Seafarers Log: Vol. 72 No. 2 (2010-02-01)

Tax Tips for Mariners
Pages 12-13

February 2010Volume 72, Number 2

Union Mourns Retired Port Agent
Page 6

SIU of Canada President Retires
Page 4

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 earth-
quake 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-au-
Prince on Jan. 16 reveals some of the damage (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt.
Jeremy Lock). Pages 2, 7.

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 ves-
sel 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.

Dozens of Seafarers in the Tacoma, Wash., area helped
brighten the holidays for military families through a philan-
thropic 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.

SIU Supports Military Families
Via ‘Santa’s Castle’ Program

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.

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:06 PM Page 1



2 Seafarers LOG February 2010

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-
CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675.
Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMAS-
TER: 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.

Volume 72, Number 2 February 2010

The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

PPrreessiiddeenntt’’ss RReeppoorrtt
From the Hudson to Haiti

The Seafarers International Union
engaged an environmentally friendly
printer for the production of this
newspaper.

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

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.

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 Seafarers-
crewed 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 res-
cue 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 preposi-
tioning 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-

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 enor-

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)

See Mariners, Page 7

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, chal-
lenging 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
another such reminder, only this time the situation
proved horribly tragic. The earthquake that demol-
ished 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 some-
thing to keep in mind when weighing the ongoing need for, and enor-
mous 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 substan-
tially 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 plagu-
ing 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 avail-
able 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.

Michael Sacco

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:28 PM Page 2



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 3

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 (for-
merly the Taronga). The vessel, which will
be operated by Crowley for ARC, is an out-
right addition to the union’s fleet.

The Endurance is expected to enter ser-
vice in mid-February. ARC described the
860-foot vessel as “the largest and most mil-
itarily 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

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-protect-
ed vehicles), MATVs (all-terrain vehi-
cles), 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, technolog-
ically 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 govern-
ment owning and maintaining an equivalent
capability.

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 Hope-
class LMSRs and also selected Patriot as the opera-
tor 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 agree-
ment 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 ves-
sels was expected to begin in late January. AMSEA
already operated the Bob Hope ships.

SIU officials pointed out that while these 11 ves-
sels 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 com-
panies.

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 mil-
lennium. 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.

New RO/RO Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet

Originally named the Taronga, the newly acquired ARC ship is reflagging American and changing its name to Endurance.

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 ship-
yards since the
mid-1990s to
transport and
preposition U.S.
combat equip-
ment.

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)

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:29 PM Page 3



4 Seafarers LOG February 2010

Maritime Icon Roman Gralewicz Retires
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 bat-
tle 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 indus-
try.”

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 bat-
tle for him and a victory for our
brothers and sisters,” Desjardins
added. “His knowledge and expe-
rience 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

of Canada Steamship Lines who
served as Canada’s prime minister
from 2003-06, wrote that interact-
ing 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 indus-
try.”

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.”

A recent magazine profile describes Roman Gralewicz (right) as “a larger-
than-life figure, with a blunt tongue and big heart.” His successor as pres-
ident of the SIU of Canada, Michel Desjardins (left), had been serving as
the union’s executive vice president.

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 out-
reach 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.”

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 connect-
ing instead to electrical sources ashore. This process, also some-
times 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 par-
ticulate 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.

APL Announces
‘Landmark’ Clean-Air
Plan in Oakland

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.

Respected Leader Served as SIU of Canada President for 38 Years

57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:34 PM Page 4



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 5

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 mid-
December 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 lead-
ership 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 inten-
tions, 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 remain-
ing 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 cost-
effective 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 effec-
tive 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 part-
nership involving the state government,
Congress, and now the White House, to change
the direction and leadership of our state.”

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is an outspoken advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

IMO Designates 2010
‘Year of the Seafarer’

The International Maritime
Organization (IMO) has declared
2010 the “Year of the Seafarer,”
as the theme for World Maritime
Day.

“Our intention is to pay tribute
to you, the world’s 1.5 million
seafarers – men and women from
all over the globe – for the
unique, and all-too-often over-
looked, contribution you make to
the wellbeing of all of us,” said
IMO Secretary-General
Efthimios E. Mitropoulos.

Every year, the IMO and many
of its member states celebrate
World Maritime Day. The exact
date is left to individual govern-
ments but usually is observed
during the last week in
September. According to the
agency, the day is used to focus
attention on the importance of
shipping safety, maritime security
and the marine environment and
to emphasize a particular aspect
of IMO’s work.

For 2010, the IMO is
planning numerous
activities tied in with
the “Year of the
Seafarer” theme
– not just in
September,
b u t
t h r o u g h o u t
the year.
In announcing its
plans, the agency
described mariners as
“extraordinary profes-
sionals who work in danger-
ous conditions delivering sus-
tenance to more
than 6.5 billion peo-
ple of the world.
Seafarers deliver
the wheat that
makes our daily
bread, the gas and
oil that warms our homes or
moves our vehicles.”

Mitropoulos pointed out that
seafarers are responsible for mov-
ing more than 90 percent of the
world’s trade and sustaining
human development.

“At IMO, we are ever-con-
scious of the important role you
play in helping us achieve safe,

secure and efficient shipping on
clean oceans,” he noted. “And so,
we will celebrate next year’s
World Maritime Day theme with
much pride in your contribution
to our objectives. At IMO we
understand the extreme pressures
that you face and that, as a result,
we approach our own tasks with a
genuine sympathy for the work
that you carry out.”

Mitropoulos also said the IMO
developed its “Go to Sea!” cam-
paign that it launched in
November 2008 to add more
awareness to maritime careers
and to attract new entrants to the
shipping industry by “becoming
the seafarers of tomorrow.” The
IMO launched the campaign in
association with the International
Labor Organization, the “Round
Table” of shipping industry orga-
nizations (International Chamber
of Shipping, International
Shipping Federation, BIMCO,

International Association of
Independent Tanker Owners

and International
Association of Dry

Cargo Shipowners)
and the

I n t e r n a t i o n a l
T r a n s p o r t

W o r k e r s ’
Federation.
“Seafarers

the world over
deserve our respect,

recognition and grati-
tude and, during 2010 we

at IMO are resolved to
ensure that the world does take

notice of your excep-
tional role and con-
tribution and of the
special debt that all
of us owe to you,”
Mitropoulos added.

The IMO is a spe-
cialized agency of the United
Nations which is responsible for
measures to improve the safety
and security of international ship-
ping and to prevent marine pollu-
tion from ships. It is also
involved in legal matters, includ-
ing liability and compensation
issues and the facilitation of
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 presen-
tation, 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.

The IMO produced this
logo in recognition of
World Maritime Day
2010.

57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:36 PM Page 5



6 Seafarers LOG February 2010

Retired Port Agent
Joe Perez Dies at 76

Retired SIU Port Agent Jose “Joe”
Perez, a colorful character who actively
served the membership for nearly 40
years, passed away Dec. 31 at North
Austin (Texas) Medical Center, following
an illness. He was 76.

A native of Robstown, Texas, Perez
earned an honorable dis-
charge after serving in
the U.S. Army from
1954-57. He began his
career with the labor
movement as an orga-
nizer in Houston for the
Retail Clerks (now the
United Food and
Commercial Workers).
He started working for
the SIU in 1959 at the
Houston hall, reporting
to Port Agent Robert
Matthews.

In the ensuing years,
Perez served in various
capacities including
those of field represen-
tative and safety direc-
tor. He transferred to
New Orleans in 1990
and was elected port
agent there in 1992.
Perez was reelected to
that post in 1996 before
retiring in 1998.

In addition to his work with the SIU,
Perez was actively involved with the
Greater New Orleans Central Labor
Council, the Louisiana AFL-CIO and the
Port Maritime Council of Greater New
Orleans and Vicinity. He kept in touch
with union members and officials long
after retiring, and remained an asset not
only to the SIU but to organized labor as
a whole.

SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez knew Perez since 1978.

“You could always count on Joe to
give you a hand,” Tellez said. “He became
a stalwart in the Gulf. He was a good guy
and he had a great sense of humor.”

Perez’s upbeat personality is what
stands out to SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel.

“He always had a smile on his face and
seemed to be happy with life,” Heindel

said. “He never had an unkind word to say
about anybody.”

SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean
Corgey remembered that Perez “gave me
my first job, back in 1973. Joe started
many a career of young men and women
going to sea. He was a dedicated trade

unionist and a soldier in
many battles that set the
stage for jobs, benefits
and working conditions
that we all enjoy to this
day.”

SIU Assistant Vice
President Jim McGee
said Perez “helped
break me in, back in
1977. Joe helped show
me how things were
done. He was a great
guy and a straight
shooter and a good
union representative.
Joe was a real advocate
for the membership and
he also was a good
friend. He’ll be
missed.”

Chris Westbrook,
SIU port agent in New
Orleans, recalled first
meeting Perez “when I
was an employee at

E.N. Bisso and Son, and we were going
through a pretty contentious organizing
drive. I remember Joe was available all
the time, for anything we needed out
there. The other thing about Joe was he
had a very calming presence. His
demeanor, in tense situations, was cool.
Knowing him later and coming into the
organization, he was always there for
anything you needed, almost like an
uncle who took you under his wing. He
stayed in touch all the way up to the end
– he genuinely cared about the members
and the organization.”

Survivors include his wife, three chil-
dren and four grandchildren. Donations
in Perez’s memory may be made to
Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs
Rd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759 or to
the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Queen
of Angels Chapel, P.O. Box 448,
Spicewood, TX 78669.

Joe Perez worked for the union
from 1959 to 1998 but stayed
involved even after retiring.

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.

A new veterans’ memorial in
Calistoga, Calif., pays tribute to the
U.S. Merchant Marine along with mem-
bers 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 hun-
dreds in attendance. SIU Assistant Vice
President Government Services Chet
Wheeler formally represented the
union; he took part in the official cere-
mony.

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 con-
tingent 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 com-
munity, especially the kids.”

According to Schindler, local citi-
zens, businesses and an American
Legion post came out in droves to par-
ticipate in the memorial’s primary fund-
raiser on Independence Day 2009. That
effort included raising money to help
ensure upkeep for the memorial.
Published reports indicate that approxi-
mately $250,000 was raised, not count-
ing 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.

Calif. Memorial Recognizes
U.S. Merchant Mariners

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.

Oiler Jackson Earns Safety Award

Recertified Bosun Ray Henderson
recently let the union and its affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education know about the fine work per-
formed 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 under-
stood how much they could learn from all
of the crew.”

For example, Henderson pointed out, “If
given a simple task like cleaning or chip-
ping paint, Matt and Jason’s mindset was

always to do it without hesitation or com-
plaint, do it right and
do it efficiently. When given the opportuni-
ty 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 inter-
est in learning and understanding what they
were doing, how the machinery and equip-
ment 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.”

Recertified Bosun Credits Phase II
Apprentices for Job Well Done

UAs Impress Maersk Virginia Shipmates

57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:37 PM Page 6



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 7

Seafarers Disaster
Relief Fund Accepts
Donations for Haiti

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, any-
one 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 representa-
tives.)

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 attract-
ed immediate attention, partly
because its services are so desperate-
ly needed. The floating hospital
received its first Haitian patients late
at night Jan. 19, delivered by a heli-
copter from the USS Carl Vinson.
Hours later, the Comfort dropped
anchor off the coast of Port-au-
Prince, Haiti. Since then, there’s been
no slowdown aboard the 894-foot
vessel, which has had multiple oper-
ating 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 person-
nel 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 contin-
gent 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.

Mariners Rally to Aid of Quake Victims

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).

Continued from Page 2

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 con-
tract 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 oper-
ation.”

The recent delivery in Baltimore coincided with a ceremony celebrat-
ing all of the successful transfers under this agreement. Attendees includ-
ed officials from the SIU, Maritime Administration, Federal Transit
Administration and New York City Transit Authority as well as digni-
taries 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.

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).

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 ser-
vices 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).

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:34 PM Page 7



8 Seafarers LOG February 2010

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 intend-
ed 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-sec-
ondary 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 con-
tains 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 eli-
gible 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 – 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.

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 stabili-
ty, 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 arrange-
ments 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 circum-
stances. 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 mission-
ary to tribal peoples.

Despite three semesters of successful aca-
demic 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 resi-
dential 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 sacri-
ficed.”

Fortunately for him, his fate was about to
change. In 2000, Frank left residential con-
struction and joined the United Brotherhood
of Carpenters (UBC) and Local 604, as a fully

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) pris-
ons.”

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 indus-
try as my profession was one of the best deci-
sions 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 indus-
try,” 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 expe-
rience they need in order to remain competi-
tive 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 them-
selves,” 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 interest-
ed in the school as possible because the union
is expending a lot of energy to keep this pro-
gram going…. I sincerely want to see more
members take advantage of it,” Frank con-
cluded.

April 15 Deadline Nears for Scholarship Application
Annual Program Offers Up to $132,000
In Grants For Members, Dependents

College Program Aids in Turnaround

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

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 voca-
tional 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 mar-
itime technology with concentrations in
nautical science or maritime engineering.

Collectively, the foregoing programs are
designed to provide the opportunity for sea-
farers to earn college degrees or certificates
in their occupational areas. An added bene-
fit 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 stan-
dardized 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) 994-
0010, ext 5411.

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.

AB Frank Recommends Paul Hall Center Curriculums to Fellow Seafarers

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:34 PM Page 8



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 9

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 docu-

ments.

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

■ 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 satis-

factory 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 hold-

ing QMED-

Fireman/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 comple-

tion of at least two weeks of

introduction and training in

the engine department of a

partially automated steam ves-

sel of at least 4,000 hp.

According to the SIU stan-

dard contract, what is the

QMED classification system?

■ The classification system

can be found in the SIU stan-

dard 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 verifica-

tion of having satisfactorily

completed the following speci-

fied Paul Hall

Center/Seafarers Harry

Lundeberg School of

Seamanship (SHLSS) special-

ty 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 spe-

cialty courses

■ Class #1 – QMED JE/DE

(SHLSS or Any Rating

(SHLSS) with six or more spe-

cialty courses

What are the SHLSS special-

ty 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 classifi-

cation the mariner is?

■ Anyone who is in the

QMED classification system

should have a yellow high-

lighted sticker in the miscella-

neous 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 classifi-

cation (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 classifi-

cation sticker and must attend

the school. Only mariners who

have been given an equivalen-

cy test or evaluation (for prac-

tical experience) by the Paul

Hall Center director of train-

ing 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 exam-

ple: Someone with the electri-

cian endorsement can sail as

an electrician or chief electri-

cian if they meet the SIU con-

tract 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 1-877-235-

3275.

Notice/Reminder
Engine Department

Career Path

Questions & Answers About QMED

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

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:35 PM Page 9



10 Seafarers LOG February 2010

Holidays With Seafarers

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 appren-
tice 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.

On the Paul Hall Center Campus

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 fel-
low 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 cap-

tain and chief engi-
neer, 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.

57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:40 PM Page 10



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 11

Holidays With Seafarers

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 mem-
bers 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.

Aboard the MV Freedom

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 decora-
tions. 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.

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.

Aboard the
Global Sentinel

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:38 PM Page 11



12 Seafarers LOG February 2010

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 cred-

its.
■ Medical and dental payment

records.
■ Real estate and personal property

tax receipts.
■ Interest payment records for items

such as a home mortgage or home equi-
ty 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 publica-
tions 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 1-800-272-9829 or 1-888-729-
1040 or visit web sites www.official-
payments.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 electroni-
cally, 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 profession-
al tax return preparers offer electronic
filing in addition to their return prepara-
tion services. Beginning in 2009, indi-
viduals 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

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 with-

out 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 pay-
ment 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 qual-
ify. 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 tax-
able.

Making Work Pay Credit - You may be able to take this cred-
it 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 mar-
ried filing jointly), or

■ You take the Government Retiree Credit
Government Retiree Credit – This credit is available for tax-

payers receiving pension or annuity payments in 2009 from ser-
vices 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 avail-
able increased for 2009.

■ Credit of $5,657 if you have three or more qualifying chil-
dren 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 bene-
fits 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 sav-
ings 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

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 reduc-
ing 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 adop-

tion 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 eli-
gible student is attending an eligible institution in a Midwestern
disaster area. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning credits are avail-
able 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 inter-
est 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 treat-
ment.

■ 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 joint-
ly or qualifying widow(er) when a taxpayer is covered by an
employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year. Also, sole-
ly 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 fil-
ing 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 penal-
ty 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

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.

Continued on Page 14

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.

STANDARD DEDUCTION

TAX TIPS FORTAX TIPS FOR

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:55 PM Page 12



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 13

bmit the forms electroni-
tronic 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 depen-
ased to $3,650 per per-
he exemption deduction
me taxpayers may be

minated if their adjusted
xceeds certain threshold
hild cannot claim an
is or her return or quali-

r 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 individ-
take the standard deduc-
even if that person has
tions in the past.
terest Deductions: For

al interest cannot be
sonal interest includes
loans, credit cards, per-
tax 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 deduc-

d for club dues; however,
ofessional or public ser-
ons 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 work-
g and other gear, as long
work and not paid for by
are likely to be consid-
ible.

Work-Related Car
of a personally owned

automobile in work-related travel can
result in deductible expenses. Two
methods can be used to compute auto-
mobile expenses—either listing a stan-
dard 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, informa-
tion must be available on all operating-
related 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 relat-
ed to travel, for both the standard
mileage rate and actual cost method, to
ensure accurate records. Only work-
related 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 transporta-
tion industry. You are in the transporta-
tion 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 eli-
gible 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 spe-
cial rate (and not use the regular stan-
dard meals allowance rates) for all trips
you take that year.

Limit on Itemized Deductions: In
2009, itemized deductions may be limit-
ed 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 qual-
ifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for
whom the taxpayer may claim a depen-
dency 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 tax-
payers 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 depen-
dents. The deduction is allowed in fig-
uring adjusted gross income. The phase-
out ranges for deducting student loan
interest are:

■ Modified AGI of $60,000 to
$75,000 for Single, Head of Household
and Qualifying Widow(er)

■ 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, can-
celed 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, usu-
ally 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 need-
ed 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 represen-
tative (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 taxpay-
er’s property.

WHICH INCOME TO REPORT
In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unem-

ployment 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 poli-
cy 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, partner-

ships, 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 out-

side 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 insur-

ance.
■ 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 nor-
mal 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, 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 accompa-
nied by all tax monies due to the U.S.
government.

WHERE IS MY REFUND?
In 2004, the IRS launched a new pro-

gram 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 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-con-
tiguous trade shall be withheld pur-

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 sec-
tion shall prohibit any such withhold-
ing 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 vol-
untary agreement between such sea-
man 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 pur-
poses. The board took into considera-
tion the fact that the seaman owned a
home in California and maintained a
bank account in a California-based
bank.

Additionally, each state has estab-
lished conditions under which non-
residents of that state must pay a por-
tion 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 treat-
ment 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 ves-
sel operating on the navigable waters
of more than one State” shall be sub-
ject 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 taxpay-
er assistance office in the state in
which they reside.

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

N
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 can-
not 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, pub-
lications 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 auto-
mated 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 intro-
ductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the sta-
tus 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 publica-
tions 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.

Should Seafarers find themselves
overseas and seeking IRS forms or
assistance, U.S. embassies and con-
sulates are equipped to provide some
taxpayer-related services. At a mini-
mum, 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.

OVERSEAS AT TAX TIMEOR MARINERSOR MARINERS

WHERE TO GET INFORMATION

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 6:56 PM Page 13



14 Seafarers LOG February 2010

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 pur-
chase. 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 pur-
chase. 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 tax-
payer 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 avail-
able 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 home-
buyers.” 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 com-
panies all qualify for the deduction.

Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit - This credit equals 30

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 condition-
ing systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qual-
ify, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition,
the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-effi-
cient 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 qualify-
ing 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 manu-
facturer’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 prod-
ucts 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 deduc-
tion or taken as an itemized deduction in lieu of state and local
income taxes. For states that do not charge a sales tax, equiva-
lent 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 par-
allel 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 charita-
ble 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 mil-
lion 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 for-
given 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 miscella-
neous 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 exten-
sions) 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 sim-
plify 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 defi-
nition, 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 per-
manently 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.

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 men-
tion 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 usu-
ally 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.

Various Changes Take Effect for 2009 Tax Season
Continued from Page 12

The following list con-

tains 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, tele-

phone (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

Interocean American Shipping
Corp. Obligated to Pay Monies
To Current, Former Seafarers

All Hands Notice

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:15 PM Page 14



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 15

December 16, 2009 – January 16, 2010

Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C

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.

MMaarrcchh && AApprriill
22001100 MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp MMeeeettiinnggss

Seafarers P
olitical

Action Donation

(SPAD)

Contribute to the

WHO TRUMPETS
MARITIME INTERESTS?

Attention: Seafarers

SPAD DOES!

Seafarers are reminded to renew their Transportation Worker

Identification Credentials (TWIC) so that the respective expira-

tion dates do not adversely affect members’ ability to ship. In par-

ticular, 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.

Notice/Reminder
Seafarers Must Renew TWICs

Deck Department
Algonac 19 8 1 1 5 1 1 40 16 2
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 1
Baltimore 3 2 1 3 4 2 0 5 4 1
Fort Lauderdale 18 10 2 5 5 2 3 33 26 7
Guam 5 6 0 3 1 0 0 3 8 0
Honolulu 11 11 0 4 5 0 0 21 16 0
Houston 56 23 3 34 15 1 17 119 46 7
Jacksonville 32 23 2 21 16 1 11 60 46 7
Joliet 2 8 1 3 1 1 1 1 10 2
Mobile 7 6 1 10 2 0 6 19 12 5
New Orleans 19 2 2 7 4 0 4 26 11 5
New York 34 19 5 28 16 4 10 80 38 13
Norfolk 21 21 4 11 9 6 3 32 49 11
Oakland 22 12 2 14 5 0 8 51 25 3
Philadelphia 3 9 1 1 3 0 2 10 8 2
Piney Point 2 5 14 0 2 14 1 2 9 3
Puerto Rico 10 8 1 3 8 0 2 16 11 0
Seattle 31 23 6 21 12 1 9 68 46 8
St. Louis 2 3 0 4 1 0 0 5 8 0
Wilmington 25 16 5 22 16 1 12 59 48 14
TOTALS 322 217 51 195 132 35 91 650 439 91

Engine Department
Algonac 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 5 4 1
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Baltimore 4 5 0 4 2 0 1 9 5 0
Fort Lauderdale 3 10 2 4 2 0 1 10 16 3
Guam 1 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 5 2
Honolulu 11 5 0 3 1 0 1 18 8 0
Houston 21 14 1 13 5 0 9 37 28 3
Jacksonville 19 18 0 14 11 0 6 42 31 3
Joliet 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 0
Mobile 6 2 1 7 1 0 1 12 6 1
New Orleans 7 1 0 3 1 0 1 11 2 0
New York 18 18 2 7 8 1 6 36 19 7
Norfolk 11 11 0 5 10 0 4 30 36 0
Oakland 6 5 2 3 2 1 1 19 17 4
Philadelphia 2 4 0 1 2 0 1 2 2 0
Piney Point 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0
Puerto Rico 4 7 0 3 1 0 1 5 14 0
Seattle 9 13 1 9 7 1 6 22 23 1
St. Louis 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 2
Wilmington 10 10 0 5 8 1 1 34 26 5
TOTALS 139 134 12 83 62 4 40 302 259 32

Steward Department
Algonac 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 3 5 1
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 2 2 0 2 2 0 0 6 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 14 10 1 5 9 1 7 16 10 2
Guam 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 4 6 0
Honolulu 6 0 0 5 1 0 4 27 3 1
Houston 22 6 0 19 6 0 10 41 8 0
Jacksonville 15 4 0 10 2 0 5 28 8 3
Joliet 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0
Mobile 4 3 0 2 2 0 3 14 3 0
New Orleans 9 1 0 5 3 0 1 12 2 0
New York 23 4 1 18 3 0 4 44 13 1
Norfolk 6 11 0 7 10 2 4 11 21 5
Oakland 12 2 0 10 0 0 3 39 7 0
Philadelphia 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 1
Piney Point 5 1 0 2 1 0 1 5 2 0
Puerto Rico 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 0
Seattle 15 5 0 9 8 0 7 26 9 0
St. Louis 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1
Wilmington 20 3 0 18 2 2 5 58 10 0
TOTALS 158 65 3 115 55 5 56 344 115 15

Entry Department
Algonac 2 8 1 0 3 0 0 4 22 2
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1
Baltimore 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 7 3
Fort Lauderdale 0 2 3 0 4 2 1 0 12 9
Guam 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 1
Honolulu 3 7 2 1 2 2 0 7 17 5
Houston 3 18 1 3 9 0 0 11 45 7
Jacksonville 3 20 8 3 3 0 0 6 44 22
Joliet 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 1
Mobile 1 10 4 1 4 1 0 1 18 6
New Orleans 1 3 5 0 0 0 0 2 6 10
New York 5 28 9 2 18 2 1 10 62 17
Norfolk 0 15 11 0 12 2 0 0 31 22
Oakland 2 14 5 2 8 2 1 10 45 20
Philadelphia 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 2
Piney Point 0 6 26 0 6 25 0 0 0 7
Puerto Rico 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0
Seattle 6 6 3 7 6 1 5 9 33 8
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Wilmington 4 9 2 2 3 1 1 10 37 26
TOTALS 31 153 88 21 81 39 9 73 396 169

Grand Totals: 650 569 154 414 330 83 196 1,369 1,209 307

DDiissppaattcchheerrss’’ RReeppoorrtt ffoorr DDeeeepp SSeeaa

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:19 PM Page 15



16 Seafarers LOG February 2010

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

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

SSeeaaffaarreerrss IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall
UUnniioonn DDiirreeccttoorryy IInnqquuiirriinngg SSeeaaffaarreerr

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

PPiiccss--FFrroomm--TThhee--PPaasstt

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 con-
tracts 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 depart-
ment when it comes to man-
power. I sail on many differ-

ent kinds of
ships and I
believe if we
had more
ABs, it
would
improve safe-
ty.

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 mem-
bership. 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.

These file photos were taken dur-
ing 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.)

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:00 PM Page 16



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 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.

WWeellccoommee
AAsshhoorree

DEEP SEA

MELECIO AGPAOA

Brother Melecio Agpaoa, 71,
joined the union in 1996. He ini-
tially sailed
on the
Indepen-
dence.
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 pro-
gram 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 voy-
age 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.

ALI MOHAMED

Brother Ali Mohamed, 57,
signed on with the Marine
Cooks &
Stewards in
1979 while in
the port of
San
Francisco. His
earliest voy-
age 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 train-
ing 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 fre-
quently 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.

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 mar-
itime training
center in Piney Point, Md. Prior

to his retirement, Brother
McLure worked on the Comet as
a member of the deck depart-
ment. He calls Wilmington,
Calif., home.

ROBERT TAYLOR

Pensioner Robert Taylor, 65,
started his NMU career before
the 2001
merger. The
deck depart-
ment mem-
ber was
born in
Texas. In
2004,
Brother
Taylor took
advantage of educational oppor-
tunities available at the Paul
Hall Center. His final ship was
the Achiever. Brother Taylor
continues to live in Texas.

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 trans-
portation and subsistence and raises
in pay for some members of the stew-
ard and engines departments. It also
provided for overtime to be paid for
all work performed in port on
Saturday afternoons, Sundays and
holidays.

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 unsus-
pecting 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.

1943
Maximo Murphy, SIU Able Seaman, was dec-

orated 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 repatri-
ated 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.

1961
The SIU scored a most important victory for

all American seamen when the National Labor
Relations Board decided to take over jurisdic-
tion 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 opposi-
tion to the SIU included the State Department,
the Defense Department and a committee repre-
senting the giant steel, oil and aluminum com-
bines.

TThhiiss MMoonntthh IInn SSIIUU HHiissttoorryy

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:01 PM Page 17



18 Seafarers LOG February 2010

FFiinnaall
DDeeppaarrttuurreess

DEEP SEA

ARCHIBALD BELL

Pensioner Archibald Bell, 81, died
Aug. 20. Brother Bell began ship-
ping 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 depart-
ment. 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 depart-
ment. He con-
tinued 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 depart-
ment, 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

Papmanolis started collecting his
pension in 1988 and lived in
Greece.

JOHN ROBINSON

Pensioner John Robinson, 87,
passed away Sept. 11. Brother
Robinson start-
ed sailing with
the union in
1951 while in
the port of New
York. He was
born in
Louisiana.
Brother
Robinson’s ear-
liest trip was on a Delta Steamship
Line vessel. He shipped in the stew-
ard 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 initial-
ly 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 set-
tled 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

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 depart-
ment. Brother Lane lived in
Bloomingdale, Ga.

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 pension-
er 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 retire-
ment 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 pen-
sion 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 receiv-
ing his retire-
ment pay in
1966. Brother
Cordes resided

in Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

WINSTON DANIEL

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.

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.

JAMES EARNHEART

Pensioner James Earnheart, 80, died
August 21.
Brother
Earnheart was a
native of
Maury City,
Tenn. He start-
ed 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.

ADRIAN GABRIEL

Pensioner Adrian Gabriel, 83, died
Sept. 3. Brother
Gabriel was
born in New
Bedford, Mass.
He became a
pensioner in
1996 and con-
tinued 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.

ERNEST HISTING

Pensioner
Ernest Histing,
79, died Aug.
10. Brother
Histing was a
native of
Philadelphia.
He began
receiving his
pension in

1985. Brother Histing lived in New
Jersey.

CHARLES JAPNGIE

Pensioner Charles Japngie, 72,
passed away
July 11. Brother
Japngie was a
native of
Brooklyn, N.Y.
He started col-
lecting his
retirement com-
pensation 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.

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

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 Age DOD

Alves, Joseph 96 Sept. 9

Anderson, William 84 July 10

Barboza, John 81 Aug. 19

Collins, Angus 92 July 28

Dewar, George 98 Aug. 16

El-Emanuel, Eloah 80 Sept. 27

Emanuele, Maria 93 Sept. 24

Glick, Leo 92 Sept. 12

Jones, Charles 82 July 12

Lacayo, Mariano 72 Aug. 31

Mahon, Rufus 94 July 3

Martinez, Moises 86 July 3

McCauley, Charlie 90 Aug. 24

McCloud, Leroy 86 Aug. 28

McGhee, Roy 86 July 12

Notargicico, Ralph 84 June 22

Papakoulos, Apostolos 94 Sept. 1

Ramey, Ralph 75 July 2

Rondeau, Adrian 89 July 23

Santos, Luis 90 July 11

Torres, Jose 86 July 3

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:01 PM Page 18



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 19

DDiiggeesstt ooff SShhiippbbooaarrdd
UUnniioonn MMeeeettiinnggss

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.

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 mem-
bers that he is available any time for
questions or concerns regarding
departments, contract or union busi-
ness. Secretary notified crew that he
has union forms available for any-
one 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 class-
es at the SIU-affiliated training cen-
ter. Mariners were encouraged to
contribute to SPAD (Seafarers
Political Activity Donation); when
they do, they are helping them-
selves as well as their union broth-
ers and sisters. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Mariners were advised

to keep all necessary seafaring doc-
uments current and start renewal
process early. Thanks were given to
the steward department for great
food.

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 doc-
uments 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 depart-
ment was thanked for great holiday
spreads and barbecues. Next ports:
Galveston, Texas; Charleston, S.C.;
and Baltimore.

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 direc-
tor urged mariners to upgrade
whenever possible to improve skills
and better their chances of moving
up. No beefs or disputed OT report-
ed. 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

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 remind-
ed 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 bene-
fits. Members would also like the
medical plan to send out notifica-
tions 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,

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 disput-
ed OT reported. Clarification was
requested concerning cash draws.
Members would also like new mat-
tresses. Next port: Anacortes, Wash.

RESOLVE (Interocean American
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.

SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk
Tankers), December 23 – Chairman

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 agree-
ment signed with company, which
is still applicable. No beefs or dis-
puted OT reported.
Recommendation was made to
increase medical benefits. Kudos to
steward department for superb cui-
sine. Next ports: Anacortes, Wash.;
Valdez, Alaska; and Nikiski,
Alaska.

USNS SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean
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 discus-
sion pertaining to new gym equip-
ment 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 con-
veyed thanks and compliments to
military personnel for protecting the
vessel. Next port: Norfolk, Va.

With Seafarers Aboard the Coast Range

Members of the deck gang include ABs (from left) Mike Cousin, Leonard Welcome, Tibby Clotter and
Rick Wiemer.

Chief Cook Bernard Butts tends to the grill.

Recertified Bosun Greg Jenkins mixes
paint aboard the tanker while the ves-
sel is in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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.

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:02 PM Page 19



20 Seafarers LOG February 2010

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the

SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters

District/NMU makes specific provision for safe-

guarding 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 secre-

tary-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 find-

ings.

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-

poses of any individual in the union, officer or mem-

ber. It also has refrained from publishing articles

deemed harmful to the union or its collective mem-

bership. This established policy has been reaffirmed

by membership action at the September 1960 meet-

ings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for

Sea farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board

which consists of the executive board of the union.

The executive board may delegate, from among its

ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be

paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU

unless an official union receipt is given for same.

Under no circumstances should any member pay any

money for any reason unless he is given such receipt.

In the event anyone attempts to require any such pay-

ment 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 headquar-

ters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGA-

TIONS. 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 meth-

ods, 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 mem-

ber 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 preser-

vation 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 candi-

dates for elective office. All contributions are volun-

tary. 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 improp-

er conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers

International Union or SPAD by certified mail with-

in 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 con-

stitutional right of access to union records or infor-

mation, 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.

KKnnooww YYoouurr RRiigghhttss

LLeetttteerrss TToo TThhee EEddiittoorr Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be
mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mailed to web-
master@seafarers.org.

Remembering
One of Our Own

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 assis-
tance of members of an
embarked security
team, began tending to
Ronnie.

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.

Rickey D. Yancey
Norfolk, Virginia

Thank You and
Best Wishes

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.

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 unconven-
tional 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 spon-
sors 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 main-
tained 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 occa-
sions, 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 biogra-
phy 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 opportu-
nity to establish a Fellowships Office at
Western Washington University. In this posi-
tion, 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 grate-
ful 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 peo-
ple.

I am, of course, delighted to know that the
Seafarers International Union remains com-
mitted 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 commu-
nity among the seafarers, and a sense of con-
nection 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 develop-
ment 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-con-
gregate 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

Brother Day (right) and fellow crew mem-
bers pose in the engine room of the USNS
Samuel L. Cobb.

Ronnie L. Day

57888_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2010 6:42 PM Page 20



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 21

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 mar-
itime 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

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Able Seaman March 1 March 26
April 26 May 21
June 21 July 16

ARPA April 19 April 23
Bosun Recertification October 18 November 8
Celestial Navigation May 24 June 18
Fast Rescue Boat May 3 May 7

June 21 June 25
Lifeboatman June 7 June 18
Radar Observer (Unlimited) April 5 April 16
Radar Recertification March 29 March 29

June 21 June 21
Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman March 8 March 19

May 10 May 21
Tank PIC Barge DL February 15 February 19

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations March 29 April 23
May 24 June 18

FOWT March 1 March 26
April 26 May 21
June 21 July 16

Marine Electrician March 22 May 15
Machinist February 22 March 12
Welding March 8 March 26

April 5 April 23
May 10 May 28
June 7 June 25

Safety Upgrading Courses
Basic & Advanced Firefighting March 8 March 19

May 31 June 11
BST/Basic Firefighting February 8 February 12

March 1 March 5
April 26 April 30
May 24 May 28
June 21 June 25

Medical Care Provider March 22 March 26

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Medical Care Provider April 19 April 23
June 14 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.

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. 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.

UPGRADING APPLICATION

Name__________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________

Date of Birth ____________________________________________________________

Deep Sea Member � Lakes Member � Inland Waters Member �

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

Social Security #_______________________ Book # __________________________

Seniority_____________________________ Department______________________

Home Port_____________________________________________________________

E-mail________________________________________________________________

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? � Yes � No

If yes, class # ___________________________________________________________

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? � Yes � No

If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twen-
ty-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 mer-
chant 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 OF
DATE COMPLETION

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________

Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________

SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques-
tions, 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. 2/10

SSeeaaffaarreerrss PPaauull HHaallll CCeenntteerr UUppggrraaddiinngg CCoouurrssee SScchheedduullee

Students who have regis-
tered 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 imme-
diately so arrangements can
be made to have other stu-
dents take their places.

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:03 PM Page 21



22 Seafarers LOG February 2010

PPaauull HHaallll CCeenntteerr CCllaasssseess

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 725 - Thirteen unlicensed apprentices on
Oct. 2 completed this 60-hour water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabeti-
cal 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.

Celestial Navigation – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) com-

pleted 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.

FOWT – Thirteen upgraders graduated from this course Jan. 29. Completing their require-

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 require-

ments 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 Diaz-

Torres, 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.

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:03 PM Page 22



February 2010 Seafarers LOG 23

PPaauull HHaallll CCeenntteerr CCllaasssseess

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 alpha-

betical 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.

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.

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.

57888_P01_24:January 08 1/28/2010 7:16 PM Page 23



Holidays
With Seafarers
- Pages 10-11

February 2010Volume 72, Number 2

When some military members in the

Northwest United States needed a boost dur-

ing 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 per-

sonnel at Ft. Lewis, Wash.—come together to

collect donations of toys, money and other

items in support of the military’s lower enlist-

ed ranks – those who are paid the least, but

who often are deployed the most. Names of

families that are in need of support are sub-

mitted to post officials such as chaplains and

first sergeants.

During the recent holiday season, Santa’s

Castle provided gifts to more than 1,600 chil-

dren 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 fam-

ily 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 fami-

lies who might have had a

less cheerful holiday sea-

son.”

Fourth Arm of Defense
Supports Military Families

A large number of toys and bicycles (photo at left and the one above) were
donated to needy military families.

Tacoma-Area Seafarers Donate Time, Money, More through ‘Santa’s Castle’

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 vol-
unteers for the program.

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