501 of House’s version of the act July 2010 addresses the authorization of appropriations for National Security Aspects of the Merchant Marine for Fiscal Year 2011. This section authorizes a total of $359 million for the U.S. Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2011. Of the funds authorized, $174 million would be available for the MSP, and $60 million for the loan guarantee program authorized by chapter 537 of Title 46, United States Code, commonly referred to as the Title XI Loan Guarantee Program. Section 3502 of the act, titled “Extension of Maritime Security Fleet Program,” would extend the authorization of the Maritime Security Fleet through fiscal year 2025. Describing the entire National Defense Authorization Act, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) stated, “This defense bill aligns our military strategy with the 21st century to sustain the two wars today and prepare for the threats of tomorrow – whatever and wherever they may be. The bill reflects our continued commitment to defend America, support U.S. service members and their families, and keep Americans safe.” The MSP consistently has been hailed by U.S. military leaders as a vital, efficient, cost-effective program. In addition to offering access to militarily useful U.S.flag tonnage and other American-owned maritime resources, the program also helps maintain a pool of reliable, well-trained, loyal U.S. citizen seafarers. Further, as has been pointed out by top-ranking officers at the U.S. Transportation Command and U.S. Military Sealift Command and by other proponents, the MSP costs only a fraction of what the government would have to spend in order to replicate its capabilities. Legislators and military officers at various times have estimated that it would require at least $800 million – per year – from the Defense Department to provide similar sealift and related system capacity on its own. Seafarers LOG 3 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:00 PM Page 4 Mariners Donate Funds Four Honored by St. Louis Port Council Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Receives Check Earlier this year, SIU members and officers aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) prepositioning vessel USNS 1st LT Harry L. Martin contributed $3,000 to the U.S. NavyMarine Corps Relief Society. The money came from an award by SIU-contracted Keystone, the vessel operator, for three years of environmentally safe operations by the Martin. A presentation took place April 14 at Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. According to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society web site, the non-profit organization’s mission is “to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.” Chief Storekeeper Eurico Liboon recalled, “We had a crew meeting on board the ship and discussed a lot of different suggestions on what to do with the money. We decided that donating for our wounded troops who risked their lives in protecting us would be a great cause and a thank-you to them from us.” Keystone commended the crew members and officers for their heartfelt gesture. In a recent communication, the company wrote, “We salute Captain Mike Donovan and the entire crew of the Harry L. Martin for their generously donating the total proceeds of their three-year environmental incentive monies to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Fund during their recent visit to Blount Island Command. To Capt. Donovan and his crew, Bravo Zulu!” Col. Steven R. Peters, commanding officer of Blount Island Command, said in a letter to Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander of MSC, “Sir, I wanted to pass on my sincere thank you to you and Capt. Michael Donovan and the crew of the USNS Harry L. Martin for their very generous gift to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Combat Casualty Assistance) while in port here…. As I understand it, the funds donated were generated from the crews’ excellent hazmat and waste disposal performance (pollution-free operations) sustained over the last three years. Their stellar performance is only bested by their generosity to this most worthy cause.” Donovan told the MSC newspaper Sealift that the crew’s selection for this donation reflects their camaraderie with our armed forces. “Our mission is to support Marine Corps logistics when needed,” he told the paper. “In this mission, we have met and interacted with a number of Marines and have come away with a deep appreciation for the work the Corps does…. With the ongoing war in Afghanistan and Iraq, we felt this program could make the best use of the money. Everyone felt it was a worthy cause to donate to. It’s always a good feeling to be able to donate, whether it’s time or money, to people who could really use the help.” This photo was taken aboard the ship as the check was presented. Among those pictured are AB John Shank, AB Gustavo Arzu, AB Wallace William, Chief Storekeeper Eurico Liboon, OS George Galanis, Chief Engineer Steve Granahan, Capt. Mike Donovan, Col. Steven Peters, Oiler Kerry Coleman, 1st Engineer Justin Litterine, QMED Drew Brown, Bosun Jose Jimenea, Chief Mate Mark Nowak, 3rd Mate Sam Leshner, Cadet Greg Otto and AB Brooke English. The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s St. Louis Port Council on April 24 conducted its 30th annual awards dinner honoring individuals who support the maritime industry specifically and working families in general. Pictured from left to right are the honorees along with MTD and port council officials: MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, Port Council VP Jack Martorelli, Port Council President Dick Mantia, Congressman William Lacy Clay (recipient of the Able Helmsman award), Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer Pat Kellett (Labor Man of the Year), Murphy Company CEO Jim Murphy Jr. (Management Man of the Year), retired Local 562 official Dick Kellett (Joe Sacco Friend of Labor award), St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Feldhaus and SIU St. Louis Port Agent and Port Council SecretaryTreasurer Becky Sleeper. Seafarer’s Son Wins Union Plus Scholarship The son of SIU Steward Roberto A. Firme is on a roll. First, Robert Firme was awarded a $20,000 scholarship through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, as reported in the June LOG. Shortly thereafter, the younger Firme received notification that he’d won a $4,000 grant through Union Plus, a nonprofit organization founded by the AFLCIO. Firme was eligible to apply for the Union Plus scholarship because of the SIU’s participation in various Union Plus programs. Overall for 2010, Union Plus awarded $150,000 in scholarships to 121 students representing 42 unions. More than 5,000 applications were received from students representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Robert Firme is from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and has been accepted at Stanford University. He graduated first in his class at James Campbell High School. Of his Seafaring father, he said, “His selfless sacrifice motivated me to work hard in school and become the first person in my family to attend college.” Roberto Firme has been an SIU member since 1986. Leslie Tolf, president of Union Privilege (the organization overseeing Union Plus), stated, “During these challenging economic times, with college tuition rising and many working families struggling just to get by, we’re pleased to be helping some of the labor movement’s most promising students achieve their college dreams.” Union Plus scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school or a recognized technical or trade school. Since starting the program in 1991, Union Plus has awarded $3 million in educational funding to more than 1,900 union members, spouses and dependent children (including other SIU members and dependents and members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers). Recipients are selected based on academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. Visit UnionPlus.org/Education for applications and benefit eligibility. Papp Replaces Allen as U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., assumed command as the 24th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on May 25, relieving Adm. Thad W. Allen during a military ceremony at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D. C. SIU officials President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel attended the ceremony. “I am honored to serve as the 24th commandant of the Coast Guard,” said Papp. “When I assumed the duties from Admiral Thad Allen at noon today, it concluded a series of key rotations and marked the setting of a new watch to lead our service.” During the ceremony, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates awarded Allen the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano presided over the change of command and awarded Allen the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal. Although the ceremony marked the end of his term as commandant, Allen continues serving as the National Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, managing an unprecedented response effort. “I have the utmost confidence in Admiral Papp’s and Admiral Brice-O’Hara’s ability to 4 Seafarers LOG lead the Coast Guard during a period of tremendous changes, challenges and opportunities,” said Allen. “The new leadership team is well equipped to continue to elevate the value of the U.S. Coast Guard to America and the global maritime community.” Papp reports to Coast Guard Headquarters from Portsmouth, Va., where he served as commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area since 2008. In this position, he served as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains east to central Asia, covering more than half of the world including the recent Haitian earthquake disaster response, Coast Guard support to Operation Iraqi Freedom and counter-drug operations in the Caribbean. Allen became the 23rd commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on May 25, 2006. He has led the largest component of the Department of Homeland Security, comprised of 42,000 men and women on active duty, 7,000 civilians, 8,000 reservists and 34,000 volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarists. Allen’s leadership in times of crisis includes the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when he served as the principal federal officer responsible for response and recovery operations. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano presides as Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. (right) relieves Adm. Thad W. Allen as Coast Guard Commandant during the change of command ceremony at Ft. McNair. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Kip Wadlow) July 2010 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:00 PM Page 5 SIU VP: Union Representation Would Make Difference in Gulf While various pundits across the nation pondered what led up to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and how to prevent a similar disaster, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey last month served up an otherwise-overlooked suggestion. Specifically, in an op-ed piece in the daily newspaper Houston Chronicle, Corgey stated that union representation in the offshore oil industry might have helped prevent the spill and certainly would improve operations moving forward. “What’s wrong in the Gulf of Mexico? We think the answer is simple,” Corgey wrote. “The offshore exploration, production and service industry in the Gulf of Mexico, to the best of our knowledge, is 100 percent nonunion and increasingly foreign. Past attempts to organize these workers have been met with bitter opposition — not from employees but from employers. These largely anti-union employers struggle in a volatile, hypercompetitive environment that has resulted in unsafe working conditions and unstable employment. Lack of union representation has denied oil-field workers a voice in the workplace, which in turn has created an out-of-control industry with little over- sight or accountability. It is painful to see oil-soaked birds receive more media attention than injured, deceased or displaced workers. It is also painful to see the lack of an organized workers’ voice in the legislative and regulatory processes contribute to 11 deaths and the worst spill in U.S. history. This clearly did not have to happen.” A lifelong resident of Houston, Corgey cited the cooperative spirit that exists in the U.S. Merchant Marine between labor, management and government – a condition that fosters safe operations and open communication. “In my experience, the most effective health, safety and environmental programs are a three-legged stool consisting of a committed employer, effective government regulation and meaningful safety provisions contained in a binding union contract subject to a grievance and arbitration procedure with teeth,” he wrote. “We practice this model in the deep-sea, U.S.flag fleet with measurable success. I served on the Towing Safety Advisory Committee of the United States Coast Guard in the early 1990s following the Exxon Valdez disaster and participated in advising the Coast Guard on writing the 4 Crowley Tugs ‘Cleaner and Greener’ Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation in mid-June reported that four of its Harbor-Class tugboats have been “repowered and reintroduced” for service assisting vessels in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. The SIU-crewed tugs Admiral (below), Leader, Scout and Master “underwent an extensive repowering as part of an emissions and air quality initiative program by the Port of Los Angeles,” according to Crowley, which described the updated boats as “cleaner and greener.” The project, launched in late 2006, focuses on repowering the vessels’ main engines and generators, and is part of a larger Port of Los Angeles emissions and air quality initiative known as the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. The plan requires all vessel operators in the area to upgrade their engines to be Tier II emissions compliant by 2013. July 2010 regulations for the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. I also served on the Area Maritime Security Committee of the Department of Homeland Security for the Port of Houston following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack and participated in writing the original Port Security Plan, which became the model for security plans nationwide. After Exxon Valdez and the 2001 terror attacks, government, industry and labor worked together to accomplish something positive for the nation. This model must be replicated to save our domestic offshore industry.” Among his specific recommendations, Corgey urged re-establishing Jones Act provisions on the outer continental shelf “to require American companies to operate American vessels, built in America, employing American workers subject to U.S. government oversight and labor laws.” He concluded, “The American political system is based on checks and balances. This evidently does not currently exist in the Gulf as can be evidenced by representatives for deceased Deepwater Horizon workers being either aggrieved family members or personal injury trial lawyers. SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey These workers would clearly be better served by the unified voice of effective trade unions to help protect the environment, proactively work to prevent the need for personal injury representation and ensure that all workers safely return home to their families. That’s the union way and that’s the American way.” Jones Act Critics Miss the Mark Shoddy Reporting Paints Erroneous Picture of Vital Law As the Deepwater Horizon saga dragged on through June, a vital United States maritime law – the Jones Act – suddenly became a hot topic in the media and, to lesser extent, in Congress. Critics attacked President Obama for not waiving the Jones Act to supposedly open the door for additional assistance in the Gulf cleanup operations. At least one also charged that U.S. maritime unions were thwarting progress by their purported unwillingness to support a suspension of the law, which requires that all vessels operating between domestic ports be crewed, built, owned and flagged American. Following that initial round of erroneous claims and inaccurate reporting, the truth gradually emerged. Statements from industry groups, senators, congressmen and the head of the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command, Admiral Thad Allen, exposed the critics’ arguments as flawed at best, as did certain news articles. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs did the same. For starters, Allen pointed out that as of mid-June, more than a dozen foreign-flag vessels already were assisting in the cleanup. No Jones Act waivers had been issued because none of the vessels required one to operate in that area. Presumably, that’s also why the government neither had submitted nor received any waiver requests. Moreover, federal law includes allowances to help ensure an adequate supply of vessels during an emergency. For instance, the vessel “skimmers” operating more than three miles from shore also do not require Jones Act waivers. (The Deepwater Horizon spill is happening 50 miles from shore.) Nevertheless, the Unified Command developed specific guidance to ensure accelerated processing of requests for Jones Act waivers should they be received. As one reporter said of those clamoring to suspend the law, there is “just one problem with these arguments: They are almost entirely false.” Indeed, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), the largest coalition in the history of the domestic American maritime industry, made it perfectly clear that the industry’s goals are, as always, what is best for the nation. In a statement issued June 11, the MCTF said, “The American maritime industry supports immediate action to address the unfolding environmental disaster in the Gulf. Federal law called the Jones Act requires that American vessels be used for domestic trans- portation activities in the U.S., and countless American vessels are already responding in the Gulf. In addition, we know that many other American vessels are standing by ready to help. There are well-established federal procedures for waiving the Jones Act to bring in foreign vessels in those situations were American vessels are not available. The American maritime industry has not and will not stand in the way of the use of these well-established waiver procedures to address this crisis.” Others including Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) and Senator Daniel K. Inouye (DHawaii) also helped clarify the situation. In a statement issued on June 16, Inouye said, “I was taken aback by the suggestion that we suspend the Jones Act to bring in foreign ships to deal with the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf. That is not necessary. American vessels from the Navy, Coast Guard, state and county governments are working with private citizens and foreign vessels in support of the clean-up effort. To suggest that we suspend the Jones Act to allow foreign ships into the Gulf is more about pushing a political agenda than any genuine interest in helping Gulf coast communities with their clean-up.” Finally, still others wondered not why the Jones Act hadn’t been waived, but rather, why all available U.S.-flag, Jones Act-qualified vessels hadn’t been utilized in the cleanup. In particular, U.S. Rep. John Mica (Fla.), ranking Republican member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urged that domestic operators be contacted immediately “to review both their assets and capability to be part of this important response.” In May, the Transportation Institute (a Washington, D.C.-based coalition that promotes the Jones Act and other U.S. maritime laws) announced results of a study that demonstrated in a strong economy, Jones Act vessels will carry more than 1 billion tons of cargo, or more than 40 percent of all waterborne commerce in the United States. This activity generates $100.3 billion in economic output, adds another $45.9 billion to the value of U.S. economic output, and contributes $11.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Further, the Jones Act fleet generates nearly 500,000 family-sustaining jobs. Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act protects American’s national and economic security. In part, it does so by helping maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S.-citizen mariners who sail aboard all types of American-flag ships, including military support vessels. Seafarers LOG 5 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 8:59 PM Page 6 SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (center) speaks during the U.S.-Consultative Shipping Group meeting, where he promoted mariners’ rights. Heindel Addresses International Maritime Forum SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel on June 15 touched on several important topics during a meeting of U.S. maritime representatives and officials from the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG), which is composed of shipping administrations from more than a dozen countries. Heindel, who also serves as first vice chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation Seafarers’ Section, was a featured panelist for the meeting, which took place at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. He discussed the need for the United States to ratify certain maritime labor conventions and also called for stronger international efforts to fight piracy. Other featured speakers included U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari, Acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and CSG Chairman Andreas Nordseth, who is the director general of the Danish Maritime Authority. Heindel was invited to discuss some of the challenges facing maritime labor. He pointed out that even though nothing on the attentiongrabbing scale of last year’s Maersk Alabama incident has occurred since then involving another U.S.-flag ship, the problem definitely hasn’t disappeared. In fact, it has grown. “All ships sailing off the coast of eastern SIU-Contracted Companies Earn Safety Recognition A number of Seafarers-contracted companies and their SIU crews recently were recognized for safe operations and outstanding seamanship. The accolades were delivered June 3 in New Orleans, where the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) conducted its 52nd annual awards program. The CSA presented awards for specific incidents as well as for prolonged operations (at least two years) without a mariner involved in a lost-time injury. The latter decorations are known as the Jones F. Devlin Awards. CSA President Joseph Cox told an audience of more than 170 people, “CSA’s involvement in safety is longstanding. We continue to represent the industry, domestically and internationally, on safety issues encompassing every facet of ship operations. It is therefore only fitting that an industry so focused on safety, publicly recognizes the skills and dedication of the women and men who are responsible for actions in keeping with the highest traditions of the sea – aid to those in peril.” Dozens of companies were represented at the event. Many of them are members of the CSA, which represents U.S.-based businesses that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships, and other merchant vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. SIU-crewed vessels and Seafarers-contracted companies receiving letters of commendation included USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus and USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams, both operated by American Overseas Marine, and the USNS Richard G. Matthiesen, operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. Also receiving letters were Crowley Marine Services and OSG Ship Management. Recipients of the Devlin Awards included Alaska Tanker Company, Crescent Towing, Crowley Maritime Corporation, E.N. Bisso & Son Inc., American Overseas Marine, Higman Barge Lines Inc., Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping Corporation, Keystone Shipping Co., Maersk Line, Marine Transport Lines, Moran Towing, Ocean Shipholdings Inc., OSG Ship Management, PASHA Shipping Group, Sea Star Line, Seabulk Tankers Inc., Seabulk Towing Inc., Totem Ocean Trailer Express, and USS Vessel Management LLC. 6 Seafarers LOG Africa and in the waters of the Indian Ocean keep on constant lookout for possible attacks,” he stated. “Every week, the reports come in that more vessels have been attacked, with some captured. Crews spend agonizing months docked in Somali ports as the pirates and ship’s owners haggle over the price of freedom.” He said that although some of the potential solutions are complex, the bottom line is that governments must do everything possible to end this scourge. Heindel also called for the U.S. to pass two International Labor Organization conventions. One is known as ILO 185, and it concerns a uniform identification credential for mariners. The other is the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention, which the ITF has described as a “bill of rights for seafarers.” “Both of these conventions from the ILO deserve support and ratification,” Heindel concluded. “The United States should take the lead in doing so in order that mariners around the world will have safer and better working conditions.” The CSG includes representatives from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Crew, QMED Donate for Haiti Relief Seafarers from USNS Buck Contribute to Humanitarian Cause Recovery operations in Haiti no longer make for everyday headlines in the U.S., but those humanitarian efforts remain in the thoughts of SIU members, as recently demonstrated by a number of Seafarers. In late May, SIU members aboard the USNS Paul Buck chose to donate their portion of the ship’s fund to Haiti relief. The $300 donation comes on the heels of earlier maritime labor efforts which saw $82,000 given by Maritime Trades Department-affiliated unions (including the SIU) to the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers’ Campaign. Operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Buck recently delivered vital cargo to McMurdo Station in Antarctica as part of the annual Operation Deep Freeze mission. Additionally, QMED Esmeil Aborady donated his overtime pay (earned while sailing aboard the USNS Fred Stockham) to Haiti relief efforts. Ship operator Keystone matched the contribution. Bosun Phil Corl (second from left in photo above) delivers the crew’s donation to the care of Patrolman Brian Guiry. Also pictured (from left) are SA Charlotte Chastain, GUDE Aristotle Bone and QMED Endang Abidin. In photo below, Seafarers are pictured aboard the USNS Paul Buck in late May in Charleston, S.C. July 2010 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 9:01 PM Page 7 USNS Comfort Honored for Haiti Mission The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Comfort was welcomed as an honorary member in the Maryland Hospital Association at the organization’s annual meeting in Baltimore on June 4. The Comfort is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division and is home-ported in Baltimore. According to MSC, the honorary membership recognizes the Comfort’s role in international relief efforts following the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. The vessel spent seven weeks anchored off the coast of Port-au-Prince, where shipboard medical personnel treated nearly 900 earthquake victims. “It’s an honor for the men and women who served on Comfort during the Haiti mission to be recognized as part of the Maryland Hospital Association,” said Capt. James Ware, the commanding officer of Comfort’s Medical Treatment Facility. “We are very proud of all of our enduring relationships with the broader medical community, including partners ranging from other U.S. military services and government agencies to non-governmental organizations and even foreign militaries and health ministries.” Ware and David Lieberman, the civilian officer in charge of the ship, accepted the honor on behalf of the more than 1,000 Navy medical personnel and 79 civil service mariners who coordinated with 170 Navy planners and support per- sonnel and an additional 244 civilian medical volunteers from eight non-governmental organizations. “Maryland’s hospitals and the USNS Comfort share more than a home. We also share a mission of providing care and compassion to all who need it,” said Carmela Coyle, MHA president and CEO. “For Maryland’s hospitals, that means being there to provide care. For the USNS Comfort, it means getting there to provide care.” Lieberman and the rest of Comfort’s CIVMARS are also happy with the honor. “Part of what makes Comfort’s hospital so exceptional is the fact that we can take it where it’s needed,” said Lieberman. “Although the mariners don’t treat patients, we are so proud of the role that we play in getting this ship to people in need and ensuring that the hospital has electricity and water.” Ware and Lieberman accepted a plaque that will be displayed aboard the ship. “The people who man Maryland’s hospitals are proud to now be associated with the people who man the USNS Comfort in all capacities, and we welcome them as colleagues,” said Coyle. According to MSC, the Comfort was delivered to the Navy Dec. 1, 1987, and arrived in Baltimore July 13, 1988. When not deployed, the ship is kept pier-side where a small crew of CIVMARS and Navy medical personnel maintain the ves- Navy Capt. James Ware, commanding officer of hospital ship USNS Comfort’s medical treatment facility; David Lieberman, Comfort’s officer in charge; Navy Capt. James Rice, Military Sealift Command force medical officer; and Richard Haynes, MSC executive director, accept a plaque from Maryland Hospital President and CEO Carmela Coyle and MHA Board Chair Albert Counselman (far left) commemorating the Comfort’s honorary MHA membership at the organization’s annual meeting June 4 in Baltimore. sel and Medical Treatment Facility in a high state of readiness. When activated, the Comfort can deploy on a mission in five days. The Maryland Hospital Association is the advocate for Maryland’s hospitals, health systems, communities and patients before legislative and regulatory bodies. MHA’s 61 member hospitals include teaching hospitals, health systems, specialty hospitals, veterans’ hospitals and long-term care facilities. Hospital Ship Mercy Mobilizes For Pacific Partnership 2010 Civilian mariners in the SIU Government Services Division on board the hospital ship USNS Mercy showed once again they can play the dual roles of ambassador and humanitarian on a recent trip to Vietnam in support of exercise Pacific Partnership 2010. During the mission, the Vietnamese vice minister of health and the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam experienced partnership firsthand as they toured both the USNS Mercy and a Seabee construction project on June 4. Vice Minister of Health Trịnh Quân Huấn and Ambassador Michael W. Michalak were interested in seeing exactly what capabilities Pacific Partnership brings to the people of Quy Nhon, Vietnam, during the 13day mission stay. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command, which operates the Comfort, Pacific Partnership was created in the wake of the tsunami which struck Indonesia in 2004. Since 2006, partner nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have come together each year to continue fostering the relationships developed during those challenging months to provide medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action programs as well as “subject matter expert exchanges” with local medical professionals. This was Pacific Partnership’s third visit to Vietnam, and the second time there for the USNS Mercy. As the ambassador walked the passageways of the hospital ship, he noticed not only the variety of U.S. military uniforms, but also the large number of partner nation military professionals and July 2010 NGO volunteers going about their day, helping maintain the Mercy’s ability to provide surgery and other health care to those in need. Also noteworthy was the number of Vietnamese medical specialists on board the Mercy – not for medical care, but rather to participate in information exchanges. “I think that we’ve had excellent cooperation from the Government of Vietnam, and we’ve learned an awful lot in doing these missions,” said Michalak. “And this one, from what I understand, has been absolutely the smoothest and the best coordinated mission of all.” MSC reported that a Japanese ship worked alongside the Mercy to also provide medical care, with more than 30 medical professionals from the JDS Kunisaki going ashore each day to treat those in need. Additionally, the vice minister and the ambassador visited one of the Seabee engineering sites in Quy Nhon upon completion of the Mercy tour. The construction project focused on the Quang Trung Clinic District Health Center, which provides health services to more than 24,000 residents that live in the area, with an average of 300 to 400 patients seen each month. The clinic is the second of four engineering civic action programs to be completed by engineers from Australia, the U.S., and Vietnam. Vietnamese volunteers had a major role in executing the project. Builder 3rd Class Scott Bishop, right, Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of Pacific Partnership 2010, and U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak cut a ribbon with a Ministry of Health of Vietnam official and a Quang Trung Hospital physician during a rededication ceremony. The Seafarers-crewed Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy is in Vietnam conducting the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors to strengthen regional partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson) The HSV 2 Swift serves different branches of the U.S. military, depending on its specified assignment. HSV 2 Swift Arrives in Panama For Southern Partnership Station The SIU-crewed highspeed vessel HSV 2 Swift arrived in Balboa-Rodman, Panama, May 22, to kick off the Southern Partnership Station 2010 visit to the Central American nation. The vessel is operated by Sealift Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Southern Partnership Station (SPS) is a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America, with the primary goal of information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region. “This visit to Panama and the other nations we’ll visit during this deployment are opportunities for us to foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding by coming together to enhance regional maritime security,” said Capt. Kurt Hedberg, mission commander of SPS 2010. “I look forward to getting to know and learning from the people of Panama through our subject matter expert exchanges over the next few weeks.” While deployed in support of SPS 2010, the Swift will visit various countries in the Caribbean island nations, Central and South America during the upcoming months. Some of the topics to be discussed during the visits are port security, personal security, junior and senior enlisted leadership principles, outboard motor maintenance, maintenance management and small boat operations. The U.S. Marine Corps also has an eight-man mobile training team on board the Swift to participate in the exchanges. Seafarers LOG 7 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:00 PM Page 8 ‘Piney Point is a Great Place to Start a Career’ Seafarer Richardson Utilizes School to Advance from Trainee to Mate Between its renowned entry-level program and numerous upgrading courses, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers plenty of opportunities for Seafarers to help advance their careers. Korron Richardson knows all about those opportunities, and he stands as one of the most recent examples of the school’s long-held axiom that its students can progress as far as their ambitions take them. Richardson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., graduated from Paul Hall Center Trainee Class 578 in 1998. Since then, he has returned to the Piney Point, Md.based campus upwards of 20 times for various upgrading courses. Earlier this year, he completed the third mate’s class and subsequently passed the exam to earn his license. “This school is a great place to learn,” Family support helped Karron achieve his goal of earning a license. Pictured with him at the school are his wife, Latasha, and children Korron Jr. and Kariah. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” Karron said. Alliance Charleston Captain Credits Crew The master of the SIU-crewed MV Alliance Charleston recently thanked crew members for their efforts during the newly reflagged ship’s first voyage under the Stars and Stripes. Captain David A. McLean III in early May sent a 8 Seafarers LOG Richardson, 31, said in Piney Point immediately following the June membership meeting. “Piney Point is a great place to start a career and to become part of a great union. The SIU offers excellent jobs and real opportunities to move up, to better yourself and better your family’s situation.” As with virtually any worthwhile achievement, Richardson’s ascension wasn’t easy. He said the mate’s class (which lasts 16 weeks and formally is called Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch) by far was the most difficult one he’s ever taken. Instructor Stacey McNeely credited Richardson for bearing down. “He definitely did not give up when the going got tough,” she stated. “Korron worked really hard. He is an example that you can go as far as you want to go. This career path is achievable by anyone who wants to do it and is willing to do the work. He will make a good mate.” Richardson, who most recently sailed aboard the Sealand Eagle, enthusiastically cited McNeely’s steady guidance as an invaluable aid throughout his studies. He also enjoyed the support of his family, including his wife, Latasha, who pointed out that Korron “has made great progress in a short period of time. He’s only been in the union for about 12 years and for him to have gotten as far as he has in such a short period is a real accomplishment. I’m really proud – he didn’t let anything stop him.” Good Fit For Korron Richardson, Piney Point and the SIU were a good fit from the beginning. He learned about the unlicensed apprentice or trainee program from his brother, Rashawn, who preceded him at the school. (Other family members also sail with the SIU, including cousins Curtis Richardson, Lavell Smith and Corey Richardson.) He started sailing in the engine department but quickly switched to the deck, where he found his niche. Richardson said he liked the maritime industry right away, including a schedule that contained some unforeseen benefits. But his desire to advance evolved through a number of years, thanks in part to repeated encouragement from fellow Seafarers as well as officers who saw his potential. “I enjoy the traveling and then having that time off afterward with your family,” he said. “It’s great – you can catch up, get things planned. It’s a good deal. You work hard, then you come home and can enjoy a nice long vacation with your family. “As far as wanting to keep upgrading,” he continued, “when I saw those opportunities, I just tried to make it a habit: go to work, get enough sea time, see what classes I can take, and just go for it. You learn so much, and you have opportunities to get better jobs.” Time after time, he came back to the Paul Hall Center to help achieve his goals. (His fondness for the school is so great that he even took his family there for vacation, including son, Korron Jr., and daughter, Kariah.) “The environment makes it the right fit for learning,” Richardson noted. “It’s quiet and there aren’t many distractions. All the resources are here, and the school has made a lot of improvements over the years, such as the simulators and the fire fighting school.” He also pointed out that the lessons aren’t abstract. Recalling a voyage on the Overseas Ambermar, Richardson remembered relieving the bosun for a midnight watch as the vessel was preparing to go through the Panama Canal. The ship lost steering, but Richardson’s training paid off when the captain gave orders to drop the anchors. Richardson did so – port first, then starboard, then putting them on the brake – and helped save the ship. Reflecting, Looking Ahead Reflecting on his still-unfolding career, Richardson said he has enjoyed sailing on a wide variety of ships including tankers, containerships and roll-on/roll-off vessels. He is proud to have supported our troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom – he earned the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal for a voyage aboard the USNS Capella – and in general wishes more of the public understood the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. “Somebody’s got to deliver the cargo, the ammunition,” he observed. “It’s not just dropping out of the sky. People fail to realize who’s doing that job. We do it, and we’re willing to sail into harm’s way to deliver.” Looking forward, Richardson eventually wants to sail as captain. He already knows the training and testing requirements. His advice to people just entering the industry? “Don’t listen to he said, she said. Go out there and gather information for yourself. When it comes to work, just do the job and your character will show. Learn that job, master your position, and then move on to something else. I remember there were times as a wiper, cleaning the heads. It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it, so take some pride in it. People notice.” Asked to summarize his experience at the school, from the beginning until now, Richardson thought for a moment and then replied with a hearty laugh, “Pleasure and pain! Starting out as a trainee, you’re trying to get used to something new but you don’t really know what’s going on. But when you get out on the ships, you remember the things you learned at school. The other pleasure part is a decent check – the money. You start to see the big picture.” letter to the entire crew of the Alliance Charleston, which joined the SIU fleet in February. “During the initial voyage of the MV Alliance Charleston I commend you all and want you to know you have been exemplary of the United States Merchant Marine,” McLean wrote. “During my time aboard, the entire crew was an asset to the vessel. Good shipmates, you endeavored to take on responsibility and gain knowledge in all aspects of vessel operations and company and ship policies and proce- dures. You listened well, learned quickly, followed orders explicitly, took initiative, paid great attention to detail and each and every one became a valued member of my crew.” McLean added that the crew worked safely and maintained “a great attitude.” Built in 2008, the Alliance Charleston is operated by Farrell Lines for Maersk Line, Limited. The ship is 751 feet long and has more than 710,000 square feet of cargo space. It can sail at greater than 20 knots. A frequent upgrader, Karron Richardson says of the Paul Hall Center, “All the resources are here.” July 2010 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 9:08 PM Page 9 SIU-Crewed Ship Serves as Mock Boarding Vessel The SIU-crewed USNS LCpl. Roy M. Wheat recently served as ground zero for the at-sea portion of a U.S. Navy maritime exercise dubbed Phoenix Express 2010 (PE210) in the Mediterranean Sea. A dual-phased multinational event, the exercise was two weeks in duration. It was designed to strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance stability in the Mediterranean region through increased interoperability and cooperation among partners from Africa, Europe and the United States. PE210 commenced May 10 with phase one (in-port segment) and culminated June 2 with phase two (at-sea segment). Phase one of the exercise focused on maritime interdiction operations training and was conducted in Souda Bay, Greece. Phase two focused on maritime interdiction operations wherein the USNS Wheat–because of its enormous size—was used as a mock boarding platform. An average of two boardings per day by different countries took place aboard the Wheat while the exercise was underway. During this segment, forces from the different countries enhanced their techniques, tactics and procedures during visit, board, search and seizure drills aboard the Wheat. They also conducted search and rescue, medical, maritime domain awareness and automatic identification system drills. The Wheat’s commanding officer, Capt. John W. Matfield, was on the bridge to meet each newly arriving team and watch as they commandeered his ship. “It’s been interesting to see the different forces at work and how hard it is to pull it all together,” he said “But it also surprises me that these teams do as well as they do on such short notices. “The Wheat’s motto is ‘Whatever, wherever, whenever’ so the crew and I see this exercise as a part of our job as well as a break from our normal routine,” Matfield concluded. “We want to provide the teams with a realistic experience because for the most part their training platforms are not as similar as a commercial vessel.” SIU members aboard the USNS Wheat during PE210 included Bosun William Lima, ABs Glenn Davis, Sylvan Harris, Harvey Carvajal, Eric Moreira, and Bryan Benak; Electricians David Spaulding and Dave Higdon; Storekeeper Renee Clayton; Oilers Victor Chance, Francis Yapching and Kevin Johnson; Steward Walter White, Chief Cook Jermaine Robinson, GVAs Anthony Newbell and Emmanuel Korsah and Steward Assistant George Jenkins. The USNS LCpl. Roy M. Wheat is one of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s 13 container and rollon/roll-off ships and is part of the agency’s prepositioning fleet. Commissioned in late 2001, the Wheat is named in honor of Marine Corps LCpl. Roy M. Wheat who died in 1967 during the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. A Turkish Navy-operated, rigid-hull inflatable boat (above) transfers members of a visit, board, search and seizure team to the Military Sealift Command operated and SIUcrewed USNS LCpl. Roy H. Wheat (far right). A Spanish navy visit, board, search and seizure team member (right) provides cover for his team while conducting a boarding exercise aboard the Wheat. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialists 2nd Class Jimmy C. Pan and Felicito Rustique) Portuguese navy visit, board, search and seizure team members (above) climb down a ladder into their ridged-hull inflatable boat after completing an inspection aboard the USNS LCpl. Roy M. Wheat. In photo at right, Italian team members secure the Wheat’s flight deck during their operations. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialists 2nd Class Jimmy C. Pan and Felicito Rustique) A member of a Spanish navy team stands guard over a detained crew member (photo at left) aboard the USNS LCpl. Roy M. Wheat while one of his comrades (above) verifies identification of another mariner. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Felicito Rustique) July 2010 Seafarers LOG 9 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 9:12 PM Page 10 At Sea And Ashore With the SIU SEALAND EAGLE’S ICY TRANSIT – AB Brad Brunette (above) and his fellow mariners aboard the Sealand Eagle didn’t let icy conditions in the North Atlantic deter them during a recent voyage. SUPPORTING PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN – SIU members in early June turned out in support of U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) during a re-election campaign kickoff in Everett, Wash. Some of those Seafarers are pictured with the congressman, who is standing third from left. PHASE II ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – One of the most valuable components of the unlicensed apprentice program conducted by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center is Phase II – a 90day period during which trainees rotate through each department on a Seafarers-contracted ship. Here, Recertified Bosun Domingo Leon Jr. (right) and UA Osamah Saleh pause for a photo before resuming their duties aboard the Maersk Ohio. MILESTONES IN HOUSTON – SIU officials at the Houston hall recently congratulated two Seafarers on sep- arate milestones. In photo at right above, Port Agent Mike Russo (left) presents an A-seniority book to AB Carlos Colon. In the other snapshot, Safety Director Brian Kinard gives newly retired Steward/Baker Loicy Jones her first pension check. Congratulations to Brother Colon and Sister Jones on their achievements MEETING ABOARD EL MORRO – Port Agent Amancio Crespo submitted this photo of members on the El Morro in San Juan, P.R. It was taken shortly after a late-May meeting aboard the vessel. Pictured from left are OMU Rickey Pettaway, Chief Cook John Foster, AB Errick Nobles, Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, OMU Dana Thomas and AB Angelo Wilcox. NEW YORK-AREA MEMBERS BACK JOBS FORUM – More than a dozen New York- SNAPSHOT FROM SISLER – Bosun Ken Steiner (right) and AB William McIntyre are pictured aboard the USNS Sisler in the Mediterranean. The vessel is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning program. 10 Seafarers LOG area SIU members, including those pictured here, participated in a major gathering of labor and environmental groups invited by the Cornell Global Labor Institute in New York City. The occasion (last fall) was a symposium titled “Jobs, Justice, Climate: A Rally for Labor and Environment Movements.” AFLCIO President Rich Trumka was a featured speaker at the event, which took place at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. He and other speakers emphasized their unity in supporting solutions to climate change that include major focus on the need for good, family-sustaining jobs. July 2010 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 9:12 PM Page 11 Pictured from left to right aboard the El Faro are SA Dennis Uchic, Recertified Steward Lauren Oram, Chief Cook Marychris Littel and Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown. UA Lisa Lee, QMED Daryl Thomas Sealand Eagle Snapshots from Sealand Eagle, El Faro DEU John Cooper recently submitted these photos from voyages aboard the Sealand Eagle and the El Faro, respectively. A regular contributor to the Seafarers LOG, Cooper extended his thanks to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President Archie Ware and Port Agent Elizabeth Brown for their efforts and support. Some of the photos show unlicensed apprentices from the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Those apprentices are in Phase II of the program – a 90-day shipboard training period during which they rotate through each department. UA Ann Mensch El Faro AB David Eller El Faro UA Kevin Cunningham Sealand Eagle July 2010 Recertified Steward Edward Collins, UA Kevin Cunningham Sealand Eagle UA Gwendolyn Garcia El Faro UA Lisa Lee, DEU John Cooper Sealand Eagle OMU Thomas Hawks El Faro Seafarers LOG 11 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:04 PM Page 12 Oil Spill Spill Oil PPrreevveennttiioonn & & Coonnttaaiinnm meenntt C A A Valuable Valuable Part Part of of Paul Paul Hall Hall Center Center Training Training for for 20 20 Years Years Since 1991, 1991, the the union-affiliated union-affiliated Paul Paul Hall Hall Since Center Center for for Maritime Maritime Training Training and and Education Education has has offered offered aa U.S. U.S. Coast Coast Guard-approved Guard-approved course course titled titled Oil Oil Spill Spill Prevention Prevention and and Containment. Containment. It It is is aa 35-hour 35-hour class class available available to to mariners mariners from from each each shipboard shipboard department department who who meet meet the the school’s school’s general general admission admission requirements. requirements. Like Like many many other other Paul Paul Hall Hall Center Center courses, courses, 12 Seafarers Seafarers LOG LOG 12 this this one one blends blends practical practical training training exercises exercises with with classroom classroom instruction. instruction. Topics Topics include include oil oil types types and and petroleum petroleum products’ products’ behavior behavior on on water; water; pollution pollution prevention prevention regulations; regulations; hazardous hazardous materials materials training; training; spill spill prevention; prevention; absorbents; absorbents; suction suction equipment; equipment; skimmers skimmers and and their their proper proper use; use; and and small-boat small-boat operations. operations. Students Students also also receive receive instruction instruction involving involving spill spill containment containment booms, booms, boom boom towing towing configurations, configurations, and and anchoring anchoring operations. operations. Based Based in in Piney Piney Point, Point, Md., Md., the the Paul Paul Hall Hall Center Center opened opened in in 1967. 1967. The The photos photos on on these these two two pages pages were were taken taken during during aa mid-June mid-June class. class. The The students students are are Seafarers Seafarers from from SIU-contracted SIU-contracted Penn Penn Maritime Maritime Inc. Inc. July 2010 2010 July �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:07 PM Page 13 Graduating from from the the course course in in mid-June mid-June are are (from (from left) left) Seafarers Seafarers Felix Felix Alfonso, Alfonso, Mike Mike Washburn, Washburn, Kevin Kevin Snick, Snick, John John Neal, Neal, Graduating Jesus Medrano, Medrano, Paul Paul Starvish, Starvish, Greg Greg Greene Greene and and Paul Paul McCready. McCready. Instructor Instructor Stan Stan Beck Beck is is at at far far right. right. Jesus July July 2010 2010 Seafarers Seafarers LOG LOG 13 13 �59996_P01_24:January 08 14 6/23/2010 Seafarers LOG 8:07 PM Page 14 July 2010 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:07 PM Page 15 Online Petition Urges Action Against Piracy As previously reported in the LOG and at the June membership meetings, an unprecedented coalition of organizations – from trade unions to shipowners’ associations and insurers – recently teamed up to launch an online petition demanding action to end piracy. The web address for the petition, which launched on May 20, is: www.endpiracypetition.org A link to the petition also is available on the SIU home page, www.seafarers.org. The SIU had a hand in developing the petition, which is part of the International Maritime Organization’s Year of the Seafarer campaign. It is intended to call worldwide attention to piracy and in particular is designed to grab the interest of leaders across the globe. The plan is to deliver at least half a million signatures to governments by September 23, which is IMO World Maritime Day. Seafarers are encouraged to make their voices heard by signing the petition. July & August 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point......................*Tuesday: July 6, Monday: August 2 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea May 16, 2010 – June 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 15 2 7 18 5 12 52 31 5 14 13 35 21 16 4 2 12 38 3 40 345 6 4 13 15 3 5 20 27 6 4 6 23 28 18 5 10 8 17 0 19 237 1 1 1 2 2 0 2 1 1 1 2 3 8 1 0 2 3 1 0 3 35 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 5 0 9 8 2 4 14 16 0 4 8 14 8 13 2 2 2 14 1 10 136 1 1 2 6 1 5 18 21 0 6 0 13 9 6 5 1 8 14 2 13 132 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 Guam............................................Thursday: July 22, August 19 Honolulu ...........................................Friday: July 16, August 13 Houston..............................................Monday: July 12, August 9 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Joliet.............................................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Mobile........................................Wednesday: July 14, August 11 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: July 13, August 10 New York............................................Tuesday: July 6, August 3 Norfolk.............................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Oakland .........................................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Philadelphia...................................Wednesday: July 7, August 4 Port Everglades .............................Thursday: July 15, August 12 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 2 11 0 11 11 18 0 3 8 23 14 20 3 5 2 18 0 19 170 1 1 2 6 1 2 7 12 1 1 3 7 13 2 4 2 0 5 2 3 75 San Juan ...........................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 St. Louis ............................................Friday: July 16, August 13 Tacoma ..............................................Friday: July 23, August 20 Wilmington...........................................Monday: July 19, August 16 * Piney Point change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. ATTENTION SEAFARERS Keep Us On Your Radar Screen 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 0 0 0 1 3 5 2 0 1 5 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 2 28 8 2 2 9 1 3 10 17 3 5 5 23 17 16 1 6 0 14 2 14 158 7 1 1 5 0 1 5 9 2 2 3 8 15 5 3 22 0 3 0 5 97 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 4 0 3 0 0 1 5 0 2 22 Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) GRAND TOTALS: 679 602 143 485 July 2010 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac .................................................Friday: July 9, August 6 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Total Shipped All Groups A B C 11 1 4 11 3 11 31 30 4 10 8 26 11 20 3 1 3 24 0 26 238 7 4 5 10 3 4 17 14 5 3 7 13 25 8 4 11 8 13 3 19 183 3 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 17 1 2 3 11 0 1 18 17 0 4 9 16 7 12 2 2 3 14 0 21 143 13 2 9 21 7 16 103 57 3 20 19 77 30 42 6 2 14 69 5 63 578 6 6 16 20 5 17 35 53 7 13 6 36 46 20 11 2 10 35 7 47 398 3 0 2 8 1 1 6 3 1 2 4 5 14 2 0 5 4 0 0 15 76 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 10 1 0 3 5 0 1 9 12 0 2 3 10 1 5 1 1 1 3 1 5 64 4 1 11 18 2 9 31 29 1 14 8 28 20 21 6 2 3 20 1 24 253 2 4 7 12 2 8 25 42 1 12 2 27 20 14 6 1 17 26 3 19 250 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 5 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 18 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 5 0 3 9 9 1 0 3 6 9 7 0 0 3 12 0 11 78 4 0 5 9 2 25 23 27 0 8 15 44 16 40 2 7 6 33 1 44 311 4 1 4 10 1 3 14 14 1 4 5 9 19 6 3 3 5 9 2 5 122 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 9 13 0 2 6 0 4 9 16 2 3 2 20 12 6 2 4 0 8 1 5 115 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 1 4 4 1 24 0 3 0 1 49 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 4 0 1 22 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 7 0 1 1 10 0 4 0 0 1 7 0 7 44 11 2 5 10 3 9 31 34 2 7 8 55 32 34 1 3 1 24 1 43 316 4 1 2 9 1 8 17 18 2 5 5 12 39 9 3 5 0 9 0 35 184 437 82 307 1,186 1,086 287 Engine Department 2 1 4 7 0 2 7 15 0 7 6 13 3 10 2 2 1 7 0 6 95 2 0 1 5 1 3 12 14 2 1 1 5 10 8 0 1 8 7 1 5 87 Steward Department 1 0 4 7 1 6 18 10 0 6 3 13 12 16 2 0 1 15 2 13 130 1 0 0 2 1 1 5 6 1 1 2 4 12 5 1 1 2 2 1 4 52 Entry Department Seafarers LOG 15 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:07 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 question was answered in Brooklyn, N.Y. Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it? William G. Rackley AB My father, William Lee Rackley, was a longtime member of the SIU – he started back in 1940. I wanted to travel and I followed in his footsteps. He sailed as bosun. I’ve stuck with it for 28 years. I’ve lived in two different places in Hawaii and I currently live in the Philippines. It has given me the opportunity to live all over the world and to live freely. helped me a lot and I’ve been very happy. I’ve been very happy. Domingo Leon Jr. Recertified Bosun It was a way to travel, but it was also during the Vietnam War and the industry was short of men. I filled out an application in 1970 and was accepted. It has provided me a way to make money. It gave me the experience of 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 James Triassi Bosun Fairly simple: I got into working with other men. I stayed with it because of the travel part, of course, and lastly, it has been a way to support my family without having to work too hard. It provides a good vacation time, also. the industry because I love to travel, and this is a perfect opportunity. Of course, it’s different now. I started in 1971. I love the work and learning new things. With all the new and different kinds of ships you get on, you’ve got to learn something new every day, and in this industry, you can. At my age, what else am I going to do? I’m 62, will be 63 next month. Eric Clotter Chief Cook I wanted to do something better for myself, for the future. My father was in the industry for so many years – he sailed as an SIU electrician. My brother was a chief cook, now he’s a chief steward. I joined the family business. It’s a blessing and a challenge to be part of the SIU. I’m looking forward to more challenges and for the future, and I thank God for everything. I joined the SIU in 2003. Timothy Koebel Recertified Bosun I got into it because I heard the SIU was the best union to join if you’re going to go to sea, which it has turned out to be. And also they had a veterans’ program (at Piney Point), which I entered in 1979. The reason I’ve stayed with it is I’ve done very well. Bobby Selzer (New York port agent) has 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 Retired Seafarer Vincent Patterson of Signal Mountain, Tenn., sent the above photo. Pictured are crew members aboard the Liberty Ship SS James E. Howard, including Seafarers, and personnel from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Vincent is seated in the middle wearing a white shirt and tie. The photo was taken in July 1943 while the Howard was docked in Cario, Egypt. The vessel was transporting supplies into the Suez Canal for use in the invasion of Sicily. 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 July 2010 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:08 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 ENRIQUE BODDEN Brother Enrique Bodden, 66, became an SIU member in 2001. His first ship was the Mormac Sun; his last was the American Queen. Brother Bodden worked in the engine department. He attended classes on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bodden resides in Marrero, La. WILLIAM DAY Brother William Day, 65, joined the union in 1990. He initially sailed on the Courier. In 2000 and 2001, Brother Day visited the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. The engine department member most recently shipped aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Brother Day is a resident of Nolanville, Texas. SHELDON GREENBERG Brother Sheldon Greenberg, 56, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His earliest voyage was on the Bradford Island. Brother Greenberg frequently upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Greenberg’s final trip to sea was aboard the Maersk Michigan. He lives in Orange Park, Fla. THOMAS HARTMAN Brother Thomas Hartman, 55, signed on with the SIU in 1974 in the port of San Francisco. He originally shipped on the Baltimore. Brother Hartman upgraded often at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He sailed in all three departments during his career. Brother Hartman’s last ship was the Oakland. He continues to make his home in his native state of California. July 2010 VARNEY MILNER Brother Varney Milner, 64, began sailing with the union in 2001. Brother Milner first sailed on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. In 2002, Brother Milner enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. His final trip was aboard the Comet. Brother Milner calls Downers Grove, Ill., home. MARIANO MORENO Brother Mariano Moreno, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1968. His first voyage was on the Sea Del. Brother Moreno, who sailed in all three departments, was born in Puerto Rico. His last ship was the Ponce. Brother Moreno resides in Spring Hill, Fla. WAYNE SHINDLER Brother Wayne Shindler, 71, joined the union in 2001 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Dahl. In 2001 and 2006, Brother Shindler took advantage of educational opportunities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent trip was on the USNS Watson. Brother Shindler, who sailed in the steward department, is a resident of Norfolk. MACARIO TORRE Brother Macario Torre, 60, was born in the Philippines. He began sailing with the union 1980. Brother Torre, a member of the deck department, was originally employed on the Express. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Torre’s final voyage was aboard the Maersk Virginia. He settled in Clark, N.J. MICHAEL WATSON Brother Michael Watson, 61, became an SIU member in 1968. He first sailed on the Yellowstone. Brother Watson, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Seattle. He most recently shipped aboard the North Star. Brother Watson makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. INLAND PETER ALLERT Brother Peter Allert, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1999 while in the port of Houston. He first sailed on vessels operated by Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Allert was a member of the engine department. His last trip was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Allert lives in Ingleside, Texas. HAROLD FLANAGAN Brother Harold Flanagan, 58, signed on with the union in 1977 in the port of New Orleans. He primarily worked aboard Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessels. Brother Flanagan shipped in the deck department. He calls Canton, Miss., home. WILLIAM HOLCOMB Brother William Holcomb, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1967. He originally sailed with Higman Barge Line. Brother Holcomb was born in Texas and worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Seabulk Tanker. Brother Holcomb resides in Zavalla, Texas. THOMAS MACEY Brother Thomas Macey, 63, started his seafaring career in 1973. The steward department member shipped mostly on Crowley Towing of Wilmington vessels. Brother Macey was born in Long Beach, Calif. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Brother Macey is a resident of Cypress, Calif. Brother Morante enhanced his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. JOAQUIM PEREIRA Brother Joaquim Pereira, 66, became an SIU member in 1986. He mainly worked with Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Pereira upgraded in 2001 at the Seafarers-affiliated training center in Piney Point, Md. He lives in New Bedford, Mass. HILARIO MORANTE Brother Hilario Morante, 56, joined the SIU in 1985 and primarily sailed in the deck department aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1950 On July 20, the SIU signed agreements with its contracted operators providing that Seafarers aboard contracted ships in the five zones along the Chinese coast will be protected against war risks by teams of riders supplementing the ships’ articles until agreement is reached with the operators on adequate bonus payments, personal effects payments and attack bonuses. The agreement on the war bonuses payments was made retroactive to the date that the Korean hostilities broke out. Crew members of the affected ships will receive in addition to basic wages and allowances, 100 percent of their base wages while in the five specified areas rendered unsafe, including the waters around Korea. alleged “invasion force” in two armed launches was stopped on the coast by Dominican government forces. The “invaders” had reportedly been based in Cuba. 1967 In a report to the Atlantic and Gulf membership during the regular July membership meeting at headquarters, President Paul Hall told the members that facilities for the training and upgrading of seamen were being expanded. In addition to local training sites in New York and other outports, the SIU has recently purchased a 28-acre site at Piney Point, Md., to train young men for entry-level jobs aboard American-flag ships. This will be in addition to upgrading training to enable working seamen to qualify for promotions after specialized training. 1994 1959 Seafarers on the cement carrier Florida State were caught in the crossfire stirred by an attempted revolt in the Dominican Republic but all escaped unhurt. The SIU-manned ship was strafed by planes and stopped by gunboats several times off the Dominican coast before returning to Port Everglades, Fla. The latest incidents occurred a few hours before an SIU members in the Port of San Juan, P.R., helped pull a grounded oil tanker to safety without spilling any of the 13 million gallons of fuel oil the runaway-flag vessel was carrying. Seafarers aboard tugs operated by Crowley Maritime moved the Greek-flagged, Liberian-owned Mantinia safely into Guayanilla Bay. The 749-foot ship had been grounded in sand. Seafarers LOG 17 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:08 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA THOMAS ARMSTRONG Pensioner Thomas Armstrong, 87, passed away Jan. 1. Brother Armstrong became a Seafarer in 1953. His first trip was with Seatrain Lines Inc. Brother Armstrong was born in Illinois. Prior to his retirement in 1987, he shipped on the Beaugard. Brother Armstrong settled in Florida. CLARENCE FELDER Pensioner Clarence Felder, 77, died Jan. 13. Brother Felder began shipping with the Marine Cooks & Stewards while in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Mississippi and sailed in the steward department. Brother Felder’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the President Madison; his last was on the President Johnson. He started collecting his retirement in 1987 and made his home in California. JAMES LARATTA Pensioner James Laratta, 70, passed away Feb. 20. Brother Laratta joined the SIU ranks in 1987 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He initially sailed on the USNS Capella. Brother Laratta, a member of the engine department, was born in Glen Ridge, N.J. His final voyage took place aboard the Portsmouth. Brother Laratta became a pensioner in 2004. He resided in Titusville, Fla. CARLITO NAVARRO Brother Carlito Navarro, 59, died Feb. 11. He was born in the Philippines. Brother Navarro signed on with the SIU in 1979 while in Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the Adventurer. Brother Navarro sailed in the steward department. His final trip was aboard a Matson Navigation Company vessel. Brother Navarro called Anaheim, Calif., home. CHESTER PRESTON Pensioner Chester Preston, 69, passed away Feb. 16. Brother Preston started shipping with the union in 1991. He first sailed on the Cape Ann. Brother Preston was born in the Philippines and worked in the engine department. He was last employed aboard the 18 Seafarers LOG Gopher State. Brother Preston lived in Norfolk, Va., and went on pension in January of 2010. WILLIAM REID Pensioner William Reid, 82, died Jan. 23. Brother Reid was born in Long Island, N.Y. He joined the union in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Reid originally shipped with Emerson Steamship Company as a member of the steward department. His final trip was on the Value. Brother Reid continued to call New York home. He retired in 1992. ANTONIO VILLANUEVA Brother Antonio Villanueva, 86, passed away Feb. 2. He first donned the SIU colors in 1963 while in the port of New Orleans. Brother Villanueva initially sailed aboard the Trans Indiana. The deck department member most recently worked on the Aguadilla. He was born in Honduras but made his home in Surprise, Ariz. RICHARD WILLIAMS Pensioner Richard Williams, 84, died Feb. 4. Brother Williams began sailing with the union in 1951. His earliest trip was on the Devils Lake. The Virginia native shipped in the deck department. Brother Williams’ final ship was the LNG Gemini. He was a resident of Windsor, N.C. Brother Williams became a pensioner in 1991. INLAND RAYMOND DANLEY Pensioner Raymond Danley, 82, passed away Jan. 2. Brother Danley was born in Florida. He started his seafaring career in 1966. Brother Danley’s first vessel was operated by DeBardeleben Marine Corporation. Before retiring in 1994, he worked with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville. Brother Danley continued to reside in his native state. RICHARD ECKLES Pensioner Richard Eckles, 77, died Feb. 9. Brother Eckles became a union member in 1962 while in the port of New Orleans. He primarily sailed aboard Capital Towing Company vessels. Brother Eckles was born in Baton Rouge, La. He went on pension in 2001 and called Zachary, La., home. ADELL GAUTHIER Pensioner Adell Gauthier, 83, passed away Feb. 26. Brother Gauthier signed on with the SIU in 1967. He was employed with National Marine Service Inc. for the duration of his career. Brother Gauthier was born in Pilottown, La. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. Brother Gauthier lived in Freeport, Fla. GREAT LAKES MARK FRALEY Brother Mark Fraley, 49, died Feb. 19. He was born in St. Clair, Mich. Brother Fraley joined the union 1979 while in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Sharon; his last was the Indiana Harbor. Brother Fraley continued to make Michigan home. NELSON HAWLEY Pensioner Nelson Hawley, 75, passed away Feb. 24. Brother Hawley began sailing with the SIU in 1966. He was born in Fairview, Mich., and shipped in the engine department. Brother Hawley originally worked aboard a vessel operated by Huron Portland Cement. His last trip was on the JAW Iglehart. Brother Hawley retired in 1996 and resided in Alpena, Mich. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. TELISFORD AMAYA Pensioner Telisford Amaya, 91, passed away Feb. 27. Brother Amaya was a native of Honduras. He retired in 1978. Brother Amaya lived in Johnson City, Tenn. ANTONIO BARROS Pensioner Antonio Barros, 89, died Feb. 28. The Massachusetts native went on pension in 1968. Brother Barros made his home in Bronx, N.Y. JUSTO MIRANDA Pensioner Justo Miranda, 89, died Jan. 19. Brother Miranda was born in Honduras. He went on pension in 1970 and resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. ERNEST BURNETT Pensioner Ernest Burnett, 82, passed away Feb. 14. Brother Burnett was born in Colver, Pa. He became a pensioner in 1992 and resided in Falmouth, Mass. WALTER REYNOLDS Pensioner Walter Reynolds, 90, passed away Feb. 20. Born in Lowell, Mass., he retired in 1984. Brother Reynolds was a resident of Seattle. ROBERT CAIN Pensioner Robert Cain, 88, died Feb. 2. Brother Cain, a native of Georgia, went on pension in 1978. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. WILLIAM CONYERS Pensioner William Conyers, 85, passed away Jan. 25. Brother Conyers was born in Love Grove, N.C. He retired in 1984. Brother Conyers lived in Port Arthur, Texas. JOHN CZUPLAK Pensioner John Czuplak, 82, died Feb. 4. Brother Czuplak was born in Pennsylvania. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1969 and settled in Chesapeake, Va. WILLIAM HARRISON Pensioner William Harrison, 76, passed away Jan. 6. The New York-born mariner became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Harrison was a resident of Hayward, Calif. VANN HATLEY Pensioner Vann Hatley, 84, died Jan. 13. Brother Hatley was a North Carolina native. He went on pension in 1972. Brother Hatley lived in Concord, N.C. THOMAS HAYNES Pensioner Thomas Haynes, 86, passed away Feb. 5. Brother Haynes was born in Georgia. He retired in 1990. Brother Haynes called Union Point, Ga., home. LAWRENCE HUTSON Pensioner Lawrence Hutson, 89, died Feb. 7. Brother Hutson was a native of Britain. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1973. Brother Hutson made his home in Mobile, Ala. RAMON JIMENEZ Pensioner Ramon Jimenez, 100, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Jimenez, a native of Puerto Rico, became a pensioner in 1973. He settled in Opalocka, Fla. PHILLIP RILEY Pensioner Phillip Riley, 78, died Jan. 28. Brother Riley was a native of Savannah, Ga. He began receiving his pension in 1996. Brother Riley continued to live in Georgia. VIDAL RIVERA Pensioner Vidal Rivera, 84, passed away Jan. 22. Brother Rivera was born in Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987. Brother Rivera made his home in New York. DAVID SHAW Pensioner David Shaw, 86, died Jan. 16. Brother Shaw, a native of Texas, retired in 1989. He called Sun City, Calif., home. EDWARD TUCKER Pensioner Edward Tucker, 56, passed away Jan. 7. Brother Tucker was born in Rhode Island. He went on pension in 2008. Brother Tucker made his home in Falmouth, Mass. The following former members of the NMU also have passed away, however, no data was available to construct individual biographical sketches: Name Bergeron, Anthony Carruthers, Troy Guerrero, Antonio Jones, Linwood Loy, Peter Mackey, Warren Martin, Charles Rocco, James Salih, Ali Age 81 83 78 80 82 83 85 84 89 DOD Feb. 5 Feb. 3 Feb. 26 Feb. 1 Feb. 4 Feb. 8 Feb. 14 Feb. 4 Feb. 11 July 2010 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:08 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CAPE TEXAS (Crowley), May 25 – Chairman Jimmy Ocot, Educational Director Quincy Wilson, Deck Delegate Julius Obilana, Engine Delegate Louis Santiago. Chairman urged crew members to keep documents updated. He also asked them to place life preservers in the portside deck room. Secretary reminded mariners to clean rooms and leave laundry bags outside of rooms for collection. Educational director discussed new style and requirements for zcards and the quick turnaround. Treasurer stated money in ship’s fund was used to purchase DVDs. Deck delegate reported that weekly sanitary pay was not being received. Engine delegate inquired about the 401K plan. Steward delegate thanked everyone for a smooth voyage. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), May 12 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Steling Cox, Deck Delegate Peter Koucky, Engine Delegate Servando Canales, Steward Delegate Muckbil A. Shabi. Chairman thanked crew for a good trip and went over ship’s itinerary. He stated pay-off would take place May 22 at sea. Members were asked to empty trash cans before departing vessel and leave fresh linen for reliefs. Secretary encouraged crew members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Action Donation) and keep dues current. Treasurer noted ship’s fund money would be used to get two new bikes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was read and discussed from the April 2010 Seafarers LOG. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), May 16 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Daniel Borden, Deck Delegate Felipe Jimenez, Steward Delegate Frank Iverson. Chairman announced that ship would be in the yard from May 27 until July 15. Secretary reminded mariners to clean up after themselves. Educational director suggested crew members take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Members were reminded to renew documents early so they won’t miss job opportunities. Treasurer stated $138 in satellite fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All Seafarers aboard vessel expressed gratitude to SIU President Mike Sacco and the other union officials for their tireless work to preserve jobs in these difficult times. Thanks were given to Steward Joe Laureta for good food. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., Honolulu and China. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), May 27 – Chairman Donald Rezendes, Secretary Roderick Clay, Educational Director Roy Frett, Engine July 2010 Delegate Thomas Humphreys, Stewards Delegate Raul Napoles. Chairman announced payoff at sea on May 28. Crew members were thanked for the excellent work they did getting ship ready after shipyard. Room inspection took place earlier in the day. Secretary reminded crew to always be aware of their surroundings and respect their shipmates. Educational director advised mariners to attend classes at the Piney Point school to enhance seafaring abilities. He also reviewed the basics of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, with the crew. Treasurer noted $63 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new region 8 DVD player. Mariners were asked to clean rooms before signing off. Kudos given to the steward department for great food. Next port: Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), May 30 – Chairman Antonio Mercado, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Efrian Alvarez, Engine Delegate Wilmer McCants, Steward Delegate Richard Jones. Bosun announced payoff on June 4 upon arrival in Jacksonville, Fla. He reminded crew members that a safety vest is required in all APM ports and that Jacksonville requires two forms of ID, one being the TWIC card. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade and make sure they stay up-to-date on their TWIC & MMDs. Treasurer reported $1,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was suggested that direct deposit of vacation checks be made available. Basic safety requirements were discussed. Bosun thanked steward department for great BBQs. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Elizabeth, N.J. HOUSTON (USS Transport), May 3 – Chairman John Lamprecht, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Scott Fuller, Deck Delegate Dean Stanley, Engine Delegate Noel Magbitang, Steward Delegate Irvinson Perez. Chairman expressed his satisfaction with work performed by crew. He stressed the importance of safety first. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep pantry and messhall clean. Crew members were asked to keep lint filters clean to prevent fires and make dryer work more efficiently. Educational director advised members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. He reminded crew members to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Announcement was made that laptop is available for e-mail on bridge when in port or at anchor. Suggestion was made to reimburse members for added baggage fees when joining vessel. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), May 2 – 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. Memorial Day Aboard the Midnight Sun The crew aboard the SIU-contracted and TOTE operated Midnight Sun on Memorial Day were the recipients of a dual-layered surprise courtesy of their skipper Capt. Daniel J. Severino. Not only did the captain reward the crew for their hard work by giving them break relief for the holiday, but also took his gesture one step further by preparing and grilling an assortment of entrees for their dining pleasure. According to Chief Cook Sal Ahmed, Severino stepped into the galley, prepared all of the meats and seafood (everything from cutting to marinating) and then grilled them. The entrees for the resulting meal—all Severino’s creations—included grilled leg of lamb steaks, grilled salmon, grilled fillet mignon and hot dogs. The galley gang (photo above) contributed shrimp cocktail, pizza, deviled eggs, potato salad, baked beans and strawberry short cake. Galley gang members (from left to right) included Chief Cook Ahmed, Recertified Steward Chris Amigable and SA Nasser Abdullah. Captain Serverino is second from left. Midnight Sun Bosun Fadel Saleh (right) gets a crash course in the art of grilling from Serverino in the photo below. Chairman Brian Fountain, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director Kevin Cooper. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost time injures. He noted payoff to take place on May 10 in Newark, N.J. Crew members were reminded to keep garbage room locked. Secretary urged mariners to make sure they have all receipts turned into the captain and check pay vouchers at payoff. He also encouraged them to contribute to SPAD and leave rooms clean for next member. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked AB Ron Mena for donating his time and showing his knot-making skills. His artwork is on display throughout the ship. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Norfolk, Va. RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), May 12 – Chairman Thomas Flanagan, Secretary Glen Williams, Educational Director Jeffrey Levie, Deck Delegate Kenneth Simmons, Engine Delegate Bernard Smalls, Steward Delegate Sandra Vann. Chairman announced payoff in Newark, N.J., on May 18. He asked those departing the vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for new crew. Request was made for members to submit ideas for upcoming contract negotiations. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to keep going to Piney Point to upgrade skills. Treasurer stated $550 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on transportation policy and reimbursement. Crew was asked to be considerate of others concerning computer and phones. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Miami, Houston and Mobile, Ala. ST LOUIS EXPRESS (Crowley), May 25 – Chairman Matthew Sagay, Secretary Jack McElveen, Educational Director Joaquim Figueiredo, Deck Delegate Boyd Spivey, Engine Delegate Michael Warner, Steward Delegate Felecia Royalty. Chairman informed mariners that if there’s a problem aboard the ship they can call or fax the hall to notify them of the vessel’s next port. Secretary recommended that all Seafarers donate to SPAD and know what job you are putting in for before you do so. Educational director urged crew to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills; class dates are in the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to reduce sea time requirements to receive full pension benefits. Seafarers LOG 19 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:08 PM Page 20 Seafarers Member Haller Authors His Second Book SIU electrician and Navy veteran QE4 Robert Haller has written a second book about his seafaring life and, in particular, the service of merchant mariners and his experiences during the Cold War. His book, “Adventures of a Cold War Veteran,” takes readers from his childhood days when his father built a bomb shelter, to his Navy life tracking Soviet nuclear subs during the height of the Cold War and the international tensions of the era, to his experiences as a merchant seaman. Haller credits his family for his interest in a life at sea. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education graduate’s three brothers were members of the U.S. Merchant Marine and also graduates of the school. His father was in the U.S. Navy. In fact, seafaring runs so deeply in his family’s tradition that his older brother Chuck’s ashes are buried beneath a plaque at the school in honor of his 30 years of service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Haller’s first published book was titled “Life of a Bluenose.” The title comes from the Bluenose Certificates mariners receive for crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time. The newer publication, “Adventures of a Cold War Veteran,” is 72 pages and is Letters To The Editor 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. Tribute to Late Father Robert Haller, who joined the SIU as a teenager, displays both of his books. published by Professional Press, P.O. Box 3581, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3581, telephone 1-800-277-8960. It sells for $5. CIVMARS Support Our Troops Barely visible beneath the helicopter, a mariner aboard the Seafarers-crewed U.S. Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea hooks a pallet of supplies to the bottom of an MH60S Sea Hawk during a vertical replenishment with the USS Bataan in the Caribbean Sea. The photo was taken in late February. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hendrick Dickson) Enclosed are copies of some of the recognition letters/certificates that my dad received after the war ended. My father, Lutgardo Silva, was a retired union member and decorated veteran from World War II. He was so proud of his service that he dedicated a letter to his entire family – specifically, a 1946 letter from the War Shipping Administration. That letter, from Acting Administrator Granville Conway, reads in part: “During the evening twilight, in October 1944, the SS Howard L. Gibson, in which you were serving, was in collision with another vessel of a transAtlantic convoy. Both ships immediately burst into flames which, in the case of the Gibson, extended from bow to stern. Some progress was made in extinguishing fires in the after part of the ship, but because of the danger of exploding magazines the Master ordered the vessel abandoned. All hands were safely picked up by a destroyer escort. During the night, you volunteered and joined a party of 12 shipmates who returned to the vessel in an attempt to save her from destruction. You knew that the undertaking was extremely dangerous as the ship might blow up at any moment. Nevertheless, you and your companions, working in groups, fought the fires on deck, and manned the machinery in the smokefilled engine room. After a long and hazardous period of some 30 hours the flames were extinguished and the ship saved. “I congratulate you upon the performance of a service which was in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine, and I direct that a copy of this letter be made a part of your Service Record.” My father was an honorable man, rich with wisdom, loyalty and love. He was dedicated to his family and country and was married to my mom for 72 years. (Mom passed away in 2003.) My father was buried with veterans’ honors; the Coast Guard played Taps and gave me the flag. Teresa Silva Metairie, Louisiana Shipboard Memories Many years ago, I had an adventure on the great old passenger ship President Lincoln. It was April of 1945 and I was returning to the USA. I was a sergeant in the Marine Corps and was appointed to feed and care for 60 prisoners of war aboard the ship. We were sailing from the island of Engebi, part of the Marshall Islands. I spent the next 16 or 17 days of that voyage to San Francisco caring for those prisoners. It was a good voyage and a pleasure to get off that old ship. Some 25 years later, when I was sailing SIU on the Delta Lines vessel Del Norte, I saw and recognized that old ship the President Lincoln in the harbor in Rio de Janeiro. It was still sailing, and carrying immigrants from Italy to Argentina under the Italian flag. I proceeded to board the old ship up the open gangway at the lobby area. There, I approached the fire station and opened the fire axe station doors and turned the axe over and saw the name: President Lincoln. It indeed was that old vessel that I had ridden home from the war zone so many years ago. I am retired from Delta Lines some 28 years now. Harold Crane Opelousas, Louisiana 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. July 2010 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 9:24 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. Deck Department Upgrading Courses Start Date Title of Course Able Seaman Date of Completion August 16 October 11 July 26 September 27 November 8 October 18 July 26 August 16 September 27 July 12 September 13 October 25 August 2 September 8 November 15 August 23 October 18 August 2 September 27 ARPA Bosun Recertification Fast Rescue Boat Lifeboatman Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Recertification (1 day) STOS Tanker Asst DL Tank PIC Barge DL September 10 November 5 July 30 October 1 November 12 November 8 July 30 August 20 October 10 July 23 September 24 November 5 August 2 September 8 November 15 September 3 October 29 August 13 October 10 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations November 15 July 19 September 13 November 8 August 16 October 11 August 23 November 29 October 4 July 5 September 27 October 25 November 29 FOWT Marine Refrigeration Technician Machinist Pumpman Welding December 10 August 13 October 8 December 3 September 10 November 5 October 1 December 17 October 15 July 23 October 15 November 12 December 17 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting July 5 October 18 July 26 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 BST/Basic Firefighting July 16 October 29 July 30 August 20 September 24 October 22 November 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Medical Care Provider July 19 November 1 July 23 November 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses 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 June 28. 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 “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. Notice to Upgraders Students who have registered for classes at the SIU-affiliated 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ July 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. 7/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:08 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 730 – Sixteen unlicensed apprentices completed training in this 60-hour course April 2. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Cleavern Brown, Oleg Doskach, Gwendolyn Garcia, Christopher Geraty, Elliott Kolner, Dwain Liess, Casey Matheson, Terry Mattison, Terrence Meadows, Ann Mensch, Saleh Mohamed, James Ross, Mohammed Sarreshtedar, Michael Souza, Frederick Thompson Jr., and William Lee. Marine Electrician – Twelve uprgaders finished their training in this 280-hour course May 14. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Robin Bourgeois, Leander Collins, Arman DeBois, Robert Ivanauskas, Thomas Jones, Forrest McGee, Tomas Merel, Antoine Rainey, Romel Reyes, Alexander Thodes, Jo-vanio Sprauve and Richard Wright. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at left. (Note: Not all ae pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat – Eight upgraders completed this 30-hour course May 7. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Omar Aswad, Juan Bernal-Helices, Richard Cannady, William Coronacion, Samuel Lloyd, John Manning, Stephen Roell and Marc Simpson. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at left. Able Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course May 21: Joseph Barnes, Thomas Braillard, Prymus Buckholtz, Victor CortesMaldonado, Kelly Forbis, Christopher Hickey, Andrew Hufana, James Johner, Joseph Lacaden, Patricia Lamb, John McElhaney, Jonmark Newman, Richard Ong, Rey Ramos, Jonathan Rivera Rodriguez, Santiago Rodriguez-Saldivar, Cedric Short, Rosalind Sparrow, Lisa Williams and Jerald Young. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Twenty-six Phase III unlicensed apprentices finished their training in this 63-hour course May 14. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tousif Ahmed, Jason Bimie, Shawn Bising, Timothy Bradstreet, Matthew Caradimos, Ronald Coley, Jessica Crocket, Alethea Earhart, Sheryl Farmer, Gerald Foster II, Kevin Gebhard, Anthony Green Jr., Andrew Gronotte, Kevin Hanmont, Nita Holly, Ricky Howard, Brandon Hutchison, Eddie Jackson, Nicholas McAbier, Jason Monk, Shoal Nervo, Keith Reeder, Gavin Scott, Bryan Smith, Sean Smith and Ticer Sutthipong. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG July 2010 �59996_P01_24:January 08 6/23/2010 8:08 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – The individuals pictured at left finished their requirements in this course May 21. Graduating (in alphabetical order) were: Kenneth Adams II, Danilo Achacoso, Brandy Baker-Days, Joseph Bankhead, Joel Bell, Sotero Berame Jr., Latiffe Brooks, Derrick Clark, Andrew Delutis, Felix Garcia, John Gryko, Keith Jordan Jr., Lucian Lepadatu, Ali Mohamed, Charles Naze, Muthala Noorudin, Edwin Velez, Mohamed Sylla, Charles Wescott and Rickey Yancey. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing at right in plaid shirt. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic & Advanced Firefighting (Crowley) – Six individuals from Crowley Maritime completed this 35-hour course May 21. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jackqueline Ellsworth, Stanley Jackson Jr., Rick James, Michael Proveaux, David Sexton and Shawn Williams. Their instructor, Wayne Johnson, is at left. Basic & Advanced Firefighting (Crowley) – Six of the individuals shown above, all employees of Crowley Maritime, on May 14 finished their requirements in this course. Graduating (in alphabetical order) were: Leslie Bracey, Eldin Ebanks, Frederick Gathers, Marlon Green, Allen Pryor, and Mariette Wright. Their instructors, Steve Stockwell and Wayne Johnson, are at the far right and far left respectively. BST (Hawaii) – Ten individuals completed traiing in this course April 10 at the Seafarers STOS – Nine upgraders finished this 70-hour course May 21. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Douglas Badger, Henrynilo Becodo, Jerrell Dorsey, SabbahYahay Ghaleb, Eduardo Meregillano, Mark Potterville, Andre Robinson Sr., Adam Sanders and Richard Sawyer. Stan Beck, their instructor, is standing fourth from left. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on April 3 graduated from this course: Robert Lewis, Julie Carpine, Isis Cortes, Elena Lozinschi, Robin Williams, Hilcar Medina, Stephen Zygiel, Michel Le Naour, Kathleen Jensen, Dionne Wisdom, John Vargas, Kiara Randolph and Lauren Cain. July 2010 Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Lucas Lemirande, Mehdi Abad, Rosanna Carriero, Jae Lauren Spurgin, Shelby Halady, Karia Cain, Chris Fitzsimons, Charles Robles, Chivaughn Anderson and Amber Monge. BST (Hawaii) – The seventeen individuals shown above on April 17 finished this course. Graduating (in no particular order) were: Ryan Helms, Emily Del Giacco, William Horsley, Leonie Veith, Richard Belch, Krisandra Humphrey, Lisa Sadler, Joseph Gloro, Gabriell True, Megan Wilkins, John Hartman, Ronald Igarta, Adam Ramson, Robert Strickland, Thomas Baker, Kevin Bauer and Tamara Yamin. Seafarers LOG 23 �59996_P01_24x:January 08 6/24/2010 9:33 PM Page 24 July 2010 Volume 72, Number 7 CIVMARS In the News Page 7 Maritime Day Around the SIU Besides National Maritime Day events which took place last month in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area involving Seafarers, a number of others were held at various ashore and at sea locations around the United States and overseas. The photos appearing on this page—which were provided to the LOG from several sources—highlight some of these events and the individuals involved. CEREMONY IN SAN FRANCISCO - SIU Asst. VP West Coast Nick Celona (right) chatted with VP Richmond Sanitary Services Leonard Stefanelli, following dedication ceremony honoring all submariners lost at sea. Stefanelli is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. The event took place during the weekend of May 22-23 at Pier 45 of the Fishermen’s Wharf in San Francisco. The SIU provided a wreath for the event. WASHINGTON, D.C. EVENT - SIU President Michael Sacco (left) chats with apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education during the U.S. Maritime Administration’s May 18 Maritime Day Ceremony in downtown Washington. SEAFARERS OBSERVE MARITIME DAY IN PAKISTAN - While anchored offshore of Karachi, Pakistan May 22, crew aboard the union-contracted MV Freedom observed Maritime Day. Taking part in the observance (above, in no particular order) were: Bosun Trevorous Ellison, AB George Parker, Chief Engineer Hibl, 2nd Asst. Engineer Tabaosares, Steward Allen Van Buren, 2nd Mate Elliot, Chief Cook Mary Brayman, OS Angelito Basa, AB Joshua McAtee, Oilers Marcus Gramby and Larry Locke Jr., Chief Mate Champion, Capt. Shawn Mcatee Hagerty, AB Wadeea Alnasafi, 1st Asst. Engineer Barto, 3rd Mate Phillips, OS Arnold Castro and 3rd Asst. Engineer Kern. PORT OF GALVESTON - Maritime Day was commemorated in the Port of Galveston, Texas, May 21 with a wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial Plaque near the Elissa at Pier 22 of the Texas Seaport Museum. The event was organized by Capt. John Peterlin III. (Clockwise from below) the SIU Government Services Vessel Thomas Jefferson was docked near the ceremony site. Members of the color guard from the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Galveston prepare to post the colors while Chaplain Karen Parsons of the Galveston Seafarers Center conducts the event’s benediction. Moving into position to place the ceremonial wreath are Wayne Farthing of the MM&P, Dave Weathers of the AMO and SIU Port Agent Mike Russo. The SIU-contracted and G&H operated tug Wesley A saluted fallen mariners with fountains from its two hydrants. ABOARD THE M/T SUNSHINE STATE - The crew of the Sunshine State on May 22 in Tampa, Fla., observed Maritime Day by posing with the U.S. Merchant Marine Flag along with the flag of their contracted company (Intrepid). Taking part in the event (top row from the left) were: Capt. Stephen Foster, Chief Engineer Victor Mull, Steward Gregory Johnson, AB Thomas Brooks and Oilers Demarco Holt and Derrick Sullivan. In the bottom row are ABs Joel Fahselt, Ed Tennyson and Arnaldo Fernandez; Oiler Mario Delacruz, Pumpman Furman Watson, AB Ed Fuller and ACU Leo Battiste. � 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 July 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU MEMBERS CONTINUE ASSISTING IN GULF CLEANUP PAUL HALL CENTER’S OIL SPILL PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT CLASS IN 20TH YEAR FREEDOM, BARGE EMI-2400 BECOME NEWEST ADDITIONS TO EXPRESS MARINE FLEET IMO TO FOCUS ON PIRACY RESPONSE IN 2011 WORLD MARITIME DAY THEME MAERSK WINS U.S. NAVY PREPOSITIONING CONTRACT MARINERS DONATE FUNDS SEAFAER’S SON WINS UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP PAPP REPLACES ALLEN AS U.S. COAST GUARD COMMANDANT SIU VP: UNION REPRESENTATION WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN GULF JONES ACT CRITICS MISS THE MARK HEINDEL ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL MARITIME FORUM CREW, QMED DONATE FOR HAITI RELIEF SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES EARN SAFETY RECOGNITION USNS COMFORT HONORED FOR HAITI MISSION HOSPITAL SHIP MERCY MOBILIZES FOR PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2010 HSV SWIFT ARRIVES IN PANAMA FOR SOUTHERN PARTNERSHIP STATION ‘PINEY POINT IS A GREAT PLACE TO START A CAREER’ ALLIANCE CHARLESTON CAPTAIN CREDITS CREW SIU-CREWED SHIP SERVES AS MOCK BOARDING VESSEL OIL SPILL PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT A VALUABLE PART OF PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING FOR 20 YEARS MARITIME DAY AROUND THE SIU 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 07/01/2010 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. 7 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/77d8e545ffab13b6fd178aa3187fdfdf.pdf 65f9aabc303aad9ee8e73b696a62230c PDF Text Text 60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:42 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 8 August 2010 Launched, Christened and Delivered! New Tonnage Continues Entering SIU-Contracted Fleet The union recently welcomed several new additions to the Seafarers-crewed fleet. Overseas Shipholding Group conducted a naming ceremony for the articulated tug-barge OSG Vision 350 (below) and also joined in announcing the launch of the double-hulled tanker Overseas Anacortes (left). Meanwhile, the U.S. Military Sealift Command took delivery of the T-AKE vessel USNS Charles Drew (above, left). That ship was built by NASSCO, as was the Crowley-operated tanker Empire State (above, right), christened the same day the Drew was delivered. Pages 2, 3. (ATB photo by John Curdy) Seafarers Handle Three Rescues On the High Seas SIU-crewed vessels recently helped save a total of 13 individuals during three separate rescues. Seafarers aboard the USNS John Ericsson, HSV 2 Swift and MV Courage demonstrated the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Pictured at left, an inflatable boat from the Ericsson returns to the ship with five Filipino fishermen aboard. The fishermen were rescued from the sea by Seafarers after spending nine hours in the water, 10 miles offshore from Subic Bay, Philippines. Page 4. (U.S. Navy photo by Pablo Torres) Mariners Hone STCW Skills at Paul Hall Center STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) has been offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for more than a dozen years. The week-long course includes fire prevention and fire fighting (above), plus other components. Pages 12-13. Jones Act News Notices from Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Page 7 Pages 2, 3 Union Plus Scholarships Page 14 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:43 PM Page 2 President’s Report More on the Jones Act As of this writing, exactly three months have elapsed since the start of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf. It’s a tragic story that won’t end even when the spill itself is stopped. Lives and livelihoods have been lost. The aftereffects will continue. Last month in this space, I pointed out how some media outlets, politicians and think-tanks were trying to use the spill to attack both the Obama administration and U.S. maritime labor by falsely claiming that the Jones Act somehow was impeding cleanup operations. We have another article on page 3 of this edition of the LOG which further sets the record straight. To any members who may have missed this controversy, I urge you to read that article. Additional coverage is available on our web site and in last month’s LOG. Relative to BP and the Deepwater Horizon incident, the bottom line is that the Jones Act has been a nonMichael Sacco issue, other than in the imaginations of some enemies of American-flag shipping. But it’s important that we don’t lose sight of some crucial facts about this 90-year-old law – a statute that protects U.S. national and economic security. The most accurate coverage of the Jones Act these past few months has focused on the expedited waiver process that was put in place after the spill, and how the administration repeatedly has stated that the Jones Act hasn’t hindered the response in any way. That coverage also has confirmed the U.S. maritime industry’s united position that we absolutely would not stand in the way of using foreign-flag assistance in the absence of qualified U.S.-flag tonnage. A number of newspapers, web sites, talkshow hosts and pro-maritime legislators pulled back the curtain on Jones Act critics and exposed their attacks as flat-out wrong. At least one article in a major daily newspaper noted that the antiJones Act coverage first got legs by citing an isolated refusal of foreign assistance for the cleanup. What that article pointed out – but what those attacking the Jones Act conveniently omitted – was that the offer to sell assistance was refused not because of any laws, but because it was the wrong type of equipment. It wasn’t usable. Unfortunately, even the truthful coverage of this issue often has left out some basics of the Jones Act that more Americans should know about. Specifically, the Jones Act generates an estimated 500,000 jobs in this country. Some of those are shipboard billets while others are related shore-side positions. The Jones Act – which stipulates that cargo moving from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American – is responsible for $100 billion in total economic output each year. It provides $29 billion in wages and contributes $11 billion in taxes. And, as SIU members know, the Jones Act – which historically has enjoyed strong bipartisan support – helps maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen seafarers who deliver vital cargo to our troops overseas. So much has been written and said about the Jones Act these last three months, it may be a record. What our members should know, and what I hope the general public has discovered, is that those behind the campaign against the Jones Act were trying discredit the federal response to the disaster and to attack unions. In a letter to the editor written in response to an anti-Jones Act editorial published by the Washington Post, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) summed it up quite well when she wrote, “The law is necessary to prevent our economy from being dominated and controlled by foreign shipping interests. A domestic maritime industry also provides a significant source of employment that is important to maintaining a cadre of well-trained, loyal American merchant mariners ready and able to respond in a time of war or other emergency. A privately owned, U.S.-flagged fleet is vital to our economic, military and international political security.” That’s a great description of a law most Americans had never heard of, but one which has helped protect our great nation since 1920, no matter what the critics say. Volume 72, Number 8 August 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. OSG’s newest ATB is pictured on the Delaware River. (Photo by John Curdy) OSG Reaches More New-Build Milestones With Tanker Launch, ATB Naming Ceremony Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) recently hosted a naming ceremony for its newest articulated tug-barge and then, four days later, welcomed the launch of a doublehulled tanker built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. SIU Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi and SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice represented the union July 6 at the naming ceremony for the state-of-the-art ATB, which consists of the tug Vision and the barge 350. The event took place in Philadelphia; the tug and barge were built at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss. Collectively known as the OSG Vision 350, the ATB is believed to be the largest in the American-flag fleet. The tug is 153 feet long and has a beam of 50 feet. Its cruising speed (when connected to the barge) is listed at 12.5 knots. The barge 350 is 655 feet long with a beam of 105 feet. It has a cargo capacity of more than 365,000 barrels. In a statement prepared for the naming ceremony, Capt. Robert Johnston, OSG’s senior vice president, said the OSG Vision 350 “represents OSG’s strong commitment to the Jones Act, the renewal of the U.S.-flag fleet, and to the state of Delaware (where the vessel works). It reflects our promise to maintain and operate a modern, high-quality, double-hull fleet, which will be built and operated to the highest safety and quality standards.” The new ATB lighters large crude oil tankers in the Delaware Bay, according to the company, supplying the region’s refineries. On July 10, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard launched the 10th product tanker in a series of 12 to be completed next year. Eventually to be named the Overseas Anacortes, the vessel was floated off of its blocks and was transferred by tug from the yard’s building dock to its outfitting dock, where it was scheduled to remain for the next few weeks as it underwent continuous testing in preparation for sea trials. The 600-foot-long ship is slated for completion in the third quarter of this year and will join nine OSG sister ships in transporting petroleum products in the Jones Act trade. Each of those vessels can carry 332,000 barrels of product and can sail at speeds greater than 14 knots. SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (left) greets Seafarers Martin Timney (center) and Rick Lord at the naming ceremony for the OSG Vision 350. Launched in early July, the tanker Overseas Anacortes is one in a series of 12 vessels being built by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. The new tanker is transported to the yard’s outfitting dock. 2 Seafarers LOG The tugboat Vision, a component of the new ATB, is 153 feet long. (Photo by John Curdy) August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:43 PM Page 3 Coalition Cites Invalid Criticism of Jones Act Cabotage Law No Impediment In Deepwater Horizon Cleanup As the Deepwater Horizon oil cleanup in the Gulf continued last month, more and more news outlets picked up on the fact that the Jones Act, despite some false claims to the contrary, simply wasn’t any sort of impediment. Administration officials – including the head of the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command – and a prominent American maritime coalition reiterated that recent criticism of the Jones Act is untrue. The SIU and other U.S. maritime unions as well as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department vigorously supported efforts to set the record straight, and continued doing so as this edition went to press. Critics had charged that the Jones Act stood in the way of utilizing foreign vessels and skimmers in the relief effort. These claims were made despite the facts that the Jones Act doesn’t apply at the site of the spill, and foreign vessels have been used in the cleanup almost from the start. Taking the lead in promoting the truth about the Jones Act is the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), a coalition founded in 1995 to promote the U.S.-flag fleet engaged in domestic waterborne commerce. With more than 400 members, including the SIU, the MCTF is the largest coalition ever assembled to represent the domestic segment of the U.S. Merchant Marine. On July 13, the MCTF pointed out that those leading and coordinating the oil-spill response as well as independent news organizations have said that the Jones Act is not preventing or delaying foreign vessels’ ability to assist with cleaning. The Jones Act mandates the use of American vessels and American workers in U.S. domestic maritime trade. However, it does not impede foreign oil skimmers, which already were being used in the cleanup effort. The MCTF cited Retired U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen, the National Incident Commander leading the cleanup effort, as saying “at no time” has the Jones Act inhibited the cleanup. The National Incident Command itself also reported that “in no case has any offer of assistance been declined because of the Jones Act or similar laws.” Additionally, a U.S. Department of Transportation statement read, “To be absolutely clear ... the Jones Act has not hindered the cleanup effort.” “With frustration over the oil spill mounting, some have mistakenly blamed the Jones Act for impeding the pace of the cleanup. This is a false argument,” said Michael Roberts, Crowley Maritime Corporation’s senior vice president and The SIU-crewed Overseas Cascade (left), pictured at the cleanup site, continues assisting in the Gulf. Foreign vessels are being utilized, too. (Photo courtesy OSG Ship Management, Inc.) general counsel and a board member of the MCTF. “The people running the cleanup, as well as independent fact-checkers, have concluded what those familiar with the Jones Act already know: The Jones Act is not in the way.” “Many of those complaining that the Jones Act should be waived are ignoring the basic facts,” said Eric Smith, vice president and chief commercial officer, Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., and another MCTF board member. “Thousands of American vessels are already at work, and hundreds more can be activated soon as the unified command identifies its needs for additional, suitable equipment. An arbitrary and broad Jones Act waiver is totally unnecessary, and would only result in sidelining those directly impacted by the spill – American workers – from assisting in the cleanup. The spill devastated the Gulf economy once already. A blanket waiver of the Jones Offers of Foreign Aid Usually Carry ‘Serious Price Tag’ A report by the Associated Press and a recent roundup of information done by factcheck.org called attention to a noteworthy aspect of the foreign assistance offered to the U.S. in the Gulf cleanup. Intentionally or not, some of the media’s reporting on offers of foreign aid may have given the audience the impression that such assistance was free. However, an AP report from June 18 pointed out, “U.S. disaster aid is almost always free of charge; other nations expect the U.S. to pay for help.” In the case of foreign assistance for the Deepwater Horizon cleanup, the AP quoted a Coast Guard spokesman as saying, “These offers are not typically offers of aid. Normally, they are offers to sell resources to BP or the U.S. government.” Factcheck.org said its research showed “all offers, except for a few, come with a serious price tag…. Reports claiming that the federal government has refused help are not only incorrect – foreign assistance has been utilized – but are also misleading: purchasing resources and expertise is vastly different from accepting ‘foreign aid.’” Act would do further harm to that economy.” All vessels working on the cleanup must meet the operational requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Unified Command before being approved for use, so that only equipment and vessels that actually work with the type of oil and sea conditions associated with this spill are utilized. On June 19, the National Incident Command set a goal of 752 for offshore and nearshore skimmers to respond to the spill. The total inventory of U.S. and foreign skimmers – plus orders for additional skimmers to be delivered within the next few weeks – as of mid-July stood at 1,072, more than 320 above the target. On June 29, the State Department accepted 22 offers of assistance from 12 foreign countries or entities to provide skimmers, booms and other equipment. Before that date, assistance from nine countries had already been accepted, including eight skimmers from Norway in early May. Throughout the cleanup process, the National Incident Command has coordinated closely with the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and the Departments of Defense, Energy and State to ensure that all waiver requests are processed expeditiously. Two preemptive Jones Act waivers have been granted that would allow a total of seven foreign-flagged vessels to move closer to shore should severe weather force an evacuation from the wellhead area. Roberts added that the Jones Act does not apply to skimming operations outside of three miles from shore, including near the well 50 miles from coastline. That is where the vast majority of skimming has occurred. Additionally, the Jones Act is not delaying the use of foreign skimmers that the National Incident Command and BP need for near shore skimming. New Tanker, T-AKE Vessel Delivered The Empire State is shown while still under construction earlier this year. August 2010 The SIU-contracted tanker Empire State was christened July 14 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company yard in San Diego, and the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew was delivered by NASSCO the same day. The Empire State is the fourth in a series of five tankers being operated by Crowley for American Petroleum Tankers LLC. The Charles Drew is the 10th in a series of 14 Lewis and Clark-class vessels, which are crewed in the unlicensed slots by members of the SIU Government Services Division. While both of the new ships are praiseworthy, the christening and delivery were bittersweet occasions. Hundreds of employees and sub-contractors were laid off at the shipyard that same week. Nevertheless, the Empire State and Charles Drew appropriately were welcomed, and the shipyard employees credited, by keynote speaker Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). “Empire State will be carrying petroleum products for the Department of Defense under the operational control of Military Sealift Command,” Buzby pointed out. “This ship, flying the U.S. flag, means more jobs for our U.S. Merchant Mariners and increased capabilities for Military Sealift Command and the Navy. The need for a strong U.S. maritime industry to build the ships in which those merchant mariners will sail is as crucial to America today as it was 230 years ago when the first sea engagement of our American Revolution was fought by civilian mariners aboard the privately owned sloop, Unity. “I look forward to a second state-class ship, MT Evergreen State, when it begins working for us next year,” he continued. “We’ll be building a great partnership with American Petroleum Tankers, another plus for the defense of America. Both tankers will be operated for us by our good shipmates at Crowley. It’s good to know we’ve got two solid ships coming to work for us.” The MSC commander also expressed his appreciation for the Charles Drew and for “the hard work performed by the dedicated people in this shipyard as they continue to build the next four dry cargo/ammunition ships in the Lewis and Clark class, as well as their work the state-class tankers. We’re all in this together, from ship builder to ship financier to ship owner to ship operator to ship customer. It’s a partnership that builds a stronger defense for our nation, and Military Sealift Command is glad to be part of it.” NASSCO President Fred Harris, always quick to enthusiastically recognize the shipyard’s employees, described the layoffs as “a tremendous loss of highly trained, highly skilled craftsmen and women…. The entire NASSCO team is working very hard to bring new business into the shipyard.” Harris said that even though shipyard personnel had known for a while that “we would face tough economic challenges this summer, the entire NASSCO team has done an outstanding job. Everyone pulled together and focused on the task at hand to build the highest-quality, best-value product carriers in the U.S. today.” The Empire State is 600 feet long and has a cargo capacity of approximately 331,000 barrels. It is a double-hulled ship that entered service the same week as its christening. The USNS Charles Drew is 689 feet long and is expected to operate in the Pacific. The currently deployed T-AKEs operate as part of MSC’s combat logistics force – allowing Navy ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time. Christened and launched in late February, the Drew is named for Dr. Charles Drew, an American physician regarded as the father of the blood bank, who developed methods of blood collection, plasma processing and storage. Seafarers LOG 3 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:43 PM Page 4 Swift, Courage, Ericsson Crews Perform Rescues Brotherhood of Sea Comes to Forefront SIU members recently were involved in three rescues at sea, and each of those episodes concluded with the safe retrieval of the people who had been in danger (13 in all). On June 15, the MV Courage rescued a yacht racer who’d been forced to abandon his boat after several days of rough weather. Andy Lane had been en route from Plymouth, England, to Rhode Island but instead was picked up 600 miles south of Newfoundland. Nearly a month later, the HSV 2 Swift, which carries both military and civilian personnel, saved seven Guatemalan special-forces sailors from their capsized vessel off the coast of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. That event happened July 10. Four days later, members of the SIU Government Services Division aboard the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson rescued five Filipino fishermen from the South China Sea 10 miles off the coast of Subic Bay, Philippines. The fishermen’s boat had capsized in rough seas as Typhoon Conson passed over the island of Luzon. Following are additional details of each rescue, in chronological order. MV Courage Lane was in a race (called the Jester Challenge) from England to the United States’ East Coast. He had been at sea for 24 days when the mast on his 21-foot sailboat not only broke but also put a hole in the craft, following a prolonged period of bad weather. Lane managed to activate his personal locator beacon and asked for a rescue, reported Chief Mate Kyle Campeau. “The guys did a superb job of readying themselves and our boarding area for whatever came our way, and the rescue went off without a hitch,” wrote Campeau, adding that the Courage (operated by Crowley for American RollOn/Roll-Off Carrier) was contacted by the U.S. Coast Guard’s search and rescue office based in Norfolk, Va. “At approximately 1900 Mr. Lane was spotted and the Courage was able to maneuver in order to make a suitable lee for a rescue,” Campeau recalled. “Though the swells were approximately four to five meters in height, Bosun Hermen Crisanto and Daymen Fethanegest Demoz and Dennis Marshall (and Chief Mate Campeau) were able to safely bring Mr. Lane aboard. Mr. Lane’s boat, the SV Amadeus, was unfortunately abandoned and left adrift with no mast and a damaged hull.” Other Seafarers sailing aboard the Courage during the rescue included Shantaz Harper, Edward Ayres, James Foley, Malcolm Holmes, Lewis Coleman, Melvin Grayson, Joshua Zelinsky, Aleksey Vigovskiy, Rassan Silver-El and Dante Slack. mariners and military personnel transferred the Guatemalan sailors (who were suffering from exposure) aboard. The four personnel who were aboard the drug boat were transferred to a Guatemalan coast guard vessel. The Swift crew “received a hero’s welcome from Brig. Gen. Juan Jose Ruiz Morales, chief of staff of national defense in Guatemala, and a receiving line of Guatemalan service members upon their return to Puerto Quetzal,” according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Morales personally thanked the Swift crew for their aid in the rescue mission. Operated by Sealift Inc., the Swift is currently deployed for Southern Partnership Station 2010, an operation of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Central America. SIU crew members aboard the Swift during the rescue included Andres Cruz, Leo Batiste, John Wahl, William Dukes, Damian Spedale, Richard Fugit, Musa Alhaj, Richard Jones, David Kelch and Pedro Castillo. USNS Ericsson The Ericsson had departed the port at Subic Bay July 13 to avoid the storm. One day later, AB Charles Wright spotted the fishermen at 1:10 p.m., clinging to their overturned boat and waving a yellow flag. Just three minutes later, the Ericsson lowered its rigid hull inflatable boat, or RHIB, into the sea, and 10 minutes later all five fishermen were safely on deck, where a physician examined them. “They were a bit shaken up because the seas were rough, but otherwise were in good health and happy to be on our ship,” said Tiffany Brockman, the Ericsson’s chief mate. “We gave them fresh clothing, new socks and boots, and a nice meal.” A few hours after their rescue, the fishermen were ashore and handed over to the care of the Philippine Coast Guard. The Ericcson has a crew of more than 90 CIVMARS. The government-owned ship provides underway replenishment of fuel to Navy combat ships and jet fuel for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers at sea. HSV 2 Swift The vessel occupied by the Guatemalans capsized during a Guatemalan drug interdiction operation as it became entangled with a sinking semi-submersible drug boat. Upon arrival at the scene, Swift Pictured from left to right aboard the Courage are AB Fethanegest Demoz, Capt. Mike Davidson, rescued boater Andy Lane, Chief Mate Kyle Campeau and Bosun Hermen Crisanto. A rigid hull inflatable boat from the Seafarers-crewed USNS John Ericsson returns to the ship with five Filipino fishermen whose boat capsized 10 miles offshore at Subic Bay, Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Pablo Torres) Navy League President Tours School The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on June 30 welcomed the president of the Navy League of the United States, Daniel B. Branch Jr. (second from left in group photo, standing in classroom photo), for a tour of the Piney Point, Md.-based facility. Rear Adm. Albert J. Herberger, USN (Ret.), former U.S. maritime administrator, also took part in the tour. Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU President Michael Sacco, Branch, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Herberger and John Mason of American Service Technology Inc. The Navy League’s mission statement says that the organization is “dedicated to the education of our citizens, including our elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families…. To this end, the Navy League works closely with the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine through a network of 265 councils in the U.S. and around the world. The Navy League has more than 65,000 active members.” Branch is the 45th national president of the Navy League, which is a civilian organization founded in 1902. He is a retired career naval officer with more than 30 years of service. 4 Seafarers LOG August 2010 �60472_LOG_X2:60472_LOG 7/23/2010 5:39 PM Page 5 IMO Approves New STCW Amendments Implementation Not Due Until 2017 Member nations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the U.S., conducted a conference in Manila, Philippines, June 21-25 to discuss revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were represented at the conference. Current STCW rules were adopted in 1978 and revised in 1995. One of the goals of the Manila group was to discuss and adopt revisions bringing STCW guidelines in line with technological advances and changes in the industry. The group approved a number of amendments. Member nations have until January 1, 2012 to adopt them and until January 1, 2017 to implement them. How the process has worked for U.S. shipping in the past is STCW amendments had been adopted and then the U.S. Coast Guard would assemble a group of experts, including representatives from the SIU and Paul Hall Center, to a panel known as the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). Working groups of experts in the MERPAC would develop guidance within the framework of the STCW amendments and present it to the Coast Guard with the interests of mariners and the industry as a whole in mind. Then, it would be up to the Coast Guard to decide whether to accept these recommendations and how to apply them to American-flag shipping. In prior years, the U.S. has led the way on STCW implementation and in many cases had already established training and certification that were later used as benchmarks in STCW amendments. So, U.S. mariners often already had the levels of training that met or exceeded international guidelines. Some of the new amendments made to the STCW convention and code include improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and to strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of parties’ compliance with the Convention; and, revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for mariners. Fatigue has also become an international issue in the maritime industry. The new revisions call for all persons who are assigned duty as officer in charge of a watch or as a rating forming part of a watch and those whose duties involve designated safety, prevention of pollution and security duties shall be provided with a rest period of not less than a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any seven-day period. The hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length, and the intervals between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours. At the same time, the Conference agreed to allow certain exceptions from the above requirements for the rest periods. Other approved amendments call for new requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS); updating of competency requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers; new requirements for security training as well as provisions to help ensure that mariners are prepared in case their vessel comes under attack by pirates; and the introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning. The conference also adopted resolutions on verification of certificates of competency and endorsements contained; standards of training and certification and ships’ manning levels; promotion of technical knowledge, skills and professionalism of seafarers; development of guidelines to implement international standards on medical fitness for seafarers; attracting new entrants to, and retaining seafarers in, the maritime profession; accommodation for trainees; and promotion of the participation of women in the maritime industry. Speaking at the close of the Conference, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos said, “The adoption of the revised STCW had brought to a successful conclusion the concerted effort undertaken by so many – government and industry alike, dedicated seafarer representative bodies, maritime training institutions, and the many other interested organizations – over a fouryear period.” The Seafarers LOG will keep readers updated with STCW changes and MERPAC recommendations as they become available. AMO’s Bethel, Crowley’s Pennella Receive AOTOS Awards The United Seamen’s Service 2010 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Thomas J. Bethel, national president of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO) and William A. Pennella, vice chairman and executive vice president of SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation. The presentations will take place Nov. 12 in New York City, according to a lateJune announcement from the United Seamen’s Service (USS). “Tom Bethel and Bill Pennella represent strong leadership in the maritime industry and will be honored for their significant contributions to American seafarers and American commerce,” said Richard Hughes, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO. “Notably, both Crowley and AMO provided much-needed humanitarian relief services to Haiti after January’s devastating earthquake,” he added. “AMO’s response was to man many of the U.S.flagged vessels. Crowley’s response was to unload Haiti relief cargo containers filled with water and meals in the Dominican Republic to be trucked across the border into Haiti.” The AMO is an autonomous affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America. It is one of the nation’s largest unions of U.S. merchant marine officers, and has contracts covering domestic deep-sea, Great Lakes and inland waters merchant vessels and American-flag ships serving internationally in commercial trades and military support roles. Bethel, an SIU hawsepiper, has served the AMO in several capacities since coming ashore in the mid-1980s, including executive vice president, assistant vice president, executive board member and representative. He has also served for eight years as senior member of the legislative staff of AMO in Washington, D.C. Pennella began his maritime career in 1968 with Sea-Land Service. He held various management positions with Global Terminal and Container Services and United States Lines before joining Crowley in 1987. Crowley is a 118-year-old, privately held, family and employee-owned company which provides diversified transportation and logistics services in domestic and international markets. During the past 23 years, Pennella has continued to lead the growth of Crowley Maritime Corp. through his positions as vice chairman and executive vice president. As a member of the company’s board of directors, he has been instrumental in the acquisition of several Crowley subsidiaries including Marine Transport Lines. Pennella is a graduate of Rutgers University with degrees in psychology and business and is currently a member of the advisory board for The United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. The USS reported that in addition to the two AOTOS recipients, other hon- Thomas Bethel President American Maritime Officers orees will include American maritime unions “who will be presented with plaques recognizing their collective extraordinary response to the Haitian disaster.” William Pennella Vice Chairman, Executive VP Crowley Maritime Corporation All proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries. Senate Confirms Matsuda As Maritime Administrator David Matsuda U.S. Maritime Administrator August 2010 David Matsuda was confirmed by the Senate on June 22 as administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration. Matsuda had been serving as acting administrator since before being nominated for the administrator’s post by President Obama in December. Matsuda’s nomination had been one of 64 nominations awaiting Senate action. Matsuda had previously worked as senior counsel and primary transportation advisor for Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) for six years. Lautenberg is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. Sen. Lautenberg said, “David Matsuda will be an excellent leader of the Maritime Administration. David was a trusted advisor in my Senate office who has proven himself to be a dedicated and successful public servant. He has unparalleled expertise in transportation issues and I am confident that he will be an exceptional leader for our nation’s maritime system.” A graduate of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif., with a B.S. in engineering, Matsuda earned his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. In 2002, he became a Georgetown University Government Affairs Institute fellow on the staff of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. From 1998 to 2002, he worked as an attorney with the safety law division of the Federal Railroad Administration. Earlier this year, Matsuda spoke at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s winter meeting, where he underscored his commitment to preserving the Jones Act and to promoting America’s marine highway, or “short sea shipping,” as a way of easing congestion on U.S. roads and enhancing American competitiveness. Seafarers LOG 5 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 8:22 PM Page 6 CIVMAR News CMPI 610 Negotiations Update The following information is provided in order to update Military Sealift Command (MSC) CIVMARS on the Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 610 negotiations. CMPI 610 covers the Hours of Work and Premium Pay provisions applicable to all CIVMARS. Union, MSC and Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) negotiators continue to meet. Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) processes are serving the parties well. While the negotiations are time-consuming and difficult at times, significant progress has been made. We have completed a review and negotiation of approximately 75 percent of the General Provisions section. The parties anticipate that once the General Provision section is completed, Department Work Rules will be addressed. The schedule, however, is flexible – a benefit of the IBB process. The last negotiation session, conducted during the week of June 7 in Washington, D.C., had a number of subject matter experts (SMEs) in attendance, including AB Marque Anthony. Currently, Anthony serves aboard the USNS Arctic. Also acting as SMEs were Captain David Gommo and Captain Randall Rockwood. SMEs serve to ensure union and agency negotiators have access to accurate, current information regarding afloat practices and procedures. The main goal of the parties has remained unchanged Attn: MSC CIVMARS Join the Union! since the start of the negotiations – that is to ensure that the CMPI revisions make this Instruction clearer and more user-friendly for unlicensed and licensed CIVMARS fleet wide. Marque Anthony assisted union representatives in every aspect of the negotiations. Summing up his experience after a long week of negotiation in the nation’s capital, Anthony said, “I arrived at the negotiations with mixed expectations, not knowing if I would be viewing a heated debate or discussions that would put one to sleep. What I encountered was both the union and agency were united in their efforts to clarify and streamline this Instruction and to ensure that all CIVMARS will be able to clearly interpret the revised Instruction. I observed an exhausting effort by our union representatives in the advocacy for MSC CIVMARS. The licensed SMEs attending were also genuinely concerned for the unlicensed CIVMARS and their years of experience were extremely valuable in all topics reviewed, proposed and negotiated.” Anthony concluded that he wished all mariners would have a chance to experience such an effort – to have a better understanding of the discussions “which will no doubt affect our everyday life on MSC vessels.” Kate Hunt, SIU Government Services representative, noted that Anthony’s knowledge regarding shipboard The SIU web site includes printable PDF versions of forms that mariners may use to request and authorize payroll deductions for labor organization dues. The forms are posted at: http://www.seafarers.org/members/civmar/taxforms.xml Pictured from left to right following a recent negotiation in Washington, D.C., are SIU Government Services Division Asst. VP Chester Wheeler, Representative Kate Hunt and AB Marque Anthony. practices was a great help to union representatives in these discussions and the union appreciates Anthony’s contributions to this huge effort. The next negotiations are scheduled for midSeptember. Need help or additional information? Contact any of the following SIU Government Services Division officials or email civmarsupport@seafarers.org: Chester Wheeler, (510) 444-2360, extension 17; Kate Hunt, (718) 499-6600, extension 223; Maurice Cokes, (757) 622-1892. Important Notice to CIVMARS SIU, MSC Reach MOU on Allowances, Habitability Issues Aboard MSC-Operated Vessels The Seafarers International Union is pleased to announce that the union and MSC have reached a comprehensive settlement that addresses and resolves outstanding habitability matters aboard MSC CIVMAR-crewed vessels currently operating in MSC’s fleet. This agreement fairly compensates unlicensed CIVMARS sailing aboard vessels where shipboard habitability conditions are overcrowded and/or inadequate. For many years, the SIU has led the fight to ensure that MSC provide adequate, safe, clean and secure living accommodations for all CIVMARS ashore and afloat. As a result of these efforts, CIVMARS living aboard vessels with inadequate conditions are compensated with quarters pay. Assuring adequate habitability aboard MSC vessels has been the subject of several lengthy legal battles. The first arbitration case protesting inadequate quarters was tried in 1991. At that time the NMU (which later merged into the SIU) fought for compensation for CIVMARS assigned to open berthing quarters aboard the USNS Comfort. In that case the Arbitrator awarded a $13 per day quarters allowance found in the East Coast collective bargaining agreement. Since 1991, the union has prevailed in five vessel-related arbitrations, proving that habitability conditions were inadequate. The issue on which Arbitrators’ rulings have differed is the amount of quarters allowance awarded to affected CIVMARS, with some Arbitrators awarding the $13 collective bargaining agreement rate and some Arbitrators awarding the updated $40 Civilian Mariner Personnel Instructions (CMPI) rate. The May 7, 2010 MOU establishes a quarters allowance rate aboard a covered vessel when more than three crewmembers are assigned to any berthing room or area. The settlement also resolves all out- 6 Seafarers LOG standing legal matters, including exceptions filed by both parties pending before the Federal Labor Relations Authority. These exceptions are appeals for the $13 Grasp award and the $40 Comfort award. The settlement brings industrial stability to our labor-management relationship with MSC and will allow resources to be used for other, important representation efforts on behalf of unlicensed CIVMARS. Additionally, the union preserved the current $30 per day quarters allowance aboard the four A-OE vessels (Supply, Bridge, Arctic and Rainier) even though these ships are scheduled to undergo habitability upgrades over the next few years. The $30 quarters allowance will also be applicable to the sub-tenders (Emory Land and Frank Cable) and the hospital ships (Comfort and Mercy). The settlement also ensures that CIVMARS sailing aboard three ARS vessels (Grasp, Grapple and Salvor) will receive similar quarters allowances. While there will be a minor downward adjustment of the current quarters allowance aboard the USS Mt. Whitney, the union believes that this overall settlement benefits the majority of the CIVMARS assigned to any ship where living conditions are less than adequate. Another very important component of this settlement is the establishment of a Labor-Management Habitability Committee, which guarantees the union pre-decisional involvement on habitability conversion plans and other related issues. This includes early involvement in plans for any Navy vessel acquired by MSC or new vessels which may be built for MSC’s CIVMAR fleet in the future. The union recognizes that the acquisition, transfer and conversion of former military vessels to the CIVMAR fleet has created and will continue to create a significant number of permanent jobs for our bargaining unit members. We welcome the work these ships bring and together, with MSC mariners, we will continue the fight to ensure that all CIVMARS are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve for their hard work, dedication and their efforts to carry out the mission of the Military Sealift Command. Lastly, the union and the MSFSC have completed a separate, comprehensive agreement covering the inspection of hotel quarters to which CIVMARS may be assigned ashore. The union has been seeking input into the selection of hotels since 2007. The union brought its case before the Federal Services Impasse Panel. In July, prior to the scheduled impasse proceeding, MSC agreed to allow the union to inspect hotels and submit comments prior to hotel selections. With both these agreements in place, the union will now have complete access to information about CIVMAR quarters afloat and ashore, ensuring that advocacy efforts will begin early and continue aggressively to ensure that quarters are adequate. The terms of the Habitability Settlement and the new quarters allowance rates are detailed below. Please review this information. Contact your SIU Government Services Division representatives if there are any questions or concerns. SETTLEMENT DETAILS AOE CLASS VESSELS MSC will continue to pay a $30 quarters allowance aboard all T-AOE class vessels, even when habitability upgrades are completed aboard these ships. T-ARS CLASS VESSELS USNS Grapple: Back pay award has been paid in accordance with Arbitrator Herzog’s 2010 award. Beginning May 7, 2010 a $40 per day quarters allowance will be paid to CIVMARS assigned to rooms or open berthing space with three or more CIVMARS in a room. USNS Grasp: In accordance with Arbitrator Canada’s 2007 award, CIVMARS assigned to four person rooms receive $13 per day. CIVMARS assigned to three-person rooms receive no quarters allowance. Beginning May 7, 2010 a $35 per day quarters allowance will be paid to CIVMARS assigned to quarters sleeping three or more CIVMARS in a room or open berthing space. USNS Salvor: CIVMARS assigned to quarters with three or more to a room or open berthing space will receive a $40 quarters allowance back pay retroactive to June 2007. From May 7, 2010 forward, CIVMARS assigned to quarters with three or more persons to a room will receive a quarters allowance of $35 per day. T-AH CLASS VESSELS USNS Comfort: ■ 2007 Voyage: CIVMARS will be paid $40 per day quarters allowance in accordance with Arbitrator Williams’ 2008 award. ■ 2009 and 2010 Voyages: CIVMARS assigned to any berthing area with three or more persons will be paid $30 per day quarters allowance. USNS Mercy: 2008 and 2010 Voyages: CIVMARS assigned to berthing areas with three or more persons will be paid quarters allowance at the rate of $30 per day. LCC 20 CLASS VESSELS USS Mt. Whitney: CIVMARS quartered more than three persons to a room or berthing area will receive a $30 per day quarters allowance. OTHER PROVISIONS No quarters allowance will be paid to CIVMARS assigned to two-person rooms. To be eligible for quarters allowance CIVMARS must sleep on board the vessel. August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 8:22 PM Page 7 Seafarers Quickly Crew Up Three Vessels Union Members Mobilize as Hurricane Alex Threatens Gulf As has become their tradition, Seafarers again rose to the challenge recently during a short-notice vessel crewing requirement. According to Bart Rogers, director of manpower at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., his office on June 28 was apprised of a late-afternoon crewing request by Houston Port Agent Michael Russo from two union-contracted companies for a hurricane sortie. “We received a call at 3 p.m. from AMSEA and Ocean Shipholdings to crew up 45 jobs on the USNS Benavidez, USNS Bob Hope and the USNS Soderman for Hurricane Alex,” said Russo. “Thanks to the membership here in Houston, with timely assistance from the Manpower office and the Ports of Jacksonville, Mobile, Port Everglades, Tacoma, Norfolk and Wilmington, we were able to satisfy the requirement by crewing up all three vessels within one and one-half hours.” The purpose of the activation was to get the former vessels out of port in order to avoid potential damage from Hurricane Alex. Packing winds of 110 mph, the Category 2 storm at the time was bearing down on South Texas. Vessel operators as well as weather prognosticators feared a direct hit on Brownsville, Texas. On July 1, however, the storm made landfall on a relatively unpopulated stretch of coast in Mexico’s northern Tamaulipas state, some about 100 miles south of Brownsville. While it spawned two tornadoes and caused 1,000 people to evacuate low-lying areas there, state officials reported no injuries or major damages. “I applaud the efforts of our people in the Port of Houston as well as those from the other ports involved,” said Rogers. “The fact that all three vessels were crewed in record time is something that we should all be proud of. “It’s a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire membership,” Rogers concluded, “It also demonstrates that our ‘can do’ attitude—regardless of the mission— is very much alive and well.” Notices to SIU Members SHBP Plans to Implement Changes to Comply With Affordable Care Act The Seafarers-crewed submarine tender USS Emory S. Land renders honors as she passes the USS Arizona Memorial upon arrival for a port visit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam June 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW/SCW) Ronald Gutridge) USS Emory Land Sails for Diego Garcia Following a two-year shipyard period and after completing the first submarine tender hybrid crew conversion, the USS Emory S. Land arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on June 22. The crew – including members of the SIU Government Services Division – had set sail June 14 from the Land’s former home port of Bremerton, Wash., beginning a 10,000-mile voyage to the ship’s new base of Diego Garcia. “The ship looks terrific and has operated very well, and our new hybrid crew has performed exceptionally well, despite having little sailing time together,” said Cmdr. Christopher Carter, the vessel’s executive officer. While the hybrid crew conversion joins CIVMARS with Navy Sailors, unlike typical MSC vessels, the Land remains a United States Ship under the command of a U.S. Navy captain, currently Capt. Edward B. Seal. The Land transferred to MSC in 2008. Carter added, “The way the crew has operated the ship during this transit to Pearl is a true testament to the high quality seamanship of our civilian mariners and professionalism of our Sailors. Together we are quickly becoming a formidable team, eager to take our mission forward.” One of only two submarine tenders in the Navy’s ship inventory, the Land will provide, according to MSC, “expeditionary ship repair and maintenance capabilities to fast-attack and guided missile submarines operating in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility from its forward-base in Diego Garcia.” New Contract at Puerto Rico Towing & Barge SIU boatmen at Puerto Rico Towing & Barge Co. are covered by a new five-year contract that is retroactive to November 2009. The agreement calls for annual wage increases and also includes a one-time monetary bonus. Other components of the new pact stipulate that the company will pay for any increased costs (up to a certain percent) to maintain medical benefits; call for yearly increases in the maintenance and cure rate; and boost offshore pay. Based in San Juan, P.R., and known in Puerto Rico and in the Caribbean as PRT, the company provides vessel assistance and towing services throughout the region. Pictured above (from left), signing the contract at the PRT office at San Juan Harbor in mid-June are SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, AB and Delegate Sixto Franco and PRT President Joel Koslen. August 2010 On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. This new law is designed to reform the U.S. health care system by controlling skyrocketing health care costs, improving the quality of health care coverage, making health insurance available to more Americans and promoting preventive care. The changes required by the law will be implemented gradually over the coming years. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has been carefully monitoring requirements contained in the law and the recent regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Plan will be implementing several changes Jan. 1, 2011, in order to comply with the Affordable Care Act. The changes include: ■ If you are an eligible participant, the Plan will offer coverage to your children up to age 26, regardless of whether the child is in school. In addition, the child does not have to live with you or be supported by you in order to be eligible for health coverage. Coverage will be offered even if your child is married. ■ The Plan will not exclude coverage for a medical condition that your child had before the child was covered by this Plan. ■ The Plan will eliminate lifetime limits on essential benefits. ■ The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will be sending detailed information to you about these changes later this year. If you have any questions about the changes, you may contact the Plan directly at 1-800252-4674. SHBP Announces Out-of-Network Savings Program The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) are pleased to announce an enhancement to your benefits, which will go into effect Sept. 1, 2010. Three years ago, the Plan partnered with CIGNA HealthCare to provide access to CIGNA’s Network of more than 1 million “In Network” provider locations. On Sept. 1, 2010, we will be adding CIGNA’s Out-of-Network Savings Program. If you currently use out-of-network providers, this program may result in significant savings for you. This program supplements the current network by enabling Plan participants to receive discounts from many providers not covered by CIGNA’s network. While covered services received from these providers will be paid at the out-of-network benefit level of 65 percent, access to this supplemental network will provide our participants with the following: ■ Participants will have lower out-of-pocket expenses when they receive covered services from these out-of-network healthcare professionals. ■ There will be no additional paperwork. Seafarers participants will be issued a new ID card (see below) which should be presented as usual at time of service. ■ Claims will be submitted for reimbursement as usual. Discounts that may apply are automatically calculated. The explanation of benefits that you receive will show any discount that was applied and the reduction in the participant’s share for the covered service. ■ Participants are only responsible for costs up to the discounted amount. There will be no balance billing other than the applicable coinsurance payment of 35 percent, once you have satisfied the annual deductible. During mid-August, 2010 you will be receiving a new SHBP ID card. This card will have the addition of the “Multi-Plan” logo. Please make sure that you discard your current card after Aug. 31. This new network of providers will go into effect Sept. 1, 2010. You must use the new card to receive the benefit of these additional discounts. You may wish to check with your out-of-network health care providers to see whether they participate in these additional networks. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the Plan at 1-800-252-4674. Seafarers LOG 7 �60472_LOG_X2:60472_LOG 7/23/2010 5:41 PM Page 8 SIU Vessels Help Mark Technology Milestone Flickertail State, Cape Texas Play Role As Testing Platforms in Gulf of Mexico Editor’s note: Unless otherwise indicated, the photos accompaning the following story were provided by Chief Steward Michael Pooler. Two SIU-crewed vessels, the USNS Flickertail State and the Cape Texas, recently played key roles in marking a U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research (ONR) milestone involving at-sea, shipto-ship cargo transfer capability. The two Military Sealift Command ships on May 15 in the Gulf of Mexico served as assessment platforms on which the final segment of a multiphased testing regiment of the ONR’s Large Vessel Interface Lift On/Lift Off (LVI Lo/Lo) Crane Technology Demonstrator was conducted. During tests which took place over a three-day period, 128 containers safely were transferred from the Flickertail State to the Cape Texas in waters where conditions were far from ideal. Wave crests reached heights of one meter. Despite these adverse circumstances, crane operators picked up and placed an unobstructed container down, lifted another container which was obstructed on several sides, and then lowered a number of containers into obstructed holds. “I’ve been managing this project for about four and one-half years, from the idea phase to the implementation and test phase,” said Dr. Paul Hess, program manager in ONR’s Sea Warfare and Weapons Department. “It’s been very rewarding to see the capabilities of this technology come to life and to track its future potential impact on Navy operations.” Hess added that the crane performed as planned yet proved more capable than the ships’ mooring configurations would allow. Particularly impressed with the crane’s technology and capabilities was Flickertail State Chief Steward Michael Pooler who also witnessed the testing. “It was a success from the very start,” he said. “As the crane moved with the greatest of ease, it performed the tasks of lifting and setting the container down from the Flickertail State to the Cape Texas and vice versa. It all took place while both ships were underway at sea doing about five knots skin to skin. “Technology has come a long way,” Pooler continued. “It was amazing to see history in the making…it looked the arm of a robot moving in sync with the ship…it was placing the containers on one vessel while the other was moving in a different direction.” If employed in the future fleet, ONR officials said the LVI Lo/Lo crane will facilitate the flow of containerized logis- Office of Naval Research personnel test their Large Vessel Interface Lift-on/Lift-off (LVI Lo/Lo) crane at the U.S. Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. The demonstrator crane, which has been temporarily installed on the USNS Flickertail State uses motion-sensing technology to control standard 20-foot containers in all six degrees of freedom. (U.S. Navy photo) tics through the sea base to the shore, eliminating the need for a secure deep water port. The apparatus also will enable the rapid and safe transfer of containers, Humvees and other heavy loads at sea. “The safety factor is also a huge advantage that the commercial industry is taking an interest in,” Hess said. “Offshore oil companies are particularly looking at this technology from a safety perspective.” Seafarers aboard the Flickertail State during the testing included Bosun David Brow, ABs Jeffrey Tyson, William Markeson, Kevin Johnson, Troy Mack, David Bennet, Corrie Flickertail State Capt. Joe Regan (left), Bosun David Brow and AB William Markeson look on from their vessel as the LVI Lo/Lo crane places containers onto the Cape Texas. The unidentified individual at right is part of the Office of Naval Research test team. 8 Seafarers LOG Stockton and Mark Edmonds; QEEs Michael Voda and Francis Quebedeaux; GUDE Nathan Jenkins, Wiper Joshua Harris, Chief Steward Michael Pooler, Chief Cook Francis Washington and Steward Assistants Terrence Taylor, Gregg Blaylock and Curtis Spencer. SIU crew members serving aboard the Cape Texas during the tests were: Bosuns Charles Jackson and Jimmy Ocot; ABs German Nunez, Gaudioso Bacala, Julius Obilana, Donaldo Valencia, Michael Charnesky, Pascal Masanilo, John Gilliam and Rolando Continued on next page Crew members aboard the Cape Texas prepare to secure their newly obtained cargo. August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 8:23 PM Page 9 AB Troy Mack (left) and AB David Bennet Flickertail State Continued from Page 8 Pulido; QMED Quincy Wilson; Oilers Billy Love, Louis Santiago, Manolito Garcia and Jose Encarnacion-Rivera; SB George Maranos, Chief Cook Robert Brooks and SAs Adele Messina, Eugina Gonzales and Rosalie Long. In 2009, the demonstrator crane was installed and integrated aboard the Flickertail State to support the transfer of standard 20-foot OMU Nathan Jenkins Flickertail State Chief Steward Michael Pooler Flickertail State August 2010 containers. In early June, the vessel embarked to evaluate the crane’s performance in transporting containers between two moving ships in an operational environment using commercial and oil industry at-sea mooring techniques. The ONR has been in talks with transition partners about the future of the Lo/Lo crane, but no immediate decisions have been made to provide a way forward for the technology. The demonstrator crane on Flickertail State is available for future testing and to support the U.S. government’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. AB Mark Edmonds Flickertail State QMED Mike Voda (left) and AB Kevin Johnson Flickertail State Steward Assistants Terrence Tayor (left), Gregg Blaylock and Curtis Spencer Chief Cook Francis Washington Flickertail State The large vessel interface lift-on/lift-off (LVI Lo/Lo) crane demonstrates container transfers using a roll simulator aboard the Military Sealift Command auxiliary crane ship USNS Flickertail State at Naval Station Norfolk. The LVI Lo/Lo crane enables the rapid and safe transfer of standard ISO containers and other heavy loads at sea and was funded by the Office of Naval Research. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams) Seafarers LOG 9 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 8:26 PM Page 10 PIZZA PARTY ABOARD CABLE SHIP – Bosun’s Mate John Cedeno Jr. emailed these photos from a recent “pizza dinner party” aboard the CS Tyco Decisive. Crew mem- bers enjoyed the meal while the vessel was sitting at anchor in Mumbai, India. Pictured from left to right in photo above, center, are GVA Gamal Algazally, AB Michael Pokat, a security team member and SA Mike Munoz. The two Seafarers at above right are Bosun Thor Young (left) and Electrician Frank Coburn. The other photo shows various additional crew members on deck. At Sea And Ashore With the SIU SUPPORTING PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – Seafarers in Tacoma, Wash., recently volunteered to make signs for the upcoming reelection campaign of pro-maritime, pro-worker U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.). Pictured from left to right are SIU members Chad Hess and David Smart; Maycee Escamilla and her uncle, Seafarer Pete Hokenson; and SIU member Ingra Maddox. OCEAN CHARGER DOCKS IN HOUSTON – Pictured aboard the Ocean Charger following a payoff and shipboard meeting are (from left) Port Agent Mike Russo, AB Billy Watson, AB Earl Jones, GUDE Marvin White, Bosun Joe Casalino and AB Martin Weller. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY – Erlinda “Erlie” WITH SEAFARERS IN PUERTO RICO – Recertified Bosun Victor Beata (left) and Bosun Hector Cumba (right) recently stopped by the union hall in Santurce, P.R., where they posed for this snapshot with Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Casugay (left), wife of Seafarer Josefino Almoro Casugay (right), wanted to share this photo near the occasion of their 44th wedding anniversary. The still-happy couple wed in March 1966, two years before Josefino embarked on his maritime career. Erlie said she is a retired schoolteacher, though she works part-time at a faith-based preschool. She and Josefino, who still sails in the deck department, have five children and seven grandkids. They live in California. WELCOME ASHORE – At the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny (right) congratulates longtime Seafarer Gualberto Mirador on his retirement and presents him with his first pension check. Mirador most recently sailed as a recertified steward (as did Kenny before he came ashore). WITH SEAFARERS ON THE SEABULK TRADER – These photos of and aboard the Seabulk Trader were taken June 12 while the vessel was docked in Tampa, Fla. 10 Seafarers LOG August 2010 �60472_LOG_X2:60472_LOG 7/23/2010 5:43 PM Page 11 NMC Finalizing Certificate Suitable for Framing The Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center recently announced that it is finalizing development of a merchant mariner certificate that will be suitable for framing. According to a June 30 communication from Coast Guard Capt. David Stalfort, “Since the release of the Merchant Mariner Credential final rule, which consolidated the previously issued licenses, Merchant Mariner Documents and STCW certificates into a single passport-style Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), mariners have been asking the Coast Guard to provide a certificate suitable for framing. The Coast Guard recognized this as an important issue to many mariners and decided to honor the mariner by providing a means for mariners to proudly display their professional credentials. “Later this summer,” he continued, “the Coast Guard will launch an Internet-based service where mariners will visit a Coast Guard web site, enter their mariner reference number, or other verifiable identification data, and request to download a Merchant Mariner Certificate that would include the officer and rating endorsements that are contained in the mariner’s MMC. This service will not have the ability to reproduce legacy license, MMD or STCW credentials. The request, similar to that used to verify credentials in the Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credential Verification (MMCV) function, would populate a ‘certificate’ that the mariner could save and print from a personal computer or other Internetcapable devices. The certificate, which would be used for display purposes only, would not be authorized as a substitute for a valid MMC and will not substitute for the MMC where the requirement to post a credential exists. There will be no fee for downloading the certificate. Additional information will be provided before the system is released.” Comments on the design of the certificate may be submitted via email to: nmc-mmc-certificates@uscg.mil. SIU Maersk Crew Members Attend Safety Conference SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited recently continued its beneficial series of safety leadership conferences at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Twenty-four SIU members employed by Maersk and some of the company’s shoreside workers completed a conference at the school June 22-23. The meetings are part of a program designed to maintain and improve workplace safety. Among those pictured here in the group photo are SIU members Thomas Banks, Oswald Bermeo, Arnie Borja, Charles Brooks, Paulo Castillo, Donald Christian, Manolo Delos Santos, Mark Edmonds, Helbert Esquivel, Earl Farmer, Victor Frazier, David Fridstrom, Darryl Jackson, Andrew Linares, William Lowery, Elmer Marko, Karl Mayhew, Carnell Middleton, Tim Pillsworth, Steve Roell, Glen Rogers, James Saunders, Hugh Wildermuth and Boyce Wilson. In the other photo, Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman addresses the participants. While details about the mariner certificate haven’t been finalized, the Coast Guard has released this possible design. Meeting with AMO Members, Officials SIU President Michael Sacco (third from right) addressed a meeting of the SIUNAaffiliated American Maritime Officers Executive Board in Chicago the week of June 20. Trustees of the AMO Plans also met during the same week. Pictured from left to right near the meeting site are AMO members John Clifford and Michael Frye, AMO President Tom Bethel, Sacco and AMO members Jeff Fisher and Russell Horton. Attention: Seafarers Another New Ship! SPAD Works For You Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) August 2010 Seafarers LOG 11 �60472_LOG_X2:60472_LOG 7/23/2010 5:45 PM Page 12 SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (standing) welcomes a group of Seafarers who recen tional and Coast Guard regulations mandating the training. STCW Basic Saf Seafarers Hone Essential STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) has been offered at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., since 1998 – several years before the original deadline for compliance with the amended STCW Convention. Content of the one-week course includes personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, social responsibility and personal safety, and elementary first aid. (All four elements must be attended and passed to receive credit for the course.) The course includes hands-on training and classroom instruction. STCW is the abbreviation for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. SIU members may recall that the original convention, a treaty under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, was ratified in 1978. The U.S. didn’t ratify it until 1991; amendments followed in 1995 as more than 100 nations signed on. Then, a five-year transition period for the amended convention started in 1997, resulting in an STCW-compliance deadline of Feb. 1, 2002. (There are other aspects to the STCW Convention, though at that time, the two components of greatest interest to most mariners involved STCW Certificates and BST.) Until that 2002 deadline, mariners had a few different options for proving their compl requirements. However, as was reported in that era, once the ca Feb. 1, 2002, all mariners were received approved training and BST. A Coast Guard regulation 2001 allowed mariners to renew ments via sea service, though it mandate for initial completion o BST course. Moreover, it is vital for any “grandfathered” into BST comp service to know that the provisi tional period have long since ex with U.S. Coast Guard Nationa Policy Letter 05-99 (as well as tions from the agency and from mariners who initially were gra never completed an approved B rate courses covering each of th of BST) must do so in order to with current regulations. Finally, in 2003, NMC Polic stipulated that verifying compli Basic Safety Training provision STCW Convention became the ship-operating companies (mea Guard isn’t responsible for chec compliance with BST). In order Water survival drills (photos at left and directly below) take place in one of the buildings at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. In the photo at right, mariners practice first aid and CPR techniques. 12 Seafarers LOG August 2010 �60472_LOG_X:60472_LOG 7/23/2010 7:14 AM Page 13 recently arrived in Piney Point for BST and reminds them about the interna- afety Training Although much of the Paul Hall Center’s training emphasizes hands-on exercises, classroom instruction (photo above) also is a vital part of BST and other curriculums. In the photo below, Seafarers don appropriate safety gear prior to the next step in their lessons. al Skills in Piney Point ompliance with BST was exhaustively he calendar reached were required to have and assessment in ation issued in late renew BST requireugh it did not alter the tion of an approved any mariner who was compliance via sea rovisions of the transince expired. Consistent tional Maritime Center ll as other communicafrom the SIU), e grandfathered but ved BST class (or sepaof the four elements er to remain compliant that their respective vessels are in compliance with current regulations, SIU-contracted companies are utilizing the union’s new manpower management system for verification. As noted in recent editions of the LOG, it remains important for SIU members to help ensure that their records are up-to-date in the new Seafarers Management Information System (SMIS), which is used for shipping and registration. That includes helping ensure that SMIS reflects Seafarers’ compliance with each of the four elements of BST. Members who completed BST somewhere other than either Piney Point or the SIU-affiliated school in Hawaii, may need to bring both an original STCW BST certificate and a training record book (TRB) to their respective the union halls as soon as possible. Policy Letter 08-03 ompliance with the vision of the amended e the responsibility of (meaning the Coast r checking continuing order to help ensure Fire fighting is one of the hands-on components of STCW Basic Safety Training. August 2010 Seafarers LOG 13 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 14 7/22/2010 6:44 PM Seafarers LOG Page 14 August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 7:48 PM Page 15 Union-Crewed Vessel Rolls Out Red Carpet For VIPS, Participates In Military Maneuvers Continued from Page 24 “The purpose of this conference for MSC was to discuss significant issues, but also highlight MSC assets and the incredible people who work for this organization,” said Buzby. “Our guests were in awe of the way we execute our business, and every one of the General officers told me how impressed they were.” Meanwhile, the JLOTS exercise took place on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. JLOTS itself is a method of transporting rolling stock such as tanks and trucks as well as containerized military or humanitarian relief cargo from a ship at sea to shore using Army and Navy motorized and non-motorized barges, called lighterage, to stage and transport the cargo. In addition to motorized lighterage, Army watercraft including landing utilities and logistics support vessels are also used to transport cargo between ship and shore. The U.S. Army’s 7th Sustainment Brigade located at Fort Eustis, Va., was the exercise’s host command. Other units involved included the Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s 597th Transportation Battalion, and the U.S. Navy’s Cargo Handling Battalion One from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va., Cheatham Annex. During the five-day exercise, the participants safely and efficiently uploaded and discharged 179 pieces of rolling stock and containers to and from the Mendonca via lighterage. Ashore, the cargo was either offloaded directly onto the beach, or onto a temporary pier constructed specifically for the exercise. According to civilian Capt. Michael Murphy, the Mendonca’s master, the Army and Navy cargo handling experts all did a superb job of getting cargo to and from the ship. He also said the Mendonca’s crew “played an important role – they assisted on the bridge and on the deckplates to ensure a successful outcome.” MSC pointed out that the value of JLOTS operations was quite evident during the international humanitarian response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. That nation’s port infrastructure was wrecked by the earthquake, but a number of SIU-crewed ships delivered aid cargo thanks in part to JLOTS capabilities. According to the agency, in less than one month, more than 1,000 20-foot containers of cargo and more than 170 military vehicles plus food, water, and fuel were delivered to Haiti to sustain the emergency responders and civilians on shore – all via JLOTS. August & September 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............Monday: August 2, * Tuesday: September 7 Algonac ......................................Friday: August 6, September 10 Baltimore.................................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Guam....................................Thursday: August 19, September 23 Honolulu ..................................Friday: August 13, September 17 Houston.....................................Monday: August 9, September 13 Jacksonville.............................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Joliet....................................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Mobile...............................Wednesday: August 11, September 15 New Orleans...............................Tuesday: August 10, September 14 New York...................................Tuesday: August 3, September 7 Norfolk....................................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Oakland ...............................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Philadelphia..........................Wednesday: August 4, September 8 Port Everglades ...................Thursday: August 12, September 16 San Juan ..................................Thursday: August 5, September 9 St. Louis ...................................Friday: August 13, September 17 Tacoma.....................................Friday: August 20, September 24 Wilmington.................................Monday: August 16, September 20 * Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. August 2010 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June 16, 2010 – July 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 16 0 5 18 4 13 54 24 2 11 25 60 17 23 6 0 6 34 2 27 347 8 1 9 7 2 5 29 21 2 9 10 21 18 16 4 12 9 22 6 15 226 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 7 13 2 7 16 19 2 7 8 23 6 9 4 2 3 18 1 11 159 5 1 5 7 2 1 13 12 1 4 4 15 12 7 3 4 5 14 2 14 131 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 11 4 9 21 15 1 8 5 28 8 17 2 3 3 15 2 29 184 3 0 2 4 1 2 6 11 1 4 3 5 10 2 1 2 1 6 3 4 71 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 2 1 0 7 7 1 0 1 2 6 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 5 44 13 2 3 5 2 6 23 26 3 4 2 37 13 12 1 10 1 17 0 10 190 GRAND TOTALS: 734 618 2 0 0 3 0 1 3 3 1 1 2 3 4 1 0 3 1 2 1 4 35 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 3 3 0 0 1 21 5 0 3 10 0 2 25 22 3 8 5 19 7 10 4 1 5 19 0 10 158 17 1 8 29 7 17 110 48 3 17 28 93 36 34 7 1 14 64 3 51 588 7 4 11 16 5 12 41 40 4 11 12 40 43 19 7 4 11 39 5 57 388 3 0 2 5 1 1 8 4 1 2 3 8 13 1 0 0 3 2 1 10 68 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 11 1 0 2 4 0 1 2 17 0 1 0 6 8 5 1 1 2 5 1 7 64 3 0 13 17 2 18 33 26 2 15 13 37 16 19 7 3 5 27 1 27 284 6 3 8 13 2 3 25 36 1 10 3 28 15 14 6 2 13 25 4 23 240 2 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 21 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 0 0 7 0 2 11 9 1 2 4 9 4 4 1 0 1 11 0 4 70 3 0 5 13 3 23 34 29 0 8 16 45 17 35 2 7 3 34 2 42 321 4 0 2 5 2 3 10 18 1 5 4 8 18 7 1 2 2 11 3 10 116 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 6 0 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 0 1 3 8 3 1 10 0 1 0 3 44 2 0 0 2 0 1 3 5 0 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 6 0 5 31 1 0 1 0 0 7 8 6 0 1 2 7 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 7 50 13 3 4 7 2 7 35 37 4 8 5 62 33 27 1 5 2 28 1 40 324 2 3 5 12 2 7 20 22 0 6 4 26 36 14 3 5 0 6 0 39 212 Deck Department 14 4 0 1 3 10 10 8 2 1 10 4 43 16 27 18 2 2 14 8 15 2 27 9 11 18 18 11 3 5 1 8 7 6 30 15 4 3 21 16 262 165 Engine Department 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 5 2 0 6 6 0 1 1 1 7 3 1 9 10 2 17 14 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 2 1 1 8 7 0 10 10 0 6 8 0 2 3 0 0 2 0 0 8 0 8 7 0 1 1 4 5 13 13 91 101 Steward Department 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 7 7 0 2 0 0 9 1 0 12 7 0 10 5 1 1 0 0 4 0 0 7 4 0 17 4 0 7 5 1 14 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 4 0 0 16 3 0 1 1 2 22 0 6 136 46 Entry Department 4 2 7 3 0 1 6 1 1 6 1 7 1 0 1 4 3 2 5 1 8 12 1 16 0 0 0 3 1 3 2 0 3 17 4 17 22 0 12 12 2 8 1 0 0 13 0 5 0 1 0 0 3 9 0 0 0 12 3 11 123 23 111 177 512 423 80 323 Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 1,243 1,068 Seafarers LOG 309 15 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 8:23 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 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 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 Inquiring Seafarer Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered in Algonac, Mich. What was one of your more memorable voyages? Darlene Weymouth 2nd Cook The first time I went through the St. Mary’s River, in upper Michigan, just before you get to the Soo Locks. I’ve been sailing for about 10 years now, and that was in my second year. I believe that was aboard the American Mariner. It’s very scenic. I enjoy it out there. Every day you can see something new. Jaber Jaber AB We got in an accident two years ago when I was aboard the American Republic. I was a little bit scared but it turned out all right. We got stuck in the ice for almost 12 hours. The ice was too thick for the Coast Guard to get to us, so the Galloway came to get us loose, but hit us. We had a hole but no one was hurt, neither ship took on water and there was no pollution. We had just fit out the boat and were going to Duluth. That’s the only time anything like that has happened to me. Ahmed Ali AB Last year, I was sailing on the Maersk Arkansas. I shipped out and worked on there for four months. The boat usually does a shuttle – we take containers and reefers to Kuwait, and we go to Saudi Arabia. We usually load at the Dubai port. One time, I was on the wheel and we passed by this island called the Persian Island, which belongs to Iran. In international waters, we’re supposed to stay six miles away, but the Iranian coast guard showed up and (falsely) claimed we had gotten too close. They came around with a few boats and they were driving them around us, telling us to stop. They were saying that we violated their water. It took about a half-hour – they were crossing our bow and aft, too. They had machine guns, one of which was uncovered, on their boats. Eventually they left but it was a little scary. Rick Fugit Bosun I’d say doing the APS (Africa Partnership Station, a U.S.-led, multinational mission boosting safety and security in West and Central Africa) Pic-From-The-Past last year on the Swift. It’s a pretty good gig – the ports, the people. In the summer of 2009, we took medical supplies 40 miles up the river in small boats. It took about two-and-a-half hours each way. The destination was Gabon, in Western Africa. It was cool dropping off the supplies and seeing that remote area. There are no roads up there, no anything. The people seemed happy that we were there. They needed just about everything, and what we could fit on the boats, went. Brandon Braam AB Recently I went to Diego Garcia aboard the Lawrence H. Gianella. It was my first time to that part of the world and my first time on an MSC ship, so there were a lot of new things to learn. It was also my first AB job. The more experienced crew members were extremely helpful, showing me the ropes both on the ship and ashore. The weather was nice. The crew worked very hard but also enjoyed their work, so morale was super high the whole time, which makes a world of difference. 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 Trainees from the SIU-affiliated Harry Lundeberg School wait for a maritime memorial service to start at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. This photo was taken on National Maritime Day (May 22) in 1972. 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 August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 8:54 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 ERNESTO ACOSTA Brother Ernesto Acosta, 67, became an SIU member in 1998 while in the port of New York. His first ship was the USNS Mt. Washington; his last, the USNS Roy M. Wheat. Brother Acosta upgraded in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The engine department member was born in the Philippines and now lives in Teaneck, N.J. EFRAIN ALVAREZ Keystone Shipping Service. Brother Ebanks was a member of the deck department. He makes his home in Marrero, La. JOE MARTIN Brother Joe Martin, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1965. His first trip was aboard the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Martin upgraded on two occasions at the unionaffiliated school. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Martin’s final voyage was on an American Overseas Marine vessel. He resides in Mobile, Ala. his native Florida. Jacksonville. Brother Smith upgraded on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He continues to live in GLEN STRICKLAND Brother Glen Strickland, 62, signed on with the union in 1968. His earliest trip was with Hvide Marine. Brother Strickland’s final ship was operated by Western Towing Company. He makes his home in Kirbyville, Texas. Brother Efrain Alvarez, 71, joined the union in 1979. He initially sailed on the Galloway. Brother Alvarez, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Puerto Rico. His final ship was the Horizon Trader. Brother Alvarez resides in Gurbo, P.R. Brother Joe Mora, 65, was born in Ecuador. He became a union member in 1991 while in the port of New York. Brother Mora initially worked aboard the USNS Chauvenet as a member of the steward department. He frequently enhanced his skills at the Piney Point school. Brother Mora’s last ship was the Maersk Iowa. He is a resident of Allentown, Pa. Brother Juan Trinidad, 56, began his SIU career in 1977 while in Puerto Rico. The New York-born mariner sailed mostly with Crowley Towing of Puerto Rico. In 1978 and 1981, Brother Trinidad took advantage of upgrading opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Toa Alta, P.R. OVIDIO CRESPO BENIGNO PADAOAN HORACE WOOD Brother Ovidio Crespo, 68, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1972. His first voyage was aboard the Warrior. Brother Crespo, who sailed in the steward department, attended classes on two occasions at the Piney Point school. The Puerto Rico native last sailed aboard the TSgt. John Chapman. Brother Crespo is a resident of Aguada, P.R. IRVIN CRUTCHLOW Brother Irvin Crutchlow, 56, donned the SIU colors in 1971 while in the port of Houston. He originally sailed aboard the Sea San Juan. Brother Crutchlow worked in the deck and engine departments. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Crutchlow most recently shipped on the Diligence. He calls Norfolk, Va., home. CARLOS EBANKS Brother Carlos Ebanks, 71, signed on with the union in 1995. In 1999, Brother Ebanks enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center in Maryland. He primarily sailed on vessels operated by August 2010 JOE MORA Brother Benigno Padaoan, 70, began sailing with the SIU in 1980. He was first employed on the President Harrison. Brother Padaoan sailed in all three departments during his career. In 1999 and 2000, he visited the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Padaoan’s final trip was aboard the PFC James Anderson. He was born in the Philippines but calls San Francisco home. INLAND GLENN RANSOM Brother Glenn Ransom, 63, started his career with the union in 1989. He originally sailed with H&M Lake Transport. Brother Ransom worked in the engine department. He was last employed with Ameristar Casino East Chicago. Brother Ransom settled in Sodus, Mich. JERRY SMITH Brother Jerry Smith, 58, joined the SIU in 1996. He mainly worked with Crowley Towing of JUAN TRINIDAD in Honduras. He joined the SIU in 1979 while in New Orleans. Brother Wood initially worked with Orgulf Transportation Company. The deck department member upgraded twice at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wood’s most recent trip was aboard the Dodge Island. He is a resident of Port St. Lucie, Fla. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION CAROL ALLEN Brother Carol Allen, 55, became an NMU member in 1979. He was born in Honduras and shipped in the steward department. Brother Allen’s last ship was the Kuwaiti. He calls Tamarac, Fla., home. RICHARD CARVALHO He most recently worked with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Carvalho continues to live in his native state of Massachusetts. DAVID JEANNERO Brother David Jeannero, 65, joined the NMU in 1994. The deck department member was born in Ohio. Brother Jeannero most recently shipped on the Mormac Sun. He resides in Costa Rica. EDWARD TRIPP Brother Edward Tripp, 64, was born in Doral, Fla. He began sailing with the union 1968. Brother Tripp visited the Paul Hall Center in 2004 to enhance his seafaring skills. His final trip was aboard the Keystone Texas. This Month In SIU History Brother Horace Wood, 56, was born Brother Richard Carvalho, 65, started sailing with the NMU in 1975. Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers Log. U.S. Customs officials made their first search of an Iron Curtain country vessel under the authority of the recently passed “Trojan Ship” measure which permits inspection of foreign flagged ships for atomic bombs and other weapons. The security check took place in Boston aboard a Finnish ship. Seafarers are urged to apply their own security measures aboard their ships in foreign ports. Vigilance should be maintained to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding or otherwise gaining access to their vessels. 1950 The maritime industry’s highest award for safety was presented to the SIU-crewed Steel Maker for the rescue of four seamen from the Spanish ship Monte Palomares. The Steel Maker was en route from Spain to New York when it received an SOS from the Monte Palomares, foundering in a North Atlantic storm 900 miles from Bermuda and immediately altered course to assist the sinking vessel. The Spanish ship had already gone down by the time the Steel Maker arrived but a red flare from a life raft was spotted and the Steel Maker maneuvered alongside. Three of the raft’s survivors were able to scramble up the ship’s cargo net to safety 1967 but a fourth was too injured to climb. An SIU member then tied a lifeline around his waist, swam to the raft and brought the injured man on board. The officers and SIU crew of the USNS Southern Cross were honored by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping for their “humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese refugees adrift in the South China Sea during late September 1981.” The Southern Cross, part of the SIU Government Service Division fleet operated by the Military Sealift Command Pacific, picked up 58 desperate “boat people” from a small 35foot boat on July 15, 1981 while en route from Subic Bay, Philippines, to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. At the time their actions were lauded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. There were 18 men, 13 women and 27 children on the boat. 1982 Three USNS Mercy mariners were praised by the commander of Military Sealift Command Pacific for rescuing two fishermen off the northern coast of California. SIU carpenter Robert McCumsey snared the two fishermen from a life raft of a capsized 42-foot craft to safety. McCumsey was assisted by the Mercy’s captain and chief mate in the five- to seven-foot seas with heavy fog and low visibility. McCumsey received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. 1992 Seafarers LOG 17 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:47 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA TERRELL ALSTON Brother Terrell Alston, 50, died March 13. He joined the union in 1995. Brother Alston was born in Charleston, S.C., and shipped in the engine department. During his SIU career he sailed aboard several vessels including the Diamond State and the Maersk Tennessee. Brother Alston continued to call Charleston home. JAMES BROCK Pensioner James Brock, 65, passed away March 24. Brother Brock became a Seafarer in 1967. He originally worked with Isthmian Lines Inc. as a member of the engine department. Brother Brock was born in Henderson, Tenn. His final voyage took place on the Maj. Stephen Pless. Brother Brock went on pension in 2002 and settled in Maynardville, Tenn. RAYMOND CONNOLLY Pensioner Raymond Connolly, 75, died March 4. Brother Connolly signed on with the union in 1966. His earliest trip was in the inland division aboard a vessel operated by Western Towing. Brother Connolly was born in Toledo, Ohio. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Connolly’s last voyage was on the Overseas Vivian. He retired in 2000 and lived in Highlands, Texas. RICHARD FEDDERN Pensioner Richard Feddern, 77, passed away March 19. Brother Feddern was born in Ohio. He started sailing with the SIU in 1962. His first ship was the Rocky Point. Brother Feddern sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1979, he shipped on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Feddern was a resident of San Pedro, Calif. WILLIAM ISBELL Pensioner William Isbell, 92, died March 10. Brother Isbell, a mem- 18 Seafarers LOG ber of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1946. His first trip was aboard the Rebel; his last was with Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Isbell was born in Bedias, Texas. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1982. Brother Isbell resided in Spencer, N.C. JOSEPH LACORTE Pensioner Joseph LaCorte, 88, passed away March 6. Brother LaCorte began his seafaring career in 1953. He mainly sailed in the engine department of vessels operated by CSX Lines. Brother LaCorte became a pensioner in 1992 and made his home in Seattle. ALTON MACKIN Pensioner Alton Mackin, 87, died Feb. 10. He joined the union in 1949 while in the port of New York. Brother Mackin initially worked with Sprogue Steamship Company. The steward department member was born in East Point, Ga. Brother Mackin most recently sailed aboard a Westchester Marine Corporation vessel. He called Douglasville, Ga., home. JOHN MANEN Pensioner John Manen, 92, passed away Dec. 17. He became a union member in 1947, first shipping on a Veritas Steamship Company vessel. Brother Manen was born in Crockett, Texas, and sailed in the engine department. His last trip was with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Manen lived in Poteau, Okla. RAFAEL MATOS Pensioner Rafael Matos, 87, died March 4. Brother Matos signed on with the SIU in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. His earliest trip was aboard the Antinous. Brother Matos, who sailed in the deck department, was a native of Puerto Rico. His final voyage was on the Pioneer. Brother Matos retired in 1984 and settled in Toms River Township, N.J. RALPH SMITH Pensioner Ralph Smith, 84, passed away March 12. Brother Smith was born in Bristol, Va. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951. Brother Smith originally worked aboard the Del Monte. The deck department member’s last trip was with Sealand. Brother Smith was a resident of Bristol, Tenn. He went on pension in 1984. ENRIQUE VELEZ Pensioner Enrique Velez, 68, died March 11. Brother Velez joined the union in 1977 while in the port of New York. He initially shipped with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Velez was born in Guayanilla, P.R. His final trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Crusader. Brother Velez, a member of the deck department, started collecting his retirement compensation in 2000. He continued to reside in Puerto Rico. INLAND ROBERT DOUGLAS Pensioner Robert Douglas, 67, passed away March 15. Brother Douglas began his seafaring profession in 1969 while in the port of Philadelphia. He primarily shipped aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transport Company. Brother Douglas was born in Chester, Pa. He went on pension in 2005. Brother Douglas called Buena Vista Township, N.J., home. CHARLES KELLUM Pensioner Charles Kellum, 87, died March 7. Brother Kellum became a union member in 1975. He was born in Camden, N.J. Brother Kellum mostly sailed with C.G. Willis Inc. He began receiving his pension in 1989. Brother Kellum made his home in Morehead City, N.C. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. DAVE ALLISON Pensioner Dave Allison, 80, passed away March 28. The Louisiana native went on pension in 1998. Brother Allison made his home in Chino Hills, Calif. GUILHERME BARROS Pensioner Guilherme Barros, 95, died March 20. Brother Barros was a native of Fall River Mass. He retired in 1978. Brother Barros lived in Fairhaven, Mass. JUAN CANTU Pensioner Juan Cantu, 85, passed away March 31. Brother Cantu was born in Texas. He became a pensioner in 1968 and resided in San Francisco. MAURICIO CAPRON Pensioner Mauricio Capron, 86, died March 31. Brother Capron, a native of the Philippines, went on pension in 1981. He continued to make his home in the Philippines. PRINCE COLEMAN Pensioner Prince Coleman, 88, passed away March 10. Brother Coleman was born in Virginia. He retired in 1984. Brother Coleman called Norfolk home. ABDULLA ELHAIDERI Pensioner Abdulla Elhaideri, 75, died March 20. Brother Elhaideri was born in Yemen. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2002 and settled in San Francisco. CALVIN KING Pensioner Calvin King, 83, passed away March 10. The North Carolina-born mariner became a pensioner in 1991. Brother King was a resident of Rocky Mount, N.C. JOSEPH LAFORET Pensioner Joseph Laforet, 83, died Feb. 3. Brother Laforet went on pension in 1992. He lived in Wildwood City, N.J. GUILERMO LIMA Pensioner Guilermo Lima, 83, passed away March 27. Brother Lima was born in El Salvador. He retired in 1987. Brother Lima called Houston home. JOSE LOPEZ Pensioner Jose Lopez, 87, died Feb. 19. Brother Lopez was a native of Ponce, P.R. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1967. Brother Lopez made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. GERMAN LUGO Pensioner German Lugo, 77, passed away Feb. 6. Brother Lugo, a native of Puerto Rico, became a pensioner in 2004. He settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. FRANCISCO MARRERO Pensioner Francisco Marrero, 82, died Feb. 17. Brother Marrero was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1994 and continued to reside in Puerto Rico. JAMES MCCAFFREY Pensioner James McCaffrey, 86, passed away Feb. 11. Born in Chicago, he retired in 1988. Brother McCaffrey was a resident of New York. HULBERT NURKETT Pensioner Hulbert Nurkett, 86, died March 26. Brother Nurkett was a native of St. Thomas, V.I. He began receiving his pension in 1995. Brother Nurkett lived in Orange City, N.J. EDUARDO ORTIZ Pensioner Eduardo Ortiz, 100, passed away March 22. Brother Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1976. Brother Ortiz made his home in New York. RAY OZEN Pensioner Ray Ozen, 84, died March 1. Brother Ozen, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, retired in 1976. He continued to call Port Arthur home. JACK PRESNO Pensioner Jack Presno, 83, passed away Jan. 26. Brother Presno was born in Cuba. He went on pension in 1992. Brother Presno made his home in New York. DONALD SKOW Pensioner Donald Skow, 86, died Feb. 26. Brother Skow was a New Jersey native. He became a pensioner in 1978. Brother Skow settled in Baltimore. GERARDO TORRES Pensioner Gerardo Torres, 82, passed away Feb. 2. Born in Houston, he retired in 1996. Brother Torres continued to reside in Texas. The following former members of the NMU have also passed away. Name Grant, William Age 86 DOD March 28 Hicks, Joann 73 March 19 Mayhew, Jared 78 March 30 Nemeth, Albert 87 March 10 King, David Mena, Willoughby Perez, Aurelio Rayner, John Rodrigues, Manuel 85 82 75 86 80 March 6 March 3 March 3 March 4 March 11 August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:47 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), June 20 – Chairman Anthony Sabatini, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Winfred Opare, Deck Delegate Dennis Caballero, Engine Delegate Detricke Kelly, Steward Delegate David Vaughn. Chairman announced that HDTV’s would be purchased. Crew members were congratulated for winning safety award. Chairman reported excellent performance and encouraged them to keep up the good work. Secretary talked about the implementation of new wellness program and stated company has allocated extra funds to purchase healthier foods. Educational director reminded mariners to take every opportunity to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. It was noted that weight room is finished so there are separate gyms for cardio and weightlifting workouts. Treasurer reported purchase of 65-inch high definition TV was the result of winning the company’s President’s Award. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for excellent food and smooth transition of wellness program. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Cherry Point, N.C. CHARLESTON EXPRESS (Crowley), June 13 – Chairman George Price, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director James Demouy, Deck Delegate Althalo Henton, Engine Delegate Charles Sneed. Chairmen urged members to keep union dues paid up and have or get cash at payoff. President’s report from Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. Secretary reminded Seafarers to make sure their respective beneficiary cards are up-to-date. Educational director talked about the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested communication from contract department pertaining to specific negotiations with company. Next ports: Charleston, S.C. and Houston. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), June 20 – Chairman Daniel Ticer, Secretary Donnell Lewis, Educational Director Nabil Ahmed, Engine Delegate Mbarek Nouhairi. Chairman announced payoff on June 24 upon arrival in Long Beach, Calif. Bosun discussed economic recession and the impact nationwide. Educational director urged everyone to make sure BST and related certificates are August 2010 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. Seafarers, Military Personnel Train on Crane Ships From July 6-20, SIU members from three ships – the Grand Canyon State, Gem State and Keystone State – trained with Naval Cargo Handling Battalion 3 in California. Chief Mate Alex Butler from the Keystone State, who submitted this photo, said the SIU crews did an outstanding job throughout the training. Among those pictured above are Rear Adm. Patricia Wolfe, Commodore Daniel R. Pionk, personnel from the battalion and deck department mariners Chief Mate Butler, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu, Bosun Mike Carvalho, Bosun John Young, AB Ritche Acuman, AB Greg Tojong, Chief Mate Kim Daug and Chief Mate Mark Jahn. kept current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested on what is considered a drill and what is considered an inspection. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), June 6 – Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Jennifer Jim, Educational Director Jeff Morris. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and reminded crew members to carefully check OT sheets and pre-payoff documents. Mariners were asked to separate plastic, batteries and light bulbs from regular trash. Secretary read communication concerning trip tour scenarios aboard PEX run vessels. Educational director urged crew to memorize their TWIC card code number since some ports require keying the code number before entering gates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were informed about maximum reimbursement for purchase of a TV (with receipt). Recommendation was made to increase base wages of all crew members during upcoming contract negotiations. Next ports: Oakland, Calif. and Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), June 13 – Chairman Daniel Seagle, Secretary Lincoln Pinn, Educational Director Mohamed Alsinai, Deck Delegate Harry Massa, Engine Delegate Willy Smith, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman stated payoff to take place on June 16 in Tacoma, Wash. He urged members to keep credentials in good order and support SPAD (Seafarers Political Action Donation). Crew was thanked for helping keep ship clean. Those departing vessel were asked to leave cabins clean for next mariner. Educational director encouraged seamen to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. He also reminded them to make sure their water survival papers were up-todate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), June 2 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Fidelis Oliveira, Educational Director Brian Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Dudley James, Steward Delegate Alaa Embaby. Bosun report- ed a successful voyage with no accidents. He thanked crew for working safely and having good attitudes. Educational director advised mariners to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center to enhance seafaring abilities. He asked mariners getting off this trip to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed purchasing a steam cleaner or hiring outside professionals to clean rugs. Request was made for more “greens” in the menu. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (OSG Ship Management), June 6 – Chairman Edward O’Connor Jr., Secretary Roger Griswold, Educational Director Patrick Carroll, Deck Delegate Hanapiah Ismail, Engine Delegate Benjamin Stanley, Steward Delegate William Young. Chairman reported satellite TV is coming and cell phone booster has been installed. He recommended members read the Seafarers LOG and stay current on information regarding BST. Discussion was held pertaining to OSG’s tour-of-duty policy. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to keep going to Piney Point to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made regarding pension requirements and benefits. It was reported that IT specialist would be coming to fix email. Volunteers requested to set up gym equipment. Next ports: Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Port Arthur, Texas and Houston. RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), June 20 – Chairman Thomas Flanagan, Secretary Ibrahim Elsayed, Educational Director Paul Titus, Deck Delegate Sheldon Privin, Engine Delegate Bernard Smalls, Steward Delegate Evelina Nobles. Chairman announced payoff scheduled to take place in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew members for a safe trip and for watching out for one another. Educational director urged members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. Treasurer stated $550 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion made to increase health and dental benefits. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Miami, Houston and Newark, N.J. Seafarers LOG 19 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:48 PM Page 20 Letter To The Editor ‘We Do Not Forget the USA’ The Battle of the Coral Sea’s 68th anniversary service took place May 10 at the Western Australia State War Memorial, Kings Park. I attended and laid a floral wreath (I make my own) in honor of the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II who gave their lives for their country. As in previous years, I was honored to represent Mr. A.J. Wichita, president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and Mr. Ian Allison, cochairman of the Just Compensation Committee. Both of these men do a wonderful job for those of us who are still around and kicking. More than 1,000 people attended the service, including many high-ranking individuals from the military and government. Governor of Western Australia Dr. Ken Michael was one of the wreath layers. U.S. Consul General Dr. Kenneth Chern (who read a message from 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. President Obama) also participated. So did Victor Lane, who is from Boston – a former U.S. Army member who is more than 100 years old. Another wreath layer was David Grace, president of the Australian American Association. Also in attendance were John Sheehan, U.S. Naval attaché to Australia; Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Russell Page; Royal Australian Navy Capt. Brett Dowsing, and many others. The Australian American Association – Western Australian Division has done a very good job for many years with this annual observance. We do not forget the United States of America for coming to our aid. Otherwise, we would be working in Japanese rice-paddy fields. The Battle of the Coral Sea was a turning point in World War II. Many thanks for sending the LOG for all these years. At 90 years old, I would like to say that the SIU’s membership should be proud; you have a good skipper at the helm to help guide you through any rough seas, and who won’t let you go to sea in old rust buckets. God Bless your staff, God Bless America and God Bless Australia – always loyal shipmates. John E. Helman Hamilton Hill, Western Australia 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 Helman constructs a wreath each year for the event in Western Australia. This is a close-up of the one he presented in May 2010 Know Your Rights John Helman (left) carries a wreath honoring the U.S. Merchant Marine. 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. (The writer sailed as a merchant mariner from the mid-1930s until the early 1980s, including voyages aboard Australian, U.S., British, Norwegian and Dutch ships) The city of Perth, Western Australia, is visible behind the Australian American Association banner at Kings Park, site of both the State War Memorial and a recent ceremony honoring mariners. 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. August 2010 �60472_LOG_X2:60472_LOG 7/23/2010 5:50 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. Title of Course Deck Department Upgrading Courses Start Date Able Seaman Date of Completion August 16 October 11 ARPA September 10 November 5 September 27 November 8 Bosun Recertification October 1 November 12 October 18 Fast Rescue Boat November 8 August 16 Lifeboatman August 20 September 27 Radar Observer (Unlimited) October 10 September 13 October 25 Radar Recertification (1 day) September 24 November 5 September 8 November 15 STOS September 8 November 15 August 23 October 18 Tanker Asst DL September 3 October 29 August 2 Tank PIC Barge DL Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting October 18 October 29 Medical Care Provider November 1 November 5 BST/Basic Firefighting August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 August 20 September 24 October 22 November 19 Steward Department 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 July 26. 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. August 13 September 27 October 10 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance November 15 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations FOWT December 10 September 13 November 8 October 8 December 3 October 25 December 17 August 16 October 11 Junior Engineer Marine Refrigeration Technician September 10 December 17 August 23 Machinist October 1 November 29 Pumpman December 17 October 4 Welding October 15 September 27 October 25 October 15 November 12 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ August 2010 Students who have registered for classes at the SIU-affiliated 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. 8/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:48 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 731 – Twelve unlicensed apprentices completed training in this 60-hour course April 30. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Joseph Gref, William Kane, Lucion Liles, Richard Lubunyz, Ryan Murphy, Meree Mused, Anthony Parks, Sonny Perez, Michael Reed, Kelsey Shaver, Rahjahn Sorey and Brett Van Pelt. Small Arms Training – Two upgraders completed their requirements in this course May 27. Graduating and receiving certificates were Rick James (second from left ) and James Hewey (second from right). Their instructors, Stan Beck and Robbie Springer, are at the far left and far right respectively. Medical Care Provider – Eight upgraders completed this 21-hour course June 18. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Sotero Berame Jr., Lou Cabano, Mark Ciciulla, Domingos Ferreira, Paula Gomez, Alonzo Griswell, Lon Maduro and Michael Voda. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at left. Welding – Six Seafarers enhanced their skills by completing this 103-hour course June 25. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Danilo Achacoso, Marcus Crumpton, Merlin Flores, Eddy Newman, Robert Ott and Antoine Rainey. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at right. Celestial Navigation – Eleven upgraders graduated from this 126-hour course June 10. Receiving certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Richard Barnes, David Blue, Jose Boza, Randy Brinza, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancock, John Howard, Timothy Huth, Robert Knowlton, Karl Mayhew and Robert Olsen. Basic & Advanced Firefighting – The upgraders pictured at right improved their skills by completing this 41-hour course June 11. Graduating (in alphabetical order) were: Emmanuel Adeoti, Sotero Berame Jr., Lou Cabano, Mark Ciculla, Domingos Ferreira, Jason Flesner, Paula Gomez, Alonzo Griswell, Corey Hann, Lon Maduro, Edward Majesky, Greg Tojong and Ivan Vargas. Their instructors, Mile Roberts and Wayne Johnson, are pictured at the far left and second from the left respectively. Medical Care Provider – Three individuals completed their requirements in this course April 23. Graduating and receiving their certificates were Andre Carriere, Earl Shakes and Jon Silveria. Class Instructor Mike Roberts is pictured at left. Tank Ship Familiarization - Twenty-two individuals completed their requirements in this 63-hour course June 11. Graduating and receiving certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Donald Ackerman, Ritchie Acuman, Kenneth Adams, Therman Ames III, Peter Bean, Joel Bell, Ion Boros, Edgar Castillo, Jeremie Coates, Kenneth Couture, Joshua German, Joseph Gonzalez, Sanjay Gupta, Cynthia Harris, Steven Haver, Gregory Howard, Carnell Middleton, Gustavo Osorio, Adrian Peterson, Lamer Pinckney, Frank Strong and Kwamena Watson. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at left. Students who have registered for classes at the SIU-affiliated 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. 22 Seafarers LOG August 2010 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:49 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW/BST – Twenty-four Seafarers completed this course May 28 at the union–affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ricardo Alonso, Rocel Alvarez, Fausto Aranda, Victor Arzu Martinez, Vladimir Babenko, Richard Balderson, Alan Bartley, Mike Bay, Victor Beata, Frank Bermudez, Ion Boros, George Borromeo, Robin Bourgeois, Larry Calixto, James Castillo, Clinton Cephas, Shawn Clark, Marcos Clotter, Donnie Collins, Kenneth Couture, Daniel Daligcon Sr., Rodney Davis, Martin Dagon and Abdullah Falah. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ECDIS (Crowley) – The individuals pictured above completed this course June 18. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were: Robert Albe, John Lavergne, Charles Mills, Shelby Rankin, Korron Richardson and Charles Tuck. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is at far left. STCW/BST – Twenty Seafarers finished this course May 28. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Donald Ackerman, Therman Ames, Adrian Peterson, Philemon Quitoriano, Luis Ramirez, Tomas Robinson, Glen Rogers, Michael Rueter, James Saunders, Noel Segovia, Joe Smoler, Trent Sterling, Frank Strong, Christopher Sykes, David Terry Jr., Victorino Viernes, Garry Walker, Kwamena Watson, Angelo Wilcox Sr., and Jermeka Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BST (Hawaii) – Eleven individuals on May 1 finished this course in Barbers Point, Hawaii. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Adriana Bafile, Evan Henderson, Mark Grimm, Michael McMahan, Brandon Erbe, Charles Gautier, Chad Davidson, Trina Stone, Phillip Reed, Phillip Cuffe and Rasim Jasiqi. August 2010 Water Survival (Pre-AB) – Nine upgraders completed this 60-hour course June 18. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Fidel Dipasupil, Sabbah Ghaleb, Khaled Hussein, Eric Johnson, Ernesto Martinez, Jose Martinez, Kenneth Moore, Ali Nabil and Rodulfo Nuno. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is standing at the far right. STCW/BST – Twenty-four Seafarers completed their requirements in this course May 28. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Gary Favalora, Vladimir Filip, Casimiro Garza Jr., Sabbah Ghaleb, Joseph Gonzalez, David Graves, Sanjay Gupta, Angel Hernandez, Bryan Iverson, Alvin Jackson, John Jasinski, Paul Johnson, Joseph Laine, Ilya Ledesma, Joaquin Martinez, Albert Mensah, Basil Messer, Carnell Middleton, Khalid Mohamed, Norman Obehi, Wilfredo Olaes, Gustavo Osorio, Juan Palacios and Argelio Perez-Borroto. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BST (Hawaii) – The above individuals comleted their requirements in this course May 8 at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were: William Kinnear, Benjamin Maddern, Jose Javier Vanegas, Pedro Rivera, Tamer Abdo, Traci Kasper, Kassidi Flinn and Kerry Barr. BST (Hawaii) – The fifteen individuals pictured above finished this course May 15. Graduating (in no particular order) were: Drew Sanders, Randy Bartolomeo, John Holder, Henry Spadoni IV, Karen WIngfeld, Nathan Splitter, Lindsay Cummings, Elizabeth Hensley, Krista Omelas, Diane Kelly, Michael Williams, Kenna Schoeler, Terrell Rodgers, Clyde Nunez and Ethan Policastro. Seafarers LOG 23 �60472_LOG:60472_LOG 7/22/2010 6:49 PM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 8 August 2010 CIVMARS Updates Page 6 A U.S. Army rough terrain cargo handler awaits transport to shore aboard Army or Navy watercraft from the roll-on/roll-off discharge facility attached to the SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca’s stern ramp June 18 off the coast of Virginia Beach, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by William Cook, Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic) F Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb (right), commander, U.S. Transportation Command, takes a look at the Mendonca’s wheelhouse. Also pictured are vessel master Capt. Michael Murphy (center) and Capt. Carl Pottey, AMSEA LMSR deputy program manager. Mendonca Hosts Dignitaries, Mobilizes for JLOTS rom early to mid-June, the SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca demonstrated its value and versatility as the 950-foot vessel took part in two noteworthy events supporting our military. Operated by Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA), the Mendonca on June 7-8 hosted part of the U.S. Transportation Command’s (TRANSCOM) quarterly Component Commander Conference in Maryland. The meeting featured TRANSCOM Commander Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb and, as the event’s name suggests, his three component commanders: Air Force Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., Air Mobility Command; Navy Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, Military Sealift Command (MSC); and Army Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. SIU steward department personnel prepared what one AMSEA official described as a “gourmet menu for a steel-beach picnic” aboard the ship, not just for the highest-ranking officers but also for the dozens of additional attendees. Later, deck and engine Seafarers showed their skills as the vessel displayed its roll-on/roll-off capabilities. A little more than a week later, the Mendonca served as the main cargo platform for a joint logistics over the shore (JLOTS) exercise off the coast of Virginia Beach, Va. During the operation, from June 16-20, the civilian-crewed ship played a key role as 550 military personnel honed their ability to transport materiel to shore from a cargo ship at sea, even when no functional port facilities exist. SIU members aboard the Mendonca during these events included Bosun William Howell, ABs William Markeson, Hector Ortiz, Samantha Ortiz, Anthony Smith, DeCarlo Harris and Philip Perry, OSs Ronald Spehek and Garland Hicks, QMEDs Gregory Carroll, Alshea Dixon, Adam Begleiter and Eric Mentzer, Wipers Scott Thompson and Rodolfo de la Cruz, Chief Steward David Wakeman, Chief Cook Nina McFall, Asst. Cook/Utility Robert Wright and SAs Cieara Rogers, Mathew Hays and Mauricio Fernandez. According to an article in the July 2010 edition of MSC’s newspaper, Sealift, the purpose of the Following the Component Commander Conference, military officers were dropped off near Baltimore’s Camden Yards baseball stadium by the Mendonca. Pictured (photo at right) on the field with Orioles outfielder Adam Jones (third from right) during a pregame ceremony are (from left) Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Air Force Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander, Air Mobility Command; Navy Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, Military Sealift Command; Army Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge, commander, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; and Army Sgt. Maj. Tomas R. Hawkins, senior enlisted leader, U.S. Transportation Command. Component Commander Conferences “is to discuss strategic issues facing TRANSCOM in the current and coming years.” This year’s meeting also focused on the contributions of civilian-crewed MSC ships in Operation Iraqi Freedom since 2003. MSC further reported that the conference routinely is hosted by TRANSCOM headquarters and the three components “on a rotating basis. The hosting component holds the conference at a location that showcases and demonstrates the assets and resources that the component contributes to the Defense Transportation System.” The June meeting coincided with the Mendonca’s activation. The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR) reached full operating status in four days, one day ahead of schedule. Sealift noted that in addition to conducting business, conference members found time to relax by attending a June 8 baseball game at Camden Yards between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. A pregame ceremony featured a special tribute to the nation’s defense transportation team. Leaders of TRANSCOM and the components were introduced on the field before the game, and a TRANSCOM video was shown on the Jumbotron, illustrating the defense transportation team’s missions. See ‘Union Crewed,’ Page 15 Chief Cook Nina McFall (left) and the rest of the galley gang teamed up in preparing a delicious “steel-beach picnic” for guests including AMSEA Port Steward Tony Curran (right), himself a former SIU steward-department member. � 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 August 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES OSG REACHES MORE NEW-BUILD MILESTONES WITH TANKER LAUNCH, ATB NAMING CEREMONY COALITION CITES INVALID CRITICISM OF JONES ACT OFFERS OF FOREIGN AID USUALLY CARRY ‘SERIOUS PRICE TAG’ NEW TANKER, T-AKE VESSEL DELIVERED SWIFT, COURAGE, ERICSSON CREWS PERFORM RESCUES IMO APPROVES NEW STCW AMENDMENTS AMO’S BETHEL, CROWLEY’S PENNELLA RECEIVE AOTOS AWARDS SENATE CONFIRMS MATSUDA AS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR SEAFARERS QUICKLY CREW UP THREE VESSELS SHBP PLANS TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO COMPLY WITH AFFORDABLE CARE ACT USS EMORY LAND SAILS FOR DIEGO GARCIA SIU VESSELS HELP MARK TECHNOLOGY MILESTONE NMC FINALIZING CERTIFICATE SUITABLE FOR FAMING STCW BASIC SAFETY TRAINING UNION-CREWED VESSEL ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR VIPS, PARTICIPATES IN MILITARY MANEUVERS MENDOCA HOSTS DIGNITARIES, MOBILIZES FOR JLOTS 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 08/01/2010 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. 8 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d1d1d61b81938deac73835ed050cb184.pdf 5fdf31792007b594f4d9da25a8915986 PDF Text Text Volume 72, Number 9 September 2010 Updates on New Tonnage: Tanker Makes 1st Voyage, State-of-the-Art ATB Christened, Heavy Lift Ship Reflags U.S. Three of the newest additions to the SIU-crewed fleet are pictured above and below. In mid-August, Crowley christened the new articulated tug-barge unit Innovation/650-9 in Pascagoula, Miss. SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (left in photo below left) is pictured with SIU crew members at the ceremony. Earlier, Seafarers climbed the gangway to the Ocean Crescent (below right), the newest heavy lift ship being operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine for Intermarine. Additionally, Seafarers are sailing aboard the new tanker Empire State (above), a vessel operated by Crowley for American Petroleum Tankers. Pages 3, 24. Obama Addresses Executive Council Says ‘Made in America’ Key to Economic Improvement President Barack Obama (left) spent part of his birthday speaking to the AFLCIO Executive Council – a group that includes SIU President Michael Sacco (right, greeting Obama at the Aug. 4 meeting in Washington, D.C.). Obama discussed numerous issues with federation leaders but primarily focused on the importance of creating and maintaining good jobs. He said the words “Made in America” will be “at the heart” of national economic recovery. Page 2. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) ITF Elects Heindel to Seafarers’ Section Post During the International Transport Workers’ Federation quadrennial Congress, conducted last month in Mexico City, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) unanimously was elected chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. He becomes only the second American to hold that post and the first since 2000. In other news from the meetings, the federation significantly updated its flag-of-convenience campaign policy. Pictured with Heindel at the Congress are American Maritime Officers President Tom Bethel (center) and outgoing ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair Brian Orrell. Page 4. Change of Command at NMC Page 6 USNS Wheat Donates to Military Fund Page 8 SIU History Book Available Page 13 �P re s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t Jobs and Politics In early August, I spoke to SIU members and apprentices during the monthly membership meeting at our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., and asked them what they thought were the union’s three biggest goals for this year. Someone answered “Jobs, jobs, jobs!” That response shows that Seafarers understand the union’s priorities. We can discuss details all day long, but without shipboard jobs, the particulars don’t mean anything. Maintaining good jobs and securing new ones lets us build on what we have earned over the years. Throughout our nearly 72-year history, we have secured good pay and benefits, safe working conditions, and the opportunity to select where to sail and on what ships to serve. It’s a unique lifestyle and one that many, many SIU members say has enabled them to provide well for their families. Brothers and sisters, that’s the union way and that’s what we have fought for, collectively, for decades. The flip side is that with good jobs, the details matter quite a bit. For instance, and as many Seafarers know, Michael Sacco laws like the Jones Act and initiatives such as cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program are the very foundations of the modern U.S. Merchant Marine. They are time-tested winners – programs that aid America’s national and economic security while helping maintain a viable U.S.-flag fleet and a manpower pool of well-trained, dependable U.S. mariners. So why does that matter to rank-and-file members? Look no further than the recent attacks on the Jones Act, which I’ve written about the last two months. It’s up to us and to the rest of the maritime community to elect politicians who’ll support our industry. As we know all too well, in addition to relying on programs like cargo preference and laws like the Jones Act, the U.S. Merchant Marine is heavily regulated. Our livelihoods depend not just on knowing how to do our jobs, but also on having a pro-maritime Congress and administration. And with that in mind, I urge all Seafarers and their families to make sure you’re registered to vote and to back pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates on Election Day. Having people in office who support maritime makes all the difference when it comes to our efforts to provide jobs and job security for SIU members. The same thing is true at the state and local levels of government. It is vital for us to support the candidates who support our issues and our line of work. By the way, depending on whether you’re reading this column online or in our printed newspaper, you may have noticed an article about President Obama’s meeting in early August with the AFL-CIO Executive Council. I am on that council, I was there for his remarks, and I had a chance to speak with him very briefly afterward. Everyone knows this is a tough time for elected officials, including the ones in the White House. But I believe President Obama and Vice President Biden are committed to America’s working families. Not only that, they are both very supportive of the labor movement. They believe in unions and they aren’t afraid to say so. That doesn’t mean we’ll get everything we want, but it does mean we’ll have a seat at the table with this administration. It means our voices will be heard, and that’s really all we can ask. At the same time, our unofficial motto when it comes to grassroots activities hasn’t changed. We support those who support maritime, regardless of political party. That’s our bottom line. As we look toward November 2 and toward future elections, we should also keep in mind the enormous amount of money that goes into the campaigns. Money is a big part of the equation, and candidates aren’t shy about asking for contributions. That’s just the way it is. Unions like ours have to decide which candidates to support, whether it’s financially or through some combination of grassroots activities like leafleting and precinct walks and phone banks. That doesn’t mean we can buy our way to success, but the way things are nowadays, if you don’t participate, good luck getting in the door once the elections are over. Please keep that in mind when you’re deciding whether to contribute to the SIU’s voluntary fund, the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD). I certainly realize these are tough economic times, but SPAD helps us deliver your message on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. Volume 72, Number 9 September 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. President Obama addresses the AFL-CIO Executive Council on Aug. 4 in Washington, D.C. Pictured from left to right are AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, President Obama and AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) President Obama Says ‘Made in America’ Essential for Strong Economic Recovery President Barack Obama on Aug. 4 addressed the AFL-CIO Executive Council in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized his administration’s support for America’s working families. SIU President Michael Sacco, a member of the council, was in attendance for President Obama’s address, which took place on the commander-inchief’s birthday. The president covered a wide range of subjects important to all workers, but he devoted a sizeable portion of the approximately half-hour speech to creating and keeping good jobs in the United States. He emphasized the need to enact and enforce pro-worker trade laws and to rebuild America’s manufacturing base. “The message I want to deliver to our competitors – and to those in Washington who’ve tried to block our progress at every step of the way – is that we are going to rebuild this economy stronger than before, and at the heart of it are going to be three powerful words: Made in America,” Obama told the council. After describing how the nation has lost millions of the manufacturing jobs which used to be “the ticket to a better life for the American worker,” the president noted the devastating effects of those losses – from the often-heartbreaking impact on individual families to the broader economic blow felt by the nation as a whole. “But I’m here to tell you, we are not giving up and we are not giving in,” Obama continued. “We are going to keep fighting for an economy that works for everybody, not just for a privileged few. We want an economy that rewards, once again, people who work hard and fulfill their responsibilities, not just people who game the system. And that’s been at the heart of the economic plan that we put in place over the past year and a half.” He then thanked the federation “for all you’ve done to fight for jobs, to fight for tax cuts for the middle class, to fight for reforms that will rein in the special interests, and to fight for policies that aren’t just going to rebuild this economy but are actually going to put us on a long-term path of sustainable growth that is good for all Americans.” The president cited a number of pro-worker measures enacted by his administration, including Wall Street reform, the Fair Pay Act, health care reform, and the reversal of several executive orders that had harmed workers. He also vowed, “We are going to keep on fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act” (a law designed to help restore fairness in union representation elections by protecting workers’ rights). After concluding his formal remarks, Obama answered a question posed by AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, who asked, “What advice do you have for workers as the election approaches, particularly for workers who are trying to organize to have a voice on the job?” In part, Obama answered, “It is my profound belief that companies are stronger when their workers are getting paid well and have decent benefits and are treated with dignity and respect. It is my profound belief that our government works best when it’s not being run on behalf of special interests, but it’s being run on behalf of the public interest, and that the dedication of public servants reflects that. So FDR I think said – he was asked once what he thought about unions. He said, ‘If I was a worker in a factory and I wanted to improve my life, I would join a union.’ I think that’s true for workers generally. I think if I was a coal miner, I’d want a union representing me to make sure that I was safe and you did not have some of the tragedies that we’ve been seeing in the coal industry. If I was a teacher, I’d want a union to make sure that the teachers’ perspective was represented as we think about shaping an education system for our future.” Pointing to Election Day 2010, Obama acknowledged the frustrations of many workers concerning the economy, but added, “They need to know that we’re going to be working with you to make sure that we’re putting ourselves in a position where folks are working and working for a good wage and good benefits…. This election is a choice. You’ve got these folks who drove America’s economy into a ditch, and for the last 20 months, we put on our boots and we got into the mud and we’ve been shoving that car out of the ditch inch by inch, and they’ve been standing on the side the whole time watching, telling us, no, you’re not pushing hard enough, you’re not doing it the right way – not lifting a finger to help. And now we’ve finally got that car up on the blacktop there, about to drive, and they say they want the keys back. Well, you can’t have the keys, because you don’t know how to drive.” He concluded, “My bottom line is this: I’m going to continue to work with all of you on behalf of working families around the country, and I’m going to continue to reach out to businesses to try to make the argument that what’s good for workers is going to be good for business. They’re your customers as well as your workers…. But we’re not going to be able to do it when we’re pitted against each other. And I’m actually confident that once we get through some of the political posturing and shenanigans that we’ve been seeing over the last several years, people are going to step back and say, you know what, the lesson we needed to learn out of hardship is, we’re all in this thing together. We are all in this thing together. That’s what the union movement’s always been about. We’re stronger together than we are on our own. That is true within individual unions. That is true within industries. That is true for the country as a whole. And I hope that I will be your partner in trying to bring about that unity of purpose in the years to come.” See related article on AFL-CIO Executive Council actions on Page 10. 2 Seafarers LOG September 2010 �Intermarine adds Heavy Lift Ship Ocean Crescent Seafarers are sailing aboard the latest addition to the Intermarine LLC fleet: the 393-foot heavy lift vessel Ocean Crescent. Operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine for Intermarine, the Ocean Crescent – built in 2002 – is the sister ship to the Seafarers-crewed Ocean Atlas, Ocean Titan and Ocean Charger. The latter three vessels were built in 2000. All four ships are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). “The Ocean Crescent is an outright addition to the SIU-contracted fleet, so this is a very exciting development,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “Any time new tonnage is brought in under the American flag and under SIU contract, it’s also a great reflection on the work performed by Seafarers.” The Ocean Crescent, which can sail at 16.5 knots, is expected to sail internationally, moving commercial as well as military and other government-impelled cargoes. The ship is equipped with two electro-hydraulic cranes and can hold more than 500 containers. Todd Johnson, president and CEO of PacificGulf Marine, said that flagging in the Ocean Crescent “reflects the continued solid commitment of Intermarine. As with the previously reflagged ships, PGM once again is happy to be a part of the Ocean Crescent operation. Hopefully it will lead to additional growth in the U.S.-flag fleet.” The Ocean Atlas first sailed under the Stars and Stripes in early 2002, while the Ocean Titan reflagged in mid-2005. The Ocean Charger entered the U.S.-flag fleet in mid-2009. Both the MSP and VISA programs are key components of America’s sealift capability. U.S. military leaders consistently describe the MSP as a vital, efficient, cost-effective program. In addition to offering access to militarily useful U.S.-flag tonnage and other American-owned maritime resources, the program also helps maintain a pool of reliable, well-trained, loyal U.S. citizen seafarers. Additionally, the MSP costs only a small fraction of what the government would have to spend in order to replicate its capabilities. At various times, military officers and legislators have estimated that it would require more than $800 million each year from the Defense Department to provide similar sealift and related system capacity on its own. Pictured in front of the new ship during a late-July stop in Houston are (from left) Electrician David Brewster, AB Edgar Elegino, Chief Steward Obencio Espinoza, ACU Paula Hopson, AB Melvin Hill, SIU Houston Safety Director Brian Kinard and GUDE Nicholas McAbier. Joan Pennella (above), wife of Crowley Vice Chairman and Exec. VP Bill Pennella, christens the tug. The tugboat Innovation (right) is part of Crowley’s newest SIU-crewed ATB. Crowley Christens ATB Innovation/650-9 Company Earns Recognition For Environmental Efforts Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation on Aug. 10 christened the ninth in a series of 10 new 185,000barrel articulated tug-barge units (ATBs) at the VT Halter Marine shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. According to the company, the tug Innovation and barge 650-9 will be chartered to Chevron, to safely transport petroleum products throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Less than one week earlier, Crowley announced that it had received an environmental award for its efforts to significantly reduce carbon emissions at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach, Calif. Crowley was rec- SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (left) and SIU Capt. Buddy Davis were on hand for the ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss. September 2010 ognized in late July during the third annual San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan luncheon in Long Beach. “Both the christening of the new ATB and the earning of the environmental award are worth celebrating,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Crowley is committed to the American-flag fleet and to protecting the environment while creating and maintaining good jobs. The SIU shares those commitments.” At the ATB christening, SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (based in Mobile, Ala.) represented the union. During the morning ceremony, Joan Pennella, wife of Crowley Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Bill Pennella, christened the 10,728-horsepower tug Innovation; while Lynn Brewer, wife of Burl Brewer, Chevron operations scheduler, christened the barge 650-9. Crowley already has eight 650-Class ATBs capable of carrying 180,000 barrels apiece and four 550-Class ATBs which can carry 148,000 barrels. These units are Jones Actqualified, having been built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens and crewed by U.S. citizen mariners. Three larger Jones Act-qualified ATBs known as the 750-Class, which will each have a 330,000-barrel capacity, are under construction and are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2012. “Crowley is committed to providing safe and reliable petroleum transportation in Jones Act trades,” said Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum transportation. “Since 2002, we have introduced 13 new U.S.-built ATB vessels to meet customer needs, which equates to over two million barrels of capacity.” According to the company, the new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. 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. There is an electric pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexi- bility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There is also 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. Concerning the safety award, Crowley pointed out that representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles and other government agencies reviewed all nominations before choosing Crowley for its “Significant Early Action to Reduce Emissions Award.” Crowley’s Bill Metcalf, director of engineering, accepted the award on the company’s behalf. In the awards letter sent to Crowley by Christopher Patton, acting deputy director of environmental management at the Port of Los Angeles, and Richard Cameron, director of environmental planning at the Port of Long Beach, the company was congratulated for its “significant early action to reduce air pollutant emissions,” specifically for the company’s proactive initiative to conduct an extensive engine re-powering of its Harbor Class tugs that provide ship assist and tanker escort services in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The SIU-crewed Crowley tugs Admiral, Leader, Scout and Master were reintroduced to the fleet earlier this year following the installation of Tier II compliant engines. The project was partially funded by the Port of Los Angeles Air Quality Mitigation Incentive Program. All vessel operators in the area are required to upgrade their engines to be Tier II emissions compliant by 2013. In another environmental initiative known as cold ironing, SIU-crewed Crowley tugboats in Los Angeles and Long Beach last year began using newly installed shoreside electrical power when not on the job to cut fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Previously, tugs tied up at the dock needed to run their generators to provide electrical power. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU’s Heindel Elected ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair Federation Revamps Runaway-Flag Policy; Crumlin Elected President SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel unanimously was elected chair of the Seafarers’ Section at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers Conference during the group’s gathering on Aug. 6, which was part of the ITF’s quadrennial Congress (convention) in Mexico City. Heindel becomes the first American to hold the position since the late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, who was the first American to ever serve as chair. Fay served from 1995 to 2000. Heindel will oversee the efforts of the most powerful and progressive section within the ITF, dealing with such subjects as the flag-ofconvenience (FOC) campaign, piracy, the safety of mariners, and many others. He told the body, representing maritime unions from around the world, that he was honored to head the Seafarers’ Section. He said he looks forward to continuing on the work already underway as well as to facing upcoming challenges. Among those challenges is the ongoing problem with piracy. An SIU-initiated motion condemning piracy and its impact on mariners passed during the Seafarers Conference and later was approved by the whole ITF convention. The motion states a belief “that more needs to be done to protect the world’s seafarers carrying out their duties serving on merchant ships.” It points out the trauma being inflicted not just on the mariners but also upon their families. The statement “calls upon governments and the United Nations to take further steps to protect mariners and their vessels operating in these dangerous waters and to provide direct support to hasten the release of the numerous ships and their crews currently held.” Additionally, the resolution “calls upon the ITF to coordinate with their international partners, both in labor and the commercial sector, to bring a strong and clear message to governments that more must be done.” Throughout the Congress, which was attended by more than 1,500 people, delegates signed the ITF-sponsored petition calling for such strong action by governments of the world to combat piracy. (SIU members who haven’t signed the petition are encouraged to do so by visiting www.endpiracypetition.org before Sept. 23.) The Seafarers Conference and Joint Seafarers and Dockers Conference also adopted a revised FOC campaign to target flag-ofconvenience vessels, also known as runawayflag vessels. Here again, the revisions later were ratified by the entire Congress. During its longstanding battle against runaway flags through the use of port inspectors, dockers and other international union officials, the ITF also collectively bargains with many FOC shipowners directly through the International Bargaining Forum. Already, the ITF has around 9,000 runaway-flag vessels under contract, up from 2,000 earlier in the decade. “The FOC campaign is the linchpin to our success and is as important today as it was 62 years ago,” Heindel noted. “Even though we advocate the abolition of the FOC system, we must recognize that there are many responsible shipowners operating FOCs that are willing to negotiate a decent agreement. We must embrace, support and develop the model. The IBF agreement is not just a framework agreement, it is truly a collectively bargained agreement – the only one of its kind in the world!” Heindel also said that while the FOC campaign and IBF have proven successful, many mariners continue to suffer unsafe working conditions with little to no pay. He vowed the ITF will continue its fight to assist all of the world’s mariners to improve working and safety standards for all who ply the world’s seas. The federation pointed out that this is the first “major update” to the FOC policy since 1998. Known as the Mexico City Policy, it aims to “create a better balance between unions in beneficial ownership and labor-supply countries in order to provide improvements in the protection for seafarers,” according to the federation. ITF Maritime Coordinator Steve Cotton 4 Seafarers LOG SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel becomes only the second American to chair the ITF Seafarers’ Section. The first was John Fay, late SIU executive VP. Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, is the newly elected president of the ITF. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft tells attendees, “There’s never been a bigger or more successful ITF Congress.” Representing SIUNA-affiliated unions during the meetings are (from left) ITF Coordinator East Coast Rick Esopa, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, AMO President Tom Bethel, AMO VP Government Relations Michael Murphy and SIU Rep Tracey Mayhew. said the new policy would continue to establish closer relationships between mariners and dockers and their unions, and develop methods that can be used to advance their interests. He added, “The Mexico City Policy begins to address longstanding concerns about nondomiciled seafarers. It includes an understanding that the ITF’s engagement with national flag vessels is in partnership and in consultation with unions in those countries and reflects their concerns about protecting their own members.” In other news from the ITF Congress, attendees called for the promotion of existing cabotage laws (like the Jones Act) in those nations who have them while promoting such laws in other nations as a means to protect mariners in their own countries. Also, SIU Anchorage Port Agent Tracey Mayhew was elected to serve as ITF Fisheries Section Women’s Representative. This section oversees the efforts of those who work at sea and ashore within the fishing industry. Along with Heindel and Mayhew, others serving as SIU delegates to the ITF convention were Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, ITF East Coast Coordinator Rick Esopa and Representative Daniel Duncan. Representing SIUNA-affiliated unions in Mexico City were American Maritime Officers President Thomas Bethel and Vice President Government Relations Michael Murphy as well as SIU of Canada President Michel Desjardins and Executive Vice President Jim Given. On the last day of the convention, Paddy Crumlin, head of the Maritime Union of Australia, was elected ITF president. He is the twenty-second person to take on the post and the first Australian to do so. “I’m excited to be able to take on this new role and play my part in moving the work of the ITF, its hundreds of affiliated unions and their millions of members forward through the implementation of a comprehensive organizing program focused on trade union regeneration and revitalization,” Crumlin stated. Headquartered in London, the ITF has approximately 760 affiliated unions, including the SIU. Collectively, those unions represent more than 4.6 million members. SIU of Canada President Michel Desjardins (right) and Executive VP Jim Given represent their union during the ITF Congress. Pictured from left are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section; Yoji Fujisawa, 1st vice chair and president of the All Japan Seamen’s Union; and Tomas Abrahamsson, vice president of the Swedish Union for Service and Communications Employees (SEKO). September 2010 �U.S. Reps. Sanchez, Taylor Speak Out for Jones Act Pro-maritime U.S. Reps. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) recently spoke out in support of the Jones Act, a law that protects America’s national and economic security. Sanchez on July 22 made a statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the Jones Act, and also posted related content on her official web site. She serves on the House Ways and Means Committee as well as the Judiciary Committee. On the later body, she chairs the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law. Two days before the floor statement by Sanchez, Taylor sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to fellow members of the House, in which he comprehensively reminded them about the Jones Act’s importance. Taylor is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces. He is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he serves on the Water Resources and Environment, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, and Highways and Transit Subcommittees. The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between U.S. domestic ports be carried on vessels that are crewed, flagged, built and owned American. Normally farremoved from any headlines outside the maritime industry, the Jones Act earlier this year became the subject of mainstream media coverage as critics falsely claimed that the law was impeding cleanup operations after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The recent comments by Reps. Sanchez and Taylor continued a strong response from the domestic maritime industry and its backers who set the record straight. They and other legislators as well as administration officials, maritime unions, Americanflag ship operating companies and industry coalitions have pointed out not only the fact the Jones Act doesn’t apply in the cleanup area in the Gulf but also that the law is crucial to the U.S. economy and its defense capabilities. On the House floor, Sanchez said that the Jones Act is needed because it “prevents our economy from being dominated by foreign interests, who don’t pay American taxes, hire American workers, or even follow American health, safety, and environmental laws.” Addressing bogus claims that the Jones Act is an impediment to cleanup efforts in the Gulf, she stated, “Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no evidence that the Jones Act has interfered with the cleanup in any way. We are in a recession. It’s time to work together to expand American manufacturing and create jobs, not play partisan games.” Sanchez urged her colleagues to stop posturing and start supporting American families by supporting the Jones Act. In his letter, Taylor explained the intricacies of the Jones Act and clearly demonstrated that the law wasn’t an issue in the cleanup. In fact, as he and others have pointed out, foreign-flag vessels have assisted in the operation since its earliest stages. “While some may want to criticize the response to the oil spill for a variety of reasons, anyone claiming that the Jones Act, the U.S. maritime industry, or U.S. maritime labor has impeded or prevented the use of foreign skimmers or other foreign vessels needed to clean up the spill is clearly wrong,” Taylor wrote. He then listed several key reasons why the Jones Act is good policy: “The U.S. Merchant Marine, of which the Jones Act fleet is a vital part, is recognized as ‘The Fourth Arm of National Defense.’ A strong merchant marine and Jones Act fleet ensure the United States 1) has worldclass vessels to meet sealift needs; 2) has expert and experienced seafarers to man the U.S. government’s organic surge sealift ships in times of national emergency; 3) has a modern shipyard industrial base that is critical to the nation’s military and economic security; and 4) makes intermodal transportation systems available for defense use through the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA)…. Many other countries maintain some form of maritime cabotage laws. The outdated studies quoted by Jones Act opponents as justifications for repeal were long ago refuted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. U.S. maritime cabotage laws help sustain more than 500,000 American jobs (both union and non-union), many of which are in the Gulf, and $1 billion in economic activity annually, including shipbuilding and repair, vessel operations, and supporting activities. The current and previous four Presidents of the United States have all spoken in favor of maintaining the Jones Act, as have a number of military leaders…. The Jones Act is not the problem; the oil spill is the problem. Let’s focus on fixing that.” Rep. Cummings Calls Late Senator Stevens Was Strong For Expanded U.S. Fleet Supporter of U.S. Merchant Marine Hearing Examines U.S. Merchant Fleet in Foreign Commerce Between the global recession and the growing American trade deficit, there has been renewed attention paid to shipping on U.S.-flag vessels. Earlier in the year, President Obama set an economic goal for the U.S. to double its foreign exports; he has called on a panel of experts to advise how to best achieve that goal in what he calls the National Export Initiative. Part of that process has included congressional testimony by representatives from a number of shipping companies and maritime organizations such as the SIU. As part of this endeavor, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, conducted a hearing with industry representatives who testified about the condition of American shipping in foreign trade. The hearing was titled “The State of the United States Merchant Fleet in Foreign Commerce.” SIU Political Director Terry Turner was part of the panel representing maritime labor. Cummings started the hearing by backing the president’s initiative and called for an expanded U.S. fleet. He further stated that there is not enough U.S. cargo being carried by U.S.-flag ships and that the decline is “both a security and economic risk.” Cummings explained that the U.S.-flag fleet has been carrying a dwindling portion of foreign trade, a development that “has serious implications both for our merchant marine and our nation’s economy.” In a joint statement submitted by the SIU, American Maritime Officers (AMO), Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P), and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), the unions stated, “In war, merchant seamen have long served with valor and distinction by carrying critical supplies and equipment to our troops in faraway lands. In peacetime, the merchant marine has another vital role – contributing to our economic security by linking us to trading partners around the world and providing the foundation for our ocean commerce.” The unions pointed out that today U.S.-flag vessels and their U.S. citizen crews are on the front lines in our nation’s war against terror. “American vessels and crews carry the supplies September 2010 and equipment our troops need, whenever and wherever it is needed. Simply put, the continued availability and utilization of U.S.-flag vessels and United States citizen crews provide the best way for our nation to support our troops – to do otherwise is to put the security of our forces overseas in the hands of foreign flag vessels and foreign crews.” Regarding the peacetime economy, the unions stated, “Without a stronger, larger, and more competitive U.S.-flag shipping capability the United States may find itself – and our national economy – at great risk as we become even more dependent on foreign-flag shipping operations for the carriage of our export–import trade. If Congress and the administration do not take steps to attract and retain more vessels for the U.S.-flag, producers and shippers of U.S. commodities can find themselves hostage to foreign shipping interests who can easily dictate the terms and conditions that must be met before they are willing to carry America’s commerce. “We believe therefore that it is important that our nation has the United States-flag commercial vessels and the trained and loyal United States citizen crews needed to support our troops, to protect and enhance America’s economic interests at home and abroad, and to strengthen United States defense operations around the world.” The unions call on Congress to pass and support a 10-year extension and funding for the Maritime Security Program, as recommended by the House Armed Services Committee, and to resist calls for the repeal of cargo preference laws and the Jones Act. Joining the call for full MSP funding and observance of cargo preference laws was Michael Dumas, vice president and chief financial officer of SIUcontracted Intermarine LLC. He called on Congress to “provide full MSP funding and for other maritime and export programs to nurture and promote U.S.-flag shipping.” Also testifying about the importance of U.S.-flag carriers was Philip Shapiro, president and CEO of Seafarers-contracted Liberty Maritime U.S. Merchant Marine supporter and former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens died in an airplane crash in his home state on Aug. 9. Stevens, who was 86, served 39 years in the Senate and was chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. During his tenure, Stevens was a noted advocate of U.S. cabotage laws and other measures vital to the American maritime industry. A decorated military veteran, he was outspoken in his backing of American maritime labor, including specifically the SIU. After news of Stevens’ death hit Capitol Hill, many members of The late Sen. Ted Stevens was a friend of the SIU and avid Congress stood on their respective supporter of U.S. maritime. These photos show Stevens in chamber floors eulogizing him. On 1971 (left) and much more recently. the floor of the Senate, fellow Jones Act supporter Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) likened the loss of Stevens to los- the Gulf of Mexico, Stevens lauded U.S. mariners and U.S.-flag shipping companies for ing a brother. From the White House, President Obama their relief and rescue efforts. During an award said of Stevens’ passing, “He devoted his career ceremony at the Washington, D.C., chapter of to serving the people of Alaska and fighting for the Propeller Club, Stevens said of merchant our men and women in uniform. Michelle and I mariners, “I think this industry of yours is the extend our condolences to the entire Stevens best part of the maritime industry in the world. family and to the families of those who We can keep that going if we maintain the relaperished alongside Senator Stevens in this tionship between labor and management that I’ve known in this association since I first terrible accident.” A champion for the successful campaign for appeared before the Propeller Club.” Stevens was such a strong supporter of U.S. Alaska statehood, Stevens was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on November 18, 1923. He maritime, the SIU endorsed his re-election bid graduated from UCLA in 1947. From 1943-46, in 2008. Additionally, members of the Propeller he served in the United States Army Air Corps Club thought so highly of his maritime support that the club presented Stevens with its coveted in World War II in China. In 1950 he graduated from Harvard Law Salute to Congress Award in 2001. In a message to the SIU in 1971, Stevens School and was admitted to the bar in California in 1950, to the District of Columbia said, “I have the utmost respect and admiration bar in 1951, and to the Alaska bar in 1957. He for the Seafarers International Union for the job practiced law in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1953 and it has done ... and is continuing to do ... in the was legislative counsel, Department of Interior, campaign to rebuild the American merchant marine.” Washington, D.C. in 1956. He continued, “I have particular respect to Stevens went on to work as assistant to the Secretary of the Interior in 1958 and then as the SIU for its interest and concern over the chief counsel at Department of the Interior in problems of my State of Alaska ... not only 1960. He returned to Anchorage, Alaska, in Alaska’s maritime problems ... but the prob1961 and practiced law and was elected to State lems of the total development of Alaska’s ecohouse of representatives in 1964. He was re- nomic potential. My office and the SIU have elected in 1966, serving as speaker pro tempore worked closely together in the effort to develop and majority leader. He was appointed in the multi-billion-dollar oil reserves that have December 1968 as a Republican to the United been discovered beneath the North Slope. That States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the oil would be the best guarantee of job opportudeath of E.L. Bartlett, and was subsequently nities for American Seafarers ... because the oil elected in a special election on November 3, would then have to move exclusively aboard 1970, to complete the unexpired term ending American-flag tankers. We all have a stake in January 3, 1973. Stevens was re-elected in this issue and I am delighted to have the full force of the Seafarers International Union 1972, 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2002. Shortly after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in arrayed on our side in this battle.” Continued on Page 7 Seafarers LOG 5 �Capt. Anthony Lloyd Takes NMC Helm Capt. Anthony S. Lloyd became the new commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center in Martinsburg, W.Va, during a change of command ceremony conducted July 21. He replaced Capt. David Stalfort, who had served as commander since June 11, 2007. RAdm. Brian Salerno, director of Prevention Policy, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) presided at the change of command ceremony. Other military officers who took part in the official activities included: Cmdr. Daniel McKay, U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps and RAdm. Kevin S. Cook. Representing the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at the event were Don Nolan, vice president; J.C. Wiegman, director of training; Dale Rausch, director, academic education department; Priscilla Labanowski, director of admissions; and Michael Mason, deck department instructor. They were joined by John Mason, CEO, American Service Technology, Inc. Lloyd came to the NMC after serving three years as the program manager for incident planning and preparedness policy at Headquarters, U.S. Coast Guard. In that capacity, the captain’s responsibilities included serving as the vice chair of the National Response Team as well as chair of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research. Additionally, Lloyd sat on a host of boards for oil spill preparedness activities prior to assuming his current command. Included were the International Oil Spill Conference Committee, the Spill Control Association of America and the API Spills Advisory Group. The captain also supervised a 70-person staff which now includes programmatic oversight for the National Strike Fore and the National Response Center. “The responsibility of command is always a challenge,” said Lloyd during his remarks shortly after assuming command. “But it’s always a great opportunity—as I see it—to support the individuals that have a critical job for our nation’s maritime system.” Prior to serving as commander of the NMC, Captain Stalfort was assigned as the chief of the Office of Performance Management for the Assistant Commandant for Operations, USCG. In this capacity, he directed the performance planning activities for national programs including port, vessel and facility safety and security, and waterways management including navigations systems, aids to navigation, bridge administration and marine transportation systems. The NMC’s self-described mission is Capt. Anthony S. Lloyd New Commander, USCG NMC Capt. David C. Stalfort Former Commander, USCG NMC to issue merchant credentials to fully qualified mariners in the most effective and efficient manner possible in order to assure a safe, secure, economically efficient and environmentally sound marine transportation system. The agency annually issues more than 72,000 mariner credentials, approves some 2,100 training courses and audits an estimated 260 training organizations. As part of the credentialing process, the NMC conducts evaluations of applications to ensure mariners are qualified to hold credentials. It also administers professional exams to mariners as an assessment of mariners’ knowledge. Agency Marks 220 Years of Service The U.S. Coast Guard recently celebrated what it described as “220 years of service to America,” observing its anniversary Aug. 4. “From its genesis as the Revenue Marine, the Coast Guard has evolved to become the world’s premier multi-mission, maritime service, conducting operations around the globe,” the agency said in a news release. “Coast Guardsmen are agile, adaptable and multi-missioned,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. “Born as revenue cuttermen, lighthouse keepers, steamboat inspectors and surfmen, we have expanded to meet the maritime needs of our nation. As Coast Guard men and women, we share a bond of pride in our rich heritage and a common purpose to uphold our honorable traditions.” According to the release, the Coast Guard “began its service to America in 1790 within the Treasury Department as the Revenue Marine, later renamed the Revenue Cutter Service. The Revenue Cutter Service joined with the U.S. Lifesaving Service in 1915 to create the Coast Guard. The U.S. Lighthouse Service was added to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939, followed by the Steamboat Inspection Service in 1946. The Coast Guard transferred from the Treasury Department to the Department of Transportation in 1967 and to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.” RAdm. Brian Salerno, Capt. Anthony S. Lloyd and Capt. David C. Stalfort Navy League President Emphasizes U.S. Merchant Marine’s Importance Official Reflects on Recent Tour of Paul Hall Center The president of the Navy League of the United States devoted a recent editorial to the ongoing importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Published in the August 2010 edition of Seapower, the Navy League’s official monthly magazine, the editorial also features a complimentary description of the SIU-affiliated The recent tour included a visit to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. Pictured from left to right are fire fighting Instructor Robbie Springer, Navy League President Daniel B. Branch Jr., Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman, Rear Adm. Albert J. Herberger, USN (Ret.) and American Service Technology Inc. CEO John Mason 6 Seafarers LOG Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which Navy League President Daniel B. Branch Jr. toured on June 30. In his column, Branch wrote that American-flag commercial ships crewed by U.S. citizen mariners “continue to play an indispensable role in this nation’s economic and national security, providing strategic sealift support for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as humanitarian missions around the world.” He said the U.S. depends on “the commercial shipping industry to provide safe, reliable and environmentally friendly domestic waterborne transportation, maintain a U.S. presence in international shipping and help sustain the ship construction and repair, marine supplier, and vessel operating and management industrial base.” Branch added that it is “imperative” to “remind others of the importance of a viable, actively sailing U.S.-flagged Merchant Marine fleet manned with sufficient numbers of skilled licensed and unlicensed mariners to meet this nation’s needs in times of war and peace.” With that in mind, he said, the Navy League has teamed up with the International Propeller Club to promote the industry and encourage cooperation throughout its various segments. He went on to recap his recent visit to the Paul Hall Center, during which he was accompanied by Rear Adm. Albert J. Herberger, USN (Ret.), former U.S. maritime administrator. B r a n c h described the school as modern and comprehensive, and said Navy League President Daniel B. Branch Jr. the trip “taught me a great deal about what it takes to become a skilled mariner.” The entire column is available online at www.navyleague.org. Founded in 1902, the Navy League describes itself as being “unique among military-oriented associations in that it is a civilian organization dedicated to the education of our citizens, including our elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families. The objective and purpose of the Navy League is twofold: educational and motivational. We must acquire and display before the citizens of our country information regarding the condition of our naval and maritime forces. We must awaken interest and support in all matters which aid our maritime capabilities.” September 2010 �Oberstar, Stupak Sponsor ‘Historic’ Legislation Task Force Says Bill is Step Toward Repair of Lakes Dredging Crisis The end of the dredging crisis on the Great Lakes moved a big step closer when a key House committee recently approved legislation requiring the federal government to spend all the tax dollars it collects for dredging on dredging rather than use nearly half to balance the budget. Section 2007 of H.R. 5892, the Water Resources Development Act of 2010, mandates that all tax revenues annually deposited in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) be used to dredge the nation’s deep-draft ports and waterways. Because the government does not spend all the tax dollars it raises for dredging, the HMTF currently has a surplus of more than $5 billion. The WRDA provision was derived from parallel but separate legislation advanced by U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.). Their All Hands Safe Aboard Sagamore The Seafarers-crewed cargo vessel Sagamore during the early morning hours of Aug. 8 was boarded by attackers in the Persian Gulf near Iraq’s primary oil-export terminal. According to several reports, two men wielding AK-47s embarked on the Sagamore from a small vessel. Once aboard the cargo ship, the pair held the crew at gunpoint and robbed them of money, cell phones and computers. No injuries occurred during the incident, which lasted some 40 minutes. The Sagamore boarding was one of four nighttime raids perpetrated by thieves the same day between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., in waters guarded by the U.S. Navy. According to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, the other ships targeted and robbed were the Arminia, sailing out of Antigua and Barbuda; the Crystal Wave, of North Korea; and the Sana Star, of Syria. “They [targeted ships] were all located within general vicinity of the al-Basra oil terminal,” which is about 19 miles from the port of Umm Qasr, said Fifth Fleet spokesman Lt. John Fage. After receiving a distress call from the Sagamore at 4:35 a.m., the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet deployed a guided missile destroyer and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter to ensure the ships’ security. The U.S. Navy then notified the Iraqi Coast Guard, which sent four boats in search of the pirates, according to Col. Mehdi Ahmed, the deputy commander of those forces. The Iraqi Coast Guard boats reportedly pursued the pirates to a shoreline area dense with reeds. “Even if you have (security) ships in the area, they can’t be next to every single (other) ship in the area,” said Fage. “It’s a large body of water, and they can’t be everywhere all at once.” At that point, official accounts differ. According to Ahmed, the Coast Guard stopped the suspect boat, but the pirates themselves escaped into the marsh. According to the Fifth Fleet, their patrols are continuing and commercial traffic has been unaffected, despite this incident and a recent, suspected terrorist attack on a Japanese vessel in the Straits of Hormuz, which also falls within the Fifth Fleet’s area of responsibility. “We’re maintaining a high state of vigilance, as we always have,” said Fage. He added that the robbery doesn’t officially qualify as piracy because it didn’t take place in international waters. U.S.-Flag Fleet Role Could See Expansion Continued from Page 5 Corp. “The U.S. government has seen through its own experience that foreign vessels are not always available when needed or reliable when chartered,” he said. He also explained that depending on government-owned vessels needed in time of emergency is prohibitively costly. “MSP is vital to the retention of a privately owned U.S.-flag commercial fleet,” said Shapiro. “It provides the essential financial support to ensure that U.S.-flag vessels can compete successfully in the international market.” John Reinhart, president and CEO of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited said, “The success of our business is based on our ability to provide competitive international transportation services to our customer. The foundation of our U.S.-flag business is the U.S. laws and policies designed to ensure a strong and economically viable U.S.-flag Merchant Marine for national defense and economic security.” Maritime Administrator David Matsuda explained during his testimony that international trade carried on U.S.-flag ships has plummeted from 57.6 percent in 1947 to less than two percent today. September 2010 legislation, H.R. 4844, requires that amounts credited to the HMTF are used for harbor maintenance and has nearly 50 co-sponsors. U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was vital in ensuring that H.R. 4844 was included in the WRDA legislation, according to the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF, to which the SIU is affiliated). The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the full WRDA bill on July 29. “We are deeply indebted to Congressman Stupak, Congressman Oberstar and others for their commitment to resolve the dredging crisis once and for all with this historic legislation,” said James H.I. Weakley, president of the task force, the largest labor/management coalition ever to promote shipping on America’s Fourth Sea Coast. “Every time a vessel leaves port with its holds less than full we are denying the American economy the efficiencies for which Great Lakes shipping was designed. Even with the dredging crisis, the Corps has estimated that Great Lakes shipping annually saves its customers $3.6 billion when compared to the next least-costly mode of transportation.” Although nationwide, the dredging crisis is particularly acute on the Great Lakes, according to the task force. Decades of what the organization described as inadequate funding for the Corps of Engineers’ dredging program have left 15 million cubic yards of sediment clogging the navigation system, the GLMTF reported. The Corps estimates it needs $180 million to clear the backlog. The federal government has taxed cargo to fund dredging since 1987. In recent years, the Harbor Maintenance Tax has annually generated an average of more than $1.4 billion in revenues for the HMTF, but expenditures have averaged less than $800 million. Legislation to require the HMTF to spend what it takes in each year is also moving forward in the Senate, where S.3213, introduced by Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), had 15 co-sponsors as of early last month. Seafarers Elected to Virginia AFL-CIO Posts During the Virginia AFL-CIO convention, which took place mid-August in Williamsburg, Va., SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny and Seafarer Daniel Duncan, who serves as president of the Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation, were elected vice presidents of the federation. Pictured from left to right at the convention are Virginia AFL-CIO Sec.Treasurer Ray Davenport, Kenny (who is based in Norfolk, Va.), Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays (the organization’s first female president) and Duncan. Important Notices STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) Requirement – Clarification August 23, 2010 In response to concerns and feedback from industry, labor and the seafarer, the U.S. Coast Guard met with representatives of the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to clarify matters pertaining to compliance with STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) requirements. The timing of the meetings also allowed for opportune discussions of the recently approved 2010 STCW Manila Amendments. At the meeting, and in light of the expected requirements of the Manila Amendments, the Coast Guard provided the following clarification concerning STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) requirements: ■ Since the previous amendments to the STCW Convention fully took effect in February 2002, the Coast Guard has required proof of completing a Coast Guard-approved or accepted BST course as evidence of initial compliance with related STCW requirements. ■ Currently, the Coast Guard also is accepting properly documented shipboard training and assessment as evidence of an individual mariner meeting the requirements for competency in BST, provided the mariner also has accumulated at least one year of sea time within the last five years, corresponding to the mariner’s credential period. ■ The 2010 STCW Manila Amendments mandate successful completion of an approved refresher course for certain elements of BST by deep-sea and near-coastal U.S. mariners. ■ To avoid potential Port State detention issues the Coast Guard will once again list BST compliance on STCW certificates. ■ Whenever mariners cannot document the sea service demonstrating ongoing maintenance of BST, they are required to take a Coast Guard-approved or accepted BST course. ■ Currently, MSC contracts require a BST Refresher Course every five years. The U.S. Coast Guard also commended the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for their continued efforts in upgrading the seafarers’ training in order to provide the most qualified and best trained seaman to meet the ever changing needs of the maritime industry they serve. New SHBP ID Cards In mid-August, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) mailed new ID cards to active SIU members who are covered by the Plan. Active Seafarers who haven’t received their new cards are asked to contact the SHBP at 1-800-252-4674. Seafarers LOG 7 �USNS Wheat Seafarers Donate To Fund Backing Marines, Sailors Crew members of the prepositioning ship USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat recently decided to help those they work with by donating thousands of dollars to a fund that assists Marines and Sailors wounded in action. The Wheat is operated by Keystone Prepositioning Services, Inc. and crewed in the unlicensed positions by SIU members. The cargo ship sails exclusively for the Marine Corps and is typically deployed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea carrying food, fuel, tanks and a range of other equipment and supplies ready for rapid delivery to Marines ashore if needed. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the civilian crew and officers and other civilian contractors working aboard the Wheat donated $8,575 to a charitable organization called “Semper Fi” – a nonprofit entity that provides financial assistance and support to Marines and Sailors injured in the line of duty after Sept. 11, 2001, and their families. “Everyone personally contributed at least $100 to the fund,” said Wheat Electrician Jess Cooper. “We did it because we wanted to help those who protect America. We work with these folks day in and day out and we each sacrifice together. It’s a good ship and a good mission and our donation surely went to a good cause.” “Wheat is a special ship, and there is a special bond between the crew and the Marine Corps,” said Capt. John Mattfeld, the ship’s civilian master. “This donation is to show support for our troops fighting overseas and to demonstrate our gratitude for their service.” MSC in late July reported that members of the Wheat’s crew and contract maintenance department personally donated $2,175 to the fund. The crew also gave an additional $1,225 from the ship’s welfare and recreation fund that could have been used to purchase entertainment equipment on board, and also contributed the money from a $3,000 bonus which was awarded by Keystone for the three years the Wheat went without a pollution incident. The company also donated an additional $2,175. “Their gracious decision to donate these funds to help wounded service members and their families is not only indicative of their professionalism and dedication, but is also very much in line with the spirit of their ship’s namesake Lance Cpl. Roy Wheat,” said Marine Corps Col. Steven Peters, commander, Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Jacksonville, Fla., where the Wheat recently was slated to return to reserve status while the Marine Corps conducts maintenance on its equipment. The checks were symbolically presented to Peters in a small ceremony July 27. The agency further noted that the Wheat’s crew members have donated their wages to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in previous years, most recently in 2007. The SIU crews of prepositioning ships USNS 1ST LT Harry L. Martin and USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus have also made similar contributions. SIU members sailing aboard the Wheat when the ceremony took place included Bosun William Lima, ABs Harvey Carvajal, Eric Morieira, Brooke English, Matthew Jesmer and Glenn Davis, Electricians Jess Cooper and Mark Marler, QMEDs Kevin Johnson and DeShanna Sherrod, Oilers Ernesto Acosta and Gerard Dunn, Storekeeper Renee Clayton, Chief Steward Clark Williams, Chief Cook Alexander Alyxi, GSU Jermaine Williams and GVAs Reina Mendez and Anthony Newbill. The Wheat is named in honor of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat, who died in 1967 during the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing himself to save the lives of three other Marines. New York New Jersey Rail Earns Safety Award for Second Consecutive Year The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) recently honored Seafarers-contracted New York New Jersey Rail (NYNJR) by conferring the “Jake Safety Award Certificate with Distinction” for the second year in a row. The award is for any railroad that has no reportable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) injuries or accidents during the year (2009). The SIU represents employees at NYNJR – the unique “floating railroad” between Brooklyn, N.Y., Jersey City, N.J., and in the waters of New York Harbor. NYNJR Managing Director Donald Hutton stated, “This subsequent award is an outstanding reflection of the team efforts of the management and employees. Most railroads earn this award operating safely on land; but our team maintains a safe railroad operation in a land and marine environment. This dual theater of operation places our marine railroad in a very unique safety classification. “NYNJR remains committed in making sure that this great record of safety continues,” Hutton added. “Once again, the SIU members of NYNJR are thanked for the great safety record.” According to the ASLRRA, the Jake Safety Award program started in 1995. Its creator and namesake is Lowell S. “Jake” Jacobson, a prior recipient of 8 Seafarers LOG Railway Age magazine’s Railroader of the Year Award. Jake started presenting these awards – and funding them with his own money – to call attention to outstanding safety achievements in the short line railroad industry, which previously had gone unrecognized. In 1999, the ASLRRA Safety Committee adopted the Jake Awards, and since then, has continued Jacobson’s legacy of rewarding and spotlighting the high safety standards of the small railroad industry. NYNJR General Manager James Christie, Rail Clerk Larry Kurdes and SIU Members/Conductors Sam Evans and Jose Torres pose by a NYNJR locomotive at Greenville Yard in Jersey City, N.J. (Not pictured are Engineer Peter Kalloo, Engineer Scott Twomey and Conductor James Lada, fellow Seafarers who helped earn the safety award.) Retired Union Official Carl Peth Dies at 69 Retired SIU official Carl Peth died unexpectedly on July 31 at his home in Ormond Beach, Fla. He was 69. Peth spent 34 years with the union, including service at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., where he was director of manpower. At various other times, he was a headquarters representative, port agent, organizer and safety director. A rank-and-file member from 1968 to 1973, he retired in December 2002. Tributes from Officials “Carl truly was an asset to the school, the union and the membership,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. “He was very honest, hard-working and humble. He will be missed.” Current Director of Manpower Bart Rogers worked with Peth for 20 years. Rogers described him as “first and foremost a man of God, with very high morals and values. He loved three things that I knew of: He loved his family, his faith and the SIU. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. During his time with the SIU he touched many lives and always did the right thing.” Leo Bonser, retired headquarters representative, said he “knew Brother Peth as a man of his God, a man of his family and a dedicated man to Seafarers and their families. He was a great shipmate to work with and will be remembered.” Retired Port Agent Edd Morris kept in touch with Peth. “It is with sadness that I reflect upon Carl recently dying in his slumber,” Morris said. “With his quiet demeanor, he helped many Seafarers working to overcome their troubles and demons. He didn’t do his good works for any praise or even any recognition – he just did whatever needed to be done, without fanfare.” Morris added, “In the course of his career, he wore many hats and bore many crosses while he assisted others with their new challenges. Some would say that he was a swell guy; personally, I say that he is a great inspiration – the kind of hero we all can use.” A native of Chicago, Peth joined the SIU in 1968 in San Francisco. He first sailed as a messman aboard the Cornell Pictured during an SIUNA convention in the late 1990s, Carl Peth retired in December 2002. Victory. He switched to the engine department and eventually upgraded to QMED before coming ashore to work for the union in the early 1970s. Positions held His positions with the union and school included those of patrolman in New York and New Orleans, welfare services representative in the Great Lakes region, and port agent in Piney Point. He was active in the community, including activities supporting local churches and schools. When his retirement was announced in early 2003, Peth stated, “The SIU is a wonderful organization and I’m proud to have been a part of it.” Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Gladys; two adult children; a sister and two brothers. Peth (left) worked in various jobs at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. This photo from the mid-1970s also includes the late union official Lou Guarino, who passed away in 1998. September 2010 �Remembering a Mid-Century Merchant Mariner service were never far from his family’s mind. “Pray for Papa,” my mother, Sylvia, would often say nervously during the Vietnam War when my dad made trips to the war-ravaged region. Growing up in the sixties, I lived in constant fear that my father wouldn’t make it back It was May 29, 1945 when my father, home to New York. I will be forever Victor Rodriguez Delgado, set sail from grateful that he did not meet his demise New York on his first voyage with the in the line of duty. United States Merchant Marine. My dad For those of us with parents who were must surely have had mixed emotions on that day and for good reason. Since arriv- merchant mariners during that era, I think ing in the United States from Puerto Rico there was always a sense of that you were not part of a “traditional” family. a few years before, he had found life in My dad was away for months at a time the big city to be challenging at best. So, and was rarely home for birthday parties, this new career as a merchant mariner parent-teacher conferences, or family had to have seemed promising to a 26outings. Budgeting was left to my mother year-old with few friends or family on and out of necessity, so was most of the mainland. everything else. Such was the case in Still, the joy of finding work was 1959 when my eight-year-old sister died probably tempered by a sense of anxiety after a brief illness. My dad had just as well. Although the Axis powers had surrendered to the Allies just weeks earli- shipped out to Brazil when she got sick. After 10 days in a coma, Rachida died on er, fighting in the Pacific was still going November 1 of that year. In the pre-cell on. The possibility that Victor he would never return to his fiancée, Sylvia, was in phone or Internet age, the most common way to notify someone of events such as fact very real. this was by telegram. When he received But in addition to his desire for work, the message, my dad read it in disbelief. it was patriotism and duty that also guid“At first I said, ‘This can’t be for ed Victor as he made his career decision. me,’” my father later confided. “I thought “God Bless America,” my dad was fond the telegram was for some other Victor of saying. And while his unabashed love Delgado.” With international travel far for the United States too limited in the 1950s, may have appeared curimy father could not ous to some, those who knew his story could In our home, the return to New York in time for the funeral. My understand why. And it union was gold. mother had to bury her was a story not unlike first-born child surthose of countless other Membership prorounded by many but mid-century merchant vided our family feeling very alone. It mariners. By 1945, wasn’t until weeks later, Victor had lost both parwith numerous just before Christmas, ents and five of his six benefits as well as that Victor got back to siblings in Puerto Rico. U.S. Although I was Left to find his own a sense of security. the quite young, I still way in life, he had remember the sadness in already completed sermy parents’ eyes as they vice in the United States Army, had embraced and were finally able to grieve worked on the railroads in Pennsylvania their loss as a couple. and also at the Brooklyn Shipyard. Between the wars and family Despite his struggles in the States, this tragedies, though, there were many pleaswas still a land of opportunity. For ant times for Victor Rodriguez Delgado. Victor, signing on with the United States With the United States Merchant Marine, Merchant Marine during wartime, to my dad saw nearly the entire globe, landserve his country once again, was simply ing in places like India, Argentina, the the right thing to do. And that same year, my father also began a longtime member- Netherlands, Japan, France and many more. His favorite destinations? “Seattle, ship in the National Maritime Union, Washington, and Oslo, Norway,” he told which later merged into the Seafarers us once. I’ll never forget how excited we International Union. children would get when our father called Over the next 24-and-a-half years, long distance to say that he was back in Victor Rodriguez Delgado would have the States and would be coming home the chance to serve his beloved country soon. After much anticipation, Papa time and time again in war as well as in would appear at the door of our peace. His jobs were humble but essenManhattan apartment, looking every bit tial to the operation of the ships. He the quintessential seaman: rosy cheeks, worked in the mess area and in the engine room – wherever there was oppor- dressed in a leather jacket, and black seaman’s cap, loaded with luggage and soutunity. In the 1950s, my dad sailed on venirs. “Papa, Papa,” we shouted with vessels such as the SS Seven Seas, the Santa Rosa and the SS America. He made delight as our father entered. A generous man, Victor always brought back exotic trips to Korea, carrying cargo to our solgifts from countries I have yet to visit. diers during the conflict there. In the Kimonos and sets of dishes from Japan, 1960s, he served aboard the SS jewelry and handbags from Latin Mormactrade, the American Guide, and America, porcelain from the Netherlands, the Britain Victory, among others. perfume from France. The happiness and On many of his voyages, he helped feeling of belonging would last for days. bring supplies to our service people in But, just as we were getting accustomed Vietnam. The dangerous aspects of his Editor’s note: This article and the accompanying photos were submitted to the LOG by Saida Rodriguez Pagán, daughter of the late NMU member Victor Rodriguez Delgado. Seafarer Composes Poem In Memory of Departed Friend Editor’s note: The following poem was submitted for publication in memory of the late Donna Lee Cameron. Cameron, 53, worked for many years as a driver in the motor pool at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. She passed away July 24 following a lengthy illness. A Star Flew Back to Heaven Today She couldn’t wait for the rising sun, So the angels came to take her, September 2010 These photos of Victor Rodriguez Delgado were taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s to having a father at home, and being part of a “regular family,” the sense of normalcy would end abruptly. “Papa got a ship today,” my mother would explain when we arrived home from school looking for him, only to find that our father had gone someplace far away without a chance to say goodbye. Despite the sacrifices my dad’s profession presented for all of us, we knew it was a lifestyle that had its advantages. By being a merchant mariner my father was able to support us, send his children to good schools and maintain the family’s dignity as tax-paying, productive citizens. An integral part of all of this was the National Maritime Union (NMU). As a hard-working, humble but wise man, my father had a great deal of respect for the union that represented him during his nearly quarter-century of service. The union hall in downtown Manhattan was where he went to socialize between voyages and to apply for work. In our home, the union was gold. Membership provided our family with numerous benefits as well as a sense of security. Those positive experiences with the NMU helped shape my opinion of unions throughout my life. Although my father loved his work, in November 1969, Victor, at the urging of his family, decided that after more than 24 years of service it was time to retire and spend more time with us. He was just 50 years old; he could receive his pension and then take another job, which is precisely what he did. This early retirement plan worked fine for a few years, but unfortunately the high-blood pressure that my dad had developed a decade earlier coupled with a new diagnosis of heart disease forced Victor to be declared disabled at the age of 54. One major source of pleasure during this time was receiving the NMU publications and keeping up with news about his former industry. But then, 11 years after his last ship came his final voyage. In the summer of 1980, a severe heat wave hit New York City. My dad, who’d Before the day begun. Her kind heart rests with her children: Daniel and Joanna; her beloved husband Bill. She truly loved her family and friends And promised she always will. A Star flew back to heaven today. Tears…we’ll miss her so. God needed Her feisty spirit, she was always on the go! A lifetime of dedicated service. Humble yet tough. She taught me to ‘hold my own” – she was my favorite Female pilot, the coolest lady I’ve ever known! For those of us who remember her at Piney Point had open heart surgery a few years earlier, succumbed to the record-breaking temperatures and had to be hospitalized. A few days later he died in Manhattan, surrounded by family and friends. Victor Rodriguez Delgado: United States Army Veteran, United States Merchant Mariner, husband and father received a military funeral at Long Island National Cemetery on July 30, 1980. Before Victor passed away, the United States government had awarded him a medal for his service during the Korean War. I am now in the process of determining which other commendations my father may be entitled to receive posthumously. In addition, on this, the 30th anniversary of his death, I am exploring additional ways to recognize my dad’s contributions at U.S. Merchant Marine memorials and maritime museums in Southern California where the family now resides. Victor Rodriguez Delgado is among those who are often referred to as members of “The Greatest Generation.” He was like so many other young Americans who entered the armed forces or the merchant marine in the mid-twentieth century. They were men and women of bravery, determination and honor. They did their jobs each and every day with little fanfare or fame. They risked their lives and made personal sacrifices so that America could remain strong and free. Whether their roles were large or small, they all contributed to a noble cause and are worthy of recognition. So let us remember their names, tell their stories, and record their deeds. If you knew Victor Manuel Rodriguez Delgado and have stories or pictures of him please contact Saida Rodriguez Pagán at: saidapagan@att.net Being gate guard or driving the motor pool van – She was always there to listen and to lend a helping hand. A star flew back to heaven today. On behalf of every mariner who knew her On both foreign and domestic shores… We love you Donna Cameron… God bless you forever more! Lezlie Vehikite, OBR Paul Hall Center Apprentice Class 705 SS Kawai Donna Lee Cameron Sept. 29, 1956 - July 24, 2010 Seafarers LOG 9 �Council Sharpens Pro-Worker Strategies The AFL-CIO Executive Council during its Aug. 4-5 meeting in Washington, D.C., laid out a plan for how the Obama administration and Congress fundamentally can revamp the nation’s economy so that it puts workers first. The council also mapped out paths for the critical fall elections and how best to ensure that working people are mobilized to vote so working families’ issues are on the national political agenda. In a series of statements, council members—including SIU President Michael Sacco—reaffirmed the need for immediate adoption of the AFL-CIO’s five-point plan to create new jobs and warned that reducing the deficit must come after more revenue-producing jobs are created. At a time when the country is in the midst of the worst jobs crisis since the Depression, the labor leaders emphasized that the nation needs to create more good jobs, in part by expanding the Buy American program; establishing a national manufacturing strategy; and adopting new tax policies to support companies that keep jobs in America. The council also underscored the need to pass legislation that encourages a new commitment to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Moreover, according to the federation, America cannot have a strong economy without a strong public education system that can train workers for the global economy. Council members stressed that teachers and other education professionals must be involved in reforming our schools. The country cannot solve state and local budget woes by cutting funds for education and making teachers the scapegoats for poor policies, they said. Other vital public services, such as mail delivery, should not be cut either, the council said. It warned the U.S. Postal Service that dropping mail delivery to five days a week would decrease the public’s confidence in such a critical agency. There was much to celebrate as executive council members praised the pro-worker policies of the Obama administration. During Labor Secretary Hilda Solis’ visit to the meeting, AFLCIO President Richard Trumka and the other leaders presented her with a poster prepared by the Labor Department outlining employees’ rights on the job for posting in the workplace. The poster was signed by all the Executive Council members. The council reminded the administration and Congress that despite their pro-worker accomplishments to date, there is still much to do to ensure that worker rights and their health and safety are protected. Council members approved a statement pushing for quick action on the Employee Free Choice Act and AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka presents Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis with a poster outlining workers’ rights. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) changes to federal labor laws that would help the National Labor Relations Board fulfill its mission to promote collective bargaining. Workers must have safe jobs and the council singled out two groups whose safety and health has been especially endangered recently—first responders and energy workers. The recent rash of deaths in mines and oil rigs clearly shows the need to tighten safety rules and the council urged Congress to quickly pass mine safety legislation. It also condemned some legislators’ cynical refusal to extend health care benefits for America’s heroes—the first responders after the 911 terrorists attack. The council spotlighted the plight of workers around the world in a resolution of solidarity with Bangladeshi garment workers seeking a modest minimum wage increase of 35 cents. The Trade Statement also called for strong action to include enforceable workers’ rights in trade agreements In other business, the council called for changes in the Senate’s antiquated rules to help break the seemingly permanent gridlock in that chamber, elected five new members and honored retiring members Ron Gettelfinger and Ann Converso. The new members are Bob King, UAW president; General Holiefield, UAW vice president; Lee Saunders, secretary-treasurer of AFSCME; James Andrews, president of the North Carolina AFL-CIO; and Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO Executive Council meets at least twice annually to consider important union movement business and policies. SIU President Sacco has served on the council since 1991. W i t h S e a f a r e r s A b o a r d t h e E l Fa r o S n a p s h o ts f r o m th e S t . C l a i r These photos of SIU members aboard the El Faro were sent to the LOG by DEU John Cooper. AB Fr. Sinclair Oubre submitted these recent photos from aboard the Great Lakes vessel St. Clair. Operated by American Steamship Company, the St. Clair is 770 feet long. According to the company, the vessel “uses a twin conveyor system below its cargo holds to transport cargo to an inclined conveyor belt that elevates the cargo to the deck-mounted boom conveyor. For maneuvering in port the vessel is equipped with 1,000 HP bow and stern thrusters.” OMU Will Scott (foreground), AB Ray Johns OMU Thomas Hawks (foreground), OMU David Quade GUDEs Mohammed Ali, Jabr Ali and Abdul Alsharey Electrician Trent Sterling (left), Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown 10 Seafarers LOG In photo at left are 2nd Cook Fonda Biamonte (left) and SA Jimmy Beaudry. Conveyorman Richard Sawyer is above and Bosun Ray Hotchkiss is at right. September 2010 �CELEBRATION IN ST. LOUIS – Members of the SS Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) met at the SIU hall in St. Louis on June 28 to celebrate the 235th birthday of the U.S. Merchant Marine. A number of chapter members are pictured here, with SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper (sixth from right). The AMMV reminds all mariners that June 12, 1775 is considered the date of the first sea engagement of the Revolution and the start of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in the war. ABOARD HORIZON SPIRIT – Pictured from left to right are SA Walter Harris, Recertified Steward Susan K. Bowman and Chief Cook Raul Napoles. “I am proud to have these two gentlemen in my department,” Bowman wrote in an email to the Seafarers LOG. “Crew morale is good as we are putting out excellent meals and we have a great, professional working relationship.” A t Se a An d Ash o re W i th T h e S I U WELCOME ASHORE – At the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny (left) congratulates Bosun Larry Ambrous on his retirement. The bosun started sailing with the SIU in 1967. He most recently sailed aboard a Maersk Line, Limited vessel. PFEIFFER IN GUAM – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins (right in photo above, with Chief Steward Stephen Avallone) in early August serviced the Matson vessel R.J. Pfeiffer in Guam. Avallone and Hoskins used to sail together aboard the USNS Stockham, “so it was really nice to meet up with him again after so long,” Hoskins said. Pictured from left to right in the photo below are ACU Shawn Canon, Chief Cook Susano Cortez and Avallone. MEETING IN MARYLAND – Seafarer Ritche Acuman (left) submitted this photo of himself, his son Ritche Jr. (“a future SIU member,” according to dad), SIU President Michael Sacco (center) and Seafarer Martin Gonzales. The snapshot was taken earlier this summer in Piney Point, Md. DECK DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS – These images from AB Brandon Braam were taken earlier this year aboard the tanker USNS Lawrence H. Gianella in Diego Garcia. The photo above shows Braam during daily deck duties. Silhouetted in the other photo is Relief Bosun Kyle Bailey working on an underway replenishment arm. The Gianella is operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. AT THE OAKLAND HALL – Pictured at the union hall in Oakland, Calif., are Seafarer Dexter Hastings (left in photo above), being sworn in for his full B book by Asst. VP Nick Celona, and newly retired Seafarer Elwyn Ford, standing with his wife, Lenea, and Celona. September 2010 Seafarers LOG 11 �The SIU group included Gil Villena, Donato Camandang, Cornelio Bartolome, Donaldo Clotter, Nick Rios, Jeff Turkus, Gerardo Ruiz, Alberto Jose, Roger Martell, Mario Ferrer, Eric Garcia, Eduardo Munizaga and Jess Solis, most of whom are pictured above, and a dozen or so others. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka says California needs leaders who will create and save jobs. (Photo by Caroline O’Connor) Union Members Rally in Los Angeles, Call for Creating, Keeping Good Jobs Seafarers Join Demonstration of More than 5,000 On Friday the 13th, trade unionists and labor leaders spoke out about the frightening export of American jobs and the urgent need to create and keep good jobs in the United States. Approximately two-dozen Seafarers and SIU officials participated in the rally Aug. 13 in Los Angeles – an event that drew more than 5,000 demonstrators. The gathering outside Los Angeles City Hall featured remarks by AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), among others. Its theme was “Paychecks Pay the Bills.” “There was a lot of solidarity,” said SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent Jeff Turkus, who helped lead the SIU contingent. “It was really something to see and of course the rally was very peaceful but very spirited.” Trumka mainly focused on California-specific issues but also discussed the upcoming elections and the nationwide economic picture. He pointed out that anti-worker commentators and legislators lately have targeted public-sector employees (and their unions), and those attacks must be rebutted. “We’ve seen private-sector jobs destroyed, and now they’re coming after the public employees. Some people see public employees as an island of privilege,” Trumka told the crowd. “The truth is you’re the foundation for decent standards – you’re the only thing standing in the way of a Republican-driven, all-out race-to-the-bottom – a deeper and deeper hole. And that’ll be the end of America’s middle class. “When public employees and union workers everywhere negotiate decent pay and decent benefits, what we do is lift all boats,” he continued. “Every worker in America gets a chance at a better deal. We need each other. We’re strong together. Shoulder-to-shoulder, there’s nothing we can’t do.” The AFL-CIO president said that on Election Day 2010, California is “ground zero in the political showdown between Wall Street and Main Street. Nowhere else in the nation are voters’ choices in November so stark. You have the third-highest jobless rate in the country. A budget deficit of $21 billion. You need leaders who can create and save jobs, and deal with tough budget situations. That’s why we’ve got to fight for Barbara Boxer and Jerry Brown – because together we can restore California and restore jobs.” Trumka urged union members to participate in grassroots activities leading up to the elections. “And let me tell you why,” he stated. “Because if we win these elections on November 2, it’ll strengthen us to fight on November 3, and the next day, and the day after that, for the jobs we need. Nobody’s going to hand them to us. And people who want better have to understand: If California and America are going to create new jobs with rising wages, stable benefits and promising futures, we’ve got to work for it. If you believe that keeping jobs in this country matters, and in returning America to a country that makes things again, work for it…. And don’t let anyone stand in our way.” Boxer said the rally was intended to “send a message to this great state that the key to the American dream is a good-paying job. We are going to keep fighting for workers.” Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretarytreasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, said, “Today is a national call for good jobs now. It starts in L.A. but it’s going to make its way all across the United States of America.” Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, tells the crowd it is time for a “national call for good jobs now.” (Photo by Lewis Jacobs, IATSE Local 600) California Labor Federation President Art Pulaski joins workers at the rally. (Photo by Caroline O’Connor) Rally-goers urge city officials and others to create jobs and stop outsourcing. (Photo by Caroline O’Connor) More than 5,000 people demonstrate (above) at City Hall in Los Angeles in support of good jobs. In photo at left, the message was hard to miss: People are anxious to find employment. (Photo by Lewis Jacobs, IATSE Local 600) 12 Seafarers LOG September 2010 �Ray Denison Philip Ross New Book Chronicles SIU History Published this summer, the book covers not only the union’s history but also earlier attempts at organizing by maritime workers. Union headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y., is shown at its opening in 1951. This image and dozens more are included in the book, which may be ordered at www.siustore.com. T he SIU is pleased to announce the publication of “America’s Seafarers,” a book that examines the union’s history to the present day, including key events leading to its founding in 1938. The 271-page hardcover book authored by Ray Denison and Philip Ross covers the history of early attempts at union organizing among maritime workers that preceded the SIU’s start. The book charts the union’s struggles and growth through the final years of the Great Depression, its role in World War II with its heavy loss of SIU-crewed ships, to its post-war campaigns for decent working conditions and wages while undertaking organizing drives. Included are details of the historic struggles to win recognition in the Isthmian and Cities Service fleets. Also included in the book are details about the fight to maintain cargo preference laws for U.S.-flag vessels while battling the exodus of American ships to runaway flags. “America’s Seafarers” also reviews the establishment of SIU vacation, health and scholarship programs and the creation of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Other chapters focus on the containership revolution, the SIU’s role in the first and second Gulf Wars as well as its hard-fought battles in the Congress to defend the Jones Act and to bring about the creation of the Maritime Security Program. The book, which sells for $14.99, contains photos and a timeline of events, and is available at the SIU’s online Slop Chest, located at www.siustore.com. The Slop Chest also is accessible from the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. Additionally, the book is available at the Sea Chest store located at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point. A former Seafarers LOG editor and AFL-CIO legislative director, Denison approached the union more than two years ago with the idea of putting together a comprehensive account of the SIU’s history. He described the project as “a labor of love,” and said the finished product is a fitting tribute to an organization that remains close to his heart. “I truly believe there is a need for this book to honor those whose vision and dedication made the union a success and who have played a vital role in preserving the American Merchant Marine,” said Denison, who also served as administrator of the SIU’s Great Lakes District. “However, it would not have happened without the total supportiveness of the union as well as that of the Paul Hall Center.” “America’s Seafarers” was published by union-contracted Mosaic, based in Cheverly, Md. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives sailing in World War II, a period examined in “America’s Seafarers.” This photo from the book shows Paul Hall, then New York port agent, rallying Seafarers outside the SIU hall. September 2010 Seafarers LOG 13 �The Ed Woods Story – A Teenager in World War II Editor’s note: This is the first installment in an occasional series written by Edward T. Woods, a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran of World War II who later served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Parts of the story also have been published in editions of the American Merchant Marine Veterans North Atlantic Chapter newsletter. Woods, who sailed in the engine and steward departments, turned 83 earlier this summer. “I am among the youngest of the surviving U.S. Merchant Mariners of that era,” he wrote in a letter to the Seafarers LOG. World War II was at its height on May 17, 1944, the day the United States Maritime Service announced it had lowered the enlistment age to 16 years for youngsters willing to train and sail as merchant seamen. The invasion of Europe, D Day, was still three weeks away. The Allies were at the outskirts of Rome on their way to liberating the centuriesold historic city. In the Pacific, General MacArthur had begun his Island Hopping Campaign and was in the process of taking New Guinea in preparation for his return to the Philippine Islands in the coming months. His promise, “I shall return,” a promise made to the Philippine people in early 1942, was about to come true. New ships were being built in our American shipyards at an unprecedented pace to replace the merchant ships sunk by German U-boats. Regrettably, in wartime, when a ship was sunk most of the crew went down with it. More men were desperately needed to sail these new ships as they were launched. The following article appeared in the New York papers: The War Shipping Administration announces that, effective immediately, the United States Maritime Service will enlist young men between the ages of 16 and 171/2 years for training for service in the Merchant Marine of the United States, with their parents’ consent. Six weeks training is required for service as mess men and utility men in the steward department, and 13 weeks training for service in the deck and engine departments. Upon completion of training, men will be assigned to merchant vessels within a few weeks. No men are being enrolled between the ages of 18 and 26 except those classified by Selective Service in any F or L classification or in 1-C, but all qualified men over the age of 26 and less than 35 1/2 for the deck and engine departments, or less than 50 1/2 for the steward department, are eligible for enlistment for training. A career at sea has always been attractive to young men. The Merchant Marine is playing a vital part in winning the war. Without it, supplies, equipment and troops could not be transported to our battlefront. Gen. Eisenhower, Gen. MacArthur, Gen. Montgomery, Admiral King and Admiral Nimitz have recognized the merchant seamen as part of our fighting team. Here is a way young men can volunteer for a part in the winning of the war, before they reach the age of registration under Selective Service. The United States Maritime Service maintains Enrolling Offices in most principal cities. Apply there, or write to the Commandant of the United States Maritime Service, Training Organization, War Shipping Administration, National Theatre Building, Wash., D.C. When I tell someone today that 16-yearold American boys served in World War II at the invitation of our government, they express surprise. They are more amazed to learn the United States Government actively recruited 16-year-old boys for service in the wartime Merchant Marine. In May 1944, I had two older brothers in the Marine Corps who were fighting the Japanese on remote and unidentified islands in the Pacific Ocean. My family had not heard from them in many months. Like most of the kids my age, I wanted to do my part to help beat the Axis. In my own way, I wanted to feel I was helping my brothers. I was 16; I quit school, got my mother’s tearful written permission and enlisted at the downtown Manhattan office of the U.S. Maritime Service. I was sworn in on June 1, 1944 as a seaman recruit and began training the same day at the U.S. Maritime Training Station, Sheepshead Bay, New York. Part of the program consisted of basic gunnery training. I was taught the fundamentals of handling antiaircraft guns; how to load, aim and lead fire (aiming ahead of a 14 Seafarers LOG flying plane to allow for the plane’s speed and distance). These guns were similar to what would be aboard our merchant ships. There was an emphasis on lifeboat training. I had to learn to launch and retrieve boats manually on davits located on our pier. This included additional practice in tying knots and rowing a whaleboat together with my section mates for 40 hours in Jamaica Bay, New York. The latter was fun and, after we mastered the use of rowing in unison and following the coxswain commands, we held races with the other training sections. I earned the coveted Lifeboat Man’s Certificate. It was emphasized that knowing how to abandon and safely move away from a sinking ship was paramount to survival. My first cousin, Eddie Keenan, was also at the Sheepshead Bay Training Station, although in a different section. At the end of the war, Eddie stayed at sea, continued his marine engineering studies and earned his engineer’s license. He later obtained a commission in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. Today, Eddie and I keep in touch with each other by telephone and often exchange information about the merchant mariners in WWII. Following a few weeks of training, I was assigned to my first ship, a T2 oil tanker, the S/S Horseshoe. We carried aviation fuel and a deck cargo of P51 Mustang fighter airplanes to Liverpool, England. It was the first time in my young life that I had left the states of New York and New Jersey. Years later, I wrote a short story about my first voyage as a merchant seaman. I titled my story My First Voyage in WWII. My wife, Jackie, took exception and said I should use a more dramatic title. She suggested A Teenager Goes to War, and that is what I named it. Later my story was included in an anthology of stories of and by World War II merchant mariners (Patriots and Heroes, edited by Gerald Reminick). In WWII, merchant ships, such as the S/S Woods is pictured aboard the U.S. Army Transport ship E.B. Alexander in 1946. Horseshoe, were armed with eight 20-millimeter anti-aircraft machine guns spread out along the starboard and port sides, a five-inch 38-caliber aft over the poop deck and a 3inch 50-caliber gun on the bow. With the help of the merchant crew, the guns were manned and maintained by the U.S. Navy (the Navy Armed Guard). Before we left the port of New York, the U.S. Navy ensign in charge of the Navy gunners mustered the merchant crew and told us that he did not have a sufficient number of Navy gunners to man the guns. He would need men from the merchant crew to work alongside the gunners. I signed up immediately, as did most of the crew. My first assignment was as a hot shell catcher on the 5 inch 38. Later, and for the duration of the war, I was assigned to one of the 20-millimeter anti-aircraft machine guns. This was more to my liking as there was only one lone Navy gunner assigned to the gun, a fellow New Yorker. In a short time, the two of us became good friends. The gunner told me that aboard a U.S. Navy ship four gunners would have been assigned to one 20mm. During gunnery practice, I alternated firing the weapon with the gunner and, foolishly or otherwise, I began to wish a German plane During the training that helped Woods earn his lifeboat ticket, “It was emphasized that knowing how to abandon and safely move away from a sinking ship was paramount to survival,” he wrote. would attack us during the voyage so I could blow it out of the sky: “I’d show ’em!” While assigned to the gun, my job was to change the heavy gun barrel before it overheated. It felt as if it weighed more than I did at that time. I had to use heavy asbestos gloves together with a specially designed wrench to remove the hot barrel and then immediately put it in a nearby tub of water to cool before it warped from the extreme heat. As the hot barrel was plunged into the relatively cool water, a column of hot steam would come blasting out of the tube. I had to be sure to stand clear. Then, and as quickly as possible, I had to mount a replacement barrel so the gunner could continue firing. I also had to keep loading magazines on the gun. The magazine held 60 shells and emptied very quickly. On my first voyage was to Liverpool, England, my ship, the S/S Horseshoe, was part of a huge convoy. It took nine days to cross the Atlantic and this was considered a fast run for a convoy during WWII. I was told that I was lucky to be on a new T2 tanker that could keep up with troop ships. A convoy with troop ships meant more naval escorts: Numerous Canadian Corvettes and American Destroyers were positioned around the perimeter of the convoy. It was rumored a small U.S. Navy aircraft carrier was ahead of us offering additional protection against the German U-boat menace. (As with other groups of men in relatively close quarters, there was a constant flow of rumors aboard ship. Rumors and gossip were called scuttlebutt. A scuttlebutt is a drinking fountain on a ship and it is there that the rumors begin to spread. The word scuttlebutt eventually came to mean gossip.) When my ship arrived in Liverpool, we anchored midstream in the Mersey River and connected our cargo tanks to underwater pipes to pump our bulk oil ashore. Once our tanks were empty, we moved to a docking area near the Cunard-White Star line-docking complex to unload our deck cargo. I learned that the difference between low and high tides in the Mersey River is one of the highest in the world for a major port. Docked next to us was a Swedish hospital ship painted white with highly visible big red crosses along its sides. It was disembarking wounded British soldiers that had been taken in exchange for wounded German prisoners of war. It was a sad and depressing sight watching young men in bandages being carried off on stretchers or walking with the aid of crutches. I could see that some of them were missing limbs. Sweden was a neutral nation and was used by both the Axis and the Allies for humanitarian purposes. When I first went ashore in Liverpool, I immediately witnessed the results of the German bombing; a great deal of devastation throughout the city. As bad as it appeared to me, I was told that it was nothing compared to the destruction of London and other English cities caused by the German bombing. I had to admire the English for their strength and determination. They were hungry, but never beggars. Most of the young kids could not remember ever seeing an orange or a banana. When I went ashore, I carried with me a few oranges and a banana or two. I gave them to the girls at the Seamen’s Club to bring to their families. I exchanged addresses with a young girl at the club and over the following year, we were active pen pals. She and a younger brother and sister together with her parents were now crowded in with relatives in a small apartment in North Liverpool. Her family had lost their home in an air raid – “bombed out,” they called it. I gathered she was happy to be alive. Her older brother was fighting in France with the British army, as was most of the male British population with the exception of the older folks and children. There were street kids who offered to sing suggestive ballads for a reward of a piece of gum or a chocolate bar. We obliged them, and I heard the story of, Maggie Mae of Lime Street for the first time. Also popular was, Roll Me Over Yankee Soldier. One night, I missed the ride back to my ship and, due to a strict curfew and a total blackout of all lights I had to be off the darkened streets. I tried to rent a hotel room, however when the clerk asked for identification, he noted that I was under 18 and therefore would need to stay at a special hotel. He directed me to the Angel Street Service Club for Young Seamen. I paid one shilling, about 20 cents, for the night’s lodging that included a morning breakfast of powdered eggs, toast and chicory coffee. A typical wartime English breakfast. A young English sailor said to me, “After you Yanks taste our coffee, you’ll see why we drink so much tea.” Someone in the background added the now familiar comment about the Yanks in England during wartime: “God bless you Yanks, you’re over here, you’re overpaid and you’re over-sexed.” Always said in a friendly spirit. I stayed in Liverpool for a week, and then returned to New York, where I changed ships. My new ship, the S/S Brandy Station, was an identical T2 tanker and we carried the same split cargo: aviation gasoline, bunkers (fuel oil) and P38 airplanes. The Brandy Station’s deck crew were members of the Seafarers International Union (SIU). They had been recruited directly from the union hall with a guarantee that all SIU contractual agreements would be met. This proved helpful for every crew member, especially the non-members – kids like myself, fresh out of the U.S. Maritime training camps. It would be my home for the next 16 months. This time, I sailed with an exceptionally large convoy to Casablanca, Morocco. We arrived at night and our convoy anchored outside the harbor until morning. There was an unusual odor in the air of herbs, spices and other unidentified aromas as we sat at anchor many yards out from the docking facilities. The smell lasted for the entire week I stayed there and then lingered aboard ship for many months after, especially when I opened up souvenirs I had purchased from the Moroccans – leather wallets that had not been properly tanned. The next morning, as we moved towards the docking facilities, I saw a huge war ship tied at a pier, its gun barrels pointing straight at us. It was the French battleship Jean Bart with a huge ragged hole in her bow. She had been in a duel with our American navy during the invasion and her big guns had caused much concern to our landing forces. Fortunately, in the early stages of the battle, she took a hit from one of our war ships and was put out of action. A short time later, she surrendered and the French in Africa became our allies once again. September 2010 �Members Earn A-Seniority Books D i s p at c h e r s ’ R e p o r t fo r D e e p S e a July 16, 2010 – August 15, 2010 The two Seafarers pictured here recently received their respective A-seniority membership books. In the photo above, AB Confesor Arzu (left) picks up his book from Port Agent Kris Hopkins at the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. In the other photo, Chief Cook John Walsh (right) displays his book at the Baltimore hall after receiving it from Port Agent Elizabeth Brown. September & October 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............* Tuesday: September 7, Monday: October 4 Algonac .....................................Friday: September 10, October 8 Baltimore................................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Guam...................................Thursday: September 23, October 21 Honolulu .................................Friday: September 17, October 15 Houston...............Monday: September 13, *Tuesday: October 12 Jacksonville............................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Joliet...................................Thursday: September 16, October 14 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 18 0 3 17 2 7 52 26 6 7 12 47 16 25 7 2 7 37 4 36 331 14 1 6 18 4 6 19 24 2 4 6 14 30 13 6 11 8 24 1 20 231 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 3 2 1 2 8 10 1 0 1 1 1 1 3 39 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 6 0 4 7 2 6 15 13 3 8 4 13 10 14 4 4 2 10 1 7 133 6 0 7 5 1 3 17 14 3 2 2 11 22 8 3 4 6 14 2 20 150 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 3 7 3 3 23 17 1 8 7 15 11 19 4 3 1 22 1 28 179 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 New York.................................Tuesday: September 7, October 5 Norfolk...................................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Oakland ..............................Thursday: September 16, October 14 Philadelphia.........................Wednesday: September 8, October 6 Port Everglades ..................Thursday: September 16, October 14 San Juan .................................Thursday: September 9, October 7 St. Louis ..................................Friday: September 17, October 15 Tacoma....................................Friday: September 24, October 22 Wilmington................................Monday: September 20, October 18 * Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday * Houston change created by Columbus Day holiday. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. GRAND TOTAL: September 2010 Deck Department 16 7 0 3 5 7 11 9 2 4 8 3 46 15 32 22 4 3 5 3 12 8 32 14 14 29 15 6 7 7 1 13 7 6 23 19 3 2 25 13 268 193 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 4 6 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 19 6 1 3 6 0 3 17 13 1 1 10 18 13 8 6 0 6 20 0 9 141 20 0 5 36 5 15 104 39 3 16 26 97 35 37 8 1 10 68 2 53 580 15 1 10 24 4 13 36 39 3 9 11 32 40 26 4 5 14 37 2 51 376 2 0 1 2 2 1 5 7 2 1 3 8 12 2 0 0 6 3 2 12 71 Engine Department 1 3 3 0 0 1 1 4 5 0 7 3 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 14 13 0 11 13 1 2 3 1 12 4 2 6 1 0 14 9 1 7 9 2 10 7 0 5 4 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 10 12 1 0 1 0 11 6 13 120 100 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 2 3 0 1 4 6 1 1 5 4 4 3 4 0 0 7 0 6 52 6 0 10 14 4 16 29 28 3 10 9 31 16 17 5 3 6 26 2 16 251 7 1 8 11 1 4 25 27 2 7 5 27 27 10 4 4 16 25 3 39 253 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 10 27 3 0 2 5 2 0 7 6 1 2 3 8 7 5 1 2 2 3 1 2 62 Steward Department 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 8 2 1 3 0 1 8 1 0 15 3 1 19 8 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 9 0 0 16 3 2 10 8 0 20 4 1 4 0 0 6 1 0 1 2 0 15 6 0 1 2 2 15 3 9 163 49 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 2 6 0 4 4 6 0 1 6 8 6 11 2 3 1 10 0 6 76 2 0 1 16 2 19 38 24 1 13 14 36 23 32 1 3 3 34 3 57 322 3 0 2 8 4 1 14 13 2 5 4 12 13 4 2 3 2 7 2 13 114 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 7 3 0 0 0 1 1 5 2 0 2 1 8 1 2 0 0 0 7 0 2 35 9 0 4 11 1 2 9 20 1 5 4 30 14 15 1 19 2 12 1 11 171 Entry Department 9 0 3 1 0 1 2 0 1 10 0 6 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 5 8 6 1 14 0 0 2 3 0 1 2 1 0 8 4 26 12 0 8 6 2 8 1 0 1 17 0 5 1 0 0 5 5 14 0 0 1 7 2 4 96 20 105 6 1 1 0 0 2 3 5 0 0 0 5 6 2 2 20 0 2 0 0 55 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 4 0 0 14 4 0 0 0 1 8 8 6 0 2 2 11 1 3 0 0 0 8 0 6 60 14 1 3 10 2 6 28 35 2 11 6 68 31 29 1 2 3 26 1 38 317 4 3 5 19 2 4 10 17 0 5 5 36 41 13 2 0 1 5 0 27 199 678 614 157 86 283 1,213 1,060 304 Mobile.............................Wednesday: September 15, October 13 New Orleans.............................Tuesday: September 14, October 12 Total Shipped All Groups A B C 571 447 Seafarers LOG 15 �S e a f a r e r s I n t er n a t i o n a l U n i o n D i r e ct o r 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 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 Inq uiring Seaf are r Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by Seafarers in the Port of New Orleans. How do your preconceived notions about being a mariner compare to your actual experiences? John Hale Chief Cook I’ve been going to sea since 1993. I was born in Arkansas but now live in New Orleans. Being a Seafarer has been a very good experience for me. Not only have I seen more than half of the world, I have also learned a great deal more than I ever thought I would learn about being a mariner. I have met and worked with some great people during my career and I’d highly recommend this line of work to anyone looking make it good in life. It’s a great opportunity for young folks. I tell young people that I wish I had started before I got married…by now I’d be a rich man. The people at the school [SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.] are very knowledgeable and accommodating. I also give the union officials two thumbs up for the job they are doing. Junious Williams Jr. OMU I had no idea what to expect when I became a Seafarer because going to sea was a whole new experience for me. But during my career so far, I have found the experience of sailing to be far beyond anything in my wildest imagination. I have been sailing for 30 years and during that time I have seen a lot of the world, visited many very interesting places and met a large group very interesting people. So overall, becoming a Seafarer has been a great opportunity for me…it has been very educational. I first sailed aboard the Overseas Anchorage and went to Odessa, Russia. I received a lot of great training at the school…it was hands-on training and it was quite good. The union officials have been great and have done a wonderful job representing and protecting our interests throughout my entire career. The union has really been good to me. I’ll probably retire in a couple of years but as I think back I have a lot of fond memories. My wife is deceased but I remember several occasions when she would come out to the docks at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning to pick me up for the ship, dropping me off back in the boondocks for those tankers way back in the day….I miss her dearly. I have children and the union has played a significant role in their lives. Thanks to the SIU, I was able to give them a good education. Also, we lived well and in nice neighborhoods because my finances were right. Without the union, my children’s lives and my lifestyle may not be like they are now. Who knows what would have happened? I plan to continue to sailing and supporting the union in any way I can until my time as a mariner is up. Tracy Stewart Chief Cook I had brothers and uncles who shipped and they told me stories about some of the places they used to go to…this is one of the reasons I started sailing. The other is because of the money they told me they used to make. I’ve been sailing now for 18 years and have seen a lot of the world. But since 9-11, we are not allowed to go to some of those places such that my brothers and uncles once did. In some places, we are not allowed to go ashore because of curfews. Nevertheless, I love my job and I would not trade it for anything in the world. It’s a good way to make a living and a great opportunity for young people. I have a son and two cousins who are waiting to get into the school in Piney Point. They already have completed all of their paperwork…they are just waiting for entry dates. Jonathan Brown Able Seaman I’ve been a Seafarer for more than 15 years and have had the opportunity to work in both inland and deep sea. I worked in inland for about five years and so far have spent more than 10 in deep sea. There were significant differences as far as the way things are done, but overall my experiences have been good. I have been able to explore the world, make money and met and worked with a lot of good people out there. I went to the school in Piney Point to upgrade. It’s a good school with good instructors and is located in a very nice area. When I come in contact with people who are kind of new to sailing, I always tell them to not take things personal aboard ships. I tell them that first and foremost, they are there to do a job…that they can live it up and have their fun when they get home. Morris Foster Recertified Bosun I am the bosun on the Altair and I come from the island. Before I became a Seafarer, I sailed with Exxon for 13 years beginning in 1961. After that, I sailed with NMU starting in 1989. I’m from Barbados so I also worked with some foreign companies. I really had a lot of experience going to sea before I joined the SIU in 1995. Once I joined the union (SIU), I found that I liked the things they do here and the way they do it. I went to the school in Piney Point and it was very good. I’ve gone a lot of places and had many good experiences working and meeting other people. My grandfather and my uncle were mariners who worked on schooners. So when I was a little boy we used to always go around them and they would tell us great stories about where they went, the people they’d meet and the nice clothes they’d buy when they’d return. So this was always something I wanted to do because it was one of the best jobs in the world…you could go and work and when you got home you had all of the time you needed to relax. P i c - F r o m - T h e -P a s t 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 Ray Thorpe of the SIU Data Center (right) explains the operation of the union’s computer network to delegates and guests during an Inland Crews Conference in Piney Point, Md. More than 100 union officials and boatmen attended the June 3-8, 1984 event. 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 September 2010 �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. W e l c o me A sh ore DEEP SEA JOHN ALAMAR Brother John Alamar, 66, started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1979 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest voyage was on the President Roosevelt. Brother Alamar frequently upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Alamar’s final trip to sea was aboard the President Polk. He lives in Manteca, Calif. ALFONSO GARCIA Brother Alfonso Garcia, 65, joined the union in 1985. He initially sailed on the Constitution. In 1989 and 2000, Brother Garcia visited the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. He most recently shipped aboard the Endurance. Brother Garcia, who sailed in the deck department, is a resident of Pico Rivera, Calif. CHARLES HAGGINS Brother Charles Haggins, 66, became an SIU member in 1982. He originally sailed in the inland division aboard a vessel operated by Dixie Carriers. Brother Haggins worked in the deck department. He attended classes on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Haggins last shipped on the 1st Lt. Harry Martin. He resides in Marrero, La. LOICY JONES Sister Loicy Jones, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1994. She initially shipped on the USNS Regulus. Sister Jones upgraded often at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. She sailed in the steward department. Sister September 2010 Jones’s last ship was the Seabulk Energy. She continues to make her home in her native state of Texas. 1973 at the Piney Point school. He last shipped aboard a Bay Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Nortava resides in Costa Rica. OTTO KURTZ Brother Otto Kurtz, 77, was born in Darmstadt, Germany. He began sailing with the union in 2002 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Kurtz, a member of the steward department, was originally employed on the Cape Island. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Kurtz’s final voyage was aboard the Observation Island. He settled in Cocoa, Fla. WILLIAM RAKESTRAW Brother William Rakestraw, 65, became an SIU member in 1964. He first sailed on an ISCO Inc. vessel. Brother Rakestraw sailed in the engine department and attended classes on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. His final voyage was with Crowley American Transport. Brother Rakestraw makes his home in Spring, Texas. MANUEL LIMON Brother Manuel Limon, 66, began sailing with the union in 2001. Brother Limon first sailed on the Cape Inscription. He was born in Lima, Peru, and shipped in the deck department. In 2001, Brother Limon enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. His final trip was aboard the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. Brother Limon calls Los Angeles home. GUALBERTO MIRADOR Brother Gualberto Mirador, 68, joined the union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Valdez. He was born in the Philippines. Brother Mirador frequently took advantage of educational opportunities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent trip was on the American Tern. Brother Mirador, who sailed in the steward department, is a resident of Norfolk, Va. PERTTI NORTAVA Brother Pertti Nortava, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1967. His first voyage was with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Nortava, who sailed in the steward department, upgraded his skills in ALI SIDEK Brother Ali Sidek, 69, joined the SIU ranks in 1989 while in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Independence; his last ship was the Horizon Reliance. Brother Sidek was a member of the engine department. In 1992 and 2001, he enhanced his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Sidek was born in Singapore but calls Honolulu home. CARLTON STAMP Brother Carlton Stamp, 65, started his seafaring career in 2000 in the port of New Orleans. The deck department member originally shipped aboard the Chemical Trader. Brother Stamp was born in Roatan, Honduras. He most recently sailed on the Puget Sound. Brother Stamp is a resident of Louisiana. Crescent Towing & Salvage of Savannah. Brother Howe resides in Georgia. GREAT LAKES CLIFFORD LIND Brother Clifford Lind, 62, signed on with the union in 1998 in Detroit. He primarily worked aboard Great Lakes Towing Company vessels. Brother Lind was born in Evansville, Ind. He settled in Superior, Wisc. INLAND JAMES HOWE Brother James, Howe, 68, began sailing with the union in 1987. Throughout his career, Brother Howe primarily sailed with T h is M o nt h I n S I U H i s t o r y Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG American flag if necessary to fill domestic tanker needs. 1944 1967 One of the most modern union halls in the country was officially opened last week by the SIU. The six-story building at 51 Beaver Street will house both the New York Branch and the Atlantic & Gulf District offices. The union occupies the top five floors with the shipping hall taking the entire second floor. The lounge, complete with card and writing tables, takes the third floor. The stewards’ offices and the baggage room, which offers free baggage checking for members in good standing, are on the fourth floor, and branch offices, including the office of the Seafarers LOG, take up the fifth floor. Atlantic & Gulf District headquarters comprises the top floor. The reaction of the membership to their new home has been very favorable. Commenting on the new building, one Seafarer said, “From now on we don’t have to take off our hat to nobody.” Seafarers at regular monthly meetings in all constitutional ports enthusiastically voted to endorse and support the newly formed Maritime Defense League. In approving the purposes of the new organization, the membership called for maximum publicity in support of the league by all Seafarers. The new organization is a voluntary body set up to assure that maritime workers, faced with legal problems or charges threatening their personal liberties, are assured their fundamental American rights to counsel and other assistance. Robert A. Mathews, SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, has been selected chairman of the Maritime Defense League, and offices have been established on One Hanson Place in Brooklyn, N.Y. 1956 1978 A vigorous SIU protest on proposals to use foreign-flag tankers in the domestic trades has drawn a prompt denial from the Maritime Administration of any such intention. However, Maritime Administrator Clarence Morse left the door open to such an operation in the case of a “critical tanker situation.” Instead of considering an invasion of the domestic trades, the SIU demanded that runaway-flag tankers be brought back under the The SIU-manned ST Alliance was cited by the American Institute for Merchant Shipping and the National Safety Council for rescuing five people aboard a foundering sailboat off the Boston coast. The tanker was running eight miles off Boston Pilot Station in 10-foot waves and gale-force winds when the crew spotted a sloop-rigged sailboat that was without engine power and radio. The sailboat’s mast and sails were also in the water. Seafarers LOG 17 �Fina l De pa r tu r e s DEEP SEA RAFFAELE ASCIONE Pensioner Raffaele Ascione, 69, passed away March 15. Brother Ascione began shipping with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of New York. He was born in Italy and sailed in the steward department. Brother Ascione’s earliest trip to sea was aboard a Crest Overseas Shipping Company vessel. He last worked with Sealift Tankship Inc. Brother Ascione started collecting retirement in 1999 and made his home in Houston. CONFESSOR AYALA Pensioner Confessor Ayala, 96, died March 21. Brother Ayala joined the SIU ranks in 1953 while in the port of New York. He initially sailed on the Lafayette. Brother Ayala, a member of the steward department, was born in Puerto Rico. His final voyage took place aboard the Tampa. Brother Ayala became a pensioner in 1982. He resided in Hollywood, Fla. MORRIS DANZEY Pensioner Morris Danzey, 83, passed away Feb. 13. Brother Danzey started sailing with the union in 1943 from the port of New Orleans. He first sailed on the Strath Bay. Brother Danzey’s last vessel was the Liberty Wave. He worked in the deck department. Brother Danzey lived in Louisiana and went on pension in 1991. CARL FRANCUM Pensioner Carl Francum, 82, died May 15. Brother Francum was born in Caldwell, N.C. He signed on with the SIU in 1945. Brother Francum’s first voyage was on the Morning Light. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Francum’s final trip was aboard the OMI Missouri. He retired in 1992 and called Linville, N.C., home. 18 Seafarers LOG GUISEPPE GALLIANO Pensioner Guiseppe Galliano, 87, passed away April 13. Brother Galliano became a Seafarer in 1951 while in New York. His earliest trip was on the Del Sud. Brother Galliano was a native of New Jersey. He shipped in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Brother Galliano worked aboard the Robert E. Lee. He settled in Las Vegas. CECIL LEWIS Pensioner Cecil Lewis, 85, died May 26. Brother Lewis first donned the SIU colors in 1945 while in the port of New Orleans. He primarily sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation as a member of the engine department. Brother Lewis started collecting his pension in 1987. He continued to live in his native state of Florida. 1972 and called Gretna, La. home. INLAND PAUL GEBHARDT Pensioner Paul Gebhardt, 84, died March 29. Brother Gebhardt became a union member in 1978. He initially sailed with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Gebhardt was an Ohio native. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Gebhardt’s final trip was aboard a vessel operated by Mariner Towing. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1991. Brother Gebhardt resided in Florida. LINWOOD BOYD Pensioner Linwood Boyd, 85, passed away April 6. The North Carolina native went on pension in 1985. Brother Boyd made his home in Baltimore. Pensioner Edgar Brown, 85, died April 6. Brother Brown, a native of Georgia, became a pensioner in 1984. He lived in Bronx, N.Y. Pensioner Terry Leblanc, 75, died March 3. Brother Leblanc joined the union in 1962. He was employed with G&H Towing Company for the duration of his career. Brother Leblanc was born in Aransas, Texas. He retired in 1999 and continued to make his home in Texas. Pensioner James Swank, 90, passed away May 23. Brother Swank was born in New Orleans. He retired in NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. EDGAR BROWN TERRY LEBLANC JAMES SWANK Pensioner Robert Murray, 86, died April 1. Brother Murray was born in Seattle. He retired in 1988. Brother Murray continued to call Seattle home. Pensioner Richard Jervas, 76, passed away April 21. Brother Jervas signed on with the SIU in 1980. He originally worked on the Harriette as a member of the deck department. Brother Jervas was born in Camden, N.J. He last sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Jervas went on pension in 1998. He lived in Waterford Township, N.J. Pensioner William Lowry Jr., 69, passed away April 30. Brother Lowry was born in Maryland. He joined the union in 1966 while in the port of New York. Brother Lowry originally shipped with Penn Navigation Company. The deck department member most recently worked on the Maersk Carolina. Brother Lowry went on pension in 2008. He was a resident of Sealevel, N.C. Pensioner Phillip Pron, 83, died April 1. Brother Pron began sailing with the Seafarers in 1946. His earliest trip was on the Stathport. Brother Pron’s last voyage was aboard the Express. He made his home in Hudson, N.J. Brother Pron became a pensioner in 1985. ROBERT MURRAY Pensioner Harold Whightsil, 80, died March 11. Brother Whightsil first donned the SIU colors in 1966. The engine department members first shipped with Coyle Line Inc. Brother Whightsil’s final trip was on a vessel operated by Moran Towing of Texas. He was born in Chicago and called Chalmette, La., home. RICHARD JERVAS WILLIAM LOWRY JR PHILLIP PRON HAROLD WHIGHTSIL JOHN PARKS Pensioner John Parks, 77, passed away April 16. Brother Parks started shipping with the union in 1989. He worked mainly in the deck department aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company. Brother Parks became a pensioner in 1995. He continued to reside in his native state of Michigan. TOMMY PETTY Pensioner Tommy Petty, 80 died April 7. Brother Petty joined the SIU ranks in 1969. The North Carolina-born mariner primarily sailed with Allied Transportation Company. Brother Petty was a member of the engine department. He became a pensioner 1993. Brother Petty was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. GERALD TYLER Pensioner Gerald Tyler, 77, passed away March 2. Brother Tyler was born in Maryland. He began shipping with the union in 1962 aboard a Maritrans vessel. Before his retirement in 1996, Brother Tyler worked with Piney Point Transportation. He settled in Crisfield, Md. WILLIAM GILBERT Pensioner William Gilbert, 91, passed away April 22. Brother Gilbert was born in Rhode Island. He retired in 1968 and continued to reside in his native state. ROBERT ROTH Pensioner Robert Roth, 89, passed away March 23. Brother Roth was a New Orleans native. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1972. Brother Roth lived in Louisiana. MICHAEL SAKELLIS Pensioner Michael Sakellis, 90, died March 10. Brother Sakellis, a native of Egypt, became a pensioner in 1982. He settled in Norfolk, Va. PAUL WARD Pensioner Paul Ward, 81, passed away March 5. Brother Ward was a native of California. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Ward lived in Oceanside, Calif. JOHN WILLIAMS Pensioner John Williams, 80, died March 3. Brother Williams was born in Charleston, S.C. He went on pension in 1984 and resided in Port Arthur, Texas. EARL WILSON Pensioner Earl Wilson, 79, passed away March 23. Brother Wilson was an Alabama native. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1986. Brother Wilson continued to make his home in Alabama. GEORGE YEP BERNARDO GONZALEZ Pensioner Bernardo Gonzalez, 93, died May 2. The Puerto Rico-born mariner became a pensioner in 1981. Brother Gonzalez was a resident of Punta Gorda, Fla. Pensioner George Yep, 82, died April 9. Born in St. Paul, Minn., Brother Yep retired in 1968. He was a resident of Philadelphia. Name Age DOD Becknell, Benjamin 82 April 6 Chiofolo, Joseph 85 April 15 Diaz, Luis 96 April 7 Jones, Andy 79 April 14 Klovanich, George 92 April 30 PAUL MODRAK Marcell, Thomas 72 April 4 Pensioner Paul Modrak, 82, passed away April 16. Brother Modrak was a native of Aliquippa, Pa. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987. Brother Modrak lived in Marshall, Ark. Miralda, Alexander 91 May 6 Morel, Max 95 April 23 RICHARD MOORE Pensioner Richard Moore, 84, died April 12. Brother Moore was born in Baltimore. He settled in Hollywood, Fla. Nazario, Abelardo 84 May 4 Okamura, Yoshio 88 April 24 Pennington, William 82 April 2 Sanford, Robert 73 April 4 Singh, Surendar 72 April 18 Smith, Thomas 87 April 29 CARDY MORELAND Pensioner Cardy Moreland, 81, passed away April 4. Brother Moreland was a native of Honduras. He went on pension in 1986. Brother Moreland made his home in Tampa. September 2010 �D i g es t o f S h ip b oa r d U n io n M e et i ng s GOLDEN STATE (Crowley), June 28 – Chairman Juan Tizon, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Sherrod Frazier, Deck Delegate Larry A. Rawlins, Engine Delegate Noli Aguirre, Steward Delegate Cesar Santos. Chairman suggested crew members keep credentials and other union-related information up-to-date. He reminded them to make sure BST entries are recorded in their TRB and anticipate vetting inspection at next port. Secretary reviewed prior meeting minutes and informed crew that all union forms were available upon request. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He recommended they read the Seafarers LOG and safety bulletins as posted to stay informed about issues that affect the maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to steward department. Chairman led a brief Q&A session regarding union benefits and shipping rules. Crew felt this was very informative. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK IDAHO (Maersk Line, Limited), June 28 – Chairman Timothy Girard, Secretary Zein Achmad, Educational Director Alfredo Cuevas, Engine Delegate Osvaldo Sanchez. Chairman reported excellent voyage and crew. Educational director reminded mariners to take every opportunity to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $2,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase vacation days and reduce sea time requirements needed for retirement. Next port: Newark, N.J. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), July 20 – Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Anthony Kimbrell, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Bosun thanked crew for a job well done. Educational director suggested mariners take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated school located in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer discussed the possibility of purchasing exercise equipment or a computer with ship fund money. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to raise pension pay. It was reported that crew e-mail was not readily available and that movie library had a lot of empty cases. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Houston. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), July 25 – Chairman Errol Pinkham, Secretary James Harris, Educational Director Anthony L. Bartley, Deck Delegate Fitsum Yohannes, Engine Delegate Stanley Williams. Chairman announced payoff in Houston on July 29. He reminded crew members of the recent change of command aboard ship. Secretary asked those leaving the vessel to September 2010 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. From One Seafarers-Crewed Ship to Another In this July 11 photo taken in the Pacific Ocean, an MD-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Seafarers-crewed U.S. Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy conducts a vertical replenishment with another SIU-crewed vessel, the MSC dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS RIchard E. Byrd. As previously reported, the hospital ship is conducting Pacific Partnership 2010, the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors to strengthen regional partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications SPecialist 2nd Class Eddie Harrison) strip the beds. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade and make sure they stay up-todate on their TWIC and MMD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers requested a juice machine be installed. Motion was made to increase pension benefits and vacation days. Crew expressed gratitude for great meals prepared by the steward department. Next port: Houston. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), July 4 – Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Veronika Cardenas, Educational Director Joseph Krajnik, Deck Delegate Ronald Owens, Steward Delegate Sharon Baham. Chairman stated payoff to take place on July 7 in New Orleans. Educational director advised members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for additional clothes dryer, so work and non-work clothes do not have to be mixed. Crew thanked Baham for her good cooking. MAERSK UTAH (Maersk Line, Limited), July 11 – Chairman Herbert Charles, Secretary Jack Hart, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Francisco Rochez, Steward Delegate Rene Gil. Bosun announced payoff in New Jersey on July 13 and thanked members for a smooth voyage. Secretary talked about the DOT’s announcement concern- ing the Marine Highway initiative. Educational director encouraged mariners to attend classes at the Piney Point school to enhance seafaring abilities. He also reminded them to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like more washcloths and an upright vacuum cleaner for crew quarters. Thanks given to the steward for a great Fourth of July cook out. It was reported that while passing through potential danger zones in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, members noticed a lot of military presence, which made them feel safe. Next ports: New Jersey, and Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS NIKISKI (OSG Ship Management), July 27 – Chairman Victor Beata, Secretary George Monseur, Educational Director Michael Williams, Deck Delegate Ashward Rankin, Engine Delegate Roberto Sabio. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and reminded members that only approved electrical equipment is allowed. He reminded mariners getting off this trip to leave rooms clean for next person. Secretary requested crew clean lint filter in dryer after use. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Action Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding pension benefits. Clarification of smoking regulations was requested. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and San Francisco. PEARL (APL Maritime), July 10 – Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Eddie Almodovar, Deck Delegate Darrell Crim, Steward Delegate Radfan Almaklani. Chairman thanked all departments for working well together. Secretary expressed his gratitude for crew’s help keeping ship clean. He asked that members please leave fresh linen for arriving crew. Educational director reminded mariners to check expiration dates on all necessary seafaring documents. He thanked union officials and their staffs for looking out for the best interest of the union. Treasurer noted $300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for great meals. Next port: Charleston, S.C. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk Tankers), July 11 – Chairman Jeremy Scheil, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Reginald R. Hunter, Deck Delegate Cesar Bugtai, Engine Delegate Bruce Landos, Steward Delegate Leslie P. McGirt. Chairman reminded members to not slam doors at night or while others are sleeping; signs will be posted. Secretary expressed gratitude for crew’s help keeping messhall clean. He asked them not to store personal items in laundry closet, as that is for cleaning gear only. Educational director suggested crew members take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Members were reminded to renew documents early so they won’t miss job opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to change wording concerning vacation check. Request was made for new linen and pillows. Kudos given to the steward department for excellent food. Next ports: Kenai, Alaska and Valdez, Alaska. USNS SODERMAN (Ocean Ships), July 19 – Chairman James D. Orlanda, Secretary Linda Rotter, Educational Director Kevin Quinlan, Deck Delegate Richard Trovillo, Engine Delegate Kenneth Couture. Chairman went over procedures for solving problems aboard vessel. Motion was made regarding wages and vacation benefits. Educational director advised mariners to attend classes at the Piney Point school to enhance seafaring abilities. Treasurer reported ship’s fund money was used to purchase new TV for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that air conditioning had been installed in guard shack and that a new freezer was on order for crew mess. Seafarers LOG 19 �Crowley Honors Retirees Seafarers-contracted Crowley in late April threw a party for its retirees at a restaurant in Jacksonville, Fla. “It was a wonderful thing to do for retirees,” said SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware, who submitted these photos. Among those in attendance, many of whom are shown in the group photo at the bottom of this page were: Harold Sevland, Bobby Sterns, Fred Shiferdek, Vern Barfield, Don Smith, Bill Gosset, John Bryan, Roger Rothchild, John Payne, Mark Bailey, Willie Pettaway. Jeff Poulos, Kenny Griggs, Spike Miller, Bobby August, Dewey Routh, Joe Stephens, John Valez, Mike Getchell, Antonio Silva, Eddy William, Martin Cooper and Edwin Colon. Enjoying the event in the photo at left (from left to right) are Rich Lyons, Charles Jones and Willie Pettaway. In the photo above, SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware (second from left) is pictured with Don Smith, Bobby August, John Valez and Edwin Colon. 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. September 2010 �S e a f a r e r s P a u l H a l l Ce n t e r U p g r a d i n g C o u r s e S c h e d u l e 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. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting October 18 October 29 BST/Basic Firefighting September 20 October 18 November 15 September 24 October 22 November 19 Medical Care Provider November 1 November 5 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Steward Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 11 November 5 ARPA September 27 November 8 October 1 November 12 Bosun Recertification October 18 November 8 Academic Department Courses Lifeboatman September 27 October 10 Radar Observer (Unlimited) September 13 October 25 September 24 November 5 Radar Recertification (1 day) September 8 November 15 September 8 November 15 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. STOS October 18 October 29 Tank PIC Barge DL September 27 October 10 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 Aug. 23. Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance November 15 December 10 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations September 13 November 8 October 8 December 3 FOWT October 11 December 17 Government Vessels (1 week) September 20 November 29 September 24 December 3 Junior Engineer October 25 December 17 Machinist November 29 December 17 Pumpman October 4 October 15 Welding September 27 October 25 November 29 October 15 November 12 December 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ Students who have registered for classes at the SIU-affiliated 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 ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # ____________________________ Seniority_____________________________ COURSE DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ Department______________________ Home Port_____________________________________________________________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ 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_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ September 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. 9/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �P a u l H a l l C en t er C l a s s es Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 732 – Twelve unlicensed apprentices on May 28 completed their requirements in this 60-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Austin Anderson, Antajuan Beasley, Major Brooks Jr., James Robert Charles Burnett Jr., Marcus Fields, Antonio Hernandez, Sean Hughes, Joseph Panella, Roman Pauley, Andrew Saraceno, Jonathan Scalasky and Richard Swartz. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook – Three upgraders completed their requirements in this class July 2. Graduating (above, from left to right) were Manual Aguio, Alfrancis Bauzon and Jamie Serrano. Welding – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this 103-hour course June 25: Danilo Achacoso, Marcus Crumpton, Merlin Flores, Eddy Newman, Robert Ott and Antoine Rainey. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is at left. Fast Rescue Boat – Three mariners graduated from this 30-hour course June 25. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jose Boza, Justin Nichols and Mike Washburn. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at right. Able Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements June 21 in this course: Timothy Bryant, Durant Devarian, John Edwards, Johnny Hunter, Eduardo Jorge, Patrick Lindauer, Sunnil Motley, Tyrell Perry, Andre Robinson Sr., Adam Sanders, Rosalind Sparrow, Dean Trott and Clayton Walker. Tom Truitt, their instructor is at right. Government Vessels – Five individuals earned certificates July 16 following the completion of their requirements in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Walker Boot, Emmanuel Essien, Eric Johnson, Chris Paul and Richard Riley. Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting – Twelve upgraders finished their requirements in this 41-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: David Brown, Frank Coburn, Thomas Hailiburton, Charles Horton, Phillip Hurlbutt, Wilfredo Martinez, Gustavo Osoric, Jawaid Pardesi, Angelo Schiraldi, Michael Sherman, Donna Sylvia and Kwamena Watson. Tank Ship Familiarization DL (Phase III) – The following Phase III unlicensed apprentices on July 9 completed their training in this 63-hour course. Graduating and receiving certificates (right, in alphabetical order) were: Brandon Blue, Curtis Church, Paul Elia, Jonathan Green, Daniel Harris, Thomas Haley, Laura Hollar, Daryl Holloway, Leland Jordan, Garett Leopard, Daniel Linkletter, Josue Marin, Badi Mohamed, Jason Newsham, Eric Noetzel, Zachary Pollman, Lionel Rivera, Charles Searfass, Marcel Soares, Vincent Steppits, Jonda Tanner, James Washington and Gary Youman. Students who have registered for classes at the SIU-affiliated 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. 22 Seafarers LOG September 2010 �Pa u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e s Machinist – Four upgraders on July 16 finished their requirements for this 102-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Janis Kalnins, Eddy Newman, Rodney Payne and Daniel Tapley. Steve Haver, their instructor, is second from left. Radar Observer – Six upgraders completed this five-day course July 23. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Glenn Agustin, Cario Balajadia, Mohamed Jebokji, Samuel Khin Naing, Mykota Smirnov and Alexander Ward. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is fourth from left. FOWT – Nine upgraders finished their requirements in this course July 16. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Todd Favaza, Amber Fisher, Michael Kelly, Sean Mannix, Mauriceio Qubre, Mohamed Sheriff, Jose Smith, Louie Smith and James Williamson. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW/BST – Twenty–two upgraders graduated from this course June 25. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Michael Hilton, Abubaker Danjuma Idris, Nick Keklikos, Joseph Laguana, Nelson Lazo, Julio Lobo, Gary Lowry, Carlos Marcial, Marc Marcus, Eugene McLendon, Jessie Mixon, Monroe Monseur, Kenneth Moore, Johnny Morris, James Muldowney, Samual Khin Naing, Errick Nobles, John Osburn, Dimitrios Papandreou, Eugene Perez Jr., Edwin Rivera and Napoleon SanMartin. Joe Zienda and Wayne Johnson, their instructors, are at the far left and far right respectively. September 2010 Vessel Security Officer (Allied Towing) – Four individuals from Allied Towing completed this course June 29. Thos graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jonathan Hendrickson, Bryan Kneeland, James Pearson and Semuel Zapadinsky.. Mobile Pilots (Crescent Towing) – Four individuals from Crescent Towing completed this course June 30. Shown above are those graduating along with their instructor. Pictured (from left) are John Panepinto Jr., Instructor Mitch Oakley, Ronnie Walker, Johnny Johnston and Thomas Lambard. STCW/BST – Twenty-three Seafarers completed this course June 25. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mercurion Abuan, Gregory Agren, Armondo Alvarez, Efrain Alvarez, Rocel Alvarez, Fausto Dario Aranda, Victor Arzu-Martinez, Eric Bain, James Blitch, Ramon Borrero, William Burdette, James Castillo, Celso Castro, Cleofe Castro, Herman Castro, Gregorio Clotter, John Coleman, Dante Cruz, John Ferreira, Gerald Figg Jr., Noel Gemo, Adele George and Feliciano Gimutao Jr. Their instructors, Joe Zienda and Wayne Johnson are at the far left and far right respectively. STCW/BST – Twenty-three Seafarers completed their requirements for graduation from this course June 25. Finishing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Larry Ballard, Alexander Bermudez, Walter Boot, Al Caulder, Julian Dingzon, Leopoldo Emnace, Domingos Ferreira, Karl Meyer, Gheorghe Savencu, Lexie Shaw, Jonathan Singleton, Donald Spangler, Brett Sunderland, Norman Taylor, Gary Van Staden, Jose Villot, Richard Vigor, Daniel Wehr, Charles Wharton, Boyce Wilson, John Wilson, Bryan Wynn, Matilde Zuniga and . Their instructors, Joe Zienda and Wayne Johnson are at the far left and far right respectively. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 72, Number 9 September 2010 Seafarers Earn Safety Award Page 8 More New Tonnage! Empire State Takes Place in Seafarers-Crewed Fleet T he Crowley-operated Empire State recently made its debut in the SIU-crewed fleet. As reporter earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the new 600-foot tanker was christened and put into service July 14 at General Dynamics’ San Deigo, Calif.-based National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. A double-hulled vessel, the Empire State is under the operational control of the Military Sealift Command. Its role will be to transport petroleum products for the Department of Defense. The photos appearing on this page were submitted by SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus and were taken when the vessel made stops in Cherry Point, Wash., and the Port of Wilmington Calf. Members of the vessel’s unlicensed crew during the Wilmington visit—many of whom appear in these photos and are all Seafarers—are: Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro; ABs Roland Adriano, L. Johnson, Daniel Babatunde, Eduardo Morre and Tareq Ahmed; QE Troy Banks; Oilers Mohsen Hubair, Noorudin Muthala and Spenser Hiruko; Recertified Steward Nee Tran and ACUs Michael Sheehan and Dominador Guerrero. The Empire State is the fourth in a series of five tankers being operated by Crowley for American Petroleum Tankers LLC. Members of the Empire State crew pose outside the vessel’s wheelhouse. � 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 September 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRESIDENT OBAMA SAYS ‘MADE IN AMERICA’ ESSENTIAL FOR STRONG ECONOMIC RECOVERY INTERMARINE ADDS HEAVY LIFT SHIP OCEAN CRESCENT CROWLEY CHRISTENS ATB INNOVATION/659-9 SIU’S HEINDEL ELECTED ITF SEAFARERS’ SECTION CHAIR U.S. REPS. SANCHEZ, TAYLOR SPEAK OUT FOR JONES ACT REP. CUMMINGS CALLS FOR EXPANDED U.S. FLEET LATE SENATOR STEVENS WAS WRONG SUPPORTED OF U.S. MERCHANT MARINE CAPT. ANTHONY LLOYD TAKE NMC HELM AGENCY MARKS 220 YEARS OF SERVICE NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES U.S. MERCHANT MARINE’S IMPORTANCE OBERSTAR, STUPAK SPONSOR ‘HISTORIC’ LEGISLATION ALL HANDS SAFE ABOARD SAGAMORE U.S.-FLAG FLEET ROLE COULD SEE EXPANSION USNS WHEAT SEAFARERS DONATE TO FUND BACKING MARINES, SAILORS RETIRED OFFICIAL CARK PETH DIES AT 69 NEW YORK NEW JERSEY RAIL EARNS SAFETY AWARD FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR REMEMBERING A MID-CENTURY MERCHANT MARINER COUNCIL SHARPENS PRO-WORKER STRATEGIES UNION MEMBERS RALLY IN LOS ANGELES, CALL FOR CREATING, KEEPING GOOD JOBS NEW BOOK CHRONICLES SIU HISTORY THE ED WOODS STORY- A TEENAGER IN WORLD WAR II MORE NEW TONNAGE! 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 09/01/2010 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. 9 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log